by David Reiter [courtesy of Blog for America]

It is still possible for either Obama or Clinton to win the Democratic Primary. Here is what needs to happen for one or the other to win. The race is not over, and all voters need to make sure they continue the pattern of record turnouts and vote for their candidate.

First, the math:

Number of Delegates to win the nomination: 2,024 Remaining Delegates: 914

Current Delegates

Obama: 1,629; Needed to win: 395; % of remaing delegates needed to win: 43.2%

Clinton: 1,486; Needed to win: 538; % of remaining delegates needed to win: 58.8%

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by David Reiter [courtesy of Blog for America]

This year I am captivated by the Presidential Primaries more than I have ever been. It is evident that the American people are waking up from a seven year slumber from democracy. Democratic voters are outnumbering Republicans by nearly 2 to 1 in almost every state, and if the pattern continues, McCain is in for a slaughter this November in 'red' and 'blue' states, alike.

Democratic voters are clearly mobilized to effect change this year, and set our nation back on the Democratic path. If the difference in turnout continues, Democrats will finally have clear majorities in both houses of Congress, and have the opportunity to show the American people and the world why our nation is that 'shining city upon the hill.' No matter which Democratic candidate is nominated, it appears clear that that person will be elected.

Barack Obama took the delegate lead this week, and almost immediately McCain and Clinton turned their ire upon him. In true political fashion, they both chose the same tactic: making false statements, repeating them, and hoping that people are too ignorant to know the difference. CNN chose to highlight these tactics on today's on-line front page.

by David Reiter [courtesy of Blog for America]

Last week, we pledged to provide some direct information about who the leading Democratic Presidential candidates receive the bulk of their campaign funds from. The information was originally supposed to summarize and highlight what organizations and people were supporting the candidates so we can get an idea of where their loyalties may lay, once elected.  After doing some extensive research, it was decided that there is not a truly fair and accurate way to provide the exact information in a brief format; there is simply too much information to sift through, and the more you dig, the more convoluted it gets.  This problem is endemic of our current campaign financing laws, and don’t believe it will radically change any time soon. 

by David Reiter [courtesy of Blog for America]

When researching the plans each candidate had to accomplish their various goals, I had no idea who I was going to vote for. To tell you the truth, I still don't know. During the process I recognized a few things I thought I would share...especially since some of you asked me to summarize their policies in a shorter format.

Firstly, I like Dennis Kucinich, and he was originally going to be included in the chart. Ultimately, he was not included because 1) When you go to his site you will notice that he has great ideas, goals, and platforms...but his website and other information researched was scant on the details of how he would pursue those goals...there simply was not 10 specific plans on each of the 5 issues highlighted. 2) The point of the issue chart was to focus on specific plans to achieve goals, not to list what the candidates say their goals are. 3) One of the 3 leading candidates are assured of gaining the Democratic nomination, no matter how you look at it, and we wanted to provide purely objective information.

by David Reiter [courtesy of Blog for America]

Whether it is through off-line activism, candidate and issue support, or valuable on-line information and discussion, Florida DFA is always looking for ways to provide value to our members and the voters.

We have researched the 3 leading Democratic candidate plans for the future, and identified specific policies that they are promising to pursue. Whether you have already cast your vote early, have made your decision on whom to vote for, or are still undecided, we know you will find this information helpful and enlightening.

Here is the link to policy summaries.

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by David Reiter [courtesy of Blog for America]

We compiled specific information about some of the plans our Democratic front-runners have taken stands on. Links to their websites are provided if you would like to get more complete information. Information was gleaned form a variety of sources to identify specifics of their plans as opposed to broad outlines. Because of the volume of research to be sifted through, we only focused on the top 3 candidates. The candidates support many similar proposals, but we selected items where candidates seemed to differ in priority and scope…we hope you find it useful.

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by David Reiter [courtesy of Blog for America]

The Florida Presidential Primaries are about a week away, and activists all over the state are campaigning for their candidates regardless of their ‘unofficial’ status. The 2008 election may be one of the most important elections in American history, as it will dictate whether or not we continue on the current path of self-destruction, or create a new path toward peace, economic prosperity, and environmental responsibility.

Some are excited about the Democratic candidates and their message of change, while others remain unimpressed with the lack of choices we are consistently given to choose from for President. Some are vehemently supportive of one candidate or another, while others reluctantly choose from another slate of lackluster candidates. Many people feel the candidates hardly represent the American people because they are too busy representing the corporate interests that fund their campaigns…so they choose the best of bad choices.