By DAN MALLOY
This afternoon, I am writing to you from the United States Conference of Mayors Annual Gathering in Miami, Florida. This collaboration of mayors represents about 85% of the entire U.S. population and allows municipal leadership from all over the country to meet and discuss issues that affect each of our growing and developing cities. One of the high points of the conference for me was yesterday, when I was invited to a private meeting with Senator Barack Obama before he spoke to the entire group.
At my meeting with the presumptive nominee, we had a long talk about the importance of local community strength and how a strong partnership among federal, state and local governments is crucial for the development of those communities. We talked about how the presidential election is shaping up and how hard Connecticut Democrats are working and will continue to work to get him elected. Finally, we discussed the need to end the war, bring home our sons and daughters, and focus on solving the pressing issues here at home while working to rebuild our global leadership status.
Later on during his speech to the conference, Senator Obama, who received a now familiar rock star reception, was interrupted by numerous standing ovations during the course of his inspiring speech. Obama got the loudest response from the crowd when he made it clear that the nation’s cities are not part of the problem, but rather, part of the solution. He promised that if elected, he would create a direct report to the president for urban issues so that city leaders could have a direct pipeline into the White House. He again made a clear call for ending the Iraq War; putting an end the bloodshed and the 10 billion dollars we spend a month to fund it. Freeing up those resources, Obama noted, would allow us to focus instead on fighting crime, dealing with rising cost of gas and food, and finding solutions for affordable housing.
Once again, Obama stole the show and his speech was extremely well received by the audience. I must say though, the best part of the whole thing was when Senator Obama publicly called out our own Stamford, CT as a shining example of a community that works and leads the nation in best practices! The unique opportunity to meet with Barack Obama only strengthened my confidence in his leadership and admiration of his candidacy, of which I am proud to support.
You can watch a short clip of the Senator’s speech here.
What are the best practices Obama meant? I don’t mean that sarcastically- I really do want to know. I’m both a Stamford and an Obama fan, but I don’t know much about politics and government. I need the details so I can tell all my friends and coworkers and acquaintances.
voted Hilary Clinton, and only support Hilary Clinton, No matter what Hilary Does suspend her campaign concede her campaign. No matter what Hilary does she could even support Obama and campaign for Obama I will never Vote for Barack Obama, I do think America is ready for a black president, just not Barack Obama,,, The way The Democratic party handle this election with the Corporate Media propaganda the whole election, Turned this election upside down,, Obama could of ran over someone,, like Haley Berry, No one would care and still vote,, Obama..
There several million Voter right now like my self, will not ever vote for Barack Obama, Many like my self will be Voting for McCain, my reason is simple,, the Obama voter came on CNN & MSNBC and said if obama does not win the primary, Obama supporter will vote for McCain, Democratic party did not do anything to the obama camp to stop ,, why is obama party splitting the party in half, Now pelosi and many other are blaming Hilary and kept on with the propaganda Corporate Media, Obama Said on the new so many time,, does not Matter, if your Democrat or Republican,, you want the right person for the right Job,, He is so right,,when He said that we wanted Hilary,, Well Congrats to Obama his supporter got him to the primary,,,but He will never win the election,, for President, I will not stop with my blogging,, who is the best man for the job between Barack & McCain,, will vote for McCain he will be way better than Barack Obama, I can put up for McCain for 4 years and Hilary Can run again, Pelosi and the rest of the democrat party,, days are number at this point, For pushing Hilary out and ruining her Career, Even now During Clinton Exit speech,, Democratic party Told Hilary if she does not back there little puppet Barack Obama they will ruin her career,, In my opinion They all ready Ruined Hilary Clinton Career, Right Now I am going listen to one thing Barack Obama said, and that is, like I said, it does not matter if your Democrat or republican who is the right person for the job,,,, Hillary supporter need to stick together, Vote for McCain or just not vote for we need the right person,,, Hilary is up on stage right now saying what pelosi and the democratic party are telling her what to do,, or Economy is down and the way the propaganda Media is,, we are turning into a 3rd world country,, by rigging the election thru the media, Hilary Supporter who really want Hilary to be president Need to vote for McCain or just not Vote for Barack Obama, let McCain win,, there nothing more he can do as president, Congress will not let him it Congress who controls everything,, not the president, Pelosi and the a lot of the democratic party ruined Hilary Career, If all Hilary Voter, stick together, than We can restore Hilary Career and make her President, in 4 years. if you vote for Obama we have to wait maybe 8 years or 4 years and republican will be office, if Obama wins the presidency he will only be 4 year term,,, I say give all your supporter not to the democratic party, but to Hilary Clinton.. democratic party needs all of them need to leave office and get fresh people in there, who can unite the party not keep it separated and force unity, to who they want not who the voter want,, Hilary would of won this election, DNC screwed her with Florida and Michigan if those vote were counted at the beginning she would of won this race along time ago..and for the sexist Media, Like CNN & MSNBC… will continue to not report the new but Make it up as they see fit, All Hilary supporter need to unit together.. and stick together,, Margaret Thatcher was prime Minister 30 years ago,, but American Men and New Bias, is keeping woman down for personal gain, Like Keith Oberman, & Chris Mathews Who are the biggest Sexist on this MSNBC stations
Thanks for your comment, Stamford Talk. At the conference, we spent a lot of time discussing issues that affect almost every city, no matter the geographical location or population. Specifically, those issues include crime, transportation, energy consumption, housing, jobs, healthcare, and education. Stamford received a “Livability Award” at the conference for our work in reducing crime, providing early childhood education for every child, and building smart growth housing that is both affordable and strategically placed in areas that reduce traffic and encourage environment friendly public transportation. Hope that answers your question! Feel free to email me at Dan@danmalloy.com.