May 1, 2008
If you would have told Hillary Clinton three months ago that by May 1st she would have taken the states of California, Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and that Barack Obama's pastor (the same one that baptized his children and oversaw his marriage) would have made a comment that America brought 9/11 on itself...she would have at least figured she would have the lead right?
But despite a recent poll that shows confidence in his candidacy has taken a hit, Obama still claimed more superdelegates than Clinton did in the last 24 hours (five to four), one of which was Joe Andrew, the Democratic National Chairman under Bill Clinton.
While gaining in the polls is good news, losing more superdelegates must be a huge frustration for a Clinton campaign that feels like it should be gaining ground instead of losing it.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
One Rollercoaster Race
April 24, 2008
How does the saying go? Take your pick. What is Hillary Clinton like? She's like the ants at your picnic. The mosquito bite on your arm. The overzealous waiter taking your plate before you're done eating.
She just...won't...go away.
That is...if you're Barack Obama. With half the Democrats hating her and the other half loving her, Clinton answered the call again didn't she? Nevermind the fact she won Pennsylvania. We kinda figured that. But we didn't figure she'd win by nine percentage points. Maybe four or five. Not nine.
And so Clinton scores another (mainly symbolic) victory over Obama. First it was New Hampshire in the afterwake of Iowa. Then Ohio and Texas after Obama's eleven-state-streak, a tough one-two punch. And now Pennsylvania...which provided her enough momentum to attract $10 million in donations in the first 24 hours after Pennsylvania.
But the same question that keeps appearing after Clinton wins anything these days, appears now - Is any of it enough? One pathetic attempt at an answer to that question is, despite still trailing significantly in delegates pledged, Clinton has at least rattled Obama. Brought him back to earth.
And she's still not going away.
Polls and earlier trends show that Obama will take North Carolina on May 6. So Clinton's billionth final stand becomes Indiana, which holds its primary on the same day. If she wins there, she will more than likely continue her run.
Earlier trends show...she probably will.
How does the saying go? Take your pick. What is Hillary Clinton like? She's like the ants at your picnic. The mosquito bite on your arm. The overzealous waiter taking your plate before you're done eating.
She just...won't...go away.
That is...if you're Barack Obama. With half the Democrats hating her and the other half loving her, Clinton answered the call again didn't she? Nevermind the fact she won Pennsylvania. We kinda figured that. But we didn't figure she'd win by nine percentage points. Maybe four or five. Not nine.
And so Clinton scores another (mainly symbolic) victory over Obama. First it was New Hampshire in the afterwake of Iowa. Then Ohio and Texas after Obama's eleven-state-streak, a tough one-two punch. And now Pennsylvania...which provided her enough momentum to attract $10 million in donations in the first 24 hours after Pennsylvania.
But the same question that keeps appearing after Clinton wins anything these days, appears now - Is any of it enough? One pathetic attempt at an answer to that question is, despite still trailing significantly in delegates pledged, Clinton has at least rattled Obama. Brought him back to earth.
And she's still not going away.
Polls and earlier trends show that Obama will take North Carolina on May 6. So Clinton's billionth final stand becomes Indiana, which holds its primary on the same day. If she wins there, she will more than likely continue her run.
Earlier trends show...she probably will.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Hillary's Sniper Fire
April 17, 2008
And yes, the headline's pun is intended.
Not ready to call this one over but what's a good indication that a candidate is getting...desperate?
Well the first could be intense criticism aimed towards a front-runner...like the kind Hillary Clinton threw at Barack Obama on Wednesday's debate in Philadelphia. Clinton continually attacked Obama on a number of issues (including an association with a radicals group in the 60's?). In Obama's own words here, "She should know better."
And then to make things worse, a growing feeling among the public is that it is Clinton AND John McCain vs. Obama at this point. Reports show that criticisms from both candidates aimed toward the wildly popular Obama are eerily similar. This is not a connection that Clinton wants or needs now.
In either case, does anyone feel like they like both Obama and Clinton a little less after all this? Maybe this long race is hurting their chances in the general election.
And yes, the headline's pun is intended.
Not ready to call this one over but what's a good indication that a candidate is getting...desperate?
Well the first could be intense criticism aimed towards a front-runner...like the kind Hillary Clinton threw at Barack Obama on Wednesday's debate in Philadelphia. Clinton continually attacked Obama on a number of issues (including an association with a radicals group in the 60's?). In Obama's own words here, "She should know better."
And then to make things worse, a growing feeling among the public is that it is Clinton AND John McCain vs. Obama at this point. Reports show that criticisms from both candidates aimed toward the wildly popular Obama are eerily similar. This is not a connection that Clinton wants or needs now.
In either case, does anyone feel like they like both Obama and Clinton a little less after all this? Maybe this long race is hurting their chances in the general election.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Shame on them
April 15, 2008
It's getting ugly out there folks.
Who would have thought that calling some people in Pennsylvania "bitter" would cause such an eruption for Barack Obama?
After saying that empty promises from the White House has left some Pennsylvanians "bitter", Obama faced a hefty deal of criticism from Hillary Clinton. Obama had two different routes to go after the controversial statement - apologize or throw the gloves on.
It's safe to say he chose the latter.
Obama responded to Clinton's statements by calling her "Annie Oakley", in regards to her sudden support of gun rights. He also took a stab at her for taking a shot in front of a TV crew over the weekend.
He even went so far as to compare her to John McCain, including the words, "Shame on her," in his answers to reporters.
With only a week until Pennsylvania has their say in this nomination, the fight is obviously heating up.
It's getting ugly out there folks.
Who would have thought that calling some people in Pennsylvania "bitter" would cause such an eruption for Barack Obama?
After saying that empty promises from the White House has left some Pennsylvanians "bitter", Obama faced a hefty deal of criticism from Hillary Clinton. Obama had two different routes to go after the controversial statement - apologize or throw the gloves on.
It's safe to say he chose the latter.
Obama responded to Clinton's statements by calling her "Annie Oakley", in regards to her sudden support of gun rights. He also took a stab at her for taking a shot in front of a TV crew over the weekend.
He even went so far as to compare her to John McCain, including the words, "Shame on her," in his answers to reporters.
With only a week until Pennsylvania has their say in this nomination, the fight is obviously heating up.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Actual News
April 10, 2008
Brace yourself, actual information follows.
Traditional news media took a break on the drama and actually provided the public with articles on what the presidential candidates (and one former one) are saying about issues.
I know. Crazy.
In a story in the New York Times, Hillary Clinton followed up this week's fresh visit by General David Petraeus with comments of bringing the troops home - regardless of what her military advisers might tell her. A good move actually from Hillary. She's made a deliberate effort to point to her foreign experience as a reason to vote her instead of Barack Obama, this is a powerful statement that says, "I'm ready to lead this country."
Meanwhile Obama, who has been getting a little bit of flack from gay/lesbian media because they have said he won't talk to them, told CNN.com that, if president, he would get rid of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy (a Bush Administration policy) that sometimes makes it difficult for gays to stay in the military. Also, sidenote, Obama isn't pushing for an Olympic boycott from President Bush just yet. Is he right, wrong? Seems like there's bigger fish to fry regardless am I right?
And last but not least, John Edwards and his wife have decided not to endorse either candidate because they believe they can push for their own issues better if they don't align themselves. Since he's dropped out and you can't vote for him anymore I think I can be biased towards him, another class act move by Edwards. Maybe he's secretly setting us up for Presidential Election 2012, but ever since dropping out, Edwards has pursued the issues he was pushing for during his candidacy and pushed for a unified party that supports both of its qualified candidates.
He won't, but the Democratic should hope for Edwards to take a more public role if this race continues because even though he couldn't win, he can bring the party together.
Brace yourself, actual information follows.
Traditional news media took a break on the drama and actually provided the public with articles on what the presidential candidates (and one former one) are saying about issues.
I know. Crazy.
In a story in the New York Times, Hillary Clinton followed up this week's fresh visit by General David Petraeus with comments of bringing the troops home - regardless of what her military advisers might tell her. A good move actually from Hillary. She's made a deliberate effort to point to her foreign experience as a reason to vote her instead of Barack Obama, this is a powerful statement that says, "I'm ready to lead this country."
Meanwhile Obama, who has been getting a little bit of flack from gay/lesbian media because they have said he won't talk to them, told CNN.com that, if president, he would get rid of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy (a Bush Administration policy) that sometimes makes it difficult for gays to stay in the military. Also, sidenote, Obama isn't pushing for an Olympic boycott from President Bush just yet. Is he right, wrong? Seems like there's bigger fish to fry regardless am I right?
And last but not least, John Edwards and his wife have decided not to endorse either candidate because they believe they can push for their own issues better if they don't align themselves. Since he's dropped out and you can't vote for him anymore I think I can be biased towards him, another class act move by Edwards. Maybe he's secretly setting us up for Presidential Election 2012, but ever since dropping out, Edwards has pursued the issues he was pushing for during his candidacy and pushed for a unified party that supports both of its qualified candidates.
He won't, but the Democratic should hope for Edwards to take a more public role if this race continues because even though he couldn't win, he can bring the party together.
Monday, April 7, 2008
There's uphill - and then there's this
April 7, 2008
As I said before, I don't believe that it's necessary for Hillary Clinton to drop out of the Democratic race if she doesn't want to. If she wants to continute, let her. If she drops out, millions of her most adament supporters won't vote for Obama and the White House will remain republican in November.
But gee whiz, can we just take a moment to outline what Hillary has to do now to win? According to recent figures, Clinton is trailing by over 140 delegates with only 10 contests remaining. As we all know, Democratic rules divide up delegates from states instead of a winner-take-all system. Which means that even if Clinton basically sweeps the rest and pulls to within 100 of Barack Obama, she would need roughly two-thirds of the remaining 330 delegates to win.
And that won't be easy, considering the Clinton campaign's latest inner meltdown of chief strategist Mark Penn stepping down (actually, probably being fired) because of conflicts of interest.
Still though, the race continues to be one red hot issue. With everything that has happened, it seemed as though momentum had swung almost completely to Obama. But take a look at a recent story on CNN.com that talked about Clinton's advisors talking about the importance of the fact she has actually won more electoral votes than Obama, if this were the general election. Scrolling down, and of course this isn't the best way to get information, but one can see that comments on the story run about half pro-Clinton/half pro-Obama.
America isn't ready to give up on Clinton just yet.
As I said before, I don't believe that it's necessary for Hillary Clinton to drop out of the Democratic race if she doesn't want to. If she wants to continute, let her. If she drops out, millions of her most adament supporters won't vote for Obama and the White House will remain republican in November.
But gee whiz, can we just take a moment to outline what Hillary has to do now to win? According to recent figures, Clinton is trailing by over 140 delegates with only 10 contests remaining. As we all know, Democratic rules divide up delegates from states instead of a winner-take-all system. Which means that even if Clinton basically sweeps the rest and pulls to within 100 of Barack Obama, she would need roughly two-thirds of the remaining 330 delegates to win.
And that won't be easy, considering the Clinton campaign's latest inner meltdown of chief strategist Mark Penn stepping down (actually, probably being fired) because of conflicts of interest.
Still though, the race continues to be one red hot issue. With everything that has happened, it seemed as though momentum had swung almost completely to Obama. But take a look at a recent story on CNN.com that talked about Clinton's advisors talking about the importance of the fact she has actually won more electoral votes than Obama, if this were the general election. Scrolling down, and of course this isn't the best way to get information, but one can see that comments on the story run about half pro-Clinton/half pro-Obama.
America isn't ready to give up on Clinton just yet.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
2008 Convention more important than ever
March 27, 2008
Wow, does it suck to be a Democrat or what? Last year they lose because both their candidates are terrible, this year they're afraid they could lose because both their candidates are spectacular. When they win, they lose. One of those deals.
Because, yes, indeed, the polarization of the party due to the continuing bickering between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has officially become a problem. Recent polls indicate that it is a growing concern of the Democratic party.
And not because of crossover votes. Don't make the mistake in thinking that Obama or Clinton supporters are going to all of a sudden vote for McCain in the general election...no...but it may just as bad. They may not vote at all - which would somewhat diminish the entire Democratic population by half.
But the solution is not for one of them to dropout before the convention as Democratic speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi has encouraged. Because either candidate dropping out of the race at this point would disenfranchise voters because they believe that their candidate can still win.
Instead, let this thing run its course. Let all the marbles come out at the convention. BUT...make darn sure that whoever loses, makes a grand speech in support of the winning candidate and the party as a whole. Even if it is Obama who, if loses, will do so even with the majority of delegate votes. Let the superdelegates speak, depending on whatever strategy they see fit, and make both candidates live with it.
Otherwise, the Democrats will be blowing their biggest political opportunity in history.
Wow, does it suck to be a Democrat or what? Last year they lose because both their candidates are terrible, this year they're afraid they could lose because both their candidates are spectacular. When they win, they lose. One of those deals.
Because, yes, indeed, the polarization of the party due to the continuing bickering between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has officially become a problem. Recent polls indicate that it is a growing concern of the Democratic party.
And not because of crossover votes. Don't make the mistake in thinking that Obama or Clinton supporters are going to all of a sudden vote for McCain in the general election...no...but it may just as bad. They may not vote at all - which would somewhat diminish the entire Democratic population by half.
But the solution is not for one of them to dropout before the convention as Democratic speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi has encouraged. Because either candidate dropping out of the race at this point would disenfranchise voters because they believe that their candidate can still win.
Instead, let this thing run its course. Let all the marbles come out at the convention. BUT...make darn sure that whoever loses, makes a grand speech in support of the winning candidate and the party as a whole. Even if it is Obama who, if loses, will do so even with the majority of delegate votes. Let the superdelegates speak, depending on whatever strategy they see fit, and make both candidates live with it.
Otherwise, the Democrats will be blowing their biggest political opportunity in history.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Quick Thoughts Today
March 25, 2008
First and foremost, let's have a moment of silence for the 4,000 Americans who have lost their lives in Iraq. Ultimate sacrifice for your country, in a war about half the country doesn't understand...that's worth a little respect.
If you want to see the best package I came across which addresses this "milestone", take a look at today's New York Times - it includes pictures of the latest 1,000 dead servicemen/women and e-mails sent by troops back home before their death. Really, take a look.
The only other thing I want to say today is SHAME on USA Today for their yellow-journalism headline on the front page today, obviously (and shamelessly) designed to attract readers to what amounted to be a very lame, uninformative story.
On the Today's front page was a glowing picture of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton actually looking like they like each other and the words: "Dream Team Ticket - More than just a wish". Which, of course, sent half the country into a hyperventilating type of breathing and scrambling to read if in fact the two had decided to join forces against the evil foe, John McCain.
Instead the story talked about how a dream team ticket is possible but, ultimately, unlikely. It was like plastoring a six-year old picture of Brittany Spears on the cover and saying, "Spears - Hot and Talented again" over it. Possible? Perhaps. But then again, anything's possible...I believe is what our parents told us.
First and foremost, let's have a moment of silence for the 4,000 Americans who have lost their lives in Iraq. Ultimate sacrifice for your country, in a war about half the country doesn't understand...that's worth a little respect.
If you want to see the best package I came across which addresses this "milestone", take a look at today's New York Times - it includes pictures of the latest 1,000 dead servicemen/women and e-mails sent by troops back home before their death. Really, take a look.
The only other thing I want to say today is SHAME on USA Today for their yellow-journalism headline on the front page today, obviously (and shamelessly) designed to attract readers to what amounted to be a very lame, uninformative story.
On the Today's front page was a glowing picture of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton actually looking like they like each other and the words: "Dream Team Ticket - More than just a wish". Which, of course, sent half the country into a hyperventilating type of breathing and scrambling to read if in fact the two had decided to join forces against the evil foe, John McCain.
Instead the story talked about how a dream team ticket is possible but, ultimately, unlikely. It was like plastoring a six-year old picture of Brittany Spears on the cover and saying, "Spears - Hot and Talented again" over it. Possible? Perhaps. But then again, anything's possible...I believe is what our parents told us.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Oldtown Ogres: An in-depth look at Fort Collins Bouncers
History of the Bouncer
According to Webster’s online dictionary, “A bouncer is an informal term for security guards or doormen employed at venues such as bars, nightclubs or concerts to provide security, check legal age, and refuse entry to a place based on criteria such as intoxication, aggressive behavior, or other standards.” Bouncers are often required where crowd size or alcohol consumption may make arguments or fights commonplace.
The history of the bouncer profession was one of rough and brute force. When intoxicated patrons would act up, bouncers would literally beat them and throw them out of the venue. It wasn’t until lawsuits started to become an ordinary occurrence in our society though, that many bars and venues had to rethink their bouncer policies.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a period of wild-west saloons and untamed beards, bar keepers and brothel madams hired bouncers to remove troublesome, violent, or dead-drunk patrons, and protect the saloon girls and prostitutes. The word "bouncer" was first used in the saloon sense in an 1883 newspaper article: "'The Bouncer' is merely the English 'chucker out'. When liberty verges on license and gaiety on wanton delirium, the bouncer selects the gayest of the gay, and bounces him!”
In US Western towns in the 1870s, high-class brothels known as "good houses" or “parlor houses” hired bouncers for security and to prevent patrons from evading payment. “Good house” style brothels considered themselves the cream of the crop, and the prostitutes working there scorned those who worked in (or out of) saloons, dance halls, and theaters.
The best bordellos looked like respectable mansions, with attractively-decorated parlors, a game room and a dance hall. For security, “somewhere in every parlor house there was always a bouncer, a giant of a man who stayed sober to handle any customer who got too rough with one of the girls or didn't want to pay his bill.” The protective presence of bouncers in high-class brothels was “One of the reasons the girls considered themselves superior to free-lancers, who lacked any such shepherds.”
In Wisconsin's lumberjack days, bouncers would physically remove drinkers who were too drunk to keep buying drinks, and thus free up space in the bar for new patrons. The slang term 'snake-room' was used to describe a room off a saloon, usually two or three steps down, into which a bar-keeper or the bouncer could slide drunk lumber-jacks head first through swinging doors from the bar-room.
In the late 1800s, until Prohibition, bouncers also had the unusual role of protecting the saloon's buffet. To attract business, "Many saloons lured customers with offers of a free lunch usually well salted to inspire drinking, and the saloon bouncer was generally on hand to discourage [those with too] hearty appetites".
The profession slowly died out for a brief period, right around 1920 to1933, when the sale, consumption, and holding of alcohol became illegal due to prohibition. The more communication oriented and less physical bouncer emerged from this short break, but as any bouncer will attest, there is definitely still a major intimidation factor a bouncer presents; it’s just unlikely they’ll beat the crap out of you anymore.
What it Takes to Bounce in Fort Collins
So you want to be a bouncer in Fort Collins eh? If you think you have what it takes, then keep on reading.
The scene of Fort Collins downtown nightlife isn’t much different than that of any other small town rated #1 place in America to live. It really is a safe and welcoming place. Fights are uncommon; people are friendly, and more often than not, doormen in our small town have a fairly easy job; aside from the cold nights standing outdoors checking I.D’s.
This is the main reason that any person wanting to become a bouncer in this town doesn’t have to possess the typical ‘bouncer characteristics’ that so many other larger cities require of their doormen. In Fort Collins, a bouncer’s job is really only checking to make sure people are 21, along with denying patrons who’ve had too much to drink.
Being a bouncer is so uneventful in Fort Collins, that a few bars actually have female bouncers standing (or sitting) out in the front of the bar from time to time. Compiled below is a brief list of what qualities a Fort Collins bouncer should possess.
They must:
Have great communication skills.
Have a good eye to catch people with fake I.D’s.
Be knowledgeable about the establishment they work at.
Be friendly, outgoing, and personable.
Be able to withstand large amounts of cigarette smoke being blown in their general direction.
In an event a fight does occur they should be able to get physical and break up the altercation.
Be able to withstand cold Colorado nights.
Be able to stand on their feet for hours on end.
Always remember how easily it is to sue people nowadays, and never get too physical with women or guys who think their real tough
Keeping all this in mind, there is a good chance you possess all these qualities and maybe one day, you too, can be considered one of Fort Collins elite team of bar protectors.
Life as a Bouncer: Swing Monitor at the Drunken Monkey
Michael Benedetto has worked a few jobs in his life, but none of them have been anything like bouncing at the Drunken Monkey. For the better part of 2006, Michael was responsible for throwing out drunks, breaking up fights, and looking out for the betterment of the Drunken Monkey Cantina by doing whatever was necessary. “Being a bouncer just isn’t a regular job,” Michael comments, “I guess that’s why I took [the job] in the first place”. Michael remembers when he was first hired, and unlike most jobs, there was very little training. “They pretty just threw me in the mix and told me that if someone looked to drunk, come tell us (the management) or take care of it yourself,” he said. Michael also commented that due to the lack of specific tasks given by the management, the role of being a bouncer to him was just having common sense and doing what he though was right. He recalls on several occasions where he had to break up fights and tell people that they were looking too drunk, but he said that he was way more “chill” than most of his co-workers. “When I’m out, I’m usually that drunk guy, so I don’t want to be a [expletive deleted] and kick people out who are just having a good time”. One of his main tasks while working at the DM was monitoring the multiple swings located near the bar. “One time I had to carry this drunk girl out after she fell off of the swings like three times in a row,” he said, “and I even felt bad about doing that. I just want everybody to have a good time.” Again, many of his co-workers felt a little bit differently, and enjoyed kicking as many people out as they could. “Some guys [bouncers] would throw punches at people fighting, and sometimes they would even start fights [with customers]”. Michael said that due to being so “chill” at work, i.e. not kicking enough people out, he was eventually let go. “All in all, I thought it sucked. You have to work till like 3 a.m. some nights, you have to be around a bunch of drunks when you’re not drunk, man, I’d much rather wait tables.”
Bouncer Perceptions:
Roadhouse ‘Roiders or Pub Protectors?
Imagine that you’re in line for your favorite club, you’re all dressed up, ready to have a fun and easy going night on the town. You get into the back of the line, and wait for a few people to leave so you can finally get inside. All you want to do is mind your own business, but that big guy at the front of the line is giving you the ol’ hairy eyeball. Sure, maybe he’s just doing his job, checking I.D.’s and making sure that there’s no trouble. Or maybe he thinks that this is the movie Roadhouse and he can’t wait for you to slip up so he can serve you up an ice cold knuckle-cranberry on the rocks. Of course, every bouncer is just some guy who is doing a job, and many people feel that they are within the job scope most of the time. Others feel quite the contrary, like the bouncers at the local pubs are intentionally acting rude just to prove a point. Local bar patron Joe Hann is quite convinced that these Old Town Ogres are out to “flex nuts” and are on some kind of “crazy, [messed] up power trip”. Hann, a 23 year old Colorado State University student and self proclaimed bar aficionado, says that bouncers are “egotistical meat-heads that are just looking to tackle somebody.” Hann has been asked to leave bars in Old Town on several occasions, once for fighting, once under the suspicion of bringing in outside alcoholic beverages, and a few times for being “over served”. On each occasion, he commented that the bouncers were acting out of line by shoving him out of the bar instead of asking him to leave, and were intentionally trying to initiate a physical altercation. When asked about the foundations of his opinions on bouncers, Hann was quick to acknowledge that he is often semi-intoxicated at local bars, and perhaps his view isn’t the most objective.
Take another real life scenario about bouncers from a different perspective. Say that you are at Tony’s, a local pub that is notorious for rambunctious patrons. You’re standing near the bar, anxiously awaiting that first tasty drink of the evening. Before you can mutter out “four Jager Bombs”, a drunken bum comes stumbling to the front of the bar and starts causing trouble. The apparent homeless man starts swearing like a sailor and starts to untie the back of your lovely lady’s new halter top. Where’s Superman when you need him? Well, if your name is Chris Miller, than your Superman is the bouncer at Tony’s who comes leaping over the bar to tackle the weirdo who’s feeling up your girl. Quite literally, the brave pub protector instinctively saw the creepy man and noticed that all wasn’t well. Like a scene right out of a comic book, the brave bouncer leaped over the bar and spear tackled the guy like Clark Kent would have done, and physically tossed the molester out of the bar like a sack of potatoes. Chris recalls the account and is very thankful that the bouncers were so alert that night. “I thought that I was going to have to fight the guy,” Chris said, and he was fearful that if he did, he might end up with an assault charge or something. “I definitely didn’t mind the bouncers that night”. Bouncers, are they peacekeepers looking to save the day, or are they meatheads looking to ruin your night? It’s all about perspective.
Bouncers and Police…together?
When the term “bouncer” gets thrown around, most people probably think of a big, violent-type of guy who can end a fight with one, hard right.
Shane Belcher, owner of Washington’s, one of the most popular bars in Fort Collins, thinks of something else.
“I have a couple guys who are no more than five feet six inches and don’t weigh much more than 150 pounds,” Belcher said. “More than anything I’m looking for a guy who can handle a situation.”
According to Belcher, “security” is just another priority (one not even at the top) of a large list of duties within his bar. One far more important to him, is working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement to establish a safe, legal atmosphere.
“From my experience when you hire people on and give them the attitude that they’re there for security reasons, they tend to carry out their job more aggressively,” Belcher said. “A much bigger issue for us is underage drinking and over-intoxication. Those two don’t make it past our door, and if they do, they’re dealt with quickly.”
One of the major responsibilities of bouncers is to monitor underage drinking through the spotting of fake IDs. According to Belcher, Washington’s takes more fake IDs than any other bar in the state.
“We have a great relationship with the Fort Collins Police Department,” Belcher said. “They put on classes for our staff for everything from fake IDs to self defense.”
Once fake IDs are spotted they are usually handed over the police department, which does a short investigation to see if the ID is real or not.
“If doormen think an ID is fake, they are expected by law to confiscate the card and bring it to the police department,” said Jane with the FCPD who couldn’t reveal her last name because of FCPD guidelines. “From there either it is determined that the ID is real and returned or it is destroyed.”
In addition to working together in preventing underage drinking, bouncers and the police can work together in a serious enough situation if it calls for it.
“Depending on the situation we may call the cops and we may not,” said Brad Reingard, a bouncer at Daisy Dukes in Fort Collins. “If it’s just a couple of guys fighting we’ll throw them out and tell them to leave the property. If there’s a big enough fight though, like one we had just a few weeks ago, we fight side by side with the cops.”
While it might not seem that law enforcement and a bar should go together, some of the bars actually encourage police involvement in certain issues.
“A lot of bars don’t want police around but we always want them involved,” Belcher said. “We keep in contact with them on a weekly, if not daily basis.”
Q & A with Brad Reingard, Bouncer at the newly opened Daisy Dukes.
Q. What’s the best part about being a bouncer?
A. Getting to work with all the hot bartenders and never having a boring night. Also, getting a chance to meet lots and lots of drunk women…just kidding.
Q. What’s the worst part?
A. Dealing with drunks who think that after a few drinks they are superman. A lot of times they try and get tough with me, even though I weigh more than two of them.
Q. How much money do you make as a bouncer?
A. I get $10 an hour which is about average for a bouncer. I get lots of other things though, like discounts on my tab when I’m drinking there and my boss is taking all of us to Las Vegas this weekend.
Q. What’s the best “bouncer story” you have?
A. Probably the best story so far is about a night a couple weeks ago when nine guys from Brownsville, Texas came in and started a fight that broke out into a brawl that included about 20 people. They have me on tape body slamming this guy into the ground, who required stitches later. Another bouncer grabbed the bottle of mace but didn’t know how far it sprayed so he accidentally shot it over the brawl and into these people who were standing on the side. My manager ended up getting stabbed in the arm by one of the guys who started it. They all got arrested.
Q. What’s the hardest part about being bouncer?
A. Just dealing with all the stupidity from drunk people in general. There are a lot of fights but they get settled pretty quick. The rest of the time you’re just trying to stay civilized with people who are out of their mind.
According to Webster’s online dictionary, “A bouncer is an informal term for security guards or doormen employed at venues such as bars, nightclubs or concerts to provide security, check legal age, and refuse entry to a place based on criteria such as intoxication, aggressive behavior, or other standards.” Bouncers are often required where crowd size or alcohol consumption may make arguments or fights commonplace.
The history of the bouncer profession was one of rough and brute force. When intoxicated patrons would act up, bouncers would literally beat them and throw them out of the venue. It wasn’t until lawsuits started to become an ordinary occurrence in our society though, that many bars and venues had to rethink their bouncer policies.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a period of wild-west saloons and untamed beards, bar keepers and brothel madams hired bouncers to remove troublesome, violent, or dead-drunk patrons, and protect the saloon girls and prostitutes. The word "bouncer" was first used in the saloon sense in an 1883 newspaper article: "'The Bouncer' is merely the English 'chucker out'. When liberty verges on license and gaiety on wanton delirium, the bouncer selects the gayest of the gay, and bounces him!”
In US Western towns in the 1870s, high-class brothels known as "good houses" or “parlor houses” hired bouncers for security and to prevent patrons from evading payment. “Good house” style brothels considered themselves the cream of the crop, and the prostitutes working there scorned those who worked in (or out of) saloons, dance halls, and theaters.
The best bordellos looked like respectable mansions, with attractively-decorated parlors, a game room and a dance hall. For security, “somewhere in every parlor house there was always a bouncer, a giant of a man who stayed sober to handle any customer who got too rough with one of the girls or didn't want to pay his bill.” The protective presence of bouncers in high-class brothels was “One of the reasons the girls considered themselves superior to free-lancers, who lacked any such shepherds.”
In Wisconsin's lumberjack days, bouncers would physically remove drinkers who were too drunk to keep buying drinks, and thus free up space in the bar for new patrons. The slang term 'snake-room' was used to describe a room off a saloon, usually two or three steps down, into which a bar-keeper or the bouncer could slide drunk lumber-jacks head first through swinging doors from the bar-room.
In the late 1800s, until Prohibition, bouncers also had the unusual role of protecting the saloon's buffet. To attract business, "Many saloons lured customers with offers of a free lunch usually well salted to inspire drinking, and the saloon bouncer was generally on hand to discourage [those with too] hearty appetites".
The profession slowly died out for a brief period, right around 1920 to1933, when the sale, consumption, and holding of alcohol became illegal due to prohibition. The more communication oriented and less physical bouncer emerged from this short break, but as any bouncer will attest, there is definitely still a major intimidation factor a bouncer presents; it’s just unlikely they’ll beat the crap out of you anymore.
What it Takes to Bounce in Fort Collins
So you want to be a bouncer in Fort Collins eh? If you think you have what it takes, then keep on reading.
The scene of Fort Collins downtown nightlife isn’t much different than that of any other small town rated #1 place in America to live. It really is a safe and welcoming place. Fights are uncommon; people are friendly, and more often than not, doormen in our small town have a fairly easy job; aside from the cold nights standing outdoors checking I.D’s.
This is the main reason that any person wanting to become a bouncer in this town doesn’t have to possess the typical ‘bouncer characteristics’ that so many other larger cities require of their doormen. In Fort Collins, a bouncer’s job is really only checking to make sure people are 21, along with denying patrons who’ve had too much to drink.
Being a bouncer is so uneventful in Fort Collins, that a few bars actually have female bouncers standing (or sitting) out in the front of the bar from time to time. Compiled below is a brief list of what qualities a Fort Collins bouncer should possess.
They must:
Have great communication skills.
Have a good eye to catch people with fake I.D’s.
Be knowledgeable about the establishment they work at.
Be friendly, outgoing, and personable.
Be able to withstand large amounts of cigarette smoke being blown in their general direction.
In an event a fight does occur they should be able to get physical and break up the altercation.
Be able to withstand cold Colorado nights.
Be able to stand on their feet for hours on end.
Always remember how easily it is to sue people nowadays, and never get too physical with women or guys who think their real tough
Keeping all this in mind, there is a good chance you possess all these qualities and maybe one day, you too, can be considered one of Fort Collins elite team of bar protectors.
Life as a Bouncer: Swing Monitor at the Drunken Monkey
Michael Benedetto has worked a few jobs in his life, but none of them have been anything like bouncing at the Drunken Monkey. For the better part of 2006, Michael was responsible for throwing out drunks, breaking up fights, and looking out for the betterment of the Drunken Monkey Cantina by doing whatever was necessary. “Being a bouncer just isn’t a regular job,” Michael comments, “I guess that’s why I took [the job] in the first place”. Michael remembers when he was first hired, and unlike most jobs, there was very little training. “They pretty just threw me in the mix and told me that if someone looked to drunk, come tell us (the management) or take care of it yourself,” he said. Michael also commented that due to the lack of specific tasks given by the management, the role of being a bouncer to him was just having common sense and doing what he though was right. He recalls on several occasions where he had to break up fights and tell people that they were looking too drunk, but he said that he was way more “chill” than most of his co-workers. “When I’m out, I’m usually that drunk guy, so I don’t want to be a [expletive deleted] and kick people out who are just having a good time”. One of his main tasks while working at the DM was monitoring the multiple swings located near the bar. “One time I had to carry this drunk girl out after she fell off of the swings like three times in a row,” he said, “and I even felt bad about doing that. I just want everybody to have a good time.” Again, many of his co-workers felt a little bit differently, and enjoyed kicking as many people out as they could. “Some guys [bouncers] would throw punches at people fighting, and sometimes they would even start fights [with customers]”. Michael said that due to being so “chill” at work, i.e. not kicking enough people out, he was eventually let go. “All in all, I thought it sucked. You have to work till like 3 a.m. some nights, you have to be around a bunch of drunks when you’re not drunk, man, I’d much rather wait tables.”
Bouncer Perceptions:
Roadhouse ‘Roiders or Pub Protectors?
Imagine that you’re in line for your favorite club, you’re all dressed up, ready to have a fun and easy going night on the town. You get into the back of the line, and wait for a few people to leave so you can finally get inside. All you want to do is mind your own business, but that big guy at the front of the line is giving you the ol’ hairy eyeball. Sure, maybe he’s just doing his job, checking I.D.’s and making sure that there’s no trouble. Or maybe he thinks that this is the movie Roadhouse and he can’t wait for you to slip up so he can serve you up an ice cold knuckle-cranberry on the rocks. Of course, every bouncer is just some guy who is doing a job, and many people feel that they are within the job scope most of the time. Others feel quite the contrary, like the bouncers at the local pubs are intentionally acting rude just to prove a point. Local bar patron Joe Hann is quite convinced that these Old Town Ogres are out to “flex nuts” and are on some kind of “crazy, [messed] up power trip”. Hann, a 23 year old Colorado State University student and self proclaimed bar aficionado, says that bouncers are “egotistical meat-heads that are just looking to tackle somebody.” Hann has been asked to leave bars in Old Town on several occasions, once for fighting, once under the suspicion of bringing in outside alcoholic beverages, and a few times for being “over served”. On each occasion, he commented that the bouncers were acting out of line by shoving him out of the bar instead of asking him to leave, and were intentionally trying to initiate a physical altercation. When asked about the foundations of his opinions on bouncers, Hann was quick to acknowledge that he is often semi-intoxicated at local bars, and perhaps his view isn’t the most objective.
Take another real life scenario about bouncers from a different perspective. Say that you are at Tony’s, a local pub that is notorious for rambunctious patrons. You’re standing near the bar, anxiously awaiting that first tasty drink of the evening. Before you can mutter out “four Jager Bombs”, a drunken bum comes stumbling to the front of the bar and starts causing trouble. The apparent homeless man starts swearing like a sailor and starts to untie the back of your lovely lady’s new halter top. Where’s Superman when you need him? Well, if your name is Chris Miller, than your Superman is the bouncer at Tony’s who comes leaping over the bar to tackle the weirdo who’s feeling up your girl. Quite literally, the brave pub protector instinctively saw the creepy man and noticed that all wasn’t well. Like a scene right out of a comic book, the brave bouncer leaped over the bar and spear tackled the guy like Clark Kent would have done, and physically tossed the molester out of the bar like a sack of potatoes. Chris recalls the account and is very thankful that the bouncers were so alert that night. “I thought that I was going to have to fight the guy,” Chris said, and he was fearful that if he did, he might end up with an assault charge or something. “I definitely didn’t mind the bouncers that night”. Bouncers, are they peacekeepers looking to save the day, or are they meatheads looking to ruin your night? It’s all about perspective.
Bouncers and Police…together?
When the term “bouncer” gets thrown around, most people probably think of a big, violent-type of guy who can end a fight with one, hard right.
Shane Belcher, owner of Washington’s, one of the most popular bars in Fort Collins, thinks of something else.
“I have a couple guys who are no more than five feet six inches and don’t weigh much more than 150 pounds,” Belcher said. “More than anything I’m looking for a guy who can handle a situation.”
According to Belcher, “security” is just another priority (one not even at the top) of a large list of duties within his bar. One far more important to him, is working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement to establish a safe, legal atmosphere.
“From my experience when you hire people on and give them the attitude that they’re there for security reasons, they tend to carry out their job more aggressively,” Belcher said. “A much bigger issue for us is underage drinking and over-intoxication. Those two don’t make it past our door, and if they do, they’re dealt with quickly.”
One of the major responsibilities of bouncers is to monitor underage drinking through the spotting of fake IDs. According to Belcher, Washington’s takes more fake IDs than any other bar in the state.
“We have a great relationship with the Fort Collins Police Department,” Belcher said. “They put on classes for our staff for everything from fake IDs to self defense.”
Once fake IDs are spotted they are usually handed over the police department, which does a short investigation to see if the ID is real or not.
“If doormen think an ID is fake, they are expected by law to confiscate the card and bring it to the police department,” said Jane with the FCPD who couldn’t reveal her last name because of FCPD guidelines. “From there either it is determined that the ID is real and returned or it is destroyed.”
In addition to working together in preventing underage drinking, bouncers and the police can work together in a serious enough situation if it calls for it.
“Depending on the situation we may call the cops and we may not,” said Brad Reingard, a bouncer at Daisy Dukes in Fort Collins. “If it’s just a couple of guys fighting we’ll throw them out and tell them to leave the property. If there’s a big enough fight though, like one we had just a few weeks ago, we fight side by side with the cops.”
While it might not seem that law enforcement and a bar should go together, some of the bars actually encourage police involvement in certain issues.
“A lot of bars don’t want police around but we always want them involved,” Belcher said. “We keep in contact with them on a weekly, if not daily basis.”
Q & A with Brad Reingard, Bouncer at the newly opened Daisy Dukes.
Q. What’s the best part about being a bouncer?
A. Getting to work with all the hot bartenders and never having a boring night. Also, getting a chance to meet lots and lots of drunk women…just kidding.
Q. What’s the worst part?
A. Dealing with drunks who think that after a few drinks they are superman. A lot of times they try and get tough with me, even though I weigh more than two of them.
Q. How much money do you make as a bouncer?
A. I get $10 an hour which is about average for a bouncer. I get lots of other things though, like discounts on my tab when I’m drinking there and my boss is taking all of us to Las Vegas this weekend.
Q. What’s the best “bouncer story” you have?
A. Probably the best story so far is about a night a couple weeks ago when nine guys from Brownsville, Texas came in and started a fight that broke out into a brawl that included about 20 people. They have me on tape body slamming this guy into the ground, who required stitches later. Another bouncer grabbed the bottle of mace but didn’t know how far it sprayed so he accidentally shot it over the brawl and into these people who were standing on the side. My manager ended up getting stabbed in the arm by one of the guys who started it. They all got arrested.
Q. What’s the hardest part about being bouncer?
A. Just dealing with all the stupidity from drunk people in general. There are a lot of fights but they get settled pretty quick. The rest of the time you’re just trying to stay civilized with people who are out of their mind.
Sources for Oldtown Ogres
Sources for: History of Bouncers, and What it Takes to Bounce in Fort Collins
Snake-room (logging) (from Logger's Words of Yesteryears, Sorden, L.G.; Isabel J. Ebert; Madison, 1956, via wisconsinhistory.net) Accessed 4/10/2008
Drinking in America: A History - Search for Consensus: Drinking and the War Against Pluralism, 1860-1920, Lender, Mark Edward & Martin, James Kirby, The Free Press, New York, 1982
Bouncer (from the Websters Online Dictionary) Accessed 4/10/2008
Old School-New School: Guide to Bouncers, Security and Registered Door Supervisors, Jamie O'Keefe New Breed Publishing, August 1997
Sources for: Q and A and Police and Bouncers
Brad Reingard, Fort Collins, 310-4176
Shane Belcher, Owner of Washington’s, Fort Collins, 484-3989
Jane, Fort Collins Police Department, 221-6540
Sources for: Bouncer Perceptions and What it’s like to be a bouncer
Joe Hann, CSU student, Ft Collins, CO 720-289-8380
Chris Miller, CSU student, Ft Collins, CO 970-214-12021
Michael Benedetto, ex-drunken monkey bouncer, 720-318-1170
Sources for Audio Interview:
Dan, Drunken Monkey bouncer, 224-5272
Snake-room (logging) (from Logger's Words of Yesteryears, Sorden, L.G.; Isabel J. Ebert; Madison, 1956, via wisconsinhistory.net) Accessed 4/10/2008
Drinking in America: A History - Search for Consensus: Drinking and the War Against Pluralism, 1860-1920, Lender, Mark Edward & Martin, James Kirby, The Free Press, New York, 1982
Bouncer (from the Websters Online Dictionary) Accessed 4/10/2008
Old School-New School: Guide to Bouncers, Security and Registered Door Supervisors, Jamie O'Keefe New Breed Publishing, August 1997
Sources for: Q and A and Police and Bouncers
Brad Reingard, Fort Collins, 310-4176
Shane Belcher, Owner of Washington’s, Fort Collins, 484-3989
Jane, Fort Collins Police Department, 221-6540
Sources for: Bouncer Perceptions and What it’s like to be a bouncer
Joe Hann, CSU student, Ft Collins, CO 720-289-8380
Chris Miller, CSU student, Ft Collins, CO 970-214-12021
Michael Benedetto, ex-drunken monkey bouncer, 720-318-1170
Sources for Audio Interview:
Dan, Drunken Monkey bouncer, 224-5272
Listen to a Real Fort Collins Bouncer
Hear Dan talk about his experiences as a bouncer at Drunken Monkey.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
This will end eventually...right?
March 11, 2008
Once upon a time, when the Democratic race was still between eight candidates and not two, Hillary Clinton responded to a question on a televised debate as to whether or not she thought the rest of the candidates were ganging up on her because of her gender.
She cooly responded, "They're not ganging up on me because I'm a woman, they're ganging up on me because I'm ahead."
Super Tuesday came along and although it was way too close to call, no one was surprised when Clinton emerged as the conceivable winner. We had a front runner.
But then Obama won 11 states in a row and started being called a "rock star" in media and again, we had a front runner. A clear one.
But now Clinton has won Texas and Ohio and polls suggest Obama leads in Mississippi while a childhood video and a governor's endorsement is pointing towards a Clinton win in Pennsylvania and once again we're stuck not having any idea of who we might be voting for in the general election.
Now we're discussing a $20 million plan to re-vote in Florida where we already said their vote wouldn't count?
I never thought I'd say this but it's time for one of these candidates to step down in the best interest of the party. What needs to happen is John Edwards needs to endorse one, which would give a significant push to either candidate, and the superdelegates need to go ahead and make some of their endorsements (which will ultimately decide this stalemate) early. Because if things continue the way they are through August, it will start to have an impact on the party's morale.
Once upon a time, when the Democratic race was still between eight candidates and not two, Hillary Clinton responded to a question on a televised debate as to whether or not she thought the rest of the candidates were ganging up on her because of her gender.
She cooly responded, "They're not ganging up on me because I'm a woman, they're ganging up on me because I'm ahead."
Super Tuesday came along and although it was way too close to call, no one was surprised when Clinton emerged as the conceivable winner. We had a front runner.
But then Obama won 11 states in a row and started being called a "rock star" in media and again, we had a front runner. A clear one.
But now Clinton has won Texas and Ohio and polls suggest Obama leads in Mississippi while a childhood video and a governor's endorsement is pointing towards a Clinton win in Pennsylvania and once again we're stuck not having any idea of who we might be voting for in the general election.
Now we're discussing a $20 million plan to re-vote in Florida where we already said their vote wouldn't count?
I never thought I'd say this but it's time for one of these candidates to step down in the best interest of the party. What needs to happen is John Edwards needs to endorse one, which would give a significant push to either candidate, and the superdelegates need to go ahead and make some of their endorsements (which will ultimately decide this stalemate) early. Because if things continue the way they are through August, it will start to have an impact on the party's morale.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
No Hillary, No
March 5, 2008
As this Democratic race continues to rage on between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton...sometimes I find myself asking...is Hillary seriously trying to lose?
Even after her victories in Ohio and Texas, and maybe a slight edge of a win on Super Tuesday just because she claimed California, Clinton's ability to take advantage of momentum is one of the worst I have ever seen in a political figure.
Trailing Obama in nearly every aspect recently (popularity, money, delegates), Clinton had a chance to take these wins (which really, in the scheme of delegate count don't mean much) and turn them into a true turnaround for her campaign.
Instead, she's drowning in them.
Maybe that offer is flawed but I just don't see how proclaiming the day after these wins that she would be open to the idea of a shared ticket with Obama...helps her chances of winning the nomination. Especially after much of her success in Ohio and Texas was arguably due to the fact she heightened her criticisms of Obama during her campaigns there.
Also, by bringing up the thorn in every Democrats side (thorns actually), Michigan and Florida, Clinton did nothing to increase her image of a candidate who had just landed a major victory. She appears as a candidate who is crying over spilled milk at this point, blaming her lack of delegates on two states that neither candidate even campaigned in.
At least...at least she finally succeeded in (what appears to be) getting under Obama's skin when he commented on the negative attitude her campaign has taken and that he has to start responding to some of these claims.
But that is a meaningless victory in the long run because in the end, Clinton's worst enemy remains herself. She is still losing, and (even worse) she's showing the entire country she is with her behavior.
As this Democratic race continues to rage on between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton...sometimes I find myself asking...is Hillary seriously trying to lose?
Even after her victories in Ohio and Texas, and maybe a slight edge of a win on Super Tuesday just because she claimed California, Clinton's ability to take advantage of momentum is one of the worst I have ever seen in a political figure.
Trailing Obama in nearly every aspect recently (popularity, money, delegates), Clinton had a chance to take these wins (which really, in the scheme of delegate count don't mean much) and turn them into a true turnaround for her campaign.
Instead, she's drowning in them.
Maybe that offer is flawed but I just don't see how proclaiming the day after these wins that she would be open to the idea of a shared ticket with Obama...helps her chances of winning the nomination. Especially after much of her success in Ohio and Texas was arguably due to the fact she heightened her criticisms of Obama during her campaigns there.
Also, by bringing up the thorn in every Democrats side (thorns actually), Michigan and Florida, Clinton did nothing to increase her image of a candidate who had just landed a major victory. She appears as a candidate who is crying over spilled milk at this point, blaming her lack of delegates on two states that neither candidate even campaigned in.
At least...at least she finally succeeded in (what appears to be) getting under Obama's skin when he commented on the negative attitude her campaign has taken and that he has to start responding to some of these claims.
But that is a meaningless victory in the long run because in the end, Clinton's worst enemy remains herself. She is still losing, and (even worse) she's showing the entire country she is with her behavior.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Richardson and the Latino vote
February 26, 2008
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has suggested that he may give an endorsement to one of the two remaining Democratic candidates and added, "I don't think this race is over."
As one of the seven Democratic dropouts (Richardson ended his bid for the Democratic nomination in January) Richardson holds additional weight simply because of his Latino background. An endorsement from him would certainly carry a lot of weight in the form of the Latino vote.
For Hillary Clinton, a Richardson endorsement couldn't come at a better time as the front page of every national newspaper continues to only report how great Barack Obama is doing. Just today, the New York Times released its first official poll that shows Obama significantly ahead of Clinton in the national vote.
On the other hand, if Richardson endorses Obama it could cut the Ohio and (a Latino) Texas string her hopes still dangle from.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has suggested that he may give an endorsement to one of the two remaining Democratic candidates and added, "I don't think this race is over."
As one of the seven Democratic dropouts (Richardson ended his bid for the Democratic nomination in January) Richardson holds additional weight simply because of his Latino background. An endorsement from him would certainly carry a lot of weight in the form of the Latino vote.
For Hillary Clinton, a Richardson endorsement couldn't come at a better time as the front page of every national newspaper continues to only report how great Barack Obama is doing. Just today, the New York Times released its first official poll that shows Obama significantly ahead of Clinton in the national vote.
On the other hand, if Richardson endorses Obama it could cut the Ohio and (a Latino) Texas string her hopes still dangle from.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Weight of Wisconsin
February 19, 2008
Despite the fact that there are actually three states voting today, only the one in Wisconsin deserves any real interest from those following the tight race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
With temperatures across the state not reaching 20 degrees, Wisconsin voters had to fight the elements to make it to the polls in a race particularly important for Clinton as polls indicate she may have a chance to break Obama's hot streak.
Perhaps (certainly, might be more appropriate of a term) more important than any primary or caucus going on today is the ongoing battle for a potential endorsement by John Edwards who dropped out of the race for the Democratic ticket late last month. Clinton met with Edwards earlier this month, Obama flew to North Carolina on Sunday for a meeting.
An endorsement from Edwards would definitely give either candidate a huge push heading towards March.
Despite the fact that there are actually three states voting today, only the one in Wisconsin deserves any real interest from those following the tight race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
With temperatures across the state not reaching 20 degrees, Wisconsin voters had to fight the elements to make it to the polls in a race particularly important for Clinton as polls indicate she may have a chance to break Obama's hot streak.
Perhaps (certainly, might be more appropriate of a term) more important than any primary or caucus going on today is the ongoing battle for a potential endorsement by John Edwards who dropped out of the race for the Democratic ticket late last month. Clinton met with Edwards earlier this month, Obama flew to North Carolina on Sunday for a meeting.
An endorsement from Edwards would definitely give either candidate a huge push heading towards March.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Who wins the Superdelegates?
February 14, 2008
Unofficially/officially, neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama will claim the required 2,025 pledged delegates to earn the Democratic party nomination. Unofficially because it could happen. Officially because it won't.
Therefore, the remaining caucuses and primaries become a battle between the two to persuade the superdelegates, elected Democrats and party leaders, for votes. Superdelegates are given the advantage of voting independently.
Obama, along with many experts, says that whoever wins the majority of delegates and popular vote, which he has just recently taken the lead of over Clinton, should claim the superdelegates. If not, it could create fractions within the party and come off as undemocratic.
That sounds legitimate, but wait just a second. If we're worried about primaries and caucuses not counting, what about Michigan and Florida? That's 366 delegate votes that aren't being counted because the two states moved their primaries ahead without permission. It was Clinton who won big there, even though neither candidate actively campaigned there. It's now created an interesting position in this year's tight contest because those are delegates that could get one of the candidate's number to 2,025 and eliminate the superdelegate debate altogether.
Obama is emerging as the front runner here but if Clinton can pull out wins in Ohio and Texas it could, coupled with the fact that she won in both Michigan and Florida where votes weren't acknowledged, persuade the superdelegates to give her the win this summer.
Unofficially/officially, neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama will claim the required 2,025 pledged delegates to earn the Democratic party nomination. Unofficially because it could happen. Officially because it won't.
Therefore, the remaining caucuses and primaries become a battle between the two to persuade the superdelegates, elected Democrats and party leaders, for votes. Superdelegates are given the advantage of voting independently.
Obama, along with many experts, says that whoever wins the majority of delegates and popular vote, which he has just recently taken the lead of over Clinton, should claim the superdelegates. If not, it could create fractions within the party and come off as undemocratic.
That sounds legitimate, but wait just a second. If we're worried about primaries and caucuses not counting, what about Michigan and Florida? That's 366 delegate votes that aren't being counted because the two states moved their primaries ahead without permission. It was Clinton who won big there, even though neither candidate actively campaigned there. It's now created an interesting position in this year's tight contest because those are delegates that could get one of the candidate's number to 2,025 and eliminate the superdelegate debate altogether.
Obama is emerging as the front runner here but if Clinton can pull out wins in Ohio and Texas it could, coupled with the fact that she won in both Michigan and Florida where votes weren't acknowledged, persuade the superdelegates to give her the win this summer.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Worrying about Hillary? Don't.
Febrary 11, 2008
Now, I'm not saying...I'm DEFINITELY not saying...Don't worry about Hillary because she's going to win. I don't know that. Right now nobody knows that. I'm saying don't worry about Hillary because she is still in a fine position to win.
Yes, Clinton has been losing primaries and caucuses like thoughtful dialouge in a Stallone movie. But there is still plenty fight to her campaign.
A campaign that has taken a different look as of today now that Clinton has replaced her campaign manager, Sollis Doyle, with longtime adviser Maggie Williams. Of course, such a move doesn't necessarily symoblize strength, but this isn't going to bring the Clinton campaign down.
Another consideration is that media have been reporting that finances have been a problem for the Clinton campaign, as evident by a $5 million loan acquired by Hillary earlier this year and that some of her aides were working for free.
So you may be wondering - Losing states, changing campaign managers and short on cash - Why shouldn't I worry about Hillary again? Because despite this weekend's sweep by Barack Obama, she still holds a narrow lead in delegates, will certainly find the funds to stay in the race, and polls still show she holds a slight edge in the Super Super Tuesday states of Texas and Ohio.
Obama is winning battles, but the war is still very much undecided.
Now, I'm not saying...I'm DEFINITELY not saying...Don't worry about Hillary because she's going to win. I don't know that. Right now nobody knows that. I'm saying don't worry about Hillary because she is still in a fine position to win.
Yes, Clinton has been losing primaries and caucuses like thoughtful dialouge in a Stallone movie. But there is still plenty fight to her campaign.
A campaign that has taken a different look as of today now that Clinton has replaced her campaign manager, Sollis Doyle, with longtime adviser Maggie Williams. Of course, such a move doesn't necessarily symoblize strength, but this isn't going to bring the Clinton campaign down.
Another consideration is that media have been reporting that finances have been a problem for the Clinton campaign, as evident by a $5 million loan acquired by Hillary earlier this year and that some of her aides were working for free.
So you may be wondering - Losing states, changing campaign managers and short on cash - Why shouldn't I worry about Hillary again? Because despite this weekend's sweep by Barack Obama, she still holds a narrow lead in delegates, will certainly find the funds to stay in the race, and polls still show she holds a slight edge in the Super Super Tuesday states of Texas and Ohio.
Obama is winning battles, but the war is still very much undecided.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
February 7, 2008
So, here's what the rest of the Hillary vs. Obama fight looks like:
With primaries scattered among the following two weeks in Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, Washington, Maryland, Virginia and Wisconsin the focus becomes the perception of momentum.
The Democratic nomination will certainly not be decided until March 4, what I'm calling "Super, Super Tuesday", when Ohio and Texas hold their primaries. Thus, the significance in winning the primaries leading up to that is to simply persuade Ohio and Texas voters of an advantage over the other.
In reality though, who holds (who appears to at least) the advantage in each issue? Our Hill, Barack & John ADVANTAGE should give us a peak into the future:
Economy: Not surprisingly, both candidates have attacked the Bush Administration's tax cuts for the wealthy. Their plans for replacing higher taxes on upper-income America are similar...the difference is that Americans remember the good ole' days when Bill Clinton was president and people ACTUALLY HAD MONEY. Not even that they had money, but that they were able to use credit and pay it back. Hillary has been able to capitalize on this perception of an economy-friendly candidate and coupled it with a promise to create jobs in finding alternative energy.
Advantage: Clinton.
Iraq: They both want to get the troops out now. They both have similar withdrawal deadlines to do so. HOWEVER, Obama voted against the war from the start, Clinton voted to authorize the 2003 invasion . America has shown appreciation for Obama's early vision that the war in Iraq...would suck.
Advantage: Obama.
Experience: Everyone's sick of hearing about it, but is it relevant? Obama is not necessarily unequipped to handle the oval office. He was a community organizer in Chicago, he worked within the legal system as a lawyer after attending Columbia University and he's been a senator for Illinois. The Clinton name is like the Wal-Mart of politics though. She has the political ties, the long voting record and Bill on her side.
Advantage: Clinton.
Environment: Although they both hold similar ideas, Obama has been more appealing to environmental groups. He scored the highest among Democratic candidates in a test that considered past voting records. He has a reputation of caring for the environment that has stuck to his presidential campaign.
Advantage: Obama.
Health Care: Up in the air really. Which will work better? Clinton proposes universal health care...but can the government really promise that? Obama wants to insure America's children and force employers to pick up the rest. That's great but...still...as Clinton said in a former debate...it's still not universal.
Advantage: Tie.
So, by the end it's Obama 2.5 and Hillary...2.5? Well ADVANTAGE...that doesn't really tell us crap does it?
So, here's what the rest of the Hillary vs. Obama fight looks like:
With primaries scattered among the following two weeks in Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, Washington, Maryland, Virginia and Wisconsin the focus becomes the perception of momentum.
The Democratic nomination will certainly not be decided until March 4, what I'm calling "Super, Super Tuesday", when Ohio and Texas hold their primaries. Thus, the significance in winning the primaries leading up to that is to simply persuade Ohio and Texas voters of an advantage over the other.
In reality though, who holds (who appears to at least) the advantage in each issue? Our Hill, Barack & John ADVANTAGE should give us a peak into the future:
Economy: Not surprisingly, both candidates have attacked the Bush Administration's tax cuts for the wealthy. Their plans for replacing higher taxes on upper-income America are similar...the difference is that Americans remember the good ole' days when Bill Clinton was president and people ACTUALLY HAD MONEY. Not even that they had money, but that they were able to use credit and pay it back. Hillary has been able to capitalize on this perception of an economy-friendly candidate and coupled it with a promise to create jobs in finding alternative energy.
Advantage: Clinton.
Iraq: They both want to get the troops out now. They both have similar withdrawal deadlines to do so. HOWEVER, Obama voted against the war from the start, Clinton voted to authorize the 2003 invasion . America has shown appreciation for Obama's early vision that the war in Iraq...would suck.
Advantage: Obama.
Experience: Everyone's sick of hearing about it, but is it relevant? Obama is not necessarily unequipped to handle the oval office. He was a community organizer in Chicago, he worked within the legal system as a lawyer after attending Columbia University and he's been a senator for Illinois. The Clinton name is like the Wal-Mart of politics though. She has the political ties, the long voting record and Bill on her side.
Advantage: Clinton.
Environment: Although they both hold similar ideas, Obama has been more appealing to environmental groups. He scored the highest among Democratic candidates in a test that considered past voting records. He has a reputation of caring for the environment that has stuck to his presidential campaign.
Advantage: Obama.
Health Care: Up in the air really. Which will work better? Clinton proposes universal health care...but can the government really promise that? Obama wants to insure America's children and force employers to pick up the rest. That's great but...still...as Clinton said in a former debate...it's still not universal.
Advantage: Tie.
So, by the end it's Obama 2.5 and Hillary...2.5? Well ADVANTAGE...that doesn't really tell us crap does it?
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Finding meaning in Super Tuesday
February 5, 2008
With the results of Super Tuesday still (at best) a few hours away or even (at worst) not available until Wednesday morning (especially California) the focus today will stick to what the results coming in ACTUALLY MEAN...for those of you who will be glued to the results tonight but might not understand their significance.
Of course, no state means more than the nightcap in California, particularly this year to Hillary Clinton who is considered to have a personal tie there. Afterall it WAS Bill Clinton, not an Obama, that visited the state eight times during his first year of office and helped California on a number of social and economic issues.
Another state holding a lot of weight, perhaps mostly symbolically, is Clinton's home state of New York. Anything less then a convincing win in New York could hurt Clinton as
A. She's a senator there for crying out loud and
B. The media polls have shown she has a pretty tight grip there.
If Obama makes a surge in New York, it shows that Clinton is unable to command the voters even of HER state.
Lastly, obviously, the swing states (states where the two candidates are evenly matched) will be of major importance because they are the question marks on the board and, if won in large by one candidate, could give either Clinton or Obama a significant edge.
No matter how the results come in, no one expects the race to be over by the time the last votes of Super Tuesday have been counted. According to experts, this race isn't over yet.
With the results of Super Tuesday still (at best) a few hours away or even (at worst) not available until Wednesday morning (especially California) the focus today will stick to what the results coming in ACTUALLY MEAN...for those of you who will be glued to the results tonight but might not understand their significance.
Of course, no state means more than the nightcap in California, particularly this year to Hillary Clinton who is considered to have a personal tie there. Afterall it WAS Bill Clinton, not an Obama, that visited the state eight times during his first year of office and helped California on a number of social and economic issues.
Another state holding a lot of weight, perhaps mostly symbolically, is Clinton's home state of New York. Anything less then a convincing win in New York could hurt Clinton as
A. She's a senator there for crying out loud and
B. The media polls have shown she has a pretty tight grip there.
If Obama makes a surge in New York, it shows that Clinton is unable to command the voters even of HER state.
Lastly, obviously, the swing states (states where the two candidates are evenly matched) will be of major importance because they are the question marks on the board and, if won in large by one candidate, could give either Clinton or Obama a significant edge.
No matter how the results come in, no one expects the race to be over by the time the last votes of Super Tuesday have been counted. According to experts, this race isn't over yet.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Fond Farewell to John
January 31, 2008
So one day after this blog stated John Edwards would probably NOT drop out of the democratic primaries Mr. Edwards goes and...drops out of the democratic primaries.
I respect Edwards though in his ability to maintain a positive front even at times where, obviously, his campaign was in serious doubt internally.
What does this mean for our final two? That remains to be determined. As I mentioned in my last blog, if Edwards choses to endorse one of the candidates it has an obvious, immediate impact. If he does not, then there are differing theories on the Edwards pullout.
On one hand, Barack Obama is essentially this year's version of what Edwards was last year when he was the fresh face promoting a change in politics. Some experts have been quoted in saying that Obama stands to pick up the majority of Edwards's followers for that reason.
And then on the other hand, certain observations during the early primaries in South Carolina and Iowa showed that Edwards stole potential voters from Hillary Clinton, mainly the "blue-collar WHITE" voters that will most certainly keep their feet on the Clinton road and watch the Obama bandwagon pass on by.
No matter what happens I think ALL democrats need to take a moment and applaud Mr. Edwards on his way out. With media attention enamored with the first African American and woman candidates, it was hard for Edwards to get some of the coverage he very much deserved. It's impressive that a candidate leaving the race relatively early on could still carry so much political weight in the form of followers and policy proposals - most notably his ideas on poverty and health care.
So one day after this blog stated John Edwards would probably NOT drop out of the democratic primaries Mr. Edwards goes and...drops out of the democratic primaries.
I respect Edwards though in his ability to maintain a positive front even at times where, obviously, his campaign was in serious doubt internally.
What does this mean for our final two? That remains to be determined. As I mentioned in my last blog, if Edwards choses to endorse one of the candidates it has an obvious, immediate impact. If he does not, then there are differing theories on the Edwards pullout.
On one hand, Barack Obama is essentially this year's version of what Edwards was last year when he was the fresh face promoting a change in politics. Some experts have been quoted in saying that Obama stands to pick up the majority of Edwards's followers for that reason.
And then on the other hand, certain observations during the early primaries in South Carolina and Iowa showed that Edwards stole potential voters from Hillary Clinton, mainly the "blue-collar WHITE" voters that will most certainly keep their feet on the Clinton road and watch the Obama bandwagon pass on by.
No matter what happens I think ALL democrats need to take a moment and applaud Mr. Edwards on his way out. With media attention enamored with the first African American and woman candidates, it was hard for Edwards to get some of the coverage he very much deserved. It's impressive that a candidate leaving the race relatively early on could still carry so much political weight in the form of followers and policy proposals - most notably his ideas on poverty and health care.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Rainy days for Hillary
Jan. 29, 2008
There have been only two times in Hillary Clinton's life where she has been legitimately worthy of my sympathy.
One of those times should be obvious. The other is now.
After her recent loss to Barack Obama in South Carolina, Clinton's campaign received another devastating blow when Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, a Clinton FAMILY FRIEND, decided to publicly announce his backing of her rival.
Talk about awkward moments: Only a few hours after the highly publicized Kennedy endorsement, the dysfunctional love triangle was on display at the State of the Union address in Washington. Did you see that picture? Clinton looks like the hurt ex trying to appear strong while Obama won't even look at her. The poor woman in the middle of the Kennedy/Clinton handshake looking very uncomfortable probably wishes she would have chosen a different seat.
Meanwhile, John Edwards just keeps truckin' along with his less than 20 percent popularity. I read that Edwards knows his chances of winning are small but will not drop out of the race and could essentially turn his campaign into one massive vote at the end for the man (or woman) he endorses. It appears as though it could be a real possibility - the fight for democratic delegates will be a heated one between Clinton and Obama.
The theme of the day must be sympathy because mine goes out to Edwards as well as Clinton. If you'll recall, it was actually Edwards who was the biggest mudslinger a few months back but that was getting him nowhere. Since then, he switched strategies and has been encouraging a unified Democratic front. The new strategy has...also been getting him nowhere.
Maybe we'll see a third strategy from Edwards as the race continues.
There have been only two times in Hillary Clinton's life where she has been legitimately worthy of my sympathy.
One of those times should be obvious. The other is now.
After her recent loss to Barack Obama in South Carolina, Clinton's campaign received another devastating blow when Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, a Clinton FAMILY FRIEND, decided to publicly announce his backing of her rival.
Talk about awkward moments: Only a few hours after the highly publicized Kennedy endorsement, the dysfunctional love triangle was on display at the State of the Union address in Washington. Did you see that picture? Clinton looks like the hurt ex trying to appear strong while Obama won't even look at her. The poor woman in the middle of the Kennedy/Clinton handshake looking very uncomfortable probably wishes she would have chosen a different seat.
Meanwhile, John Edwards just keeps truckin' along with his less than 20 percent popularity. I read that Edwards knows his chances of winning are small but will not drop out of the race and could essentially turn his campaign into one massive vote at the end for the man (or woman) he endorses. It appears as though it could be a real possibility - the fight for democratic delegates will be a heated one between Clinton and Obama.
The theme of the day must be sympathy because mine goes out to Edwards as well as Clinton. If you'll recall, it was actually Edwards who was the biggest mudslinger a few months back but that was getting him nowhere. Since then, he switched strategies and has been encouraging a unified Democratic front. The new strategy has...also been getting him nowhere.
Maybe we'll see a third strategy from Edwards as the race continues.
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