Political Pulse

Flaherty and Yoon Teaming Up in a Two For One Deal

2009-09-29T20:33:32Z

By Dan Massar
September 29, 2009

A historic alliance is shaking up the Mayoral race in Boston.

City Councilor Michael Flaherty is teaming up with former rival City Councilor Sam Yoon to take on Mayor Thomas Menino in the November 3 general election. Yoon will be running as Flaherty's Deputy Mayor. Flaherty has said he will appoint Yoon to the position if he wins the election. Boston has not had a Deputy Mayor in the past 25 years since Mayor Kevin H. White left office.

Tuesday morning Flaherty introduced Yoon at a press conference in front of supporters at City Hall Plaza. "Today I am inviting my friend and colleague Sam Yoon to help take Boston to the next level," said Faherty.

Yoon talked about what he thinks a Flaherty-Yoon team could do for Boston. "We can do more for this city than a fifth Menino administration could ever dream about," said Yoon. "I'm proud to be a part of this historic ticket."

Flaherty said the two city councilors had discussions over the course of the weekend that ultimately lead to the formation of this new political team. "It's two against one now," said Yoon.

Flaherty stressed the need for change in leadership in City Hall. "The city is stuck in neutral," said Flaherty. "The status quo is not acceptable."

Flaherty also pledged he would only serve two terms if he is elected. And he had a message to Menino who has called the joint ticket a gimmick. "The Mayor is the last person who should be giving any legal advice," said Flaherty.

Whether it's a gimmick or not, it certainly changes the race. Flaherty and Yoon both are prepared for a fight to the finish. "There's a real race for the Mayor of Boston," said Flaherty. "And it begins today."

Photo credit: Scott Jackson, WEBN News.

Associated Press Best Website 2009 and 2008

2009-04-04T15:58:10Z

PoliticalPulse.net has won the 2009 Associated Press College Award for Best Website. This is the second year in a row that the website has won, making it the only site to ever receive this honor. The award was presented at the AP-RTNDA regional Conference in Brookline on April 3, 2009.

Gregg Withdraws His Commerce Secretary Nomination

2009-02-17T23:41:54Z

By Valeria Villarroel Espinoza 02/12/2009

President Obama has received another blow to his cabinet selection. Republican Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, whom President Obama had picked as his Commerce Secretary, has withdrawn from the nomination. In a statement released Thursday, Senator Gregg cited "irresolvable conflicts," with the President on the stimulus package and the upcoming 2010 Census.

Senator Gregg would have been the third Republican to join the Obama Administration. The other two Republicans are Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. During a visit to Illinois, Mr. Obama said he was surprised by Gregg's withdrawal.

Senator Gregg is a fiscal conservative and had problems with the $787 billion price tag on the stimulus package being pushed through Congress. Tuesday Gregg did not vote in the Senate on the economic stimulus package.

In order to sell the stimulus package to the public, President Obama has had a series of campaign-style town hall meetings throughout the country in places hit the hardest by the economic downturn.

President Obama's original Commerce Secretary pick was New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. He withdrew in January amid questions surrounding a federal grand jury investigation. In another nomination withdrawal recently former Senator Tom Daschle took himself out of the running for Secretary of Human and Health Services. He is under scrutiny for tax issues.

Image Courtesy Executive Office of the President of the United States.

Geithner Finally Confirmed

2009-01-29T17:19:37Z

By Cassidy Quinn Brettler -- 1/27/09

President Barack Obama's cabinet has a new addition. Timothy F. Geithner was confirmed as Treasury Secretary today, after a long road to the vote.

Today, the Senate voted 60 to 34 in Geithner's favor, endorsing him as the best man for the job. However, this is a fairly close vote for a cabinet confirmation. Four Democrats voted against his confirmation, and ten Republicans voted in favor.

The voting process began the day after the Inauguration, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in D.C. The Senate Finance Committee held Geithner on trial, where he was grilled about his failure to pay nearly $43,000 in taxes, which he has now paid back. At the trial, senators from both parties predicted that Geithner would be confirmed.

And confirmed he was. Thanks to today's vote, the new presidential administration can finally begin its financial rescue plan. On Tuesday, Geithner is expected to announce new rules intended to curb the influence of lobbyists and special interests in determining who receives aid from the government, as his first move as Treasury Secretary.

Image Courtesy United States Treasury Department.

Frustration On Capitol Hill

2009-01-27T14:12:44Z

By Cassidy Quinn Brettler-- 1/21/09

Today, I met a lot of senators and representatives... Correction: I met a lot of the P.R. people for senators and representatives. Actually, I'll be honest - I met their secretaries.

My colleague Jeff Young and I were sent out on a mission to hunt down seven senators and three congressional members at the Capitol. Once we tracked them down, we were then supposed to ask each of them about a specific issue in America that relates to President Obama's recent inauguration, such as race relations, the Cuban embargo lift, and the closing of Guantanomo Bay.

However, our assignment proved to be much more difficult than we initially thought. After walking from the Metro stop in the 6 degree weather (although it was sunny outside, which made it look better at least) and going through security at the building's entrance, we found ourselves in the Russell Senate Office Building. We found the locations of all the senators' offices on a touch screen reader board in the lobby of the building. So, we began our quest of seeking out the senators in the Russell Building.

Our first task was to find Senator Ted Kennedy's office to see if his P.R. person had a statement about his health. The latest we had heard was that he was supposed to be released from the hospital at some point today, but we had not yet heard any updates. Kennedy's secretary was very nice, and called the P.R. person for us, but the P.R. person just told us that there was nothing to release at this time. So, we were told to keep calling back and we would eventually get more information when there was some to release.

So we moved onto the other senators in the same building: Mel Martinez and Jeff Sessions. We found it surprisingly easy to find their offices, but finding the actual senators was easier said than done. Their secretaries told us that the senators were very busy today because it was President Obama's first day in office, and that we could leave our business card and they would contact us if they had any time to meet with us later.

We then headed outside, and the next Senate Building we found was Dirksen, so we went in there in hopes of finding the new Illinois Senator Roland Burris to ask him about how race relations in America may change now that President Obama has been inaugurated. However, Senator Burris was, of course, busy at the time, and so was his P.R. person. So, we left his office and headed to the next building.

The next stop was the Hart Senate Office Building. Here we were hoping to find Senators Russ Feingold, Bill Nelson, and Harry Reid. We did end up being able to talk to Senator Feingold's P.R. person, but he told us that Feingold has a strict policy that only he talks to members of the press, so his P.R. person could not offer us any answers. Senators Nelson and Reid also, of course, turned out to be busy at the time, so they could not speak to us either.

We then visited the House Office Buildings, in search of William Delahunt, Jesse Jackson Jr., and Maxine Waters. Once again, all of them turned out to be busy, but, once again, I left a business card with them.

Throughout the long trek through the offices of the Capitol, we called Ted Kennedy's P.R. person back many times. However, he just kept telling us that he had no further information. Finally, when our cold faces were just about ready to give up, we dialed his number one last time. He told us that Senator Kennedy had been released from the hospital, and that his doctor had advised him to get a lot of rest.

So, in the end, our hunt for senators and congressmen was extremely unsuccessful - and cold. But, then again, a bunch of senators and congressional members' offices have my business card... So maybe that will come in handy some day?

Obama's New Era Of Peace

2009-01-27T14:04:06Z

By Kaitlyn Fox -- 1/20/09

In his first address as President of the United States, Barack Obama promised to use diplomacy to enforce the country's security. He recognized that although America is capable of building weapons and fighting wars, "our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please." He said that instead, "our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint." Mr. Obama believes that by building cooperative relationships with other countries, the United States can better prepare for common challenges and collaborate to find solutions.

With regards to the two wars America is currently fighting, President Obama pledged to remain in Afghanistan to forge a "hard-earned peace," while at the same time begin withdrawing American troops from Iraq. He also vowed to use a strong hand in the face of terror, stating that "for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." The President added that in spite of our diplomatic outreaches, Americans will refuse to apologize for our way of life and "will not waver in our defense" against terror.

He recalled in his speech that the successes of earlier generations were rooted in "sturdy alliances and enduring convictions" rather than "missiles and tanks." He stressed that the nation was founded on the principles of innate human rights and the ideals of faith and determination. President Obama stated that because of this, "we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass," and that America must play its part in ushering in a new era of peace through diplomacy. He then said the United States would offer its hand while the other countries would "unclench its fists."

Image Courtesy United States Army.

Katrina Victim Travels with Hope

2009-01-27T00:28:06Z

By Abbey Niezgoda-- 1/20/09

For many, Hurricane Katrina is on a list of mistakes made by the Bush administration. Criticism over the delayed rescue response and failed government action continues even today. For Martha Robins, the issue hits closer to home.

She is a resident of the lower ninth ward in New Orleans. It's an area that is frozen in time. Driving through her neighborhood, it looks like the hurricane had hit yesterday. Traveling to the inauguration with her daughter was not an easy task, but it was a trip she had to make.

"I'm living my parents' dream. I know they would have wanted to be here today. I had to do this for them and for everyone else we lost in Katrina," Robins said.

Her parents passed away during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The African-American family was torn apart by an event from which she claims the government failed to rescue them. Robins, who is a single parent, was fortunate enough to get out safely. She and her daughter have since returned to New Orleans.

Robins is mixed with tragic memories of the hurricane and hopeful dreams for a future led by President Barack Obama.

"We needed assistance then and we still need it now. I drove 18 hours because I had to see him to believe him. Now all I can do is hope," Robins said.

You're Welcome But You're Not Invited

2009-01-25T04:00:54Z

By Kailani Koenig-Muenster --1/20/09

If you're an average Joe, you're probably stuck with the mob this week.

It's deemed "the most public inauguration ever." The Presidential Inaugural Committee's website states that it "will organize an inclusive and accessible inauguration that reflects the new Administration's commitment to leadership that sets aside partisanship and unites the nation around our shared values and ideals.

But in reality only those with considerable connections or a lot of money could truly participate in the full inauguration festivities.

Congressmen and Senators gave out many tickets to the inauguration, but the best seats were provided to people who either knew big names or people who were willing to pay up to $8,000 a piece for a ticket.

While the public was allowed access to the National Mall during the inauguration, and while JumboTrons were set up to give an up-close look to spectators, many people were miles (literally) away. The sound from many of the screens was either minutes out-of-sync with the video or completely nonexistent. Tens of thousands more were unable to even get to the mall due to outrageously massive crowds surrounding the security checkpoints.

All of the official inaugural balls were also each "invite-only" and still most cost $150 to attend. The only ball that was open to a somewhat general public was the "Neighborhood Ball," which allowed some local residents of Washington, D.C.

While tickets to some of the other unofficial balls (a.k.a the ones the Obamas did not attend) were open to the public, prices ran from hundreds to thousands of dollars per person.

For a week that is supposed to abound with the theme equality, the whole scene in Washington has not changed and is still pretty unequal.

George W. Bush's Exit

2009-01-25T03:58:04Z

By Tucker Goncalo -- 1/20/09

George W. Bush made a gracious and for lack of a better word, hasty exit after the inauguration of President Barack Obama. For what was surely a monumental occasion for millions of Americans, George W. Bush seemed eager to leave his eight-year stay at the White House.

Immediately following the ceremony the two former Presidents Bush, President Obama, Vice President Biden and former Vice-President Dick Cheney and their families all entered a motorcade at the Capitol. George W. Bush eagerly headed for a waiting helicopter which he would take to Andrews Air Force base for his parting flight home to Texas.

Mr. Bush and his wife returned to Waco, Texas where he told a reporter, "I am proud of the accomplishments of this administration...And so when I get back home and look in the mirror, I will be proud of what I see."

After a stay at their ranch in Crawford, Texas the former president and his wife Laura will be moving to Dallas. His Presidential Library will be at Southern Methodist University from which his wife graduated.

Photo Courtesy United States Navy.

Reverend Lowery Embraces Color in Benediction

2009-01-25T03:55:59Z

By David Carty-- 1/20/09

The concept of race was a talking point through Barack Obama's run to Presidential office and Reverend Joseph Lowery, a civil rights pioneer, was not about to leave it out of Inauguration Day.

When the 87 year-old Lowry delivered the benediction at Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration, he quoted from the annals of African-American history and offered a shining viewpoint on the future of equality in the United States.

Lowery opened the benediction with the third verse of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," also known as "The Negro National Anthem," a James Weldon Johnson poem-turned-song written at the turn of the 20th century. The song became an anthem for equality during the Civil Rights movement, sometimes being sung after "The Star Spangled Banner."

"God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way," the poem began, as did Lowery, and finished with "Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand -- true to thee, O God, and true to our native land."

Lowery asked for blessings for the Obama family and guidance in what he coined the "complex arena of human relations."

The most notable part of the benediction was its conclusion which played off the theme of color in what he called a "new beginning." "We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around," Lowery said, interrupted by the laughter of the remaining crowd, the newly-elected President included. He continued to bring the house down with "when yellow will be mellow," and "when the red man can get ahead, man" before ending with a more pointed reference "and when white will embrace what is right."

His last cry united the crowd in prayer "Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen," he said, with the crowd responding in kind.

Three years ago Lowery spoke at Coretta Scott King's funeral, with mixed response due to some politically charged comments. The NCAAP has also called him the "dean of the civil rights movement" and has honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elizabeth Alexander offers poetic praise at Obama Inauguration

2009-01-25T03:53:31Z

By David Carty-- 1/20/09

Once President Barack Obama had been sworn into office, poet Elizabeth Alexander put into words what thousands of gatherers felt as the sun shined over Washington D.C. It was praise. Alexander's poem "Praise Song For The Day" followed up the 44th President's Inaugural Speech, saluting an American workforce dogged by economic hardship.

Alexander penned about those "stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform...repairing the things in need of repair" as she acknowledged those at work during the Inaugural ceremony and possibly offering a nod to Obama who is faced with the task of repairing America's own faulty parts.

In the latter end of her poem, Alexander's tone spoke about hope and saluting life's simple joys. "I know there's something better down the road," she said. "We need to find a place where we are safe. We walk into that which we cannot yet see."

"Praise song for struggle, praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign, the figuring-it-out at kitchen tables....
In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun," she wrote, finishing with the same themes of praise and hope. "On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp, praise song for walking forward in that light."

With those words the 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist became the fourth poet to speak at a Presidential Inauguration. In 1961, Robert Frost became the first, speaking at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy - both men died two years later.

Maya Angelou in 1993 and Miller Williams 1997, both for President Bill Clinton, were the other two to deliver a poem. All four came during the Inauguration of Democratic Presidents.

Obama Slams Bush

2009-01-25T03:52:00Z

By Kaitlyn Fox -- 1/20/09

President Barack Obama has a lot on his plate. The United States is facing economic turmoil and fighting two foreign wars.

As he swore to uphold the Constitution in his inaugural speech, President Obama directed several criticisms towards his predecessor George W. Bush. While Mr. Obama thanked Mr. Bush for his service to the United States and for his "generosity and cooperation" throughout the transition, he accused the previous administration for "collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age."

Barack Obama has long been critical of the Bush-supported War in Iraq. During his campaign, he promised to remove all American troops from the country in 16 months. Indeed less than 24 hours after he was sworn in, President Obama suspended all pending trials at Guantanamo Bay prison. This is a move that could signify its impending closure. The nation's new President stressed Americans' need to "reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals." Many opponents of former President Bush have accused him of sacrificing morals to defend the country from terror.

Barack Obama also declared an end to sacrificing morals in favor of financial achievement. He pointed the finger at the previous administration's protection "of narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions" as major factors to the current financial crisis. However, as of January 20, 2009, the presidency of George W. Bush has come to an end. It is Barack Obama's turn to take lead the country and create his own legacy.

Image Courtesy United States Air Force.

Barack Obama Makes History as Nation's First Black President

2009-01-25T03:48:07Z

By Kaitlyn Fox --- 1/20/09

Two million people flocked to Washington D.C. to witness the inauguration of our nation's first black president. Spectators of all races and backgrounds cheered as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Although many doubted Obama would make it to the White House, this moment was a testament to the struggles and hardships African Americans have endured.

In his inaugural address, Barack Obama described his achievement as "This is the meaning of our liberty and creed-why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take this most sacred oath."

As he swore to uphold the Constitution, Obama recognized the significance of our American tradition saying "America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because 'We the People' have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents."

He called on Americans to take advantage of the freedoms and liberties afforded by the Constitution. He stressed that despite challenges facing Americans, "all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

On Inauguration Day, in a moment much bigger than the man himself, Barack Obama demonstrated the strength of our country's foundation as he spoke his first words as President of the United States.

Reverend Warren's Olive Branch

2009-01-25T03:45:58Z

By Tucker Goncalo - 1/20/09

When Barack Obama chose Reverend Rick Warren from the California Saddleback Church to give the invocation speech at his inauguration, the country stirred. That is because in the past Warren had made many comments regarding same-sex marriage, equating the union to a sister and brother marrying. This did not sit well within the LGBT community.

Followers of Barack Obama and LGBT Americans alike could not understand the President-Elect's seemingly blatantly insulting choice. But at the Inauguration, Reverend Warren extended an olive branch and gave a more neutral and inspiring invocation.
President Obama is the first President to acknowledge openly support the gay community. Although Warren never mentioned the LGBT community, his views seemed to have come full circle. Warren referred to God and said, "You are loving to everyone you have made." He also referenced Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. saying, "We know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven."

Lastly if Reverend Warren had felt he had not stressed his neutral position enough, Warren added, "Help us, Oh God, to remember that we are Americans, not united by race, or religion, or blood, but to our commitment to freedom, and justice for all."

Reverend Rick Warren joined with the country in the celebration of the inauguration of President Obama and made many Americans question their sometimes quick-to-judge ways.

View From the Route

2009-01-25T03:31:27Z

By Sarah Aaskov

January 20, 2009

On Tuesday afternoon I watched thousands prove that you don't have to see to believe. People began lining Pennsylvania Avenue before the sun came out. I waited at the gate of 12th and E Street with a packed crowd for over five hours, all for a possible chance to catch a glimpse of the 44th President. Was it silly of me to wait in the freezing cold, my body pressed up so closely to the people around me? For a while I thought it was silly. I wouldn't even be able to see Barack Obama be sworn in. There were no screens on the parade route.

I have to be honest. I did feel a bit defeated. I was supposed to be set up on the National Mall with the rest of the press. But the pass I was given was useless. I was just another member of the mass of people. I was one of those who didn't have a ticket and was just hopeful to get a spot, any spot. I really didn't know why so many people would be willing to stand out in the cold for hours knowing that they wouldn't get to see this historic moment; but now I do.

I finally made my way to the parade line and was given permission to go to the front of the street as press (I guess the press passes weren't completely useless). I got in place about fifteen minutes before Obama would be sworn in. People who were almost too tired to stand, trying to stay warm by cheering and wrapping themselves in blankets, didn't look like they had just waited in a line of thousands to stare at an empty road. They looked full of spirit and energy, with smiles stretching from ear to ear. Celebration had already begun for the Obama supporters standing before me. And it gave me a feeling I didn't think I had left after waiting in that line. I remembered why I waited in line. I remembered why I wanted to be there. I was witnessing something rare. I saw people believe that there is hope, that change is possible.

Even as I think back about that dreadful line I stood in I realized that although people were discouraged by the waiting they were excited to be a part of history. They had waited long enough for a change. I guess a couple more hours in the cold didn't seem too long any more.

And as I videotaped the reactions of the people in the crowd Tuesday, their eyes welled up with tears as they listened to the speech of their new President over the loudspeaker. I forgot about the cold and my aching legs. I wasn't thinking about the line I had just stood in. For those brief moments, I felt connected to the strangers around me. We had all come for the same reason, to witness a change. And although I never made it to the Mall and didn't get to see the swearing-in from a screen, looking at the joy and happiness in the diverse audience around me just might have been the best view I could have gotten.