Rachel just scared me.

[grasswire]

Going on and on about how centrist Obama is and how he doesn't consider Republicans the enemy and how he won't be fighting them.

Yes, this bothers me. I'm not being a concern troll. This bothers me at my activist core, having fought and studied the wingnuts for about ten years now.

Does he really believe they want to cooperate with him? Does he remember what they did to Bill Clinton in his first year in office?

Talk me down here.

[Curtland1015]

1. Oh for...

:eyes:

[drm604]

2. It may just be rhetoric to win over moderate Republicans and independents. n/t

[dennis4868]

3. Obama may learn the hard way...

that you give those rat an inch they will take a mile....the repubs will not be there to work with him they will be there to bring him down any way they can including impeachment....

[sarahdemva]

14. impeachment?

the reps wont be able to do that in a small minority, hehe

[dennis4868]

18. they will still try...

mark my words....the repubs will look to hold impeachment hearing during Obama's first year in office....even if they don't impeach him they will try to weaken him in doing so....this is what the repubs do...

[Left Is Write]

42. Impeach him for what? They'd have to have a reason.

[Realityhack]

46. IF they could they would make something up.

But with a strong democratic majority I don't think they will have a chance.

The other poster is correct though. Think back to the aligations leveled against Clinton. Rush and co will be frothing at the mouth. Before you know it we will be telling co-workers how no... Obama never XYZ where XYZ is surprisingly heinous and completely unfounded.

[dennis4868]

81. really?

they have to have reason? hahaha...these are repubs we are talking about...they don't need any damn reason....they make shit up...

[SurfingAtWork]

4. I hate to break this to you, but Kucinich is not the Dem candidate.

I think Obama will be a centrist by and large.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. I can't, he is a centrist

my only hope is that the econ situation will force the kind of action taken by another centrist back in the day (FDR)

[quakerboy]

71. I think that was what drew me to him in the beginning

for all that he appears to be a centrist, he also appears to listen. We will need to be loud though.

[spanone]

6. it's good that obama doesn't consider the rethugs the enemy. people are tired of that shit.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

76. I agree - he has also shown that if they do pull a number - he'll hit back smarter....

n/t

[sellitman]

7. He is just a Black Ronald Reagan.

Give it up ......Please.

[H2O Man]

87. not

[sellitman]

92. I left off the sarcasm tag.

Of course he isn't.

Sorry.

[H2O Man]

98. Fool an old man,

will you?

My bad.

[Cleita]

8. It's too late to be concerned now.

This is one of the concerns I had about both him and Hillary in the primaries. But they are over now and he will have to govern however Congress and we the people demand. With the neo-cons gone, he won't be able to ignore the will of the people like they did. It worked for FDR so I see no reason why Obama can't be turned into another FDR with our help. Rachel is too pessimistic and a worry wart to boot, but I still luvs her.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. Rachel is a Debbie Downer of the first order.

She's entitled to her opinion, which is not necessarily the same as objective truth. And even if it were -- what's worse, a centrist Democrat or John McCain? It's a binary choice this year.

And, sorry, but if I hear "talk me down" once more I'm going to ram knitting needles into my own eardrums...

[kerry-is-my-prez]

79. If she doesn't watch it - she'll get the freepers watching to make themselves feel better.

wouldn't want to see those people be happy on account of one of us.

[AlCzervik]

10. maybe he isn't as left as we are but guess what, in the General election you run to the middle

that's usually how it's done.

[Life Long Dem]

11. How the hell would he be getting bills passed that he is representing us for...

if he is not going to need to fight them?

That makes no sense, if he is going to pass things like taxes he is going to fight the repubs.

[jpgray]

12. He's undeniably running as a centrist. But then again, Bush ran as a compassionate isolationist

Hoover ran a campaign that essentially promised what FDR went on to actually do, whereas FDR struck a far more moderate and centrist tone that flew completely in the face of his later governance. Especially given Obama's history in community organizing and Constitutional Law, I think we have good reason to expect his possible presidency may be better than his campaign would indicate.

[Doremus]

70. Correct.

FDR moved left partly because the people demanded it (lots of social unrest, labor strikes, etc.).

Let's get him elected first and then work our magic on him! :)

[Clio the Leo]

13. I got news for ya....

... he does not think Republicans are the enemy.

He sees them for what they are ..... people on the other side of the aisle .... people who we need to work WITH to get the problems in this country fixed.

Barack realizes that we will never get anywhere as long as we let party-line pride be our stumbling block. Just because someone is a Republican, it doesn't mean they're evil doesn't mean they can't HELP you get what you want to get accomplished if you put your vanity aside and roll your shirt sleeves up.

It's one of the MANY reasons I'm voting for him.

He will use this approach with the Republicans. He will use this approach with our "enemies" across the globe. And the world will be a better place.

[mucifer]

15. Yes it is very possible we will have another moderate prez like Bill Clinton who

might pull us even further to the right on some issues. It disturbs the activist in me, too. But, it would be better than mccain. Remember Rachel Maddow was an activist for prisoner's rights and under the Clinton administration the population of people of color in prison who committed nonviolent drug offenses exploded. http://www.cjcj.org/pubs/clinton/clinton.html

I understand Rachel's concern.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

16. just imagine if you had the European proportional representation?

I think Obama is a quality politician who can work with people 'across the aisle' - ie. people in all parties. In Europe you have about 3 to five parties to work with. I wish the USA would get rid of the 2 party system, it would be more representative.

[HughMoran]

17. lol

Rachel says this, Rachel says that... think for yourself bro.

[scheming daemons]

19. Oh just shut up..... You can't win an election if you try to please "activists".. ask Kucinich

Ideological purity = defeat

No matter which end of the ideological scale you're on.

[These Eyes]

34. Thank you for saying what needed to be said.

[brentspeak]

43. Not recruiting Republicans = "Trying to please 'activists'"???

[Mojorabbit]

56. There is a whole

continuum between a Bill Clinton and a Dennis Kucinich.

[Kdillard]

20. How about we get him elected first and then we can dissect how

he has governed? Obama will do things that people here will agree and disagree with if he is elected. That is the bottom line. If he is elected it is up to you and everyone else to give him a good reason to change his mind if you disagree with him strongly on an issue.

[blue sky at night]

21. oh maybe you want him to say....

I am going to put anyone who votes for mcsame/failin in jail!



Perhaps we should criticize the pukes then act just like them.







CHange, HOpe, OBama/BIden......!

[styersc]

22. Obama has made it clear all along that he intends to be the ...

... president of ALL Americans, not just the ones who voted for him. I bet he will even appoint Republicans to his cabinet!

[FrenchieCat]

23. Have a bit of patience......

I'm very serious.

On the one hand he's a socialist-communist, and now on the other hand, bloggers scared he won't be liberal enough.

He's not a idealogue.

He will do right by us, although he won't be perfect.

His greatest interest are found in his bill....


. OBAMA Senate bills sponsored : http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/thomas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.CON.RES.53 : A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that any effort impose photo identification requirements for voting should be rejected.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/20/2005) Cosponsors (23)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 9/20/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.697 : A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve higher education
, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/5/2005) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 4/5/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.918 : A bill to provide for Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) refueling capability at new and existing refueling station facilities to promote energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/27/2005) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.969 : A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preparation for an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic
, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/28/2005) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 4/28/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1180 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reauthorize various programs servicing the needs of homeless veterans for fiscal years 2007 through 2011,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/7/2005) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/9/2005 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1194 : A bill to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish guidelines and procedures for tracking, controlling, and accounting for individual spent fuel rods and segments.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/8/2005) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1426 : A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize and extend provisions relating to contaminant prevention detection, and response.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/19/2005) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1630 : A bill to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the National Emergency Family Locator System.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/7/2005) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 9/7/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S1638 : A bill to provide for the establishment of programs and activities to assist in mobilizing an appropriate healthcare workforce in the event of a health emergency or natural disaster.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/8/2005) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 9/8/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1685 : A bill to ensure the evacuation of individuals with special needs in times of emergency.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/12/2005) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 9/12/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1770 : A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for advance payment of the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit for 2005 in order to provide needed funds to victims of Hurricane Katrina and to stimulate local economies.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/26/2005) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 9/26/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1920 : A bill to amend the Clean Air Ac t to establish a renewable diesel standard, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 10/25/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 10/25/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1975 : A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/8/2005) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 11/8/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2045 : A bill to provide incentives to the auto industry to accelerate efforts to develop more energy-efficient vehicles to lessen dependence on oil.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/17/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 11/17/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2047 : A bill to promote healthy communities.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/17/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 11/17/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2048 : A bill to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to classify certain children's products containing lead to be banned hazardous substances.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/17/2005) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Major Action: 11/17/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2125 : A bill to promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 12/16/2005) Cosponsors (12)
Committees: Senate Foreign Relations; House International Relations
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 109-456


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2149 : A bill to authorize resources to provide students with opportunities for summer learning through summer learning grants.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 12/20/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 12/20/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2179 : A bill to require openness in conference committee deliberations and full disclosure of the contents of conference reports and all other legislation.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 1/18/2006) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 1/18/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2201 : A bill to amend title 49, United States Code , to modify the mediation and implementation requirements of section 40122 regarding changes in the Federal Aviation Administration personnel management system, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 1/26/2006) Cosponsors (38)
Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Major Action: 1/26/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

26. S.2247 : A bill to promote greater use of information technology in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/6/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/28/2006 Referred to Senate subcommittee. Status: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

27. S.2257 : A bill to provide for an enhanced refundable credit for families who resided in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area on August 28, 2005.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/8/2006) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 2/8/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28. S.2259 : A bill to establish an Office of Public Integrity in the Congress and a Congressional Ethics Enforcement Commission.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/8/2006) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Latest Major Action: 2/8/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

29. S.2261 : A bill to provide transparency and integrity in the earmark process.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/8/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 2/8/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2280 : A bil l to stop transactions which operate to promote fraud, risk, and under-development, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/14/2006) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/14/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2286 : A bill to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to eliminate the separate work participation rate for 2-parent families under the temporary assistance for needy families programs.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/14/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 2/14/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

32. S.2319 : A bill to provide for the recovery from Hurricane Katrina, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/16/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 2/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

33. S.2348 : A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require a licensee to notify the Atomic Energy Commission, and the State and county in which a facility is located, whenever there is an unplanned release of fission products in excess of allowable limits.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/1/2006) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Senate Reports: 109-347
Latest Major Action: 9/25/2006 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 637.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

34. S.2358 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/2/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/2/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

35. S.2359 : A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative under the Medicare program to assess and report on health care quality in hospitals.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/2/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 3/2/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

36. S.2441 : A bill to authorize resources for a grant program for local educational agencies to create innovation districts.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/16/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


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37. S.2446 : A bill to promote the national security and stability of the economy of the United States by reducing the dependence of the United States on oil through the use of alternative fuels and new technology, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/16/2006) Cosponsors (2) Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

38. S.2484 : A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit the disclosure of tax return information by tax return preparers to third parties.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/30/2006) Cosponsors (8)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 3/30/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2506 : A bill to require Federal agencies to support health impact assessments and take other actions to improve health and the environmental quality of communities, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/4/2006) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 4/4/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2984 : A bill to require certain profitable oil companies to expend 1 percent of recent quarterly profits to install E-85 fuel pumps in the United States.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 5/23/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.3475 : A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/7/2006) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/7/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.3554 : A bill to establish an alternative diesel standard,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/21/2006) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 6/21/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.3627 : A bill to prohibit the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy from selling, distributing, or transferring elemental mercury, to prohibit the export of elemental mercury, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/29/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 6/29/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.3631 : A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to phase out the use of mercury in the manufacture of chlorine and caustic soda, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/11/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 7/11/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.3694 : A bill to increase fuel economy standards for automobiles,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/19/2006) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.3757 : A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 950 Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois, as the "Katherine Dunham Post Office Building".

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/27/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/27/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Note: For further action, see H.R.5929, which became Public Law 109-333 on 10/12/2006.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.3822 : A bill to improve access to and appropriate utilization of valid, reliable and accurate molecular genetic tests by all populations thus helping to secure the promise of personalized medicine for all Americans.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 8/3/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 8/3/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.3969 : A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to assess and reduce the levels of lead found in child-occupied facilities in the United States,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/28/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 9/28/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

64. S.3988 : A bill to amend title 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism
, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/28/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 9/28/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.4069 : A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/16/2006) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 11/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.4102 : A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the use of telecommunications devices for the purposes of preventing or obstructing the broadcast or exchange of election-related information.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 12/7/2006) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Major Action: 12/7/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.AMDT.159 to S.CON.RES.18 To prevent and, if necessary, respond to an international outbreak of the avian flu.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/15/2005) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 3/17/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 159 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


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S.AMDT.390 to H.R.1268 To provide meal and telephone benefits for members of the Armed Forces who are recuperating from injuries incurred on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/13/2005) Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 4/14/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 390 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

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S.AMDT.670 to H.R.3 To provide for Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) refueling capability at new and existing refueling station facilities to promote energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 5/11/2005) Cosponsors (9)
Latest Major Action: 5/12/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 670 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.AMDT.808 to H.R.6 To establish a program to develop Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuels from Illinois basin coal.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/20/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 6/23/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 808 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


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S.AMDT.851 to H.R.6 To require the Secretary to establish a Joint Flexible Fuel/Hybrid Vehicle Commercialization Initiative, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/22/2005) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 6/23/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 851 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.AMDT.1264 to H.R.3057 To support a United States contribution to the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/18/2005) Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1264 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.AMDT.1362 to S.1042 To require a report on the Department of Defense Composite Health Care System II.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/21/2005) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 11/8/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1362 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.AMDT.1453 to S.1042 To ensure the protection of military and civilian personnel in the Department of Defense from an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/25/2005) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 11/8/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1453 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.AMDT.2301 to H.R.3010 To increase funds to the Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program and to the Office of Special Education Programs of the Department of Education for the purposes of expanding positive behavioral interventions and supports.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 10/26/2005) Cosponsors (6)
Latest Major Action: 10/27/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2301 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

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S.AMDT.2605 to S.2020 Expressing the sense of the Senate that the Federal Emergency Management Agency should immediately address issues relating to no-bid contracting.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/17/2005) Cosponsors (5)
Latest Major Action: 11/17/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2605 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


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S.AMDT.2930 to S.2349 To clarify tha t availability of legislation does not include nonbusiness days.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/7/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 3/29/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2930 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


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S.AMDT.2965 to S.2349 To ban employment negotiations to become lobbyists by Members of Congress and required recusal for senior congressional staff while in office.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/8/2006) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 3/29/2006 Amendment SA 2965 ruled out of order by the chair.


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S.AMDT.2995 to S.2349 To expand the prohibition on lobbying in the year after leaving service to the Senate to include a prohibition on paid coordination activities.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/9/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 3/29/2006 Amendment SA 2995 ruled out of order by the chair.


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S.AMDT.3144 to S.CON.RES.83 To provide a $40 million increase in FY 2007 for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and to improve job services for hard-to-place veterans.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/16/2006) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3144 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

[polichick]

24. imo it isn't that he condones their bullshit, or doesn't see it - but that he...

...practices the Eastern idea of nonresistance. He will simply lead in his own way, letting them follow or not.

He did say that "there's a set a premises in Republican ideology that he just thinks is wrong."

[stray cat]

25. If he was as liberal as McCain says he is - I probably wouldn't even vote for him

but I also would not vote for Dennis Kucinitch for president - but thats me....

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

26. The best way to destroy an enemy is to make them your friend

You can't paint all Republicans with the same broad brush. Look at Lincoln Chaffee (sp) of Rhode Island, for example. And what of Olympia Snow? Don't think you'd call either one of these folks neocon nuts. I don't see Obama sitting down with the wingnuts, but I do see him working with the few moderate Republicans that are left. After all, there are a sizable number of Republicans who are voting Obama this time around. I think they identify with the moderates. The result of Obama's outreach? A cadre of Republicans (albeit small) with whom he can work to get things done--this will be especially important if we don't reach the magic number of 60 Senate seats.

What I see happening is Obama working with moderates and ignoring the neocons and whackjobs. This will cause great stress in the GOP, which will lose its legendary uniformity in voting and will cause the party to split apart and become weak.

[depakid]

27. I was under the impression that most everyone already knew that

:shrug:

People expecting a progressive adminisgtration are going to be disappointed. All you have to do is review his record and listen to his public statements to see that's not likely to be the case.

What we're probably going to see would be considered center/right in most western nations.

[Doctor_J]

28. Rcahel's jumped the shark

Her main points seem to be

1. We're going to lose, and
2. Even if we win it won't be that great

I wonder if MSRNC told her to stop being so Dem.

[1corona4u]

29. I don't know what her fucking problem is...

but I stopped watching her last week, but wanted to see the Obama interview, so tuned in, and right from the get-go she pissed me off with her saying she's not sure he will win. WTF? She needs to shut the fuck up.

After the interview, I'm shutting her off. For good.

[Cha]

30. And, all I know is..we're going to win and

it's going to night and fucking day.

[budkin]

31. To Rachel and other concern trolls...

CHILL THE FUCK OUT.

[Realityhack]

44. ah... here it is...

[seabeyond]

32. he is NOT far left. there, did that help? n/t

[bluedawg12]

33. Obama wants to govern, unlike repugs

who just want to divide, rule and then screw it up.

Glad Obama is running for President - we've had enough of demagogues.

[WA98070]

35. This is NEWS, why? Progressives have been screaming this forever.

[Generator]

36. I'm more scared of McCain/Palin

Also this never occurred to you before? Sometimes I think Obama is the smartest greatest thing since sliced bread, then I worry he will be another Bill Clinton-whom sold out this country bit by bit by bit and was the Reason in the end in my opinion that Republicans became so powerful-he ALWAYS capitulated to them-starting with that first damn month-"ask don't tell"-I hope Obama is smarter and I sure as HELL hope he gets to be president.

Anyway-I think he is a good guy. I sure as hell hope he isn't as deluded as the Clintons who thought listening to Mark Penn made this a better country-oh no it gave us eight years of hell with Bush/Cheney. They were the children of the Mark Penn capitulation school. Obama I hope is smarter than that. A seat at the table on OUR terms not theirs. Maybe that's what FISA is really all about. He's got tapes and he knows how to use them!

[Jennicut]

37. This thread is funny considering that McLame says Obama is so liberal he is a SOCIALIST!

We Democrats all know that is lame. Obama is liberal to moderate in his views and that is just fine with me. A president must govern the whole country, not just please one group. Even to represent the whole Democratic or Republican party one has to have a wide appeal. I actually like Obama's stand on many issues. I like his approach to health care. People are ready for change and action on the problems relating to health care but not a totally different system. You can convince more people to support you when you start smaller and then make bigger changes as you go along once people trust you. That is one main reason I chose him over Hillary in the primaries. Obama would pick liberal/moderate justices for the supreme court. He would make the tax system fairer, he change our foreign policy by using diplomacy first. These are the main issues and I agree with him on all of them.

[political_Dem]

38. I just don't want Obama to be like the other DLC Dems who roll over and play dead to the Repubs.

I would like him to stand his ground and fight. I would also like him to point out that working with Republicans is fine, but bending toward their will is not. I'm sick of capitulation. We need people who will fight for our ideology and standards instead of all of this kneeling in the presence of the conservatives crap.

As long as he doesn't do that, he'll be fine.

[TheKentuckian]

39. Obama is a centrist, maybe a tick or two to the left of Bubba

The good news is that he is actually a centrist and not what passes for one in this day and age in America like the "moderate" that McGollum supposedly is.

The center is miles to the left of where we are now, its going to be a bit before Bernie Sanders or even Dennis Kucinich types will be able to sniff the White House.

[a kennedy]

48. I always thought Bill dragged us to the right of center and I never

appreciated him for doing that. I NEVER VOTED FOR HIM EITHER. I just hope President Obama is at least getting us back to a tad, or more to the left of center. I'm not asking for more then that right now.......I'm a far far far left of center gal, and if we can get further left to where Bill C took us to begin with I'd be very very happy. GOBAMA, GOBAMA, GOBAMA :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

40. He's 100% Correct, And It's One More Reason Why He's Gonna Be Such A Great President!

Reaching across the aisle reasonably and however possible, is absolutely a MANDATORY task for the next president.

[depakid]

66. Maybe if you like what Republican policies have worught over the past 30 years....

Most rational people who understand those policies realize that they've been an abject failure in EVERY respect. Continuing to enable and legitimize them isn't a very wise thing to do, and will likely cost the Democrats in 2010- just like it did with Clinton.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

68. Wrong.

Any rational thinking american knows it's the right thing to do.

And trying to compare reaching across the aisles to actually enacting legislation that would be similar to the destructive policies of the republicans, is beyond dumb.

[depakid]

75. I don't think have know what you're talking about

Bill Clinton "reached acros the aisle" -and what did that accomplish?

Bad public policy. As often as not, profoundly bad public policy.

Same thing will happen if Obama adopts bankrupt policies in an attempt to appease or assuage Republicans. Bad results PLUS discouraged activists, traditional interest groups and voters who'd hope for real change, but got a watered down version of more of the same.

If that happens, they'll stay honme in 2010- just as they did in 1994. Count on it.

[Realityhack]

41. >> shoves OP off whatever they are being talked down from n/t

[AZBlue]

45. You can't hold the entire party responsible for the Bush/McCain cabal.

As he pointed out, there have been some pretty great Republicans over time. The GOP has been taken over lately by a radical group, but that group's on its way out.

[WA98070]

74. No, and you can't hold the people of Germany responsible for Hitler.

[AZBlue]

95. That's true.

[faithfulcitizen]

47. get down

off the high horse. We have an election to win.

[MarjorieG]

49. Obama is pragmatic, first and always, wanting solutions. Even if it means giving credit to others.

[barack the house]

50. If Barack believed that prior to the GE he's had a big wake up call so guess it's a good thing in a>

way. Still to get somethings done if folks haven't worked for the right amount of seats he will need his diplomatic skills to meet in the middle. So, 60 senate seats or bust or he has no option but to go centerist.

[barack the house]

52. Get him 60 seats and he can at least be left of center.

[Arugula Latte]

Rachel is just getting annoying.

Sorry, I love her, but, sheesh!

[barack the house]

54. I think it might well be the gay marriage thing for Rachel but things won't improve if she enables >

the dark ages party. Rachel shold leave the bashing till after next week we gotta think big here. FOr now it's hearts and flowers after Nov. 4 nail t Dems to the wall, but for nwo we're best buddies big smiles rachel.

[CreekDog]

51. if he said what would please you as an activist he will not win

that's the way it is.

if you can get 50% of the population to agree with you, presidents will start talking your language, until then --keep working.

and Obama's the best to come down the pike in a long, long time.

i think you are looking a gift horse in the mouth.

[bridgit]

53. Then there's going to be some disappointed people. I've seen Obama's "just not dumb wars"...

for the practical center it is. He doesn't seem to hate republicans, he is a deal maker. The primaries seem like ancient history; 5 days out is past time to be concerned now.

With a veto proof congress republicans will be lead into the room nose first like haltered, rough shod old paints

[sandyd921]

55. He is a centrist but...

he's extremely intelligent and will seek and listen to reasoned arguments. I am hoping that more progressive will at least see the light of day in his administration and that there is a good chance that we will be able to influence the direction of policies. That's more than we've had for a long time.

[donna123]

57. not all repubs are bad

are they? Maybe I haven't been around enough, I don't know.
AFter all, we have many of them publicly supporting Obama, Powell, that senator's wife whose name I can't remember, Eisenhower granddaughter although she left the repub party because it's become foreign to her, etc

Obama needs to govern the entire nation, not just progressives, not just democrats, not just a portion of the nation
He has always talked about uniting, not dividing

While someone like Palin seems to only want to govern "pro-Americans" and is therefore poison to his country

It was disgusting what happened with Clinton, you can't cooperate with those people, but I do not, I cannot believe that there aren't reasonable repubs. When I listen to Gergen for example, I don't feel like he's a whackjob, like Palin.

[BlooInBloo]

58. Go ahead and jump.

[bridgit]

65. Ring-Ring, Ring-Ring: Hello, suicide prevention. My name is BlooInBloo how are you?

:spray: :thumbsup:

[sampsonblk]

59. I agree with you and Rachel

This has been bugging me all evening. But he surely must understand that the foundation of the GOP is the problem. The basic shit they believe in is what's bad about them. I hope and pray he knows this and has a plan. And its mostly hateful, uneducated BS.

[namahage]

60. JFJA n/t

[moondust]

61. He's been courting Republican voters from the very beginning.

He knows he can easily alienate them if he demonizes the Republican Party in general.

[endthewar]

62. Idiocy duly noted

:crazy:

[Vattel]

63. I don't get it.

Should he say that he will talk to the president of Iran but make no attempt to reach out to members of the other party?

[mac56]

88. Thank you.

That sums it up perfectly.

[NHDEMFORLIFE]

64. So, it'd be preferable for him to have been lying all year?

The core of his campaign is the need to change the way Washington does its business, to end the days of bitter divisiveness.
So, on his first day in office, I guess he should call the Republican leadership and tell them all to go fuck themselves?

[KathieG]

67. Baby steps. This country has moved much too far to the right...we will have to

move it left SLOWLY so the people don't freak out and panic. Obama has the temperament to do this, it's going to take finesse and yes, reaching across the aisle. I do think that people are more concerned with getting something accomplished than the old "it's them against us" shit. Obama knows what some of the republicans will try to do, but I think he will be able to shake them off and work towards getting some things accomplished for the people. This guy is smart and will surround himself with smart people...I'm not worried.

[4lbs]

69. Hate to break it to the "activists" on the far left, but the country as a whole is mostly centrist.

Think about it. The far left activist Democratic candidate, Kucinich, never polled or got more than 5% support among his own party. Why is that? Probably because it also represents the country as whole.

I agree with Obama's stance on issues, the world, and politics much more than I do with Kucinich's.

[escapinggreatly]

72. Extreme partisanship will just breed voting resentment.

It's not like Republicans will have a lot of say in the final agenda. They probably won't even have enough for a filibuster.

[depakid]

77. Didn't hurt Republicans, now did it?

Took until 2006, when their policy changes were widely perceived to be disastrous, for voters to turn away from their party.

[JuniperLea]

97. Ask them that question now...

And don't forget they stole the last four years.

[bigwillq]

73. Obama is a centrist.

And he reminds me a lot of B. Clinton.

[ROh70]

78. Obama is NOT a centrist. He is not a DLC member.

[Jennicut]

86. He and Biden have never been in the DLC I believe

[AtomicKitten]

80. Since he's ideologically tough to pigeon-hole, let's see how he governs.

He has shown a willingness to hear people out. That's important. After reading his books, I don't see him as a centrist as some here do. I think he will surprise many.

[eridani]

82. One thing is going to be very, very different

I went back to sleep in 1993. NOT THIS TIME!! I think we have a permanently organized counterpressure movement now.

[retread]

83. Don't confuse campaigning with governing . n/t

[Doityourself]

84. No way Obama gets the middle if he is hard left..them are the facts of our political system

[debbierlus]

85. I think Obama wants to get things done - he is going to throw them a couple bones

It is good leadership. Shutting out the other side entirely (however wacko) causes more problems. If he can show people he can & will work with a few Republicans, it will silence a lot of critics.

[lamp_shade]

89. GOOD. That was her intention. She HATES complacency. VOTE.

[vaberella]

90. I posted on the same topic. Really annoying, only for those statements was I livid.

Otherwise the interview was amazing and I liked it the best.

Below is my thread on the topic.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7678054

[WritersBlock]

91. I trust Barack Obama implicitly with my country's future.

In fact, I would trust Barack Obama with my life. Calm down; it's gonna be fine. He will *literally* put this country's well-being first.

[pecwae]

93. Who's holding a gun to your

head keeping you in front of the tube?

[endthewar]

94. If I hear "talk me down" again I'm going to beat someone down

:rofl:

[JuniperLea]

96. He's going to give them every chance

And rightfully so. This country belongs to all of us. It's a good thing to reach across the aisle.

That said, McCain has fanned the flames of hate for so long, I'd be surprised if there wasn't a lot of lingering hostility that will keep that connection from happening. But Obama is extremely intelligent and caring. If anyone can convince them to play fair, he can. If not, they can stew in their own hate juices and rot in the hell of their own making.

There is nothing to fear in this.

[Overseas]

99. Rachel is just facing up to Barack's POST-PARTISAN approach.

He doesn't approach things as a traditional progressive Democrat. That has made me nervous but I do believe it has brought lots of Republicans and Independents into the fold.

He wants to approach the issues that need solving and bring people together to solve them, regardless of party affiliations. It looks like most of Barack's solutions will be fairly progressive, but he doesn't want to be labeled as a leftie right off the bat.

Many economic, social and ecological problems will be best solved through progressive legislation. That can be presented on a rational basis, without any labeling and will make sense to people whatever their party affiliations.

We will eventually get national health insurance, perhaps through an intermediate first step. Medicare for all is the most logical approach because most of the countries we compete with already have that burden removed from business and carried by their governments instead.

We need high speed mass transit systems nationwide and since a lot of our military budget is consumed by chasing for oil resources, perhaps logic will dictate that mass transit systems should be part of our national security budget because they'll reduce our dependence on imported oil.

He talks about infrastructure projects that could be New Deal like in the more businesslike context of keeping up with other countries we compete with in a tight global market.

So right now I am fine with the Obama campaign's talking about progressive values in different ways.

If we can get some of the things we desperately need by divorcing them from the more romantic liberal context, fine. A lot of them will stand solidly on rational grounds.

[Virginia Dare]

100. After the last 8 years you're scared of Obama? GMAFB!!!!...n/t