Gravel

Recently (within the past week or two) Google removed the search expansion option from "Gravel" to "Mike Gravel." You know, when you type something in, and it suggests popular searches and whats hot in the news? Well it now solely consists of "landscape gravel" "gravel calculator" "gravel size" and "cost of gravel...." Good?

Washington Post shows the former senator to have $17,527 on hand for his campaign - actually a substantial amount when compared to his total funds raised of $130,598. He's conserving resources to try and stay for the long haul - but unfortunately, he'll have to pull up his numbers within the Libertarian Party if he hopes to have a shot at winning their nomination.

Gravel also published a letter on his website supporting former President Jimmy Carter in his attempt to mediate the peace process between Israel and Hamas.

Who besides Jimmy Carter can keep the Middle East peace effort alive while our lame duck president plays out his remaining days? Should we just hope that warring parties in the Middle East patiently wait until a new president takes over next year? And why should they be patient? The Democratic Party’s candidates seem to share the same obstinate, ill-informed views as George Bush and John McCain. Carter’s critics don’t know much about Israel’s real security situation- nor do they really care about it. All they want to do is please AIPAC and hawkish members of the American Jewish community who don’t have to live under the daily threat of terrorism. Ever notice how people who don’t have to fight in wars tend to be the most fervent war hawks?

Gravel's 5 minutes of (almost) fame came and went during the height of the presidential race..well during the race to find the major political candidates. His website is now caught up in criticizing the "White House and Democratic Senate['s...] cynical game of who blinks first."

For breaking news to Gravel diehard fans (a small caveat, I'm sure), Mike Gravel has joined the Libertarian Party. Gravel indicates his reasoning as being that "the Democratic Party no longer represents [his] vision for our great country[...]The fact is, the Democratic Party today is no longer the party of FDR. It is a party that continues to sustain war, the military-industrial complex and imperialism -- all of which I find anathema to my views."

In case you were interested, the top 6 Libertarian presidential candidates are (in no particular order, except following that of the Gravel blog):

• George Phillies
• Wayne Allyn Root
• Christine Smith
• Michael Jingozian
• Dr. Mary J. Ruwart
• Sen. Mike Gravel

Poor Mike

Mike Gravel is still on the ballot. Against all odds, the Alaskan senator has stuck through longer than many other candidates - longer than many of the big names. He is even in third place overall in total delegates for the Democratic presidential primary - and his total fundraising has reached a whalloping $379,795 - which is a lot more than people predicted.

Gravel actually got .2% of the Democratic votes in Ashley County, Arkansas - which is a big improvement over his early statistics. While Michigan voted for Gravel an astonishing .3% (because Obama was not on the ballot...), states such as Mississippi were much more typical. Mississippi gave Gravel .1% with 587 votes, and he earned the same .1% in New Hampshire.

Mike Gravel is maximizing the publicity he does get by funneling it toward his nonprofit organization The Democracy Foundation (DF) and Philadelphia II, both of which "advance democracy and empower the People." DF has proposed The National Initiative for Democracy, a new law amending the constitution and "equipping the people with the central power of government, lawmaking...to control the abuses of government."

And as a last hurrah, Gravel has held to his promise of refusing to endorse the Democratic candidate. The senator endorsed Jesse Johnson, who is seeking the Green Party nomination, on Thursday and will travel and campaign with him as their schedules permit.

Mike Gravel: "My political party long ago walked away from taking the necessary steps that will safeguard our nation's and our children's futures. I worked dedicatedly throughout my career as a U.S. senator to protect the precious resources our country had within its boundaries as well as to mitigate the negative impact our businesses and individuals were having on the planet. I have watched the ever-important job of stewarding these gifts vanish from the political landscape, and I hold the Democratic Party leadership responsible for giving up that fight."

Voting

Mike Gravel got an entire 325 votes in the recently-certified Arkansas election - which is pitiful. More people chose not to vote for a candidate. Gravel does indeed appear to be slowing his campaign, as he did not respond to a debate invitation from the JCPA, which is odd considering he needs as much attention as possible if he is to remain in the presidential race. However, he had an appearance Friday for Harvard democrats, and tonight to Columbia University's College of General Studies - he knows his case as a candidate is hopeless, so he is utilizing his role to speak to voters about the issues he is passionate about.

However, Mike Gravel is suing a pro-Hilary 527 in the federal court system. The organization ran an ad that "flagrantly violates the law" by using "phrases...or individual words, which in context can have no other reasonable meaning than to urge the election...of a particular candidate."

Gravel Slows Down

After months of energetic campaigning, it appears that Mike Gravel is finally giving up his fight. Although I could not find any source that announced his official withdrawl, his personal websited was not updated, and he didn't seem to be campaigning anywhere this week (a rarity for Gravel.) Furthermore, Gravel's website advertised his newly revised book-not his campaign, thus implying that he was slowing down his vigorous fight. However, although Gravel may not be running as ardently for president as he once did, his dissension of the state of our nation, and the candidacies of Obama and Clinton, are two elements that are still in full swing. In fact, Gravel speaks about such topics in his book, Citizen Power, stating, “Most Americans today are frustrated and confused. They are told by everyone that they are ‘the richest people in the world’ and ‘the world’s freest nation.’ Yet, they see poverty in the midst of plenty and continued erosion of their civil liberties. . . . People are tired of liberal ‘promises’ and conservative ‘game plans’ which offer the rhetoric of hope but, in reality, merely protect and perpetuate the status quo. . . ." Gravel's tenacity may have decreased in the presidential primaries, but his words and opinions remains as sharp as ever.

Sources Used: www.Myspace.com/MikeGravel
www.gravel2008.com

Gravel

There isn't much new in Gravel's campaign. He is being compared to Ralph Nader because of his stubbornness in staying on the Democratic ballot, but even being the third candidate doesn't mean any more votes are being shepherded towards him - he has zero delegates, to be exact. Actually, searching for Mike Gravel in news articles unfortunately brings up some articles about... gravel. Yes, the gravel you find in asphalt. Or, perhaps referencing a race track? A positive note: Gravel got 1 vote of 1992 registered Democratic votes in Malibu.

On another note, beliefnet.com rated Mike Gravel's "spiritual rating" (0 is secular; 10 is theocrat) to be a 4. In comparison, Bill Richardson and Mike Huckabee each pulled an 8
and Thompson got a 3.

Bloggers are noting in amazement how the media is thoroughly ignoring Mike Gravel's (often radical) statements about war and the Constitution and rights. While they "...may have suggested Dennis Kucinich was a space alien,...they didn't let on Gravel ever existed."

Gravel fights for a cause

Despite his many financial setbacks, Gravel continues to campaign around the country. Last week, he gave speeches at Columbia and Yale University, and is heading west this week to speak with students at UC Berkely. Furthermore, Gravel recently posted a lengthy speech on his website, praising Edwards' efforts in the race, and asserting that he was the much more honest and genuine president that Clinton or Obama. Gravel claimed that Clinton and Obama have no intentions of ending the war, and that they are both backed by and therefore in support of corporate-interests. Such rhetoric is quite extreme considering both candidates base their campaigns on the "people's" best interest and "ending the war in Iraq." However, it is not surprising that Gravel, who has received less than 1% of votes in the Democratic primaries, and is running out of funds, will make bold comments to gain media attention. Still despite the cloud of doom that continues to surround his chances of success (he actually can't feasibly win by this point), Gravel insists, "Winning the nomination isn’t the only reason some of us run for the highest office in the country. We persevere because we care deeply for our country, and we subject ourselves to the grueling schedule and the often unflattering media spotlight because we believe in the importance of the issues that we bring to the table." While Gravel's campaign may not be an unpredictable one like Obama's or Hillary's, Gravel's harsh rhetoric is indubitably entertaining!.

sources used: http://www.gravel2008.us/

Gravel is still in it to win it!

You will all be shocked to hear that despite Gravel's consistent losses, he continues his campaign with optimism. And as always, Gravel campaigns quite differently than his opponents. Rather than stand upon a pedestal above thousands of jeering supporters, Gravel holds less formal rallies, in the form of town hall meetings at his hotel or by visiting Stenson University to address young voters, or to show his support for African Americans at the Black Cacaus in Florida. And like his opponents, such meetings are tightly packed-up to 5 per day! Furthermore, Gravel is trying to gain more attention by making controversial statements such as insisting that Vice President Cheney be impeached immediately.

However, are Gravel's extensive efforts enough to actually gain a first, second, or even third place in the upcoming election? Probably not, because not only does Gravel hardly ever gain media attention (except when anchors mistakenly announce his candidacy withdrawal), but according to the Washington post's online site, Gravel has only raised $144,225 and of those funds, he has spent $130,598. And with, only $17, 527 left, it is doubtful that Gravel can gain any more ground. However, he has gotten himself on the South Carolina ballot, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

Washington post online: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/mike-gravel/
Mike Gravel online: http://www.gravel2008.us/

Let the People Decide

Although you would not recognize it by looking through political news, Gravel is still in the running for the Democratic presidential nomination. However, Alaskans remember the vivacious senator - the year Mike Gravel lost his Senate seat to Republican Frank Murkowski was the year Alaska fell from political importance. Thus, Alaskans remember Gravel even as they look for their newest democratic senator, in hopes of capitalizing on their current national spotlight.

Gravel has a "zero chance of getting the Democratic nomination," being given little attention throughout the primaries. He and Kucinich are the two variants - they are the unique candidates, who (if they could muster up more popularity) would be voted into office based on their platform and beliefs. However, the big three (Clinton, Obama and Edwards) are said to have "policy differences among the candidates are so slight, voters appear to be left to choose on the basis of a candidate's personality and life story." Immigration? All would leave 12 million illegals to earn citizenship. Iraq? Troops for Obama and Clinton would be left only to protect the U.S. embassies/citizens, while Edwards' looks to leave a residual force in Kuwait...basically the same concept. Gay rights and abortion? All three say yes. Thus, for the frantic voter trying to compromise his/her own beliefs with these candidates..maybe a look to the outsiders would be worthwhile, where Gravel and Kucinich dare to be different.

Senator Gravel is invited to the Sundance Film Festival, where he and a panel of entertainment moguls, will invite discussion about the intersections of entertainment and politics. This shows that while the news and media may not find the time for this man's opinions, people outside the political world are interested in his voice. Also, Noam Chomsky released a statement lauding Senator Gravel's efforts in politics. "Alone among...Congress, Senator Mike Gravel had the courage to...[help end] the atrocious Indochina wars...[and] also made a great contribution to breaking the wall of secrecy that governments erect...referring to his release of the Pentagon Papers, properly called "the Gravel edition...Gravel has continued to show the same moral integrity and courage, particularly with regard to war and aggression, the severe threat of nuclear war, the destructive impact of the military-industrial complex on American democracy, and the programs of aggressive militarism... It may be that these consistent and honorable commitments are responsible for his being largely excluded from the media, even from presidential debates. And the same integrity and courage should be an inspiration for people who care about their country, the fate of its people, and its role in the world."

Mike Gravel is still in it!

Despite getting a mere 402 votes in New Hampshire, and thus receiving no delegates or percentage in the polls, Gravel remains in the race, and he was outraged when MSNBC anchor, Keith Olbermann falsely announced that he had dropped out. On his website, Gravel responded to the journalist's words, saying, "At this point, I have become accustomed to many trying to silence my message to the American people -- the plain, simple, uncompromising truth. Nor does it come as any great surprise that the mainstream media is now putting words in my mouth. Not kind words, but bold-faced lies. Thursday evening at New Hampshire headquarters, on the most frigid night yet this winter, my campaign staff was dumbfounded to watch MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann announce I had dropped out of the race."(Mike Gravel for 2008)

In addition, Gravel was able to appear on the ballot in every state primary whose deadline has already passed, including the nearby Michigan primary. It is apparent that Gravel's resolve has not been weakened by his New Hampshire defeat!

Sources used: ABC News, http://abcnews.go.com/politics/elections/state?state=NH
and Mike Gravel's official website, http://www.gravel2008.us/

Trip Out on Pot - not Alcohol

Gravel has consistently been a brave candidate, breaching topics other candidates avoid at all costs. Because his campaign is so small, he needs to draw attention to himself - which he does through controversy. This past week, Gravel lectured kids on alcohol and its dangers. "I'm sure a lot of you have tripped out on alcohol," Gravel said. "It's a lot safer to do it on marijuana...Go get yourself a fifth of Scotch or a fifth of gin and chug-a-lug it down and you'll find you lose your senses a lot faster than you would smoking some marijuana..."


AOL News has looked at the Alaskan senator's money on hand (at the time, $17,527) and given Gravel suggestions with how best to spend his money - suggestions include a Toyota Matrix (with no options/upgrades), 1 semester's tuition at Dartmouth, purchase of a near-mint original Spiderman #2 comic, 5 eye's worth of Lasic eye surgery, or a local cable commercial in Bakersfield, CA.

Also, Gravel is the "considerable threat" as the only candidate who acknowledges American imperialism. Someone allegedly phoned into CNN claiming to be part of Gravel's intimate political circle, and claimed the Senator had dropped out of the political race. Since that fraudulent call, some conspiracies have sprung up that such major political candidates find Gravel to be a threat - because he may not necessarily support the ultimate Democratic nominee, as Kucinich and Biden and Dodd will probably do. Gravel publicly challenges his major opponents time and again, hackling them more than his slightly-more successful cohorts (ex-cohorts, since they dropped their campaigns) in Dodd and Biden.

Mike Gravel is working hard in New Hampshire!

Not surprisingly, Mike Gravel did not place #1 in the Iowa caucus, nor did he place in the top 3. However, unlike Kucinich and Todd, Gravel remains in the race and is campaiging hard in New Hampshire. Yesterday, Gravel spoke at a town hall meeting at Exeter Academy, while he is scheduled to make many appearances today (Jan 7), inluding at New Hampshire television studio, WMUR, the "Every Child Matters" forum in Concord, NH, a coffee-chat with NH veterans in a living center, and one breakfast to thank his supporters. Such intimate appearances in the middle of a Presidential race is rare for any candidate, and it further emphasizes Gravel's differences with the other candidiates.

According to the website, Va Joe Candidate Calculator, Mike Gravel is actually the presidential whose positions are most aligned with those of their pollers. This site is used by veterans and thier families, and their "calculator" works by presenting a list of issues to their pollers in which the pollers declare their position on each issue. The "calculator" then matches up their opinions with the Presidential Candidate that has the most view points as them. Currently, Mike Gravel is in the lead, proving that he might have a much larger "fan base" than one would presume. It is clear from his perserverance, that Mike Gravel believes in his presidential potential, and I look forward to witnessing his battle in New Hampshire!