In response to Senator Clinton and Senator McCain's recent calls for a gas tax "holiday," former Clinton Energy Secretary Federico Peña released the following statement today:

Today we're seeing another example of Washington politics at its worst. Senator Clinton is running TV ads and launching repeated attacks on Barack Obama for not supporting the gas tax holiday she's supporting, but today her own aides told the Washington Post that they know that this is a questionable plan and that they are using it to make it appear they're against big oil. The Clinton gas tax gimmick does little to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and will actually increase oil prices. It is the kind of pandering that insults people's intelligence. With energy prices skyrocketing, we're looking for real solutions—not political posturing to get elected.

Barack Obama knows that a gas tax holiday would save the average family only about 30 cents a day. It's designed to win elections, not fix our energy problems. Here's Barack speaking about the issue at a Town Hall meeting in North Carolina:

To really solve our energy problems, Barack believes we have to stand up to oil companies and end oil market manipulations, and we must invest more in long-term solutions like alternative energy and increasing mileage standards for cars and trucks. And Obama is the only candidate who has a plan to provide real and permanent tax relief including a broad-based tax cut for the middle class — saving the average family one thousand dollars a year.

Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) has endorsed Barack Obama for President, bringing the total number of delegates Obama needs to secure the nomination down to 285.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and Chair of the Democratic Women's Working Group, released the following statement regarding her endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President:

"Today, I am announcing my endorsement of Barack Obama for President.

"This wasn't an easy decision for me.   Democrats were blessed this year with many talented and capable candidates, and I believe both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama would make fine presidents.  But Sen. Obama's proven judgment, his hopeful vision for America, and his unmatched ability to motivate millions of Americans eager for change made the choice for me.

"I have enormous respect for Sen. Clinton.  She is smart, dedicated and a champion of those often underserved and forgotten.  She has a remarkable record of achievement that inspires us all.  And her election would fulfill a life long dream for so many of us who have been fighting for women's rights.  She would make a great president.

"But for me, Barack Obama is the best choice.

"There are a number of reasons I could cite.  He has promoted smart policies to address our nation's greatest challenges.  He was right on Iraq when so many were wrong.  He speaks with an eloquence that most public officials can only dream of and is inspiring millions of Americans to reconnect with politics or connect for the first time.  And he can win in November.

"These are all true and good reasons, but I also believe Barack Obama is the better choice because of something larger and perhaps more important.  Simply put, he has made a call to the better angels of our nature.  He is challenging us to lift ourselves out of the ugliness that increasingly consumes Washington, where the heat of your argument counts for more than the light it should bring.  He is asking us to stand together as Americans and transcend the traditional lines that have so often divided us by party affiliation, economic status, gender, or race.  He is calling on us to rethink our approach to problem solving in the face of the enormous challenges facing our country, like Iraq, economic recession, global warming, record energy prices, and 47 million Americans without health insurance, to name just a few.  I believe in his effort to put our country on a new path and want to help him make that happen.

"I came to Washington 10 years ago after winning the seat my husband Walter held.  In office for a mere 10 months before he died, he had lost none of the idealism and faith in American democracy that propelled his life.  Quite frankly, I don't believe he ever would have and I know that I have tried to keep that fire burning.  But I'll admit it's hard, when so much of what's going on around you is less about meeting our country's challenges and more about demonizing your political opponents.

"Walter once said that "we are strongest as people when we are directed by that which unites us, rather than giving into the fears, suspicions, innuendos and paranoias that divide."  For years I have been waiting for a President that speaks to that vision.  I believe Barack Obama may very well be that rare leader."

 

Obama says Wright seemed more concerned with taking center stage Obama: "When I say I find these comments appalling I mean it" Wright on Monday discussed theology of black church Some of Wright's sermons have come under scrutiny for controversial remarks

Time.com - His candidacy is reeling from Jeremiah Wright's comments. Now Obama is dropping nuance and showing some fire

Mo Dowd conflates the legends of Jason and Oedipus in a stunningly bad bit of writing.

I have been a huge supporter of Barack. He is the guy I've been behind for quite awhile now. Check my older diaries if you wonder about that.

Great article on the media coverage of Obama's pastor, Obama's response and the lack of coverage of controversial pastors' involvement on other campaigns. By the Huffington Post writer who covered this yesterday (this article has pictures)

Indianapolis, IN — Indiana Congressman Baron Hill endorsed Barack Obama for President today, citing his strength of character and ability to change the tone of Washington:

If we are going to develop real solutions for Hoosier families, for America’s families, we have to move past the partisan gridlock. I believe both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama want to do that and I believe both are formidable candidates.  But, I also believe that only one of them truly can.

I am proud of Senator Obama’s call for change in Washington – change I have been advocating since I first sought public office. I am truly hopeful that his campaign and election will help unify our nation and ultimately change our politics. I am pleased that Senator Obama clearly and unequivocally denounced Reverend Wright’s remarks.  Hoosiers don’t feel that way about our country, I don’t feel that way about our country and Senator Obama made it abundantly clear that he doesn’t feel that way either.

His comments regarding statements made by Reverend Wright showed me another aspect of Senator Obama’s leadership – a strength of character and commitment to our nation that transcends the personal.  One of the tests of a true leader is his ability and willingness to come to a new conclusion based on new events.  Senator Obama did just that yesterday. 

I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with both Senators Clinton and Obama.  Choosing between two worthy candidates was very difficult, but in the end, after much discussion with people in Southern Indiana, as well as mentors of mine such as Lee Hamilton, I have decided to support Senator Obama.

I believe Senator Obama has the capability to change the tone and tenor of politics in Washington. I believe that he can and will work with both parties and elevate the level of public discourse. Hoosiers are independent people who want to see civility and common-sense solutions implemented in Washington.  Like us, Senator Obama strives to put the good of the country before the good of a particular political party. “

As someone who has always worked in a bipartisan manner to achieve results, I know that we need a president who can bring people together and build consensus to move this country in a new and exciting direction.  And that person is Senator Barack Obama.”

Said Obama: "I am grateful to have the support of Congressman Baron Hill. He has been a tireless advocate for southern Indiana, working to improve our children's education, strengthen our military, and create jobs and achieve energy independence. I look forward to working with him to fix our economy, lift up hardworking families, and make America more secure -- and to shooting hoops every once in a while."

Congressman Baron Hill, a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, represents Indiana's 9th district and is a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Hill is Senator Obama’s 246th Superdelegate endorsement. Senator Obama is now 286 delegates away from winning the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright went to Washington on Monday not to praise Barack Obama, but to bury him.

The authors believe, correctly, that the right response should have been either silence or a willingness to listen.