In response to the Paulson 850-word $700 billion dollar blank check to Wall Street, Congressional Democrats are trying to impose limits to excessive executive compensation and impose sane regulations on a rampantly ruined financial sector.

House Democrats plan to insist on adding protections for homeowners facing foreclosure, and want to add measure to help homeowners facing bankruptcy, and an executive compensation restriction designed to prevent golden parachutes for the heads of troubled institutions. Senator Obama, who was supportive of the bailout concept in a statement released Friday, thinks that “whatever gets done in Congress has to protect Main Street,” senior adviser Stephanie Cutter said on MSNBC on Saturday.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) told George on ABC: “If we’re going to spend taxpayer money to get rid of bad debt in these places, what is the reciprocal obligation … from the firms? … I think there’s going to be a strong interest to deal with the Main Street aspects.”

John Rich and Gretchen Wilson are no Stevie Wonder in my book. He actually sounded a little flat to me while singing the National Anthem. But, this does remind me that, in spite of the Brooks & Dunn at the end of the Democratic Convention, the music is so different. Last week we heard from Sheryl Crow, U2, The Boss and Stevie Wonder, but this week it’s country and more country. It reminds me of that line from the Blues Brothers when they go to that country bar asking what kind of music they usually have. The reply is something like “Oh, both kinds. We have Country and Western.”

For all the talk of national unity, it really is like two different worlds at times.

Friday, June 20
Chicago Economic Discussion with Democratic Governors
Chicago History Museum
1601 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL
Program Begins: 9:15 AM

The Daily News reports:

Hillary Clinton will join Barack Obama for a joint appearance in Washington next week to persuade her donors to begin giving to the Democrats’ nominee, the Daily News has learned.

It’s the first known plan to bring together the victor and vanquished from the Democrat primary race and put their pledges of unity for the fall campaign into action.

Jonathan Mantz, Clinton’s national finance director, sent top Clinton fundraisers an e-mail today inviting them to the event on June 26.

“As we move forward, we invite you to join us for a National Finance Committee meeting with both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama on Thursday, June 26th in Washington, D.C., to discuss how we can work together to support Barack Obama and the Democratic Party,” Mantz wrote.

Dear Matthew,

A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama. From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States.

Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges — including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.

This moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.

That’s why I am asking you to join me in showing your support by making a contribution to this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.

With the help of millions of supporters like you, Barack Obama will bring the change we so desperately need in order to solve our country’s most pressing problems.

If you’ve already contributed to this campaign, I ask that you consider making another contribution right now. If you haven’t, please take the next step and own a piece of this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

On the issues that matter most, Barack Obama is clearly the right choice to lead our nation.

We have a lot of work to do in the next few months to elect Barack Obama president, and it begins by making a contribution to this campaign today.

Thank you for joining me,

Al Gore

Dear Matthew,

Together, you and I changed America forever. We touched so many lives over the course of this campaign, and I can’t thank you enough for the support you showed me. I met so many wonderful people out on the trail, and I wanted to share some of those memories with you.

I hope you’ll take a moment to view our online album with some favorite photos from the campaign.

Thank you so much — I’ll be in touch soon.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Matthew –

Are you ready for the next big challenge of this campaign?

On Saturday, June 28th, more than a thousand supporters like you are hosting Unite for Change house meetings all across the country.

Ordinary people will be opening their homes and inviting friends and neighbors to come together and talk about our common cause of change.

See what Barack has to say about these Unite for Change events and sign up to host one in your community:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

The goal of Unite for Change is to bring together people who supported all of the Democratic candidates, as well as Independents and even some Republicans. We want to reach out to anyone who is tired of the politics of the past and looking for new solutions to the challenges we’re facing.

We’ll talk about the common values we share and our strategy for bringing more people into the political process than ever before.

Hosting a Unite For Change house meeting will be easy and fun. Whether you are a seasoned campaign veteran or a first time volunteer, our staff will be there to help you every step of the way.

Sign up now to host a Unite For Change event on June 28th:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

Since last February, we have worked to build a grassroots movement that will enable us to compete in all 50 states in the general election.

It’s going to take all of us working together to bring about the change our country needs.

Help us grow this movement and Unite For Change:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Part of the second half of his two week economic tour.Monday, June 16

Detroit “Change That Works For You” Rally with Barack Obama
Joe Louis Arena
600 Civin Center Dr
Detroit, MI 48226
Detroit, MI
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Program Begins: 8:30 PM

Part of the second leg of his two-week Economic Tour.

Flint “Change That Works For You” Event with Barack Obama
Kettering University
Connie and Jim John Recreation Center
1700 West 3rd Ave
Flint, MI
Doors Open: 10:00 AM
Program Begins: 11:45 AM

Monday June 16th

Details about precisely where this event will take place have yet to be released, but it will be in the Philadelphia area.

Philadelphia area “Change That Works For You” Town Hall Meeting
Philadelphia Area