Caucus Update: High Turnout in Douglas County
Feb 09, 10:25 AM CST
Douglas County Democrats have turned out in droves for the state’s first ever Presidential caucus.
At Westside High School in Omaha, more people showed than the facility allows. Thus, some brave Democrats are caucusing outside as we speak to allow their voices to be heard.
More updates as they come in…
Here are some pictures of the crowd at LD 8 in Omaha
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— Jeff K Feb 09, 10:34 AM CST #
Gravel 08
— Brian Feb 09, 10:37 AM CST #
— Mark Feb 09, 10:53 AM CST #
— Thomas Hamblen Feb 09, 10:56 AM CST #
— John R Feb 09, 11:04 AM CST #
— Aaron H. Feb 09, 11:04 AM CST #
Anyone here voted yet in there caucus?
Gravel 08
— Brian Feb 09, 11:06 AM CST #
You are factually incorrect. Obama was sworn in with the Holy Bible. See the following link at Factcheck.org:
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/sliming_obama.html
Quoting from the article:
“Swore on Koran? The e-mail says “when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran” – bunk yet again. Obama did not place his hand on the Koran when he was sworn into the U.S. Senate. This claim confuses Obama with the first and only Muslim member of Congress, Democratic House member Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Obama was sworn in using his own Bible, as widely reported in newspaper accounts and pictured above. That’s his wife holding the Bible with Vice President Dick Cheney swearing him in. (Under the Constitution, the vice president serves as president of the Senate.)”
— Korey Feb 09, 11:06 AM CST #
Obama was sworn in on a Bible by Vice President Dick Cheney.
— KThomas Feb 09, 11:08 AM CST #
— DEE Feb 09, 11:09 AM CST #
— Jeff K Feb 09, 11:13 AM CST #
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.
— Mike C. Feb 09, 11:13 AM CST #
All of us need to research the ISSUES and determine who is best suited to lead our country and clean up the mess the current administration will leave behind. But most importantly, we need to stop being blindsided by the spin from the mainstream media and the lies sent through the internet.
— Kari Feb 09, 11:18 AM CST #
— Ben Feb 09, 11:21 AM CST #
— atommonkey Feb 09, 11:23 AM CST #
— Jeff K Feb 09, 11:24 AM CST #
— Democrat for Change Feb 09, 11:27 AM CST #
We need to help education one another.
— KThomas Feb 09, 11:28 AM CST #
— Democrat for Change Feb 09, 11:33 AM CST #
My choice is simple. Hillary, because if I were having brain surgery, wouldn’t I want the one who has already proven experienced? Or would I want someone who thinks he can? It’s a no brain er.
— Rose Hann Feb 09, 11:34 AM CST #
— atommonkey Feb 09, 11:38 AM CST #
— Democrat for Change Feb 09, 11:39 AM CST #
I do agree however, that the Super delegates need to be the voice of the people, and support whoever we choose for the nomination.
— Kari Feb 09, 11:40 AM CST #
“Disenfranchisement” should be claimed only when there is credible evidence… so that it doesn’t become the boy who cried wolf.
— Marie Feb 09, 11:46 AM CST #
— Lisa Hannah Feb 09, 11:46 AM CST #
— atommonkey Feb 09, 11:51 AM CST #
— atommonkey Feb 09, 11:52 AM CST #
That’s my point they are fractured with McCain. They will come together if Hillary gets out nod. “Red Herring” no, quite the contrary. IMO
— atommonkey Feb 09, 11:56 AM CST #
Thank you.
— Eric Fought Feb 09, 12:10 PM CST #
— Harrison Feb 09, 12:11 PM CST #
— Eric Fought Feb 09, 12:12 PM CST #
— Dave Sund Feb 09, 12:12 PM CST #
— May Feb 09, 12:16 PM CST #
— brent Feb 09, 12:19 PM CST #
When did facts become spin? The fact is the polls all show Obama ahead and Hillary behind McCain. The fact is Republicans can’t stand Hillary.
MY Opinion is Hillary will lose to McCain but Obama will beat McCain & the polls back that opinion up. I realize polls ebb and flow but the Republicans hatred for Hillary never waivers.
But if she wins I’ll vote for her. Unless the super delegates swing things into her favor.
— atommonkey Feb 09, 12:22 PM CST #
What we need to be asking our Republican neighbors is this, “How much influence will Lee Terry, Jeff Fortenberry, Adrian Smith or Mike Johanns have in the next Congress when the House, the Senate and the White House are all controlled by Democrats?
I believe they would be better served by electing Democrats to represent them.
— Brian T. Osborn Feb 09, 12:28 PM CST #
— marisa Feb 09, 12:38 PM CST #
— Dave Sund Feb 09, 12:48 PM CST #
— Democrat supporter Feb 09, 12:49 PM CST #
— MLH Feb 09, 12:50 PM CST #
— Don Kuhns Feb 09, 12:54 PM CST #
— Hans Feb 09, 01:01 PM CST #
There were robo calls made to voters in north Omaha and several tv shows on channel22 for the north o viewing audience.
There were also several informationals at north high about the caucus process. The first one on sat jan12 and then every staurday after that until Last sat feb2.
No one intentionally dis enfranchised anyones vote.
— Robin Feb 09, 01:31 PM CST #
— Ona Williams Feb 09, 01:36 PM CST #
— ed taylor Feb 09, 01:40 PM CST #
— ed taylor Feb 09, 01:42 PM CST #
— Carrie Feb 09, 01:43 PM CST #
I’ll certainly be watching the progress tonight, regardless.
— Joey Feb 09, 01:46 PM CST #
— Randy Feb 09, 01:50 PM CST #
Douglas County Democrats need to push for changes in these caucuses for future events!!!
— Corey W Feb 09, 01:54 PM CST #
— Charles Feb 09, 01:55 PM CST #
a man who thought America loved him but received minimal votes. Some of you may have written Senator Clinton off, but I think that is too bad, when you vote for someone you should not just vote for the popular movement of change, but instead vote for someone who stands up for American values, and I hope people vote based on the policies and ideas/solutions a candidate has and not just on talk. It is not always easy to make change, and we all want change. Senator Clinton is the ticket, she has both experience and ideas. And I ask that before you decide to discriminate against Clinton, you get your facts straight. The polls don’t mean a thing. Honestly, if you actually have looked at Senator Clinton’s Senate work you would know that she has a proven history of bipartisanship. She is not as polarizing as the media says, how do you act as a woman leaderpeople don’t want too soft of a character, but then if someone is too cold they are not likedhow is she suppose to present herself then? I would construct anyone who thinks Hillary is polarizing, you are fooled then. She has worked with the most conservative senator in South Carolina, Senator Grams (spelling?) and she has worked on expanding electronic medical records with Newt Gingrich. Yeah, any Republican who knows a candidate well like Clinton is going to anger the Republicans, no one really knows Obama, he has no history so they can’t find anything to pin him with. Hillary started out as a children’s defense court advocate and was well known as a mature figure who was never radical; someone who brought professors and students together, as the president of Wellsley Collge during the 60’s-ask someone who knows her instead of the media. Thanks. Obama is great though and I think he presents a good message, so I wish him the best and think he would be a great VP. But I disagree with any of you who says Hillary would lose against the Republicans, I don’t think so. She is a very, very strong-willed person who is a “work horse” she will work for the people and even that radical conservative, crazy gal Ann Coulter said she would support Hillary over McCain, so I guess I beg to differ. Many of the Republicans find her to be intelligent and they think she is a viable candidate, they just don’t stand on the same page with her on policy stances, but they don’t hate her (the media just wants people to think they do). The American Nurses Association does not just endorse anyone, so remember that organization represents the people and not just hollywood!!— Laura Feb 09, 01:59 PM CST #
That because she knows a lot of politicians she has experience.
People don’t confuse your Clintons.
Bill has experience not Hillary.
Did you know that when Bill Clinton was govenor of Arkansas he losed his first re-election due to Hillary. She did not use his name at that time. Only after a poll was taken and it was know that was a main reason the older women didn’t vote for Clinton did she add his name as a hyphen to hers.
Everything Senator Clinton does is staged and not honest. I don’t get any warmth from her and I don’t feel she has Americas interest at heart. In my humble opinion for her it’s a power thing. Bragging rights, if she wins the bid and I hope she does not I will support her but I prefer Obama. My hope for us in this election is to be honest with ourselves remember Senator Clinton is running for president not ex-president William Clinton.
— Ona Williams Feb 09, 02:00 PM CST #
Since the republicans did not join us in this effort using regular polling places was out of the question.
Democracy is never neat and often messy. We did the best we could not to disenfranchise people and to fianlly give democrats the chance to actually decided who our nominee will be.
I think we did a damn fine job! Remeber folks this effort was to finally gve Nebraskans a say something the republicans didn’t feel necessary.
— Robin Feb 09, 02:02 PM CST #
I am reall disappointed in Douglas County only having 15 sites, especially when you read in the Omaha World Herald that Lancaster County has over 50.
— Corey W Feb 09, 02:08 PM CST #
— Matt Mason Feb 09, 02:10 PM CST #
— Aaron H. Feb 09, 02:11 PM CST #
I hear everyones concerns about LD vs Precints and the facts are that if Doulgas county and caucused by precint we would have had over 300 loactions a logisticall nightmare and financially impossible.
Since the republicans did not join us in this effort using regular polling places was out of the question.
Democracy is never neat and often messy. We did the best we could not to disenfranchise people and to fianlly give democrats the chance to actually decided who our nominee will be.
I think we did a damn fine job! Remeber folks this effort was to finally gve Nebraskans a say something the republicans didn’t feel necessary
— Robin Feb 09, 02:15 PM CST #
— Bill J Feb 09, 02:18 PM CST #
Really you need to get a clue. This process will have to work this year, its over now. People were excited because it was new and everyone was willing to give it a shot. But after the cluster f**k of a caucus in Douglas County today, you have negated any positives that people had about this process.
— Corey W Feb 09, 02:20 PM CST #
— Matt Mason Feb 09, 02:21 PM CST #
I not sure what Caucus you attended but part of the process is to come and stay if people wanted to just fill out a ballott then it would have been a primary which we had no auhtority to do.
This process is new to everyone in Nebraska. Doulgas county did the best it could given the logistical process of oranginzing and financing over 300 precints.
We are the largest county in the state. It is easy for smaller counties to organize at the precint level.
I will say again that I am proud of the efforts put forth by all of our volunteers and apologize for any inconvenience that voters experienced but for the first time since LBJ Nebraska voters were able to actually have a say in who the nominee will be for President!
HOw is pointing out that Nebraskans have a say negating the positives of the caucus?
— Robin Feb 09, 02:36 PM CST #
In the early ‘70s, I watched classmates and upper-classmates from High School get sent to VietNam at 18 years of age. They (we, as a generation) were being sent to fight and die in a strange country with no say in who the politicians would be who made the decisions to declare war. In 1972, our voices were finally heard by our parents; our parents who had watched us – their children – being sent off to fight and die for a lost cause: as of 1973, 18-20 year-old Americans have the duty (you heard me right!) to vote. In May of 1973, I celebrated my 18th birthday; I have not missed voting in any election since then.
Today, I participated in my first political caucus. Today, we witness the first serious and viable opportunity to elect a President who would not be a “white” male. Two Americans are making History by running for President from what has, historically, been considered “minority” status. Today, one of the Great American Dreams is being realized: Anyone can grow up in this Country and aspire to become President.
I attended the Buffalo County Caucus so I could witness the American Election Process firsthand in a new and different manner than I have ever had the opportunity and privilege to do.
Today, not only was my voice heard by way of a checkbox on a card; or a punched hole (chad) on a card; or a switch being flipped and a lever being pulled inside a closed booth.
Today, my voice was heard and I am proud to say that I was a part of History being made for the second time in my life.
Today, mine was one of over 300 voices for Senator Obama; today my voice was heard over the fewer than 200 voices for Senator Clinton.
BOTH fine candidates!
BOTH are candidates fro change!
I have my reasons for choosing Senator Obama over Senator Clinton; and those reasons have absolutely nothing to do with gender, race, or “experience” – which refers not to the White House, but to U.S. Government experience.
Remember: JFK was a junior Senator in 1960.
I have my reasons for choosing Senator Obama; others have their reasons for choosing the preferred candidate. The beauty of the American Election Process is that, wheneach of us does our DUTY, each of us is heard.
Today, I set out to witness something Historical in Nebraska; I returned home hoping to be selected as a Delegate to the County, State, and National Conventions!
My father came to the United States from Czechoslovakia in 1923; I have never needed a reason to consider myself a Patriot; I have never needed a reason to proudly and properly fly the American Flag.
Today, I have found a reason to do more than simply vote.
Today, I decided to do what I could not understand 35 years ago.
Today, I decided I want to be a part of History!
— Michael L. Hoenig Feb 09, 02:39 PM CST #
— Andy Feb 09, 02:39 PM CST #
1.After 9/11, she worked diligently to secure funds to recover and rebuild. She fought to provide compensation to families of the victims, small businesses and front line workers at Ground Zero and improve homeland security.
2.In her work on the Senate Armed Services Committee, she has been working to see that our military has the necessary resources. She has visited Iraq and Afghanistan to learn first hand the challenges our combat forces are facing.
3.Hillary passed legislation to track the health status of our troops so that conditions like Gulf War Syndrome would not be misdiagnosed.
4.She is an original sponsor of legislation to expand health benefits to members of the National Guard and Reserves.
5.She has introduced legislation to tie the Congressional salary increases to increases in the minimum wage.
6.She has supported a variety of middle-class tax cuts: marriage penalty tax, property tax relief, reduction of the Alternative Minimum Tax
7.She passed legislation to create jobs in struggling communities through the Renewal Communities program.
8.She has championed legislation to bring broadband internet access to rural America which helps support the economic growth of the community.
9.She continues to strengthen the Children’s Health Insurance Program which she developed to help low income and working families.
10.She has authored legislation that has been enacted to improve the quality and lower the cost of prescription drugs.
11.She has sponsored legislation in the global fight against HIV/AIDS
12.She has passed legislation that will bring more qualified teachers into the classroom
13.She is one of the original sponsors of the Prevention First Act to increase access to family planning.
14.She introduced the Count Every Vote Act in 2005
I could go on, but suffice it to say, Hillary’s hard work has touched all of our lives.
Thank you, Hillary
— Rochelle Inman Feb 09, 02:39 PM CST #
— Molly Feb 09, 02:40 PM CST #
Things were a little uncertain as we had a 20-year-old college student run our mini-caucus, but the main coordinator at our building came in and gave us a rundown of what would happen and it was very civil.
The room was full of whites, blacks, old, young, men and women. It was a great mix of people, it was run very smoothly and we were all glad to have been able to participate.
I’m sorry that others at other locations encountered problems and didn’t have the positive experience that we had at our location. I agree that there was some poor planning as to number of locations and what to do in case of overflow or, in most cases, extreme overflow.
However, let’s keep in mind that at least we get to participate in our political process. There are many who would give anything to have the rights and the freedoms that we do.
— Robert F Feb 09, 02:42 PM CST #
— Chris Parmley Feb 09, 02:43 PM CST #
— Brad Feb 09, 02:51 PM CST #
The way these caucuses were held, mainly because of the overcrowding, they ended up esentially being a check the box primary. People were not allowed to have a voice, esentally because if everyone talked it would have became a even bigger mess. Although several like myself stayed, many did not, they filled out the blue form and left the madness.
— Corey W Feb 09, 02:52 PM CST #
— Danica Feb 09, 02:53 PM CST #
— Gene W Feb 09, 02:54 PM CST #
attitudes. Can we forget about bibles, Ted Kennedy’s purported alcoholism, and the rest of the small minded crap and just get a Democrat into the White House? Please! If you want McCain in there, continue talking like you have been. I agree with C. Parmley, and I would like to once again live in the United States, not the Divided States, of America.
— Daniel Feb 09, 02:55 PM CST #
— Matt Mason Feb 09, 02:58 PM CST #
— Gene W Feb 09, 02:59 PM CST #
My purpose for informing anyone who cares about the ANA endorsement was not to tout any endorsements, but rather to encourage democrats to vote on the ISSUES, not on who can inspire or “unite”.
As far as Ted Kennedy’s endorsement…... he and John Kerry are two of the most liberal members of the senate. Their endorsement is meaningless to me, other than to make me question why they chose to endorse Barack.
If Obama gets the nomination, I will support him, campaign for him, and vote for him. At this point, after researching the issues, examining both candidates voting record, and listening to their speeches, I am supporting Hillary.
— Kari Feb 09, 03:05 PM CST #
— Darla Feb 09, 03:12 PM CST #
— Alan Feb 09, 03:12 PM CST #
I am not trying to be rude. I worked on the caucus proess here. We ran our caucus close to Iowas.
There was only supposed to be one speaker for each candidate. If that did not happen my apologies but if we gave the mike to everyone that wanted to speak we have never gotten through the process. Iowa doesn’t allow everyone to speak. It would logistically be a nightmare.
I am not cherry picking comments. I just want people to know that We did everything humanly possible to make this a good experience for everyone and most people thought that it was.
I am sure that after this is over all captains and volunteers will get together and bebrief so that next time the process runs smoothly.
I believe I have been civil in my post. IF I have not My apologies but as someone who worked on the caucus I would appreciate the same civility that I am extending.
My post are not to emabarss but to give some historical information as to why and how decisions were made.
— Robin Feb 09, 03:12 PM CST #
— Edith K. Feb 09, 03:14 PM CST #
— Chris Parmley Feb 09, 03:16 PM CST #
Malcolm
— Malcolm Feb 09, 03:20 PM CST #
— Jessica S. Feb 09, 03:20 PM CST #
Thanks for informing me about the ANA’s process. It sounds like an interesting way to hear all of the candidates’ thoughts. I can honestly say that I did not know about this and I apologize for insinuating that the ANA simply sent out a checklist as many organizations do. Good for you all (assuming you are a part of ANA) for forcing the candidates to put some thought into their plans for health care. All of this being said, I would still encourage everyone out there who hasn’t caucused yet to research both candidates and try to make the decision that best suits your self, and have fun doing it – it really was a good time today.
— Andy Feb 09, 03:22 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 03:22 PM CST #
Once inside the school, they lined people up through most of the halls so everyone could funnel into the same hall with the name-check and voter registration tables. Quite a bottleneck.
Apparently the plan was to fit the 400-500 expected in the cafeteria, as a basketball game was still going in the gym. As it was, they put three legislative districts in the gym, with the seating filled and a lot of people on the court.
Whether any formal persuading was going on, I don’t know, as we made it to the gym just before they started taking the registration forms with preference marked. People cleared out pretty quickly after that.
So, yeah, many more sites are needed for a repeat of this kind of thing. I have no gripe with anyone organizing this, except for those who so vastly underestimated how stoked Nebraska Democrats are this year.
Speaking just of Sarpy, one site for each district would have worked. As it was, I’m sure people who wanted to vote were dissauded by the logistics. But once they realized what they were dealing with, it was obvious the workers did a great job of dealing with a bad situation.
— Ray Walden Feb 09, 03:26 PM CST #
— Kari Feb 09, 03:28 PM CST #
— Jon Feb 09, 03:29 PM CST #
— ed taylor Feb 09, 03:31 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 03:31 PM CST #
For the record – I supported Obama, yet am saddened by the Hillary bashing. Why is it that she’s singled out as a power monger and no other candidate is???? She was my Senator in NY and an excellent one at that – no doubt that either has the credentials, and the will, to begin repairing the damage done by the Bush administration.
— Hillary Feb 09, 03:35 PM CST #
— Edith K. Feb 09, 03:40 PM CST #
— gchandler Feb 09, 03:47 PM CST #
— John A. Feb 09, 03:48 PM CST #
— ed taylor Feb 09, 03:49 PM CST #
— mike Feb 09, 03:52 PM CST #
too often the media focuses on what is popular and not always what is right. This association is America people, without nurses many of us would have an increased mortality rate, nurses do so much for patients and their families. Clinton is about family and I know Obama is too. But, the point of Ted Kennedy was not to taunt his alcoholism, nurses realize that is a problem and respect that. But, remember that the point is no one is perfect, but when it comes to endorsements just because you are in the family of someone famous does not mean you are a role model for our country. Nurses are role models and they are our everyday people. Thank you for reading this. I think Obama is great again, stands for so much too and in the end what matters most is our families and country. They both want the best for everyone! So vote for who really represents you. Lastly, if you are going to be fair to Hillary then don’t not vote for her because of Bill Clinton, she is not him and she is running to be the president-too many people are harped up on that excuse of power. So what if both Clintons want to help make a difference in the lives of others and our country. Debate her because of her views and not her husband. I don’t scrutinize Obama, so if you don’t like Hillary then don’t like her and keep your thoughts on whitewater, Bill,etc to yourself. You don’t know the truth and whitewater is not a fair argument, that is the past and if they were really wrong then they would have been in deep trouble for this. After all we all know the Clintons have made some mistakes, but move on please this is 2008 not 1990! And please just give her a chance. I will do the same for Obama. We need to unite our country! Thanks for your time.— Laura Feb 09, 03:55 PM CST #
— Colleen Feb 09, 03:57 PM CST #
— Ruth Feb 09, 04:01 PM CST #
After reading the problems at a lot of other caucus locations, I am GLAD I was where I was. There were just over 100 of us. We fit nicely in DC West HS gym, we were running ahead of schedule even!!!
There was lots of oppourtunities to actually caucus, I was uncommitted originally and it was very interesting hearing each camp give their arguements to appeal to us.
I think this was a great process, and we should do it every presidential election. In order for everyone to have a great experience, though, sounds like Douglas County definately needs more caucus locations!!
GO DEMS!!!!! (ok…I got a bit emotional hearing about all the people changing parties….never thought it would happen in Nebraska!!)
— Lisa Feb 09, 04:08 PM CST #
— John A. Feb 09, 04:10 PM CST #
— Ron Anderson Feb 09, 04:12 PM CST #
— Lana Feb 09, 04:16 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 04:22 PM CST #
— Lana Feb 09, 04:24 PM CST #
Again, it’s wonderful to see the excitement building for this presidential campaign after the past 8 years.
— Pam Feb 09, 04:25 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 04:27 PM CST #
— Lana Feb 09, 04:27 PM CST #
— Lana Feb 09, 04:29 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 04:31 PM CST #
— Lana Feb 09, 04:33 PM CST #
Will you two children pleased sit down and let the adults here speak?
— Michael L. Hoenig Feb 09, 04:35 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 04:37 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 04:38 PM CST #
— Lana Feb 09, 04:39 PM CST #
ya’ll are talking past each other. takes two to tango – let’s move on. sound like you’re both smart by different definitions. thanks for the chuckle.
— Hillary Feb 09, 04:40 PM CST #
Oh my god the sky is falling. I call you out for failing to make any sort of rational argument and the party is crumbling. Good Luck in the coming primaries.
— John Feb 09, 04:41 PM CST #
Please take the bickering off-blog; you stated your exit-poll position, Lana stated her position. If the two of you want to bicker, please don’t waste everyone else’s time.
— Michael L. Hoenig Feb 09, 04:41 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 04:41 PM CST #
— Hillary Feb 09, 04:44 PM CST #
— Diane Feb 09, 04:45 PM CST #
— Julie Feb 09, 04:50 PM CST #
John and Lana might well come out of their personal spat here with the idea that whomever the other supports must be scum, so it will be better to vote Republican if that person’s candidate wins the nomination. I hope, as educated people, they can resist this natural but dangerous tendency.
My college roommate in the mid-70s described how he became a Republican (which was extremely rare in our circle). At about age 9 in an Omaha suburb, he and his friends decided to divvy up pretty much randomly to support either Johnson or Goldwater, none of them actually knowing anything about the candidates or politics. He said the rivalry turned nasty with insults and dirtclod fights and physical attacks. This very smart young man recalled how, as a “Goldwater supporter,” he developed intense hatred of his rivals and even then was determined never to vote for a Democrat.
— Ray Walden Feb 09, 04:52 PM CST #
— Sandy Feb 09, 04:53 PM CST #
I was – and am! – utterly thrilled to have seen so many 18-21 year old people at the Buffalo County Caucus. I sincerely hope they maintain their political enthusiasm throughout their lives; it’s all too easy at that age to become jaded and/or simply uninterested in the political arena when events go against their desires.
When the fallout is as severe as that which ShrubCo has afforded the world, the enthusiasm is based on total revulsion; when the issues are more mundane, far too many people – of all ages – tend to become apathetic.
Please, all you young folk, do not forfeit that which I and my peers fought so hard to win: Voting is not a Right; it is a Duty. Like Jury Duty, the results we get are based on those who CARE enough to do what they know they must.
Many of you are too young to recall the devastating election in Louisiana several years ago; a man by the name of David Duke managed to get elected Governor on the apathy of the Democratic and Republican voters. I leave this short history lesson’s details to those of you who care enough. Google is a nifty tool…
— Michael L. Hoenig Feb 09, 04:55 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 04:57 PM CST #
— Jim in St. Louis Feb 09, 05:00 PM CST #
— John Feb 09, 05:01 PM CST #
Enormous turn outs along with outstanding candidates? What fine problems to have people.
So revel in this moment – we waited 8 long years for it.
And please, no more helping out Ann Coulter with some of these attacks – Cooperation is the only thing that can turn Nebraska Blue!
— Lori Feb 09, 05:08 PM CST #
— Lana Feb 09, 05:19 PM CST #
It’s not who votes or for whom, ultimately it’s who count’s the votes> I would lkike to know when the decision was made to el;iminate MY VOTE in the PRIMARY. Voting consists of a highly regulated Lawful process, not an arbitrary head count. SHAME ON THE DNC & the DNC NEbraska! Lawsuit forthcoming!
— PATRICK Feb 09, 05:32 PM CST #
Kate H
— KATE H Feb 09, 05:44 PM CST #
— Karen Feb 09, 05:46 PM CST #
— Dave Feb 09, 05:46 PM CST #
Mr. Hamblen’s comments represent old school thought that do not reflect the beliefs of Senator Clinton nor all of her supporters.
— Dora Feb 09, 05:53 PM CST #
— Hillary Feb 09, 05:54 PM CST #
— Hillary Feb 09, 05:56 PM CST #
Thinking of yourself is a Republican idea. Thinking for the better of everyone is Democracy.
— Joey Feb 09, 05:56 PM CST #
Second, I could never understand why the two parties could not get along. Granted, we all have our own opinions and beliefs, but we must work together to run a successful nation. After reading other people’s comments on this page, I now see why. We cannot even get along with each other! I do not care who we support, as long as it is a democratic candidate who is qualified and in my opinion, Senator Obama and Senator Clinton both are. We ALL need to work together to make a positive (and much needed) change!
— Alexandra Feb 09, 06:00 PM CST #
But there are plenty of important races that will be on the ballot in May, and I urge everyone to go out and vote in that election.
— Dave Sund Feb 09, 06:02 PM CST #
— Dave Feb 09, 06:04 PM CST #
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-superdel9feb09,1,3356495.story
It appears that some of the super delegates themselves are concerned about their “privileged” position.
— Hillary Feb 09, 06:15 PM CST #
— JEAN Feb 09, 06:22 PM CST #
Are you getting these results somewhere on the internet, because I am interested in seeing them, as probably are many.
— Joey Feb 09, 06:24 PM CST #
— JEAN Feb 09, 06:26 PM CST #
— JEAN Feb 09, 06:26 PM CST #
Thanks
— Joey Feb 09, 06:28 PM CST #
— Lisa Feb 09, 06:29 PM CST #
Obama won Buffalo County by a count of approximately 315 to 190.
My numbers are unofficial approximations, but they will be confirmed once the official results are released.
I am not a spokesperson for the Buffalo County Democratic Party, nor any other organization; so I will not reveal the actual numbers which were given to us this afternoon by the Party Reps; that’s not my privilege.
But it was FANTASTIC to have been a part of it all, and I would feel this way still, had Hillary won here.
— Michael L. Hoenig Feb 09, 06:30 PM CST #
— JEAN Feb 09, 06:32 PM CST #
— Meredith Feb 09, 06:32 PM CST #
Anyway, there were almost 1400 in attendance in LD9, Douglas county. Simply amazing.
— Tom Feb 09, 06:39 PM CST #
Preliminary caucus results favor Obama
Barack Obama won 76 percent support today from caucusgoers in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.
The Omaha-based district includes Douglas County and almost all of Sarpy County.
In unofficial results announced by the Douglas County Democratic Party, Obama won 12,252 votes in the 2nd District to 3,709 for Hillary Clinton.
Statewide results will be announced later tonight by the Nebraska Democratic Party.
— CRAIG Feb 09, 06:42 PM CST #
— Hillary Feb 09, 06:44 PM CST #
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
— JEAN Feb 09, 06:50 PM CST #
— Aaron Feb 09, 06:54 PM CST #
— smz Feb 09, 07:01 PM CST #
— JEAN Feb 09, 07:10 PM CST #
— Aaron H Feb 09, 07:37 PM CST #
— Suzy Feb 09, 07:37 PM CST #
— Lisa Feb 09, 08:14 PM CST #
GOD BLESS YOU LISA. And i hope your eve. is much better.
— JEAN Feb 09, 08:39 PM CST #
Democrats are voting more than Republicans nationally!
Remember to vote in November!
Disbelieve the polls is healthy too. Participation beats polling!
Good job not voting like Oklahoma!
— Marks Feb 09, 08:39 PM CST #
caucuses and the primary this SAT. IN THE U.S.A…......GO OBAMA…. GOD,S SPEED
— JEAN Feb 09, 09:18 PM CST #
Next, I am so impressed with the blasting of stereotypes heaped upon us by the National Punditry. Older white woman standing in line for Obama, young fresh faced black people standing up for Clinton. IN NEBRASKA. Thank you for helping me discover a new found faith in the hope for a civilized Nebraska. I voted in a ethnically diverse district and was so happy to see people of all races, ages and creeds standing side by side to support the candidate that shared their convictions. OUTSTANDING!
Third, let’s stop bashing Democrats and start supporting candidates that share our generally unified principle of lifting all people through active and effective government. Previous bigoted & ignorant postings I will exclude because I wouldn’t lower myself to assign a gender, race or age to any one of them and therefore refuse to give them any credibility.
I went into my precinct undecided with an open mind and left feeling that my vote (candidate notwithstanding) helped begin bringing much needed change to our State and our Country! What a day.
P.S. Blaming the party for the locations and overflow is so misplaced because my understanding is that these locations were selected months ago based on previous voting roles. As most of you know, voting in Democratic primaries has been largely a waste of time in this state for the last 20 years, so those voter rolls were bound to be inaccurate. With 2 excellent candidates that have the potential to elevate our country back into International respect, even Republican friends of mine were eager to participate in this caucus (& did!) Hurrah for Democracy and the Dems!
Omaha Joe
— Omaha Joe Feb 09, 09:30 PM CST #
Your request for the history of the Superdelegate is granted:
From the texasliberal.wordpress.com website:
According to Congressional Quarterly’s Guide To U.S. Elections—
“This reform had two main goals. First Democratic leaders would participate in the nomination decision at the convention. Second, they wanted to ensure that these uncommitted party leaders could play a major role in selecting the presidential nominees if no candidate was a clear front-runner.”
Isn’t is great that Democratic party leaders had to be given a free pass instead of earning a place to take an active part in the nominating process?
The superdelegate idea was in in many ways a roundabout response to a process set in motion by liberal party activists who felt shut out at the 1968 Democratic convnetion in Chicago. Hubert Humphrey in 1968 was the last major party nominee to win the nomination without entering most of the primaries.
A commission was set up led by Senator George McGovern that led to an opening of the process and to more primaries. This openness was the trend in the 1972 and 1976 nominating races for the Democrats and Senator McGovern benefited from these new rules in his own successful 1972 nomination bid.
For 1984, the party leadership reasserted some authority with superdelegates. It was a “reform” that was really a step backwards.
Superdelegates in 2008 are Democratic members of the House and Senate, Democratic Governors, and members of the Democratic National Committee. Al Gore and Bill Clinton are also superdelegates.
There are approximately 800 superdelegates of the 2125 delegates needed to win the nomination.
In 1984, four of five superdelegates supported Walter Mondale (photo below) over Gary Hart. This despite the fact Vice President Mondale won 37.8% of all primary votes in 1984 against the 36.1% won by Senator Hart. The party establishment was beyond Mr. Mondale regardless of how people were voting in the primaries.
(redacted)
Hope this helps people understand the history of this process. I agree that Hillary didn’t create it and shouldn’t be held accountable for any perceived unfairness. I DO hope that the Democratic party will revisit this issue before the next election and make some much needed adjustments (i.e. allowing only elected officials to be designated as Superdelegates so that they at least feel accountable for their choice).
Omaha Joe
— Omaha Joe Feb 09, 09:40 PM CST #
— Lisa Feb 09, 09:41 PM CST #
—-
2nd point; please people -hang together and stop the personal attacks on other. I’ll vote for either of these two brilliant leaders -again we are fortunate. Lets all take the Clinton vs Obama challenge; Disagree respectfully and don’t knock each other out before we get to the general election.
—-
Last; I do support Hillary, and I think that the argument that she can’t be elected is a smoke screen and smacks of gender biasm/sexism against uppity women. I admire her for taking her position as 1st lady to work on legislation such as healthcare. People hate her for wrong (sexist?) reasons. Yes there are Hillary haters, and if you are one I say examine your consciense – why really? We know there are racists in this country who hate Obama. We know there are Republicans who hate McKain. Perhaps they cancel each other out. To say one candidate is more unifying than another ignores a lot of this.
Also, on the experience issue, to ignore Hilary’s time “in office with Bill” overlooks much of the work she did, knowledge she gained and foreign affairs exposure she has. In my mind she is easily more qualified than any candidate out there. More importantly, I think she’s the ONLY candidate that has the smarts and experience to get us out of this mess. She didn’t win in NE today, but I hope she does win the whole election.
— Marie Feb 09, 11:54 PM CST #
— Judie Feb 10, 06:26 AM CST #
Lancaster had dozens of locations and I hear things went well. It’s an organizational question that needs to be seriously addressed if the Nebraska Democratic party is actually going to take this momentum and not squander it. The workers saved the day where the leadership faltered badly.
— Matt Mason Feb 10, 08:53 AM CST #
— Tracey Feb 10, 09:05 AM CST #
— Michael L. Hoenig Feb 10, 09:15 AM CST #
The situation is similar to going to a wedding party where they run out of food. When you are throwing a party, it is common sense to over prepare, because you can always send the guests home with leftovers, but it is worst case scenario if you run out before everyone eats.
Ofcourse, the ‘half full’ crowd will look on the bright side and say, well we are blessed to have this many friends. While this may be true, you have to realize that you just made a fool of yourself by insulting your honored guests with your lack of preparation. (i.e. How can I trust you to manage a war or a budget when you make gramma walk hald a mile on the ice to vote for you?)
As I made the four block hike from where I had to park my car to Ralston Middle school I almost slipped on the ice several times. I felt very concerned for any elderly folks who might have had to deal with the same dangers. How much worse for the folks at other places where they even had to wait outside.
Yes it is great that so may people chose to participate in the caucus. We have two great candidates, and thanks in large part to George Bush we have a situation where the overwelming mass of the electorate feel a change in direction is now an urgent need. The turnout should have been anticipated, and I hope the local party officials take note.
As for the back and forth going on between supporters of the two candidates, I pray that when the dust settles we still have enough common ground to bring about the changes that we are all hoping to see.
In the bigger picture, this can’t be about one or the other side winning while the other loses. We need to think in terms of how can we all win, together. That is what the American dream is all about. Liberty and justice for all. We may never fully realize the ideal, but I’m sure we can get a heck of a lot closer than we are now. As JFK challenged us to do, let’s begin.
— Chris Parmley Feb 10, 12:18 PM CST #
I volunteered at Monroe and the turnout was incredible. Thank you to all of the caucus-goers for being so patient and for helping make Nebraska’s first caucus a success!
— Megan Feb 10, 12:31 PM CST #
As one of the volunteers who helped organize things, Ralston Middle School was hardly our first choice. Ralston High School was unavailable on Saturday, and parking was further frustrated by the fact that St. Gerald’s down the street was having youth basketball games Saturday morning. Given the amazing turnout and the fact that we were still able to keep our more than 700 participants in one room, I think things went very well!
— Trevor Fitzgerald Feb 10, 12:41 PM CST #
Cash on hand is the best tool to fight the Republican Disinformation Machine.
— Steve Hollister Feb 10, 02:15 PM CST #
The fact remains that no matter what the good intentions or heroic efforts of the volunteers were, the ability to prepare, and appearance of being prepared (or not) does reflect upon the party as a whole to those who participate. That impression is very important in this case because many voters were registering as Democrats in Nebraska for the first time.
I think that most of the people who took the time to offer feedback would hope for some acknowledgement from the planners that their suggestions have been heard and attempts will be made in the future to improve on the process. It is not that volunteers don’t deserve a ‘pat on the back’, but those who point out a valid concern deserve a more concerned response than this is as good as it gets.
Perhaps, as some suggested, meeting in more than 15 locations county wide? Didn’t more than 700 people vote for Steve Lathrop in the last election? If so, it is not unrealistic to forsee that at least that many people from Steve’s district would show up to vote for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. There are some lessons that should be learned here, that is what I hear many previous posters saying, and I would hope most planners can agree that the process can be improved in the future.
But your point is well taken, things did go fairly well, and you and your fellow volunteers deserve a big thank you from the community for your involvement. You did do a great job at Ralston, as I’m sure other volunteers around the county did as well. Thank you
— Chris Parmley Feb 10, 02:24 PM CST #
One thing we must all remember, though, is that we cannot allow the birthing pains to destroy the new system we have; we must strive to show the same turnout at all future caucuses. We cannot allow this to be our best showing. The system must be allowed to work; and that requires our participation.
— Michael L. Hoenig Feb 10, 04:14 PM CST #
— Liz Jones Feb 10, 05:38 PM CST #
— Matt Mason Feb 10, 05:42 PM CST #
71,572
Voter turnout for yesterday’s Nebraska caucus
38,670
Why are so many people talking about yesterday’s high voter turnout?
The caucus process disenfranchises the elderly, the handicapped, mothers that can’t find or afford babysitters, people that have to work while the caucus is taking place…
Not all change is good!
— Blu Feb 10, 06:06 PM CST #
— ben Feb 10, 09:09 PM CST #
I was unable to attend due to work, but my wife was among the 1000 plus jammed into the Beveridge School site. I was working at a debate tournament in Lincoln, and after receiving a call from my wife, we began to check to see numbers of sites provided for the Caucus. When we saw that Douglas County had exactly 14 sites while Lincoln alone had 40 plus, we couldn’t help but wonder what Democratic leaders in Douglas County had been doing in making such woefully inadequate plans. It’s not as if one couldn’t have predicted a fairly high level of participation this year. Obama’s organization in Omaha has been working for a long time, with great success, and the building excitement about the Democratic race should have raised some concerns that perhaps a few more caucus places were needed.
Has anyone from the Douglas County Democratic leadership apologized yet for having such poor planning? Perhaps compared to the Sarpy County fiasco, Douglas County looks ok in its planning. But Omaha Democratic leadership needs to face it—they had an amazing opportunity to sign up new Democrats on Saturday (there was some success, I understand) which was squandered as hundreds, perhaps thousands of potential participants decided to turn around and drive away from alredy jammed cites.
— Fred Feb 10, 10:47 PM CST #
— Blu Feb 11, 06:37 AM CST #
— Hillary Feb 11, 04:29 PM CST #