So, why would Obama waste his time coming to a state where he is ahead in the polls? A state with a paltry number of delegates? But then he does advocate an agenda of inclusion. Oregon's inclusion in the Union must be important enough to Obama to drop by for a visit. Once again, Obama defies his critics and walks his talk. Thanks Obama for including Oregon.

As a former Portlander who now lives in the Rogue Valley I think I can tell you why he's coming here. Jackson County, for the first time in a long while, has the chance to turn blue. The party here has been working hard to get on the good side of the statewide D's and I like to think this is a sign of hope. Also, there is a high population of independents in the area as well. It may not be a high leverage stop, but one I'm looking forward to greatly. Yes We Can!

Tomigunn, my daughter lives in Medford and I think you are correct that Jackson County is turning blue. We shouldn't stop at thinking that the Democratic Party has enough of the state that we don't have to worry about a few red spots. It all helps for the popular in November to proselytize. I live in Central Oregon, and though not ready to change to blue yet, there is a growing Democratic presence here.

Obama may have Oregon in his pocket, but it's beneficial for him to make Oregon appearances now and hit the east big time in the remaining few weeks. It will show how popular he is here, how he doesn't take Oregon for granted even though he could, and that, unlike Clinton's view that only a few select states matter, Oregon is part of a winning 50 state strategy in which every state and every voter will count.

It'll be interesting to see if McCain's campaign is as exclusive and inaccessible as Bush's was. If so, the contrast will be really stark with Obama, who's willing to go anywhere, speak to anyone, and draw a massive crowd doing it.

If he keeps this up, we may yet oust Gordon Smith thanks to Obama's coattails and willingness to travel to "red" portions of the state that will respond to a Democrat if he'll pay attention to them.

Here's a funny clip from Steve Colbert about McCain and his pastor friends, vs. Obama.

Whoops! the clip: http://ruralvotes.com/thefield/?p=920

Breaking news- Bill Richardson Endorses Obama!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080321/ap_on_el_pr/obama_richardson;_ylt=AifhjZXGT3Lg9JaJHo0WnquyFz4D Here's a statement:

 Steve,

During the last year, I have shared with you my vision and hopes for this nation as we look to repair the damage of the last seven years. And you have shared your support, your ideas and your encouragement to my campaign. We have been through a lot together and that is why I wanted to tell you that, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, I have made a decision to endorse Barack Obama for President.

We are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President. My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver. It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall. The 1990's were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward. Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.

Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech. that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.

As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences--and place blame on others not like them . We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!

Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.

His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.

To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America's international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.

During the past year, I got to know Senator Obama as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, and I felt a kinship with him because we both grew up between words, in a sense, living both abroad and here in America. In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation's special responsibilities in the world.

So, once again, thank you for all you have done for me and my campaign. I wanted to make sure you understood my reasons for my endorsement of Senator Obama. I know that you, no matter what your choice, will do so with the best interests of this nation, in your heart.

Sincerely,

Bill Richardson