Why I'm Voting for Obama Reason #7,972

Memo to the GOP: You don't own me.



From You Don't Own Me PSA.

2012 LMS Presidential Endorsement: President Barack Obama

After much deliberation (about when to release my endorsement), I have decided to announce my endorsement for President of the United States tonight.

Now before I tell you my pick in the 2012 election, I want you to know that my choice isn't perfect. Actually, no one is perfect. In the past four years, President Obama has made some decisions I disagreed with and put forward some policies I have felt didn't go far enough. 

Four years ago, it's no secret that I was in love with President Obama. I believed in Hope and Change. Four years later, I still am in love with President Obama and I wholeheartedly believe in Hope and Change. 

Sarah Palin rhetorically asked a couple of years ago, "How's that Hope and Change thing workin' for ya?" Well, I have to tell you, I think it's worked out pretty damn well.

We've had 31 consecutive months of job growth and 5.2 million new private sector jobs. The October Jobs Report will come out in the morning. Everyone expects it to be another month of positive job growth.

Obamacare. The GOP has attempted to make the term some derogatory slur. It's not. Thanks to Obamacare, I can never be denied insurance for a pre-existing condition and possessing a uterus is no longer considered a pre-existing condition. Young adults can stay on their parents' insurance until their mid-20s allowing them to pursue dreams without jeopardizing their futures. Insurance companies are required to spend at least 80% of insurance premiums on actual insurance benefits or send out refunds. I didn't receive a refund this year, but I know quite a few people who did. President Obama is also firmly behind the idea that women should control their own bodies and make decisions that are best for them and their families. If the right to control my our own bodies isn't enough to vote for President Obama and all Democrats, I don't know what is.

Nine words: Osama Bin Laden is dead and GM is alive. 

Oh, and Chrysler is not pulling out of Michigan and Ohio in favor of taking all their Jeep production to China. They're expanding to build Jeeps in China that will be sold in China. There's a big difference. My tax dollars helped build that.

The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first bill to be signed into law by President Obama, gives women more freedom to fight back against pay discrimination. I think it says a lot about a President when his first major piece of legislation is to help bring equality to half our population.

DODT is no more and POTUS endorses marriage equality.

Fuel efficiency and clean energy alternatives are a priority to President Obama because he believes in leaving a healthy planet for future generations.

President Obama ended the war in Iraq. The war that was started based on a bunch of lies by his predecessor, by the way.

Middle class tax cuts that resulted in an average savings of $3,600 for typical families over the past four years.

He doubled funding for Pell Grants. That's a big damn deal. I had Pell Grants when I was in college. Today, I'm a successful, home owning, tax paying woman earning more than I could without that education.

That's a very small list at what President Obama has done. I believe that in the next four years, he can accomplish far more that will move the country forward for everyone, not just the top 1%. 

So to answer Sarah Palin's question about Hope and Change, it's working quite nicely for us, thank you. We are far better off than we were four years ago. And I'm fully committed to the path President Obama is taking us down. I know that when he's given another four years in office, President Obama will lead us to full recovery.

Therefore, without reservation, Little Merry Sunshine endorses President Barack Obama for a second term as President. As I said on October 27, 2008, 

If you're reading my blog and still undecided, I ask you to think about the kind of country you want to leave for your children and grandchildren. If you believe in equal pay for women, that health care is a right not a privilege, that women have a fundamental right to control their own bodies, that all people absolutely are created equal, that sometimes more gets accomplished by sitting down face to face than with the "either you're with us or against us" approach, that the politics of fear don't work, that every American deserves equal opportunity, and that government should do that which we cannot do for ourselves, then you owe it to yourself and future generations to vote for Obama.

Now if you're still undecided, I don't know what to say to you. Watch the videos below and then go vote for President Barack Obama.

Oh, and in case you're curious, yes, Sammy and Zoey are Demo-CATS and fully support President Obama.

You Gotta Ba-Rack the Vote!

CJ Cregg said it best, so I'm just gonna let her speak . . .

Early voting is open in many places. Go vote. Go vote NOW. Don't know where to vote or how to vote early? No problem.

Oh, and if you live in the path of Hurricane Sandy, GO VOTE NOW. Really. Remember how the Halloween Nor'easter paralyzed parts of the East Coast last year leaving many without power for more than a week? Imagine that happening just before the election. Tons of hurricane damage. No power. What would happen to your ability to vote on November 6th if you were cleaning up from a massive hurricane? Go vote now and you won't have to worry.

If you think your vote doesn't count, I remind you of the 2000 election. That was decided by just over 500 votes in Florida. But if Gore had won a couple of other states, Florida wouldn't have matter.

This election is a big f'ing deal, so go vote.

Meet Your Match in 2012!

2012 is moments away and we all know what that means . . . it's time to pick your presidential candidate! Now, if you live in Iowa, you have your caucus on January 3rd, so you'd best get busy.

Fortunately, Little Merry Sunshine will once again be your go to blog for all things political.

First things first though. You must get behind a candidate. If you're a Democrat or otherwise refuse to vote Republican, then at the moment, your choice is simple: sit home or get behind President Barack Obama. But if you're a Republican or Tea Party member or otherwise don't vote for Democrats, you've got to wade through a whole bunch of candidates wishing to be the GOP Candidate for President.

I'm not going to try to tell you which GOP candidate to support because let's be honest, I can't come up with a reason to support any of them, but I will tell you how to figure it out.

ABC News has developed a new website called OTUS (Of the United States). Among the many cool things you'll find on the site is a quiz called the Match-O-Matic (not unlike the Cosmo quizzes, but far more important and accurate) to help you find the presidential candidate who best matches up with what matters to you.

I took the quiz and not surprisingly, it was completely accurate in telling me I should support President Obama. But then it took a turn I can't explain when it said that if I choose not to support President Obama, I might consider pulling the lever for Jon Huntsman or Ron Paul. Of course, I had 82% in common with President Obama and 9% in common for each Huntsman and Paul.

Go ahead and Meet Your 2012 Match and then come back here and let's have a chat. Can you convince me to support your candidate?

Election Day Soundtrack!

Yesterday as I was running some errands and stuck in my car for about 45 minutes, I kept switching radio stations (I'm bad with the TV remote too). Every station I landed on had motivating, uplifting, and hopeful music. As I drove around on this beautiful 70+ degree sunny early November day (that NEVER happens in Chicago), I couldn't help but sense the hope in the air. The whole world just feels different.

So as we end our Long National Nightmare, I think we need a soundtrack.

Enjoy!

Yes We Can by Will.I.Am


Beautiful Days by U2


One (Live in Chicago, 2005) by U2


Better Days by Goo Goo Dolls


Big Country


Only In America by Brooks & Dunn


Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours by Stevie Wonder


Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow) by Fleetwood Mac

Follow the Obama Grant Park Celebration With Me Via Twitter!

I'm going to Grant Park tomorrow night! Seriously. I really am.

I've talked about how much I love Barack a million times on Little Merry Sunshine, but what you don't know is exactly how much it means to me that I'm going to have a Front Row to History tomorrow.

A large part of why I moved to DC after college in 1993 was because of how much I loved politics and I wanted to pursue this passion of mine. Where better to get involved than the center of it all? Get involved I did.

In 1996, I volunteered on Clinton/Gore and then had the amazing good fortune to attend a pre-election rally at DAR Constitution Hall that featured a variety of celebrities including Bruce Hornsby. I was in the front row of the balcony. Election Night found me at a DNC party with some friends and through that I hooked up with someone involved in the Inauguration Balls who needed help in the Green Room at the Western States Ball (there were 13 official balls that year!).

When I left DC in 2000, I thought my involvement in politics was over. Chicago simply isn't DC, after all. Ah, yea of little faith (that's me!). Little did I know that by being in Chicago, I've been more involved in politics than I was in DC. I've gotten more deeply involved in a number of campaigns in Chicago than I ever was in DC. And it truly feeds my soul.

So being in Grant Park tomorrow night feels like the culmination of so much in my life. And it feels great. Tonight I'm really missing my friends from DC - Karen, Rose, Kelly, Brooke, and so many others. And I'm certain that feeling will be stronger tomorrow night.

If Barack wins (which at this moment, I believe will happen), I'm going to make every effort to be in DC on January 20th to be at his inauguration. In the meantime, I'll revel in being in the Front Row to History in Grant Park!

And you can follow all my fun via Twitter. I'm going to try to live blog my night through my cell phone via Twitter. This will be a fun experiment. At the very least, I promise to come home and not go to bed until I've shared every detail and all my pics on Little Merry Sunshine. So check back. It's sure to be great. You betcha!

RIP Toot

CNN just reported that Barack Obama's grandmother died this afternoon.

Rest In Peace Toot.

Thank you for the lasting legacy you left in your grandson. Thank you for raising him with the values that make him the Man he is today. Thank you for teaching him that everyone matters and that we are all more than color of our skin or our economic circumstances. I promise we'll make you proud tommorrow when we elect him the first African American President of the United States.

LMS's Endorsements

You have been waiting patiently on pins and needles for my endorsements. Hopefully, now that I have made them, the 7% undecided can get off their asses and go vote knowing that I have made great decisions for them. Please feel free to print out this voter guide and take it with you tomorrow.

For the Office of President of the United States - Barack Obama
I believe it's important for the smartest guy we can find to be President. Being President is a difficult job and requires understanding of many complex issues. It's not good enough that a candidate went to a good school. He or she needed to have graduated at the top. I want the smartest person around. I also believe that the person who remains calm during a crisis is a great leader. Our President should have an even temper and not have a reputation for blowing up at every little thing. The old adage about getting more bees with honey is true. A President needs to have good judgement from before Day 1. And finally, a President should inspire us to be better. In this race, only one candidate met all of this criteria. That candidate is Barack Obama and I support him wholeheartedly.

For the Office of Senator from the State of Illinois - Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Dick Durbin has been the senior Senator for the past 12 years. This will be his 3rd term. During those 12 years, Senator Durbin has risen to the #2 position in the Senate - Democratic Whip. In 2006, Senator Durbin was named one of the Top 10 Senators by Time Magazine. Senator Durbin is right for Illinois and right for the country.

For the Office of 10th Congressional Represenative - Dan Seals
Dan Seals is running for the second time against 4 term incumbent Rep. Mark Kirk in a district that has been gradually changing from Red to Blue. Dan is committed to listening to his constituents and doing what is best for the district rather than doing what is best for him personally. I have been impressed with Dan's ability to communicate with his district. After a recent coffee, I had the opportunity to speak with him personally about an issue that is very close to my heart. He asked me to email him and he would look into it further. Mark Kirk routinely says one thing and does another. Plus, Mark Kirk is against a woman's right to choose and voted against the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, my top two issues. Dan Seals, on the other hand, is committed to a pro-choice agenda and equal pay for equal work. Finally, other than write the articles for George W. Bush (note I refuse to call him President), that took us into the illegal and immoral war in Iraq, I can think of no other accomplishments by Rep. Mark Kirk.

For the Office of Illinois State Senator from the 27th District - Peter Gutzmer
My current State Senator Matt Murphy is against a woman's right to choose and only contacts constituents during election time. It's time that our State Senator reflected the progressive values of the district.

A New "Yes We Can" Song & Video

Were you inspired by Will.I.Am's Yes We Can song and video like I was? Well, then hold onto your hat. You'll be at least as inspired.

We've got 1 day left folks. We can taste victory. Wear your Obama buttons to work on Monday and Tuesday (but take them off when you go to vote). Talk about why you're voting for Obama to your friends, neighbors, family, colleagues, and anyone who will listen. Now is the time to pull out all the stops.

Before you watch the video below, I'd like to share a story with you.

Yesterday afternoon I was running some errands and listening to WCPT, Chicago's Progressive Talk Radio, in my car. Dick Kay, who many of you will remember from Chicago's NBC5, now has his own radio show on WCPT on Saturday afternoons. He had a caller who relayed a personal story about how something Barack Obama did as a Illinois State Senator (before he was a US Senator) that changed this man's life. A number of years ago, this man and a few of his co-workers were all layed-off and decided that rather than go back to work for someone else, they wanted to start their own company. They had a product that they wanted to create and sell, but as a small start-up company they could not afford health care for their families. Because of the Kid Care health care program that Barack Obama was instrumental in getting passed as a State Senator, this man and his friends were able to get health insurance through the state for their families, while their company grew to a level where they could afford health insurance on their own. Today, their company has just hired its first new employee (in addition to the original group) and they are now selling the product they created internationally. This man was practically in tears sharing how because of Barack Obama, he was able to pursue his dreams and create a new product and new jobs.

Onto the video . . .

McCain's Latest Endorsement!

I think we all heard that Vice President Dick Cheney recently endorsed the McCain-Palin ticket. Let me take a moment to congratulate both Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin on this weighty endorsement. You both must be so proud.

To celebrate this stunning endorsement, Barack Obama has a new ad. My question is why isn't McCain more excited and bragging about this more? Is he embarrassed? Does this go against his whole "I'm the Maverick" and "I'm NOT more of the same" pitch? Oh well, too bad. When you sleep with dogs over 90% of the time, sometimes you get fleas.

The Vet Who Did Not Vet

As usual, Balancing Boyfriends has the best stuff! Thanks Tim! xoxo

As Tim says, this is an important civics lesson.

Barack Obama: Taking On Poverty

I'm getting ready to go to bed and just discovered this email from Barack.

I have never heard John McCain talk about poverty. In fact, I'm not sure he knows it exists. Barack does. He not only knows it exists, but he will work to make sure we don't lose another generation of doctors and scientists to poverty. As a country we should be ashamed that we let people live in the squalor of poverty. Barack Obama will change that.

Here's the email:

Little Merry Sunshine --

We started this movement for change to keep the American Dream alive for everyone -- especially those hardest hit in this economic crisis.

Today, more than 37 million Americans are living in poverty.

Barack has a plan to rebuild our economy from the bottom up and bring the change we need to our country. But he can't do it alone.

We've put together a short video about working together to make change.

Watch the video today. Then take action in the final push.



Barack's middle class tax cut will mean that families have a little more money each year to save for college. His health care plan will mean that a sick child can get the treatment she needs. And his plan for rebuilding the economy from the ground up will mean that more Americans can get on the ladder to opportunity.

But we need your help to get us there. There are only a few days left until Election Day, and your help is more important than ever.

Watch the video today and get involved.

With your help we can create the change we need, and win the fight against poverty in America.

Thanks,

Obama for America

Barack on The Daily Show

Did you miss Barack on The Daily Show on Wednesday night? Have no fear, Little Merry Sunshine has you covered.

Three of My Favorite Men

Bill truly delivered for Barack in Florida on Wednesday night. It truly brought back so many memories for me of living in DC in the 1990s. I used to love to hear President Clinton speak.

During the primaries this year, I became disenchanted with the Clintons (both of them), but thanks to Bill and Hillary's speeches at the Convention this summer and their campaigning for Barack, my good feelings for them are back.

Wednesday night's speech reminded me why I'm such a huge fan of Bill and solidified (again) why I love Barack. Watch both parts. You can see the torch being passed. And Bill's okay with it. I truly believe that.

Part One: Former President Bill Clinton introducing Barack Obama


Part Two: Barack's speech (it seems to cut out in the middle of Barack's speech, but I haven't been able to find the entire speech online)


I didn't actually see this on Wednesday night and my mom told me on Thursday that Jimmy Smits was there. Truth be told, I didn't believe her. But she was right! He was! I'm a huge fan of Jimmy Smits (aka the most recent Democratic President), not just because he was on The West Wing, but also because when my friend Kelly and I volunteered at the President Clinton's Inaugural Ball in January 1997 (we spent the night hanging out in the Green Room with all the celebs!), we met Jimmy Smits and have a great picture with him. I have to find it and post it.

I've Never Been So Proud!

I just called my brother Dave and he answered and said he couldn't talk because he was phone banking for Obama up in Traverse City, Michigan!

This is the first campaign he's ever been involved in. I just love that Barack is energizing young people and other people who have not previously been engaged.

Yeah Dave! I'm so proud of you!

Now if I could only get my dad to vote for Obama instead of McSame and Caribou Barbie.

Stephen Colbert's "The Word": I Endorse Barack Obama

Yet another important Obama endorsement!

Barack Obama's 30-Minute "Commercial": American Stories, American Solutions

Did you see Barack tonight? If you missed it, like I did or you just want to watch it again and feel inspired, just click play below.

Yes We Can! Vote NOW or Vote November 4th!

If you're still really undecided (but how is that possible?), visit BarackObama.com.

YES WE CAN! And We Will!

Because as we move into the final days of this long election (And for the record, even I'm feeling more than a little "election fatigue." And that's saying something!), we must not be complacent, we must be energized. If we lose, it may well be because we got overconfident. We believed the polls and let it slip away.

We cannot let that happen. We must believe and we must take action. Vote early or vote on November 4th.

Here's a little inspiration to get us through the final days.

You Better Vote!

Do you this to be your fault?



Make sure YOU vote for Obama. Vote early or vote November 4th. But just vote.

Barack Obama's Closing Argument: One Week

Take the time to fall in love with Barack Obama all over again by watching today's speech in Canton, Ohio. Officially, this is Barack's "closing argument."

We have one week. One week left to bring Hope back to the country. And it's up to us. We need to speak to our friends and family, especially the ones who are still undecided or voting for McCain. We need to vote early. If you can't vote early, get to your polling place first thing in the morning next Tuesday, November 4th. Whenever you vote, be prepared to stand in line and be patient. And take an elderly neighbor with you. Go to BarackObama.com and make phone calls to swing states.

As you watch this video, listen closely to the optimism and pay special attention to the last five minutes. Listen to Barack asking us to be better than we are. He believes in us. He believes in our country. Barack Obama is Country First.

Mahatma Gandhi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Barack Obama embodies it. And he believes we embody it too.

If you're reading my blog and still undecided, I ask you to think about the kind of country you want to leave for your children and grandchildren. If you believe in equal pay for women, that health care is a right not a privilege, that women have a fundamental right to control their own bodies, that all people absolutely are created equal, that sometimes more gets accomplished by sitting down face to face than with the "either you're with us or against us" approach, that the politics of fear don't work, that every American deserves equal opportunity, and that government should do that which we cannot do for ourselves, then you owe it to yourself and future generations to vote for Obama.

We can do this. Yes we can.

Will you join me in choosing Hope over Fear?