02.13.08
Barack can seal the deal in Williamson County
It comes down to this. This blog for two years has been entirely dedicated to the exposure of Republican corruption, incompetence and cronyism at all levels of government. The growing number of readers who frequent our site share our vision for a something more from our government. In less than three weeks, Democrats in Williamson county have an opportunity to have their say in which Democrat will replace disgraced President George W. Bush on January 20, 2008. Our blog has weighed in on that decision, and endorsed Barack Obama.
Burnt Orange Report today has stated the case as lyrically and majestic as one of Obama’s orations:
Senator Obama’s message of hope and change has given all of us something to believe in. Voters are coming to the polls in record numbers not because there is an African-American on the ballot, or because there is a woman on the ballot, but because they see change on the ballot.
The change we desire is meaningful. Trading Republican lobbyists and insiders for Democratic lobbyists and insiders is not change. Putting “me” before “we” in a discussion about who can best lead the country is not change. For too long, Americans have sought out and voted for “leaders” who do little more than provide technical fixes to complex solutions. A technical change cannot heal our country.
The change we need must be adaptive. It must be a change that challenges Americans to look at the loyalties in our lives and, more importantly, the loyalties in the lives of those around us. It must be a change that looks into the hearts and minds of the American people, brings all the factions to the table, and helps us remember how to work together. It must be a change in how we define Presidential leadership.
The Obama campaign appreciated BOR’s endorsement so much, they linked to it from their front page. Obama’s message is resonating in Williamson county. Our county, along with Travis and Collin (Plano/Richardson), represent areas where Barack Obama can literally clinch the Democratic nomination.
The specifics of how this works out have been detailed elsewhere. The short version is that Hillary Clinton will trail Barack Obama in pledged delegates (the best measure of popular support) at the end of the primary season by 30 to 200 delegates. To have any chance at the nomination, Clinton must win Texas (and other states) by substantial margins. We’re talking 20 percent or more. Polling is spotty, but it is clear Clinton does have about a ten point lead right now statewide.
If Obama can prevent Clinton from doubling her current lead, Clinton will probably be looking at a deficit in pledged delegates in excess of 100 this summer. It is unconscionable that she would be willing to destroy the Democratic party by strongarming the superdelegates, a constituency that is currently providing her a 90-plus delegate margin, into handing her the nomination over the objection of a majority of Democrats who have voted for Obama.
Therefore, it all comes down to this. There is no way Clinton will win Texas with the margin she needs if she loses Williamson County. This is the battlefield. Now we turn our words into action.
Dozens of Democratic activists in Williamson county, perennial delegates to the state convention and folks getting politically active for the first time in their life have been organizing online, planning events and distributing signs in support of Barack Obama. Please join us.
“We are the change we’ve been waiting for.” — Barack Obama