NorCalUrban

A recent AP / Yahoo / Stanford University poll says it may. USA Today reports: WASHINGTON (AP) — Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks. The poll, conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 — about 2.5 percentage points. Statistical models derived from the poll suggest that Obama's support would be as much as 6 percentage points higher if there were no white racial prejudice. But in an election without precedent, it's hard to know if such models take into account all the possible factors at play. What do you think? Is race an issue in this election? Is the US ready for an African American president?

OK - so I'm just going to say it. I'm supporting Obama this year. I certainly have issues with each candidate's platform, but in the end I believe that Obama is better suited for the job, especially at this point in our nation's history.  My friend Stewart Hyland sent this to me that was a striking comparison of the candidates backgrounds. I felt that it underscored why I'm supporting Barak. I've heard some of my more conservative friends question Barak's qualifications and touted McCain's. This directly addresses those concerns and asks whether Obama is being discounted because of his race. Perhaps that is going to far, but It's still an interesting comparison.  What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review? What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class? What if Obama were a member of the Keating Five? What if McCain were a charismatic, eloquent speaker? What if McCain were still married to the f...

I'm sitting in my office listening to the Democratic National Convention. Whatever the politics, I think it's truly amazing that today, 45 years to the day after MLK's "I Have A Dream Speech" we now have our first African American major party presidential candidate. In a big way, 'the Dream' is being fulfilled.  I cannot help but stop and recognize the significance of this event. It really brings hope to many of the people I love and serve. 

Check this out this link! Samuel, his best friend Malik and other students at East Palo Alto Academy were interviewed on TV  where they were asked about their views on Obama.  The students has some interesting and revealing comments. With all the politics, it may be easy for some to overlook the significance and importance of the first truly viable African-American candidate for president. Obama's nomination to especially many young people in our community speaks volumes about who they are and what they can become. This is an exciting and important time in our history.  Please join me in praying for both our candidates, but especially Obama. I've felt impressed that I should pray specifically for his safety during the next months.  Follow the link and check out the interview! What about you? How significant do you feel is Obama's nomination?

Obama fan or not - this is a moving piece and shows off Obama's oratory skills. Whomever wins this November - this is a timeless message of hope and potential. For all my cynicism, I believe that in the middle of the mortgage meltdown, soaring gas prices and a seeminly endless war in Iraq and Afganistan, a message of hope and healing is important. Thanks to Will I. Am from the Black Eyed Peas for this... Q. What do you think? Is this the right message for today?

NY Times asks the question did Hillary concede? Here's what she had to say...

I enjoyed this article from Menlo Park Presbyterian's pastor John Ortberg on Christianity Today's website. John brings up some great points about the need for leaders to cast hope in the face of challenges. As I read and reflected on this article I thought about the Obama campaign and his current momentum. I've looked at the platforms of both candidates on the Democratic side specifically, I see little real difference between the candidates on the major issues. However, I feel a clearer message of hope coming from Obama more than Clinton and certainly more than McCain. I'm not trying to make a statement here on what candidate I endorse or oppose, I just sense a general optimistic spirit around Obama. I don't think it's an accident - especially when you consider the stellar team of speech writers Obama has including the young upstart, 27 year old Jon Favreau and the legendary Kennedy speech writer Ted Sorensen who is bent on resurrecting Camelot. It struck me ...

Saw this video on Obama's website. Interesting discussion. This video is somewhat long, but worth watching. I'm certainly happy there is some honest discussion on the separation of church and state and the role of the church in society and politics. What do you think of Obama? Check the video out here.