I'm live blogging tonight at 8 pm e.s.t. on Daily Kos at Doug's Daily Kos Diary
I believe in political courage over expediency and I believe in being clear on where I stand. Others, who choose the path of cautious calculation and being a politician first, shy away from making primary endorsements. I have never been that kind of person and I never intend to be, and I am the only candidate in my race that has made this tough choice. I believe that voters need to know where you stand, and that by not making a decision, you show that you are not a leader, you are a calculating follower.
When I decided to run for Congress, I was motivated by this country's urgent need for change. When I looked at the newspapers and saw a declining economy, worsening conditions in Afghanistan, and a refusal to face facts and begin a smart, phased withdrawal from Iraq, it became clear to me that we needed to change the course our nation was heading.
Senator Clinton is an exceptional Senator and candidate. If she is victorious in the upcoming primaries and wins the nomination, I will be honored to serve with her. I will be honored to support her and her agenda to improve the lives of all Americans. As Democrats and as a nation, we are incredibly fortunate to have her in this race.
Elections however are about choices, and I have decided that between the two, Senator Obama will be a better President. He has inspired people from all walks of life across the nation. He has fueled record turnout in states that thought their primaries would never really count. I truly believe, that he is going to be the Democratic nominee and I believe that he has what it takes to win in November.
I believe that, in making real progress, the old ways simply will not do. I believe that we need to move beyond the old battles that have plagued Washington for too long. Leadership is not using the issues that divide people as a means to your own end, but instead focusing on what we can accomplish together to make our nation stronger.
Barack Obama has moved us away from those old arguments and will help usher in an era of progress. In Congress, I to will usher in an era of progress. I am eager to work with his administration, and to roll up my sleeves and get something done. The possibilities are endless. From making health care more affordable to strengthening our military to caring for our veterans, my agenda is one of change and so is Senator Obama's.
While Virginia's presidential primary has passed, the nomination contest continues. I urge you to get involved as much as you can in that race and also to turn your attention to our congressional primary on June 10. With your support both Barack Obama and I will bring about change you can believe in.
Please visit my website at dougforcongress.com and consider volunteering and contributing to our campaign. Together, we will bring change to our nation.
I look forward to answering your questions live tonight at 8 pm e.s.t. on Daily Kos at Doug's Daily Kos Diary Please spread the word.
All my best,
Doug Denneny
Democratic Candidate
U.S. House of Representatives
Virginia's 11th CD
www.dougforcongress.com
"You don't believe that Senator Obama's a Muslim?" Kroft asked Sen. Clinton."Of course not. I mean, that, you know, there is no basis for that. I take him on the basis of what he says. And, you know, there isn't any reason to doubt that," she replied.
"You said you'd take Senator Obama at his word that he's not...a Muslim. You don't believe that he's...," Kroft said.
"No. No, there is nothing to base that on. As far as I know," she said.
What the heck was THAT all about? Utterly bizarre.
would have worked just fine. The "As far as I know" wasn't necessary and is what turns people off to politics and politicians.
Even a response that she believes in the separation of Church and State, so it doesn't really matter to her anyway what or who he prays to or what he prays about would have worked.
Thanks for the comments Flipper!
- Doug
As a supporter of Senator Obama from the start, I'm always pleased to welcome new converts.
Can you please explain why you chose not to endorse Barack Obama prior to Virginia's primary, when it might have mattered?
Thanks,
Shawn
P.S. I also support and endorse Leslie Byrne in your primary race and I hope 11th CD Democrats will unite behind her campaign and return her to Congress.