Who’ll have the funnest Christmas: President Obama, Mitt Romney, or Kim Kardashian?
– Gautam Dutta
Election 2012 Update
November 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
We congratulate all incoming Senators and Members of Congress:
- Mazie Hirono (HI)
- Tim Kaine (VA)
- Tammy Duckworth (IL-08)
- Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02)
- Grace Meng (NY-06)
- Mark Takano (CA-41)
won 57% to 43% - Rob Bonta (CA-AD18)
winning 51%-49%
Too close to call
- Dr. Ami Bera (CA-07)
Lungren won’t concede but ; pray for no inquiry but we’ll see as the recount occurs
We cannot say a huge enough thanks to everyone. Special congratulations and elated delight to AAAF of Greater Chicago whose numerous months long phone banking, website editing, email forwarding, logistical organizing, people pulling & generally good cheer & energy for the easy-to-volunteer events, sharing their many delights and overall pulling so many for so many critical last minute get out the vote all for Tammy Duckworth has given us such a brilliant example of an effective grassroot campaign.
These Congressmen & Congresswomen represent the largest caucus of Asian American and Pacific Islander Members in any single Congressional session as well as other records:
- Hirono – first Asian American woman and first Buddhist to serve in the U.S. Senate
- Duckworth, Meng – first Asian Americans to represent their states IL and NY respectively
- Gabbard – first Hindu American in US Congress, first Samoan American elected as a voting member of Congress
- Takano – first openly gay minority Member of Congress
We are thrilled not only to share in the delights of our elected officials above but also to our other endorsed candidates:
- Nate Shinagawa (NY-23) – lost by only 50% to Tom Reed’s 52%
- Jay Chen – lost 40% to Ed Royce’s 59%
- Manan Trivedi – lost along with Upendra Chivukula and Syed Taj
- Dr. Jennifer Ong (CA-AD20) – trailing 48% to Bill Quirk’s 52%
- Otto Lee (CA-22) – trailing 36% to Devin Nunes’ 64%
Lastly, just seen on the ED Show on MSNBC:
| Demographic groups | Voted for Obama | Voted for Romney |
| Whites | 39% | 59% |
| Black | 93% | 6% |
| Latino | 71% | 27% |
| Asian | 73% | 26% |
Thank you to all!
Update Nov 12: Our Dr. Ami Bera is leading!
Update Nov 17: Bera Wins!
Obama Will Win
November 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
President Barack Obama will be reelected tonight. It’s as simple as that. Mitt Romney couldn’t handle Obama’s hard earned grassroots strength. The way things look right now, Obama will take Ohio and Florida — two states Romney simply could not afford to lose.
This is huge — and Asian Americans will have played a major role in Obama’s victory. One case in point: the battleground state of Nevada (one-seventh Asian American).
– Gautam Dutta
Why I Vote for Obama 2012
November 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Those who know me know I am all about details, precision planning, credible details with proof & reality checks. That said, here’s why I’m voting as I will:
- Romney’s policy director Lanhee Chen, despite being Asian, clearly in his piece “Why Asian-Americans should back Mitt Romney“, shows no grasp on what Asian-American politics is all about: actual results for the people; a special affront to those who care about the work we at the AAA-Fund do; shame to the Chen name; I won’t even start with the all-important Dream Act which impacts so many AAPIs, regardless of your personal thoughts on it
- GOP won’t refute the slew of GOP-related anti-AAPI racist stuff like Indian doctor attacked for his faith, Anthony Kassas‘s hate speech email and voicemail and yard signs against our endorsed candidate Jay Chen, Maria Cantwell’s Kathlyn Ehl‘s racist Tweet & endless others nearly all unreported by traditional media; GOP’s affiliation with other kooks like gay haters using the flag of Jesus is equally bad
- I don’t turn everything (even benefit concerts) into politics so whoever avoids that gets a bit fat +1
- “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil …” (1 Tim 6:10 (NIV)) means Romney’s outsourcing for maximum profit is not too Christian of him (ignore that evangelicals think only they’re religious); I’m not China-bashing as both campaigns have done
- flip-flopper Romney does whatever’s good for his politics per his vaunted PR team yet his vascillating self has actual real harm for things like women’s health, FEMA (an especial affront as I’ve lived in NJ all my life), campaign’s uncontested central command culture, etc.
- he’s mute on his religion which is important as Mormonism is so widely mis-understood; I care less that that he missed an opportunity to explain but rather that he’s unwilling to explain at all; given I write here mostly about religion and poltics, his no answer is no good
- no details, hiding details, no details; no way does anything get by me without details; his Indian-American outreach represents the same droll team-approved political phrasing, just meaningless
For measure, some things I don’t are about:
- that everyone says Obama will very likely win by landslide especially among AAPIs (much is said about the power, participation, and presence or
lack thereof each election but personally, that’s not a factor when I vote); I can think for myself without the official political dribble
So there you have it. Go register, be a poll monitor, vote & join a viewing party.
AAPI Democratic Network: AAPI Leaders Across the Nation Endorse President Obama Uniting Support from Key Battleground States
November 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Editor’s Note: The below is a reposting of “AAPI Leaders Across the Nation Endorse President Obama Uniting Support from Key Battleground States” at the Asian American and Pacific Democratic Network..
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Vida Benavides
Vida@AsianVoices2012.com
AsianVoices@AsianVoices2012.com
AAPI Leaders Across the Nation Endorse President Obama
Uniting Support from Key Battleground States
Breaking news: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders from across the country are endorsing President Obama for a second term. This endorsement comes at a critical time in the election as the polls tighten. With 1 in 6 AAPIs living in battleground states, the support of the AAPI community can decide this election.
“President Obama has fought hard to ensure that everyone plays by the same rules, so that the American Dream is within reach for all of us. As the granddaughter of Chinese American immigrants, I am proud to serve under President Obama’s leadership as the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress, and I wholeheartedly support his candidacy for a second term,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu.
“We are endorsing President Obama because on matters that are of crucial importance to the AAPI community — the economy, small business, education, immigration, civil rights and healthcare — President Obama stands with us,” said national civil rights leader Karen K. Narasaki.
“With so much at stake in this election, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders cannot afford to sit this out. By showing up at the polls, our communities can and will make a difference in this election, especially in swing states like Virginia. I urge everyone to exercise their right to vote and make an informed choice for the future,” said Mark Keam, the first Asian-born immigrant to serve in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Community advocate Rozita Lee said, “I support the candidate who understands me as a Filipino American woman from Nevada and will lead us forward. We do not need a candidate who will take us back in time and turn back the clock on advances for women and minorities. We need to move forward, not backwards.”
“President Obama has fought hard to protect programs that have provided for the most vulnerable in our community for decades. From safety net programs like Social Security and Medicare to making housing affordable for seniors, President Obama is with our community 100%, and that is why I support him 100%,” said Florida Chinese American Community Leader Winnie Tang.
“President Obama has the right vision and plan for building our economy and putting people back to work. He fights for middle-class families, not tax cuts for the wealthy. He shares my values and beliefs and I am happy to endorse his re-election,” said Colorado Attorney Harry Budisidharta.
“As a Chinese American parent, I understand that investing in the education of our children creates new opportunities and provides a better future for all of us. During his first term, President Obama has delivered on his promise to keep college affordable for all Americans, and has doubled the amount of grants awarded to low-income students. I support the President’s re-election so that all students will have a fair shot at the American Dream,” Chih Ping Chen, Ohio Chinese American Community Leader.
“President Obama has cut taxes for small businesses 18 times and fought for tax credits to allow us to hire new workers and make capital improvements. He understands that small businesses are often a family affair for Asian Americans and is the product of sacrifice, hard work, and sweat. He is leading us out of the worst recession of our generation and I trust that given four more years, he can and will do more to support small business across the country. He has my vote,” said Pennsylvania small business community leader Nina Ahmad.
Rep. Mike Honda, Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee, and CAPAC Chair Emeritus, expressed the following, “With less than a week from election day, the race remains extremely close. The AAPI vote is, and will be, the margin of victory in this year’s presidential election and the critical vote to re-elect President Obama and move this country forward. President Obama is our first AAPI president and I am proud to support his re-election.”
As part of Asian Voices, Asian Votes, Asian American and Pacific Democratic network, we stand together to endorse President Obama.
Bel Leong Hong, DNC Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair
Kevin Acebo, Former Deputy Mayor, City of Los Angeles, CA
Marilei Denila, Los Angeles Chapter Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, CA
JoAnn Fields, Public Relations Officer, Filipino American Caucus of San Diego County, CA
Tessie Guillermo, Community Leader, CA
Johanna Hester, National President, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, CA
Michael Inacay, Los Angeles Chapter Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, CA
Genevieve Jopanda, National Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, CA
Daphne Kwok, Community Leader, CA
Dale Minami, Partner, Minami Tamaki LLP, CA
Tung Nguyen, MD, General Internist, CA
Angela Oh, Attorney/Public Lecturer, CA
Michael Pangilinan, San Francisco Chapter Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, CA
Melissa Ramoso, Los Angeles Chapter Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, CA
Meriam Reynosa, San Francisco Chapter Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, CA
Dilawar Syed, Entrepreneur & Community Leader, CA
Katerina Villaneuva, Community Leader, CA
Kent Wong, Vice President, California Federation of Teachers, CA
Vida Benavides, Principal, Dewey Square Group, CA/DC
Harry Budisidharta, Attorney at Law, CO
Chih Ping Chen, Community Leader, OH
Andrew S. Hamano, Community Leader, CO
D.J. Ida, Community Leader, CO
Stan Matsunaka, Former Colorado State President, CO
Karen Nakandakare, Community Leader, CO
Derrick Okubo, Community Leader, CO
Sam Thomas, Communications Director, Desi-Dems, CO
Ben de Guzman, Co-Chair Emeritus, Asian Pacific Islander Queers United for Action, DC
Katrina Dizon, DC President, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, DC
Marita Etcubanez, Washington DC Chapter Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, DC
Kimberly Goulart, Communications Co-Chair, Korean Americans for Obama, DC
Laura Shin, National Coordinator, Korean Americans for Obama, DC
Ginger Lew, Former Senior Counselor, White House National Economic Council, FL
Wei Li, Vice President, Shandong Fellowship Association of Florida, FL
Xianqin Qu (曲显芹), President, Shandong Fellowship Association of Florida, FL
Hari Singh, President, Indian Horizon of Florida, FL
Winnie Tang, President, Florida Chinese Federation, FL
Esther Puakela Kia’aina, Community Leader, HI
Jadine Nielsen, Communit y Leader , HI
Ngoan Le, Vice President of Programs, The Chicago Community Trust, IL
Geri Sanchez Aglipay, Chicago Chapter Chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, IL
Unmi Song, Executive Director, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, IL
Sandra Yamate, CEO, The Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession, IL
Paul Lee, National Bar Leader and Law Firm Partner, MA
Leo Kim, National Field Co-Chair, Korean Americans for Obama, MD
Jason Lagria, National Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, MD
Minh Le, Mid Atlantic Advisor, Vietnamese Americans for Obama, MD
Jon Melegrito, Community Leader, MD
Kris Valderrama, Maryland State Delegate, MD
Dr. Nazmul Hassan (Shahin), President, Bangladeshi American Democratic Caucus (BAC), MI
Roland Hwang, , Northville Democratic Club, MI
Peggy Nagae, Community Leader, MT
Rozita Lee, Community Leader, NV
Loida Lewis, Community Leader, NY
Subodh Chadra, Community Leader, OH
Jay Goyal, Community Leader, OH
Ray Hing, Community Leader, OH
Ron Katsuyama, Co-Founder, Asian American Council, OH
Siu-Leung Lee, Community Leader, OH
Theresa Lee, Community Leader, OH
Yung-Chen Lu, Community Leader, OH
Margaret Wong, Community Leader, OH
N. Nina Ahmad, Small Business Owner, Scientist, and Community Organizer, PA
Glenn Hing, Community Leader, PA
Nina Chen Langenmayr, Community Leader, PA
Tsiwen Law, Community Leader, PA
Stella Tsai, Community Leader, Bar Association, PA
Gordon Quan, Former Mayor Pro Tem, City of Houston, TX
George Willy, Partner, Immigration Law Firm, TX
Toa Do, Board member, Vietnamese Americans for Obama, VA
Vincent Eng, Partner and CEO, VENG Group, VA
Melissa Unemori Hampe, Deputy Executive Director, Asian American Action Fund, VA
Vel Hernandez, Mid Atlantic Youth Director, Vietnamese Americans for Obama, VA
Linh Hoang, Mid Atlantic Field Director, Vietnamese Americans for Obama, VA
Mark Keam, Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates, VA
Gene Kim, Communications Co-Chair, Korean Americans for Obama, VA
Sunil Mansukhani, Principal, The Raben Group, VA
Irene Natividad, President, GlobeWomen, Inc, DC
Hung Nguyen, Board member, Vietnamese Americans for Obama, VA
Anh Phan, Mid Atlantic Communication Director, Vietnamese Americans for Obama, VA
Melvin Tabilas, Washington DC Chapter Co-chair, Kaya – Filipino Americans for Progress, VA
John Yang, Former President, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association , Former Chair, Asian American Justice Center, VA
Pramila Jayapal, Author and Activist, Founder, OneAmerica, Distinguished Taconic Fellow, Center for Community Change, WA
Hyeok Kim, Nonprofit Executive Director, WA
Albert Shen, Community Leader
Karen Narasaki, Civil Rights Leader, WA/DC
Sonal Shah, Former White House Director of Social Innovation
Osman Siddiquei, Former U.S. Ambassador, Republic of Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu,
Trial by Storm
November 2, 2012 By 1 Comment
Leaders rise to the occasion. After Sandy devastated New Jersey and New York, President Obama took precious time off campaigning to make sure that help was on its way.
And that was the right thing to do. Even New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who had lit into Obama’s record at the Republican convention, had effusive words of praise for our President.
Not coincidentally, Obama has risen in the polls — because voters reward leadership.
Tragedies can bring out both the best and worst in us. By helping those in need, President Obama has reinvigorated the spirit of sharing and giving.
– Gautam Dutta
Back to the Future?
October 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Will Obama lose the election but keep the White House?
The way things are looking, that’s not a rhetorical question. Right now, Obama is holding onto slender leads in most of the battleground states, while Romney is leading the national polls.
What does that mean? Obama could lose the popular vote, but win the Electoral College — just like George W. Bush did in 2000 (thanks to his 537-vote “victory” in Florida).
While some might see such an Obama victory as poetic justice, it tells me that we must get rid of the Electoral College pronto. In this time and age, it simply defies reason — and the core principle of democracy — that anyone can win by losing.
While this election is far from over, it’s not too early to think about ways to improve how we elect our President — especially the National Popular Vote plan, which AAA-Fund strongly supports.
The rules of an election matter. Let’s see how they’ll affect Election 2012.
– Gautam Dutta
Don’t Buy the Hype
October 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
With less than 2 weeks to go until Election Day, media talking heads are saying the presidential race is “very close” or “tied.” From a national poll perspective, such statements are true. But from the electoral college perspective (which of course is the only one that matters), they are blatantly false.
While Romney certainly could pull the upset, despite media reports to the contrary, Obama is a heavy favorite to win re-election. Consider: Electoral Map The electoral map strongly favors Obama. He already has in the bank many more electoral votes than Romney. As far as the battleground states, with the lone exception of North Carolina, Obama has led or been tied in every one since early summer. He currently leads in Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Winning these 7 states give Obama 281 electoral votes, 11 more than he needs to win. In fact, he could afford to lose New Hampshire and either Iowa or Nevada and still win re-election with 271.
Furthermore, Obama is tied in Colorado, Florida and Virginia — losing any one of these 3 states would be fatal for Romney. Even in North Carolina, Obama trails only slightly. If he wins there, it’s a near-2008 blowout.
Romney’s Momentum Stopped
The Romney campaign obviously wants to create a winning self-fulfilling prophecy. Romney clearly won the first debate with Obama, significantly closed the gap and got back in the game. Had Romney lost that debate, the race would have been over. However, Obama won the next 2 debates. The Romney camp keeps babbling about momentum they lost lost long ago. By definition, polls are snapshots of the RECENT PAST, not the PRESENT.
Media Bias
The media has an incentive to say the race is close because it’s exciting. It means higher TV ratings and readership. The media also can be lazy. It’s easier to report on one meaningless national poll than on several state polls where the race will be decided.
Obama’s Ground Game Romney backers claim that they’ve learned from 2008 and have a much better ground game. They probably do — but that’s because the McCain campaign’s ground game stunk.
But even the most optimistic Republicans admit that Obama’s operation is formidable. Most neutral observers think Obama’s ground game is superior than Romney’s, it’s only the degree that’s in question. Iowa, Colorado, Nevada, Ohio and Virginia are frequently cited as the states where Obama has the biggest advantage in this department.
Early Voting
Related to the ground game is the early voting already taking place in many battleground states. Every day in states where polls are open and Obama is leading means that he is winning, because he’s banking votes that Romney will have to make up on Election Day. By all accounts early voting is going very well for Obama, including in the most critical state of Ohio.
Colin Powell
Obama just scored the biggest endorsement of the election season with Colin Powell. Powell, although he endorsed Obama in 2008, would have surprised few had he remained neutral or endorsed fellow Republican Mitt Romney. While there are only a tiny sliver of undecided voters left, and endorsements may not sway that many, you can bet that Romney would have given one of his dancing horses to get Powell’s backing.
Richard Mourdock
Just when Republicans thought Todd “Legitimate Rape” Akin was in the rearview mirror, along came Richard Mourdock to reinforce the perception (or reality) that Republicans are at war with women’s rights. You would think that after Akin, any Republican running for U.S. Senate, particularly in a tight race, would avoid using the four-letter R word. Oops. Romney, who not only endorsed Mourdock but cut a TV commercial for him, half-heartedly distanced himself from Mourdock and refused to ask that the TV spot be pulled. The timing couldn’t be worse for Romney.
Again, it’s not over until it’s over, but anyone discouraged about Obama’s chances shouldn’t be. Barring some huge late October or early November surprise, or serious voter suppression and/or fraud, Obama is on the path to victory. But he still needs your vote, your donations and your volunteering in a swing state.
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