Political Realm

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Cartoon Monday
2008-06-09 21:07:00
After spending four hours on the tarmac at LaGuardia yesterday and having an unexpected sleepover at the Detroit airport, I have finally arrived back in Omaha. On with the cartoons...Borrowed from here, here, and here.
More About: Bush , Cartoon , Cartoons , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Saturday Stew: Primary Fatigue
2008-06-07 14:03:00
Saturday Stew is a weekend open thread for readers to sound off on the latest political news. This week in the stew we're talking about the impact of the long Democratic race that has finally drawn to a conclusion.Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination Tuesday, exactly five months after the primary season began in Iowa. Hillary Clinton didn't concede Tuesday evening, but is preparing to endorse Obama today in Washington, concluding one of the longest and most intriguing primaries in American political history.In what ways has the long primary race helped the Democratic Party and it's nominee?In what ways has the race hurt the Democratic Party and it's nominee?Ultimately, has the process been beneficial or detrimental for Democrats?In what ways would you like to see the primary process changed in the future?Were you satisfied with the Florida-Michigan ruling?Which Democrat, Obama or Clinton, would be the strongest nominee?Which candidate, Obama or McCain , is better pos...
More About: Saturday , Primary

Picture This: Rezko
2008-06-05 21:28:00
This is not a face Barack Obama wanted to see in the news again as he begins his general election campaign. A federal jury convicted Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a Chicago developer with ties to Obama, on 16 of 24 corruption charges yesterday. Still, it's probably better for the Obama campaign that the conviction came now rather than in the fall. "I'm saddened by today's verdict. This isn't the Tony Rezko I knew, but now he has been convicted by a jury on multiple charges that once again shine a spotlight on the need for reform," Obama said Wednesday. "I encourage the General Assembly to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent these kinds of abuses in the future."
More About: Picture , Picture This

Quotable: Dream Ticket
2008-06-05 18:56:00
"I think it would be the worst mistake that could be made. That would just accumulate the negative aspects of both candidates."--Former President Jimmy Carter, on the idea of an Obama-Clinton so-called dream ticket for Democrats.
More About: Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Quotes , Dream , Ticket

Ad Wars: Democrats vs. Obama
2008-06-05 17:01:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV, which now includes 400 videos.Presidential Watch: Barack Obama The Republican National Committee released two new web videos attacking Barack Obama on the day he clinched the nomination. In a preview of a message we will probably see down the line, the RNC using the words of former Democratic rivals against Barack Obama in one video, "Democrats vs. Obama." The most damning comments come from Hillary Clinton , who in March touted her own experience and that of John McCain , while questioning Obama's readiness.The RNC also hits Obama's experience, suggesting he has limited job experience and few accomplishments. "Does Barack Obama's thin resume prepare him to hold the most powerful office in the world?" It's another message you can expect to hear more of as the general election moves forward.Senate Watch: ColoradoThe NRSC has released a new web video that essentially sums up its case in Colorado in a four word phrase: "Bould...
More About: Wars

The Links: Sunrise Edition
2008-06-05 13:23:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...General Election Polling Average--McCain vs. Obama: Obama +2.2Hillary Clinton will suspend her campaign and endorse Barack Obama Saturday.Was it the biggest political upset ever?Democratic leaders pushed her to get out as soon as possible.Obama taps Caroline Kennedy to help with his veep search.Tony Rezko was convicted on corruption charges yesterday.Chris Cillizza has the winners and losers from Tuesday's primaries.Obama reasserted his pro-Israel stance before AIPAC.The Wall Street Journal profiles Clinton's path to second place.Kristin Jensen writes that the Bush 2000 model failed Clinton.Clinton seems to be angling for a spot on the ticket.Obama would have had won even if Florida and Michigan had been counted in full.Campaign Diaries offers its first electoral college ratings.Obama's speech Tuesday set ratings marks for cable news.Marc Ambinder parses the idea of a dream ticket.So much for Hamas endorsing Obama.Michael Crowley looks at the unusual...
More About: George W , Links

Blogging Update
2008-06-05 07:52:00
I will be flying to New York in a few hours, which will put me on a blogging sabbatical through Sunday. Through the magic of Blogger's new scheduled posting feature, however, I do have several posts lined up for the interim to satisfy your political appetite. Thus, Political Realm will live on during my brief absence, though I won't be able to post on any breaking news. Be sure to check in this weekend for the return of the long lost Saturday Stew feature as well. Regular posting will resume Monday. Cheers!
More About: Blogging , R News , Update

This Week In Fake News: Young Hillary Clinton
2008-06-04 14:28:00
Around The Web Young Hillary Clinton Bin Laden Sends Belated Threat To Israel For 60th BirthdayMI FL Hunters Restaurant Patrons Entranced By Sizzling Order Of Fajitas Bulls Blow NBA Draft Lottery Win On More NBA Draft Lottery TicketsBig Brown Continues Three-Year Media Silence
More About: News , Fake , Week

Quotable: This Is Our Moment
2008-06-04 05:52:00
"America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love. The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility and knowledge of my own limitations. But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment--this was the time--when we came t...
More About: Barack Obama , Quotes , Moment

Montana And South Dakota Primary Results
2008-06-04 02:53:00
Voters in Montana and South Dakota head to the polls, wrapping up the primary calendar exactly five months after it began in Iowa. Will Obama get the delegates he needs to claim victory tonight? Will Clinton concede or does she want to fight on? Stay tuned to find out. As always, we'll be updating this post as we go tonight, so be sure to refresh your browser. Our live commentary on the contests can be found below.South Dakota (98% Reporting)Hillary Clinton 55%Barack Obama 45%Montana (39% Reporting)Barack Obama 58%Hillary Clinton 40%Montana offers Democrats 16 delegates and South Dakota has 15 delegates. Notes[8:00PM CST] Now it's official. Barack Obama is the presumptive nominee.[8:21PM CST] The exits suggest Clinton is on her way to victory in South Dakota, but that contest is largely meaningless at this point. As we await Clinton's speech, the only question now is whether or not she concedes tonight.[8:23PM CST] There are a number of key down ballot races tonight as well. ...
More About: Bush , George W , Results

Ad Wars: Steelman Makes Her Case In Missouri
2008-06-04 00:25:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV, which now includes 400 videos.Gubernatorial Watch: Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Steelman has launched her first ads of the cycle, keeping pace with Republican rival Kenny Hulshof. The two will face off in the August 5th primary. Steelman's first ad, "Values," provides some personal background but focuses on her pro-life stance.Steelman's second ad, "Guts," suggests she has what it takes to be governor. The ad cites her "steely resolve" in fighting illegal immigration and protecting taxpayer money.
More About: Wars , Case

Senate Watch: News & Notes
2008-06-03 20:04:00
Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country. Click here for our latest Senate rankings (updated: 5/20/08).AlabamaThough the party is expanding the playing field across the country, Democrats have gained little traction in their efforts to unseat Republican Senator Jeff Sessions (pictured). Sessions continues to hold a huge lead over Democratic challenger Vivian Figures in his bid for a third term. The Republican leads 62%-29% according to the Rasmussen poll, with 72% of the electorate holding a favorable view of the incumbent. Nearly a quarter of the voters surveyed were unsure about Figures, which suggests much of the state is still unfamiliar with her. After a close win in his first election in 1996, Sessions won easily in 2002 and appears to be cruising to another victory this cycle. Alabama is not expect to be closely contested on the presidential level and with Sessions holding a nearly 300:1 cash advantage, the chances look increasingly slim f...
More About: News , Watch , Barack Obama , Cain , Notes

The Links: On The Brink
2008-06-03 07:07:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...General Election Polling Average--McCain vs. Obama: Obama +1.6Obama picks up WV Dem Alan Mollohan, a CT super, an FL super, an ME super, two MI supers, an NV super, an OR super, two TX supers, a VA super, and a WA super.Clinton gets two LA supers, an NY super, and a WA super.The Fix ranks the top ten battlegrounds for November.Republican Senator Chuck Hagel's wife donated to Obama. Unity ticket, anyone?Susan Page looks at the new map in 2008.FiveThirtyEight offers its latest pollster ratings.Ted Kennedy's brain surgery yesterday was successful.Clinton gets the endorsement from South Dakota's Argus Leader.Bob Dole rips Scott McClellan. Is he a hypocrite?West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd was hospitalized.Space station astronauts can now use the toilet again.McCain pledges to be the chief negotiator in the Middle East.Obama has reached out to Joe Biden to help on the foreign policy front.Chris Cillizza warns McCain about the dangers in lecturing Obama ...
More About: Bush , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Dick Cheney , John Kerry

Picture This: Obama At Mount Rushmore
2008-06-02 19:41:00
Following in the footsteps of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton , Barack Obama visited Mount Rushmore while campaigning in South Dakota Friday night. Asked if he could envision his own face on the mountain, Obama said, "I don't think my ears would fit. There's only so much rock up there."
More About: President , Picture

Ad Wars: Clinton Touts Popular Vote
2008-06-02 18:17:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV, which now includes 400 videos.Hillary Clinton Clinton launched what could be the last ad of her presidential campaign today, "17 Million." The ad, which will air in the final two primary states, Montana and South Dakota, touts Clinton's popular vote total. "17 million Americans have voted for Hillary Clinton--more than for any primary candidate in history. Some say there isn't a single reason for Hillary Clinton to be the Democratic nominee. They're right. There are over 17 million of them."
More About: President , Wars , Popular , Vote

Cartoon Monday
2008-06-02 14:13:00
Toons!Borrowed from here, here, and here.
More About: Bush , Cartoon , Iraq , President , Cartoons

Ad Wars: Count The Votes
2008-06-01 15:46:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.President ial Watch: Michigan And FloridaA new group, Count The Votes Casts PAC, aired this ad in Washington, DC and on CNN nationally urging members of the the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee to seat all the full delegate slates from Michigan and Florida. The ad features several older Democrats who insist the contests were valid, reference the Florida recount in 2000, and suggest disaster lies ahead should the party not count the votes.Senate Watch: ColoradoDemocratic Congress man Mark Udall has launched his second ad of the cycle, "Worth." Udall focuses on national defense in the ad, calling for the creation of a new army division, improving veterans care, and finding Osama bin Laden. "Isn't there a better way to protect America?" Udall asks.Senate Watch: New MexicoRepublican Congressman Steve Pearce decries attacks from House colleague Heather Wilson in his latest ad, "We Can Do Better And We Deserve Better." The Republica...
More About: Wars , John Warner

Picture This: Protests
2008-06-01 07:04:00
Protesters, most supporting Hillary Clinton , gathered in Washington, DC outside of the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting today. The group demanded all the votes from Florida and Michigan be counted and the states' full delegations be seated at the Denver convention.The crowds were no doubt disappointed by the committee's ruling, however, which gave the delegates from both states only half a vote at the convention. That result virtually eliminates Clinton's already slim chances of winning the delegates, super or otherwise, needed for the Democratic nomination. Her campaign may still take their fight to Denver.Barack Obama had urged his supporters not to protest at the event.
More About: President , Picture , Protests

Quotable: We're Going To Lose Some Seats
2008-05-30 18:19:00
"We're going to lose some seats. There's no question about it. We deserve to."--Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, on his party's chances this fall. Coburn went on to suggest Republicans lack leadership and have betrayed the values of their party.
More About: Congress , Quotes

Ad Wars: Clinton's Final Push
2008-05-30 06:25:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary Clinton Clinton is making perhaps her final ad push, launching a new ad, "Only One," in Montana. The ad strikes a familiar economic message, touting her record and appealing to middle class voters.The pro-Clinton American Leadership Project has also launched new ads in the three remaining contests. In Puerto Rico, the group is touting Clinton's health care plan.The group is airing "Squeezed" in Montana and South Dakota, which focuses on Clinton's plan to reduce the economic burden on middle class families.Gubernatorial Watch: MissouriRepublican Congress man Kenny Hulshof touts his background as a prosecutor, while hitting rival Sarah Steelman for being too Jefferson City (Missouri speak for 'too Washington'). It's an odd claim from a candidate who's spent the past twelve years in Washington. Steelman has served as Missouri's treasurer for four years after six years as a state senator. The primary is August 5th....
More About: President , Wars , Immigration

Picture This: Mount Rushmore
2008-05-30 06:11:00
Hillary Clinton visited Mount Rushmore while campaigning in South Dakota Wednesday morning. Asked if she could one day picture her own face on the mountain, Clinton demurred. South Dakota holds its primary on June 3rd.
More About: President , Hillary Clinton , Picture , Picture This

Quotable: End Of The Line
2008-05-29 23:17:00
"I will step in. Because we cannot take this fight to the convention... It must be over before then."--House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , suggesting she and other party leaders would intercede to resolve the Democratic primary race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton if both remain in the race beyond the final primaries on June 3rd.
More About: President , Quotes

The Links: Told You So
2008-05-29 06:38:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...General Election Polling Average--McCain vs. Obama: Obama +2.6General Election Polling Average--McCain vs. Clinton: Clinton +1.2Obama picks up support from a CO super, two Oregon supers, a WY super, and a Guam super.He also expands his delegate margins in Alaska and Colorado.Clinton gets a Virgin Islands super, who switched to Obama and is switching back.Is Joe Biden auditioning for Secretary of State? Or perhaps John Kerry ?Clinton, McCain, and Obama unite to save Darfur.Marc Ambinder previews this weekend's Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting that will decide the fate of Florida and Michigan.Democratic lawyers advise seating half of the delegates.Charlie Cook believes the electorate is still looking to punish Republicans in 2008.Pick John McCain's running mate.Clinton takes her electability argument directly to the supers in last minute letter.Former Bush press secretary Scott McClellan hits the administration hard in a new book. The White House says...
More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Quotable: Electability
2008-05-28 21:12:00
"We have not gone through this exciting unprecedented historic election only to lose. You have to ask yourself--who is the stronger candidate? And based on every analysis of every bit of research and every poll that's been taken and every state that a Democrat has to win, I am the stronger candidate against John McCain in the fall."--Hillary Clinton , at a campaign event in Montana yesterday, suggesting that she is more electable than rival Barack Obama .
More About: President , Quotes

Picture This: Between A Rock And A Hard Place
2008-05-28 20:00:00
John McCain appeared with President Bush publicly for less than a minute as the commander in chief joined the Arizona senator for a closed-press fundraiser in Phoenix yesterday. The event was moved from the Convention Center to a private residence to further avoid the public eye.Indeed, McCain walks a fine line in his relationship with the current White House resident. With his fundraising lagging far behind Democratic counterparts Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton , McCain needs Bush to help bring in the huge amounts of cash that helped him win in 2000 and 2004. But with President Bush's popularity reaching historic lows, McCain does not want to appear too close. "He's holding a fund-raiser with George Bush behind closed doors in Arizona. No cameras, no reporters. And we all know why," Obama told reporters. "Senator McCain doesn't want to be seen, hat in hand, with the president whose failed policies he promises to continue for another four years."
More About: George W

Ad Wars: Obama Turns To Montana, Puerto Rico
2008-05-28 19:48:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Barack Obama In Montana, Obama has begun airing "Achieve," in which the candidate appeals to the difficulties of the middle class. Montana holds its primary, the last of the cycle with South Dakota, on Tuesday. In Puerto Rico, the campaign has launched a Spanish language ad, "Mensaje A Puerto Rico." In the ad, Obama, speaking in Spanish throughout, reaches out to the islands Hispanic voters, telling of his own birth on Hawaii. Obama also talks of a plan to create new jobs and invest in education. Full translation can be found below.I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message. I was born on an island, and I understand that food, gas, and everything costs more. Puerto Rico has a right to a better future. My plan offers new incentives to replace the 40,000 jobs that have been lost. And invest in the education of Puerto Rican children. On June 1st, it would be an honor to count on your vote.John McCainMoveOn.org is again target...
More About: Bush , President , Wars , George W

This Week In Fake News: Next Vote Wins
2008-05-28 14:52:00
Around The WebDesperate Clinton To Obama: 'Next Vote Wins 'Obama, Clinton, And McCain Join Forces To Form Nightmare TicketNation's Poorest 1% Now Controls Two-Thirds Of US Soda Can WealthNike Signs Big Brown To $90 Million Horseshoe Contract'Wheel Of Fortune' Contestants Hit Hard As Vowel Prices SkyrocketSupreme Court Halts Reruns Of HBO's 'Recount'
More About: News , Fake , Week

Ad Wars: Clinton, Obama Shift To South Dakota
2008-05-27 18:02:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary Clinton Clinton talks fiscal responsibility and takes aim at the policies of President Bush rather than her Democratic rival in her latest ad, "Responsibility." Clinton talks about reducing the deficit, balancing the budget, and protecting social security in the spot that is set to air in South Dakota, whose primary is next Tuesday.Barack Obama Barack Obama's new South Dakota ad, "Straight," features longtime supporter and former South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle. He notes Obama's support from two other South Dakota Dems--Senator Tim Johnson and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin--while playing up Obama's appeal to working class voters. Daschle says, "He's rooted in the same values as most South Dakotans. He has an understanding of American--rural and urban alike."
More About: Wars

The Links: Memorial Day
2008-05-27 06:44:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...General Election Polling Average--McCain vs. Obama: Obama +3.0General Election Polling Average--McCain vs. Clinton: Clinton +1.4Obama gets CA Dems Jim Costa and Dennis Cardoza (switching from Clinton), an AK super, a GA super, three HI supers, an OR super, and a WY super.Clinton picked up a Georgia super.Cindy McCain finally, quietly released her tax returns.McCain has found someone to head up his VP search.Jennifer Skalka offers the case for Supreme Court Justice Hillary Clinton .McCain's health records revealed few surprises.Bill Clinton insists his wife can still win the nomination.Congress has subpoenaed Karl Rove to testify.Charlie Cook has released his latest Senate ratings.The Fact Checker suggests McCain is offering less than straight talk about earmarks.Chuck Todd looks at the potential civil war within the Democratic Party.Clinton and Obama campaigned for votes in Puerto Rico last weekend.McCain reiterated his opposition to the new GI Bill on ...
More About: President , Barack Obama , John Edwards

Quotable: Cover Up
2008-05-26 20:12:00
"I have never seen anything like it. I have never seen a candidate treated so disrespectfully just for running."--Former President Bill Clinton, on the trail in South Dakota, decrying efforts to force Hillary Clinton from the race and attacking the press for trying to 'cover up' her chances.
More About: Quotes , Cover , Cover-up