I just registered to vote today, and I’m really excited about it.

I guess if it were Beyonce or some juicy gossip, there would be 100 comments already. Anyway, I am for change and I am for Barack!! 08 will be a historical moment for politics and as young people, we really need to get involved.

I CARE!!!

I can’t vote even if I wanted to…2 YOUNG

I care!!!! My whole family got their new Voters registration card yesterday.

I’m for change, I’m for Obama!!!!!!!!!

I am still teetering between Obama and Clinton. As a Black Woman I can see the victory on both sides. But, I dont want to make this about race or gender. I really want the best candidate to win. Our nation is in a heap of a mess. And, we need someone who will be about change.

It is for this reason that I am excited to see J. Dakar join the Loop. I think we all will need some unbiased, cleancut and clear perspective on this election.

Thanks for the post!

I for one am ecstatic that Concrete Loop is giving the 411 on politics. We often don’t spend much time thinking about these issues because, “it doesn’t affect me,” but these are the issues that DO affect our every day life. Kudos to Concrete Loop.

Please keep us updated on the primaries. I know there was a debate recently and I missed it. I need the heads up so that I can stay informed. I’m so glad CL has added this type of post to their site. We need this to stay connected to things outside celebrities.

So I guess this means that barack & hillary are going have to battle it out for the democratic party ? I hope obama wins the preliminary…..

@ Peach I certainly do care. I just turned 18 & I will certainly register to vote for the 08 presidential election.

& I’m glad that CL added this feature because there needs to be a balance & like someone stated ealier alot of people are misinformed or not informed at all.

i would love 2 c obama & hilary on the same ticxket. obama is the best candidate of them all. republicans suck

It’s eight o’clock on the west coast. Let’s give people the opportunity to show up. I’m just on here simply because I don’t have school and was still up.

Nevertheless, I won’t be able to vote in the primaries in February, but I’ll be able to vote in the Presidential Election and I am so excited. And myh whole fam is for Obama.

I can’t wait to vote! It’s definately a hard choice, and MS LADY (#6) described my feelings perfectly! As of now… OBAMA BABY!

*my

Keep it up CONCRETELOOP!!!! This was very educational, for many people who were lost and had no idea what was going. I certainly care and I will be voting!!!!!!!!

Barack!!!!! I hope his race wont hold him back, but I also hope black people don’t give him a pass just for being black. I plan on supporting him for being the best candidate. Hands Down

Yes…I’m glad CL added this feature also. BET News is airing a special entitled, “Whats In It For Us: Barack Obama and the Black Vote,” January 8th at 10pm… Be sure to check it out; its an opportunity for us Black voters to really get to know the man behind the political superstar persona…

But anyway, go Obama! Hes is HISTORICALLY leading in Iowa!

I agree with Ms Lady- right now I’m torn between obama and hilary, although either victory would be historical..We do need someone that’s gonna really do the job regardless of race, creed, or gender

Go Barack!!!

I’m another person who is torn between Hilary and Obama. My research on the two is still in progress.

The results from the caucus should be interesting.

I saw Obama speak at Washington Square Park back in September and I was really impressed. Politicians are always coming around here to get some votes and I can honestly say that this was the first politician that did not sound like a politician and was actually sincere. He gets my vote for that reason alone!

i luv how angel put this up b/c im sure many teens and young adults read this site and it’s essential that they know what’s going on in the elections and what it’s all about b/c believe it or not or little voices do make a differences…the presidential elections are extremely important since we are voting for who’s going to be running our country….so come on people get with it

i absolutely love this!!! it shows that YOUNG BLACK people are just as socially an politically saavy as the next person an a lot of times we need political satire broken down so we’ll know exactly what everything means…Love the step forward for positive change Concrete Loop keep doing ya thang in 08

update:::: according to msn rolling polls!

obama is in the lead amongs democrats by 4 points in iowa. and CLINTON IS IN THIRD after edwards — who would have thought THAT????

and if anyone cares —- hucakbee has gained 3 points over romney in iowa on the republican side of things :: yadda yadda bla bla

Good info J! Hey I came I came across a website that asks you to rate how you feel about the certain issues. Then based off your responses, it breaks down what candidates are for or against that topic. One thing that really surprised me is the candidates I automatically was voting for did not feel as strongly as I did when it comes to illegal immigration issues. Also, I was able to identify that on certain topics, my views are liberal (democratic) and some, my views are conservative (republican). None the less, I am a registered democrat and my vote would be loyal to race first then party… Sorry! Anyway, I really hope some if not ALL of you take a minute to check it out. I am quite sure that 4 minutes of your time now is worth way more than 4 years of your time with the wrong president in the future.

Check it out… http://minnesota.publicra...idate/poll.php?race_id=13

I can’t to vote!

I agree with Ms. Lady- I’m torn between barack and clinton.

I hope this presidental election is a historical one.

We need more black people to vote instead worrying about who did what to who and what this person is wearing, or how that persons looks.

I spelled presidential wrong.

i Gotta tell u guys… i’m from canada but i’m watchin this presidential thing u guys got goin on really close… i really thinks its important that young african americans go out and vote…. honestly i wish i could use ur votes… bc i swear when i heard bush got re-elected last time around i thought it was a joke… honestly if i were american and i had to vote tomorrow i would be behind barack obama (not just because his two-step on the elllen show was FLYYY) because he, to me, represents the biggest change…the biggest 360 ur country could get in this day and age… anyway thats just what i been thinkin… thanks angel for the info on that iowa stuff… i never knew…

Good synopsis J.Dakar. I did some research on the Iowa caucus a few months ago to try to get a better understanding of why it is so important. Iowa is like a bell-whether for the rest of the voting public. It’s still amazing to me that a state with less than 1% of the nation’s entire pop. can hold so much influence over the election simply because they are first.

I read that New Hampshire is trying to make a move to become the first to hold a caucus? J. Dakar, is this true? If so, what impact do you think this will have on future elections?

I would like to see what goes on during a caucus. Its somethign I have never heard of.

**off to research**

oh my bad… i guess my thanks should go to J. Dakar

#24: Good looking out with that site. I knew of a similar one that I was planning to include in a later entry. Looks like I’ve been scooped, though. Haha.

Peace and blessings,
J. Dakar

BRING ON THE DEBATE IN 2008!

Glad to see that CL has a political corespondent!! This is great, even for those who cannot vote are commenting. I think its wonderful that some of you are “torn” because that shows that we have some very strong candidates. At times, you almost have to “settle”, because there is not any good choices. I clearly remember my first time voting…believe it or not, I voted for the “Green Party”, because I did not want to vote for Bush or anyone else, but I voted because it was my human right….

wow thanks so much for the info on the Iowa Caucus. I’m not really familiar with politics so this will definitely help me make an informative decision when I vote for the 2008 elections. I’m happy that angel added you to the site to show people that african americans do care about whats going on so mucho kudos lol

Thanks for that info, J. I’ve been trying to figure out the significance of Iowa for the longest.

ConcreteLoop:

Love the newly added political commentary. It definitely increasess the value of your blog! I learned somthing today. I never understood the signigicance of the Iowa Causcus. If are blessed with the opportunity, (and not everyone has an audience), it is always a postive move to “educate” as well as entertain! Bravo Concreteloop!

#28: New Hampshire law makes its primary the first in the nation. Some might say, “Well, why are we talking about Iowa right now?” Remember, though, that Iowa uses a caucus system. Primaries and caucuses are two different methods of accomplishing, pretty much, the same basic thing. I’ll outline the differences in a later entry.

Peace and blessings,
J. Dakar

Thanks for the Info!!! Dang it!!! I can’t vote until 2012 = (

OBAMA ‘08!!!!!!!!

WOW, VERY IMPRESSED BY THE SWITCH UP FROM THE SUPERFICIAL STUFF…AND YALL GOT NEW STAFF

WAY TO EDUMACATE!!!

i have to agree with the other posters- i’m very glad that CL added J. Dakar, i’m really excited to read his upcoming posts. Especially about the difference between a primary and caucus. I plan to spread the knowledge! haha

To the younger posters: even if you’re too young to vote, please keep reading and learning about the election process, so you will already know this information when it’s your turn to vote! and besides, you should always know what’s going on in your country, no matter what your age is.

Well may hat is off to CL for putting this on their pages, black people (including myself) need to become more educated consumers in regards to the workings of goverment and how we go about electing officials.

Responding to J: You know if you slow you blow…lol! In any event, I had your back

I’m also thankful that CL added a political view to their blog. This has really separated you from other black celeb blogs as you really are trying to include things that will help educate our community. Yo I’m really proud of you guys right now! The bloggers that keep this site running are classy and way ahead of other blogs (won’t even give names).

Thanks for the post J. I am so glad that CL added this informative new section on politics I hope this encourages people to get involved! Everytime I hear someone, especially a black person, say they won’t vote because “it doesn’t affect them”, I get so angry, I just want to smack them in the head like they do in those V8 commercials, LOL.

P.S. Obama has my vote! Not because he’s black, but because I agree with his views on almost every topic.

Thanks for explaining why Iowa is sooo important. I haven’t made up my mind on who I will vote for I will be paying attention to their views on certain issues. Just like someone said yesterday I am not just going to vote for Obama because he is black.

Doubt Hillary will take Iowa and Obama doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell. Neither does Guilliani or Edwards. Have any of you ever bneen to Iowa?? lol. Let’s see if I’m proven wrong. I hate to be a pessimist but it’s always amazed me that the states with the least amount of racial diversity are essentially the basic “standard” for our political systems and sets the tone. It’s not that I don’t think my vote will count, it’s that I don’t think my vote will count where it’s supposed to. I’m still undecided about voting right now because it seems like it’s already been written. But I guess I have a few more months to decide. Might just do like my friend did in the last election — just vote for an Independant off of GP.

BTW, this thread is a good look for CL. At the very least, those who know nothing about our political processes can have a forum to get educated on some level.

I’m watching it all closely. Shit is about to get real slick. I hope Obama doesn’t have any skeletons. If so, they’re all about to start coming out.

People be getting drunk and partying like a mofo at the caucus and conventions. All expenses paid!!! If you ever get a chance, go and get yo groove on! Most of the decisions and choices are made long before the party…ops, I mean “caucus” gets started! This is Iowa’s biggest gig! A token group of minorities are always invited, because we give the party…I mean “caucus” some extra spice! Nice and spicy like Beyonce’! Hey, maybe she and Kayne will perform! Remember, he was the one who said “Bush didn’t care about us” after Katrina!

Otherwise, everyone will go home after four days of “caucusiding” each other and the discriminations/seperation will continue. Politicians are so sneaky! They can be just as foul as hip-hoppers and rappers! Only difference is, caucusoids wear suits and ties instead of mini skirts and sagging pants.

Do you believe that Barack can change this country?

I sure hope so!

Thanks for this post…even if people don’t comment. They still read it. Thanks Concrete Loop! Keep em’ coming J…I’ll be reading.

Jess

republicans suck, is a silly statment on a serious issue. I hope that BET is giving out equal exposure to all canadates because it is the law. Also I hope everyone is looking is the issues at the issue. I’ve heard Obama speak in Austin and it didnt sound like anything I was for. Go to the website of these people and check out the’re issues. My personnal issues of importance are heath care, gun control, Iraq and immagration. Most notably is Health. As a soldier, wife of a soldier, and mother. madatory health care is important, but not if I have to pay for it. My husband and I do what we have to do to make sure our kids have the things they need. I dont understand why most parents in our race dont. Everytime I see us in rent a rim and buying things we dont need it confuses me as to why we need a tax to pay for health care when it is cheaper to just get heath insurance. Gun laws are tough but there are not being inforced. Shall I say TI. The law is clear. He needs to go to jail. HE was A drug dealer who sold drugs and helped killed his own “hood” that he is so proud of. He changed thats great but the fact of the matter is he was wrong and people are cheering him own cause gave out some Turkeys. Black people need to stop taking the bait. Laws work, but people like the cheerleaders stop them from being enforced. I faught in Iraq twice, been to Korea, Afgan, Africa, and I’ve seen with my own two eyes the people of these countries embrace us. Americans. And anyone who says they will get the troops out of Iraq is lying. Read your history, its not that easy. Not to mention when it came time to vote on that in 2006 the DEMs flaked because it was a holiday. And when we say “unpopular war” it suggest that a mojortiy was against the war. Which was not the case. Lastly immigration, I live in Texas, I as born in Texas. This is America and we have to take care of our own first, but I disagree with the wall thing. Cant put a wall up in Florida and they have just as much a problem as we do in Texas. You either learn the language and the history or you go back to were every you came from. No other country will you go to and english has taking over to the point where everyday life interaction is nearly impossible. In America do you have to know spanish or Hongal, or some other language to be effective in any aspect of life. Obama’s is for change of color. I believe his poltics are the same as everyone one else, and it doesn’t matter if he is black he dosent have my needs at heart. Obama is for Cush and not for change. WITH THAT SAID THIS IS MY TAKE READ FOR YOURSELF. FIND OUT WHAT IS INPORTANT TO YOU AND VOTE FOR THAT . NOT FOR THE COLOR OF SOMEONES SKINS, BECAUSE THAT MAKES YOU JUST LIKE THEM.

This will be the most interesting presidential election in history. Who would have thught years ago that a Black man and a White woman would actually be front runners for president of the U.S.?? My grandparents were always so proud to vote because you know their parents couldn’t! I wish more people had that pride and saw how important this is today as well.

OBAMA/EDWARDS 08

DONT FORGET VOTING AGE IS 17 AND 10 MONTHS

It is important for young people to vote, no matter what race they are! We are the future and it is best that we choose someone who has our best interest at heart!

I think there should be a discussion about America’s electoral process in general and the absurd amount of time and money that candidates waste on it. The election isn’t until November! These people should not be hustling for votes over Christmas. I wonder if the public and the media’s love of drama leads to this process being dragged out so long, but people should be able to learn candidates’ platforms in no more than 3 or 4 months and make an informed decision. Instead we have to listen to semantics and posturing as these candidates decide whether or not they should be for change or for change with experience or change with the right experience. I just can’t get excited about these early primaries.

I’m voting republican this year for sure…

kuddos for adding this info to the site! obama is for change but don’t get your hopes up, bush has messed things up so bad it may take 10 years or more to turn it around-

to: mm

YOU BET. texas Media outlets are about to make a killing in profits, being a DEM is ahead in the polls

right on Avatar Episodes,
Who ya for?

FOR J. Dakar

Have you been watch the roe v wade? How do you think that will affect the vote and the Black vote

@51

All those places that you went to where you were “embraced”, did you understand why you were there or was it enough that that’s where you were ordered to be?

I have no idea who I will vote for. I don’t agree with the caucus/convention method of selecting candidates, simply because I never vote along party lines. I usually vote based on issues. I am a black, 38 year-old wife and mother in Michigan. I took a survey, and my ideal candidate, based on the issues I care about, was republican Mitt Romney; until I did the research, I had no idea who this guy was. But based on the survey, the issues I care about (and my two other real good girlfriends) are what Romney has based his platform on.

I’d never have considered myself Republican, but neither do I believe that just because I’m black or working class means I’m a Democrat - and nothing Obama nor Hilary Clinton are advocating on their respective campaign platforms is nothing I’m interested in.

I urge these young people on here voting for the first time to do the research and make informed choices, and not vote based on race (Obama) or gender (Clinton) - don’t be that shallow - your vote DOES count, so let it be a smart one.

So I’m not sure who all the republican and democrat candidates are, besides Obama and Clinton? Also, how is your votes counted if you live out of the state you are registered in?

Can’t wait to see the results for Iowa’s caucus!

GOOD LOOKIN OUT J.

CANT WAIT TO GO OUT AND VOTE

TEAM OBAMA!!!!!!

Thanks for the enlightenment J. Dakar.

My whole idea of politics for ME personally is choosing the lesser evil because when it all boils down to it, ALL of these politicians say whatever to get into leadership and once they do, many of them do not keep their word.

I am for secondary education & imporving high school education/staff, health benefits, trying to find solutions for the war and most importantly finding ways to improve our economy and communities. And who ever is for that is alright with me.

#47 I very much agree with your statement. At this point I really could care less about politics in the United States. I’m not comfortable with any candidate and honestly I have no faith in the US political system. After 8 yrs of Bush and all the lies and atrocities we have seen this administration get away with?! what ever happens happens…and like Ms_Mac said it’s already been written…

@51: “You either learn the language and the history or you go back to were every you came from. No other country will you go to and english has taking over to the point where everyday life interaction is nearly impossible. In America do you have to know spanish or Hongal, or some other language to be effective in any aspect of life.”

I think you’re being a little harsh. In every other country, people know how to speak at least three other languages…America is the ONLY country in the world where there is one standard language. If you ask me, this country needs to upgrade…encourage the citizens to be open to being diverse in languages and stop being bias towards others just because they can’t speak clear English. HONESTLY Americans don’t speak the English language properly so what is really your concern?

JUDAH,

first off if you have never served I cant expain to you the feeling of pride that I had. You have to experiance it for yourself. I’m a helper and a mother so I hate to see people hurting. Now people who cant see the big picture find it hard to understand that America did some good in Iraq. While I was there a young girl was shot because they thought that soldier where looking through her clothes with night vision goggles. Not possible, but thats what they thought. Iraq is not a waste land like some people would have you think. Just a few bad people taking charge. Remember people said the samething about Kuwait. I can tell you that country is not poor and we are not selling the’re oil. Most people forget that no one is order to be in the Military. Everyone is there of the’re own free will. And you may leave when every you get ready. Now there are some soldier who didnt know what they were signing up for, but thats on them. Just like any job there is the good and the bad. To answer your question, yes I knew why we where there and i knew the importance and that why I went again of my own free will

Thanks for explaining the meaning of the Iowa caucus! Now, I’m curious about the difference between a primary and a caucus.

#63
those platforms are selling points…it doesn’t mean they’ll actually do any of those things.. You need Congress to get laws passed and you need money to lobby congress. So you might as well vote for Obama because he’s black…Or Hillary because she’s a woman OR Edwards because his wife is sick and you sympathize.

don’t forget! if you will be 18 by november 2008, you can caucus tonight!!! OBAMA ‘08

@THERE IS NO NEED

” think you’re being a little harsh. In every other country, people know how to speak at least three other languages…America is the ONLY country in the world where there is one standard language. If you ask me, this country needs to upgrade…encourage the citizens to be open to being diverse in languages and stop being bias towards others just because they can’t speak clear English. HONESTLY Americans don’t speak the English language properly so what is really your concern?”

This is what I mean by enforcing the laws we have. The laws says that english is the main language. There fore we should enforce that. When cant even properly educate our kids. so you so. Now my concern is not citizens who cant speak clear english it is those who do not and will not learn. And no American is not the only country with a national one language standard. Other countries have the same standards, they have English classes like we have Spanish and French classes. Believe or not their education systems are better so they they are learning English better that we are their languages. I know for a fact they they are not teaching all subjects in two or more language. Matter of fact in Korea if you are not Korean it cost between 400 and 500 American dollars to attend school there. And I’m sure that teachers are learning English to make sure that kid is learning. How much dose it cost in America? If you say its free, your wrong. Propety taxes pay for schools in most states. Citizens pay property tax. Non Citizens do not. Last year I paid about 2200 in property tax. Property tax are based on 2.5 kid system. per household. With illegal immigrates it is about three times that in our school system. Who’s paying for the retrain of students who cant keep up with the language. How cant we reaally determine if kids are learning anything if we cant test 1/3 of them do to language. I have two they are my concern. I want them to be able to raise productive kids read and take care of their Finance, I could care less if that could order a taco in spanish in America right

I’m glad for that info on the Iowa caucus. I wondered what all the fuss is about it.

**I also notice this post has less than 80 comments, if it was Kim K and Reggie B it would have over 200 comments of fools going back and forth “e fighting”***

Now i get why Iowa is a big deal too bad my gov teacher could’nt explain it like this! But I think that Clinton will win over Iowa with Obama following not far behind her.