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The Links: Gax Tax Holiday?
2008-05-02 06:24:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...Indiana Polling Average: Clinton +2.6North Carolina Polling Average: Obama +7.2John Edwards is still conflicted, don't expect an endorsement soon.CQ Politics predicts a delegate split in Indiana.Stuart Rothenberg makes the case for Joe Lieberman as McCain's veep.MS Governor Haley Barbour takes his name out of the veepstakes.Obama calls the gas tax holiday a gimmick, most policy wonks agree.Clinton and McCain continue to criticize him on the issue though.Obama wins the crucial Fonz vote.McCain unveils his health care plan.Early voting in Indiana has doubled since 2004.Joe Trippi thinks John Edwards shouldn't have dropped out so early.Florida voters protest at DNC Headquarters.Michigan Dems offer a new solution to seat their delegates.The GOP is ignoring Clinton, but does that help or hurt?Clinton calls Wright's comments "outrageous" and "offensive" on the O'Reilly Factor.O'Reilly, always humble, says he gave Clinton her toughest interview ever.Obam... More About: Bush , Iraq , Holiday , President
This Week In Fake News...
2008-05-01 16:44:00 Around The Web Bush Almost Totally Forgot About Iraq War'To Catch A Predator' Targets Miley CyrusStephen Douglas Challenges Lincoln To A 'Hillary-Obama Style' DebatePresident Bush Unveils New 'Impotence-Only' Sex Policy More About: News , Fake , Week
Picture This: Air Obama
2008-04-30 06:06:00 "You guys are leaving the next president of the United States wide open," North Carolina Tar Heels coach Roy Williams yelled to his players. Barack Obama joined in a Tar Heel practice today while campaigning in the state and even had the opportunity to go up against national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough. "These guys are a lot better than me," Obama admitted afterward. More About: President , Picture , Picture This
The Links: Wright Returns, The Right Rejoices
2008-04-29 06:45:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...Polling Averages--Indiana: Clinton +8.1, North Carolina: Obama +17.7NC Governor Mike Easley will endorse Hillary Clinton tomorrow.NM Senator Jeff Bingaman endorsed Obama. He also got an AZ super this weekend.Elizabeth Edwards writes of political distractions trumping policy.The Supreme Court upheld Indiana's voter ID law.Howard Dean suggests one of the two must drop out in June.Obama splits with Clinton and McCain on the gas tax holiday.John McCain and the RNC hit back hard against the DNC's 100 years ad.Parts of the Netroots weren't too pleased with Obama's Fox News appearance.Obama says no more debates before May 6. Clinton offers to go Lincoln-Douglas.President Bush poked fun at the three candidates at the correspondents' dinner.Ron Paul backers forced Nevada Republicans to shut down their convention.Reverend Wright returns with a media blitz.Obama: "He does not speak for me."Dana Milbank wonders if Wright's is the "voice of doom" for Obama.J... More About: Barack Obama , George W
Ad Wars: Attack Politics To The Extreme
2008-04-29 06:05:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Barack Obama The American Leadership Project, a pro-Clinton group that has previous run ads against Obama in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, is up with a new ad in Indiana. "Jobs" suggests that Obama lacks the experience and specific proposals to address the serious economic concerns facing the country.Meanwhile, Obama also makes an appearance in new Republican attack ad in Mississippi's 1st District special election. The ad, certainly a test run for similar attacks in the fall, is so over the top it almost runs reads like a mock attack ad. The text:Travis Childers: endorsed by liberal Barack Obama. Obama says Childers will put progress before politics, but when Obama's pastor cursed America, blaming us for 9/11, Childers said nothing. When Obama ridiculed rural folks for clinging to guns and religion, Childers said nothing. Travis Childers: he took Obama's endorsement over our conservative values. Conservatives just can... More About: Politics , Congress , President , Hillary Clinton
Cartoon Monday!
2008-04-28 12:43:00 Borrowed from here, here, and here. More About: Bush , Cartoon , President , Cartoons , Barack Obama
Ad Wars: 100
2008-04-27 22:40:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.John McCain The Democratic Party has released its second ad, "100," which will air on national cable, attacking John McCain. The focus of the ad is McCain's comments last year that he would be willing to keep American troops in Iraq 100 years or more. While the McCain campaign has gotten Obama to back off on the issue, the national party is seeking to keep it front and center. McCain has argued that he was not referring to active combat missions 100 years from now, more like a residual peacekeeping force similar to the forces we have in South Korea. The ad, however, doesn't allow for any nuance, including images of violence, while referencing the cost in dollars and lives. The ad closes with: "If all he offers is more of the same, is John McCain the right choice for America's future?"Senate Watch: New MexicoRepublican Heather Wilson has released her first ad, a response to attacks from fellow Republican Steve Pearce. "... More About: Congress , President , Barack Obama , Wars
The Links: Hoops For Votes
2008-04-26 20:34:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...Polling Averages--Indiana: Clinton +1, North Carolina: Obama +18.4Chris Cillizza offers McCain ten moves to win in November.CQ Politics looks at the make or break moments in campaign history.Clinton adds a New Hampshire super.Howard Fineman offers advice to Obama on shedding the elitist label.A major Clinton donor switches allegiances to Obama.Obama uses basketball to appeal to Indiana voters.Dick Cheney hits the fundraising trail for McCain.Obama is going on the air in every remaining state/territory.McCain hits Obama on Ayers and Hamas.The DNC has met with both campaigns to plan for November.Obama reached a fundraising deal with the party, Clinton has not.Veep Watch: Mike Huckabee campaigned with McCain yesterday.Veep Watch: Mitt Romney is at the Nevada Republican Convention for McCain.Veep Watch: Fred Thompson says he'd turn the job down.Jonathan Martin has McCain's regional campaign managers.Obama's campaign has begun a national registration driv... More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton
Ad Wars: Clinton Talks Gas Prices In Indiana
2008-04-26 17:41:00 Today we look at races from the increasingly bitter Democratic gubernatorial race in North Carolina, the Democratic Senate primary in Kentucky, and the presidential race in Indiana . Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary Clinton Coming off a must-win victory in Pennsylvania, the Clinton camp has turned its focus to Indiana, where polls show the race a toss-up. Clinton's latest ad, "Cost," focuses on rising prices at the pump and addresses Clinton's plan for energy independence. The ad also takes a not-so-subtle shot at Obama in closing, "With gas this expensive, talk is cheap--It's time for leadership."Gubernatorial Watch: North CarolinaThe two leading Democratic candidates, Lieutenant Governor Bev Perdue and Treasurer Richard Moore, have been exchanging negative ads for weeks. Perdue finally relented recently, announcing that she would run an entirely positive ad campaign for the remainder of the race. Richard Moore, however, has stayed on the offensi... More About: Congress , President , Barack Obama
Quotable: How Losing Affects Winning
2008-04-25 23:29:00 "The way the loser loses will determine whether the winner wins in November."--Illinois Democrat Rahm Emanuel, who has not endorsed Clinton or Obama, on the chances of the Democratic nominee in November. More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Quotes , Winning
The Links: Mapping The Supers
2008-04-25 04:18:00 Served fresh daily...Polling Averages--Indiana: Clinton +6, North Carolina: Obama +18.4McCain visits the Lower 9th Ward, criticizes Bush 's handling of Katrina.Oregon Dem David Wu endorses Obama. He also gets a Nebraska super.General Petraeus is nominated to head CentCom.Obama finally agrees to do Fox News Sunday.Clinton backer Evan Bayh urges Hoosier supers to stay neutral.Obama campaign site was hacked.Superdelegates.org maps the supers.Cillizza examines how Clinton could still win it.Reverend Wright speaks out.Obama's camp pushes his electability.Apparently Clinton isn't making many friends among world leaders.Karl Rove previews an anti-Obama general election message.Iraq War opposition reaches a new high.Mike Huckabee's got a book deal.Clinton calls for two Oregon debates.The Cougar is playing both sides.Actor Roy Scheider gives to Obama from beyond the grave.The Big Hurt is back in the green and gold. Go A's.Thursday tunes: Stay (Wasting Time)This day in history:Pope Benedi... More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton
Quotable: Clinton Dynasty
2008-04-25 02:41:00 "They feel they're a dynasty. They're clinging to the throne."--Bill Richardson , appearing on CNN's Larry King Live last night, on Hillary and Bill Clinton . More About: President , Hillary Clinton , Quotes
Ad Wars: Andy Griffith!
2008-04-24 23:49:00 Check out these new ads from down ballot races across the country. And remember that our entire video library can be found at Political Realm TV.Gubernatorial Watch: IndianaDemocrat Jim Schellinger's new ad, "Believe," goes after his primary challenger, former Democratic Congress woman Jill Long Thompson. The ad portrays her as a Washington insider, suggesting he offers a change from politics as usual.Gubernatorial Watch: North CarolinaDemocrat Bev Perdue's newest ad features an endorsement from actor Andy Griffith. "Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina with Bev Perdue as governor," Griffith offers. 2008 has certainly been an unusual election cycle and seeing Andy Griffith in a campaign ad is simply the latest sign.Senate Watch: KentuckyDemocrat Bruce Lunsford's new ad, "Two Sides," presents a contrast between Kentucky values and the Washington politics that Republican Senator Mitch McConnell represents. Senate Watch: New MexicoRepublican Steve Pearce's latest ad, "Co... More About: Wars
The Links: Afternoon Delight
2008-04-23 21:01:00 Some early afternoon linkage...Chris Cillizza offers the winners and losers out of Pennsylvania.Conservative Dem supers split: OK Governor Brad Henry for Obama, TN Congressman John Tanner for Clinton.Howard Dean says the fate of Florida, Michigan will be decided in June.Obama's camp says the problem is older voters more than blue collar voters.Michael Crowley wonders about expectations and media reporting.Clinton's camp is on pace to raise $10 million in 24 hours.NY Times looks at McCain 's relationship with an AZ developer.A number of Edwards backers are moving to Obama.WSJ offers four voting blocks that will be key come November.Former PA Senator Rick Santorum urges Republican to support McCain.For what it's worth, filmmaker Michael Moore backs Obama.$4 gasoline. Bleh.Skyrockets in flight...This day in history: Coca-Cola announced the creation of New Coke in 1985. More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Links
Ad Wars: Obama's Down Ballot Effect
2008-04-23 18:45:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.Gubernatorial Watch: North CarolinaThe North Carolina GOP has produced a new ad, "Extreme," which features footage of Barack Obama 's pastor saying, "God damn America,"a sermon it also implies Obama personally witnessed (he did not). The ad attempts to connect that extremism to the two leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Bev Perdue and Richard Moore, both of whom support Obama. The connection is rather weak, but expect more ads like this down the road. The ad has drawn a quick rebuke from the national Republican Party as well as Republican nominee John McCain. The NC GOP, however, is an independent body, so the decision to run the ad is theirs.Perdue recently pledged to run a positive-only advertising campaign. In her latest ad, "Positive Campaign Fact Check," Perdue refutes claims made by her opponent, Richard Moore.Senate Watch: KentuckyDemocratic challenger Greg Fischer has released his second ad of the cycle, "The Ch... More About: Congress , Wars , Connell , Effect
Pennsylvania Hangover
2008-04-23 16:59:00 A few things to watch for today:Hillary Clinton is touting the fact that she now leads the popular vote. Of course, the only popular vote metric that finds her ahead is one that includes both Florida and Michigan. Obama supporters will be quick to note that he wasn't even on the ballot in that state and the Democratic Party, so far at least, will not seat either delegation in Denver.Watch for superdelegate movement to... Obama. Though it has been a trickle more than a sudden rush, the superdelegate movement to Obama since Super Tuesday has really been overwhelming. Obama has netted something like 60 or so supers, while Clinton has essentially broken even (due to defection, death, or resignation). Already this morning Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has endorsed Obama after initially saying he wouldn't publicly support anyone until Denver. I would suspect more in the next 24-48 hours.Though most of the media is still reporting Clinton's double-digit win last night, the actual ma... More About: President , Barack Obama , Pennsylvania , Hangover
Quotable: The Tide Is Turning
2008-04-23 16:19:00 "The tide is turning."--Hillary Clinton , in her Pennsylvania victory speech last night. More About: President , Quotes , Tide
This Week In Fake News...
2008-04-23 15:55:00 Around The WebNation Agrees Not To Talk About PoliticsDid Obama Really Give Hillary The Finger?Vague Genre Movie More About: News , Fake , Week
Pennsylvania Primary Results
2008-04-23 00:50:00 More than a month in the making, the Pennsylvania primary comes to a close today as voters finally head to the polls. We'll be here to bring you the results and our analysis as the night unfolds. Make sure to refresh your browser, because we'll be updating this post as we go. Our thoughts on the contests can be found below.Democrats (72% Reporting)Hillary Clinton 54%Barack Obama 46%Pennsylvania offers 158 delegates to Democrats and 74 delegates to Republicans, though John McCain has already locked up the GOP nomination.Notes[5:51PM CST] Finally. As long and winding as this campaign has been, the past six weeks have certainly been the longest. Of course, if things go as expected tonight, we won't be much closer to an end to the Democratic race than we were six weeks ago. Go figure.[5:58PM CST] The early exits are coming in and the demographic pattern is a familiar one, as turnout is again strong. Clinton dominated with older and more blue collar voters, while Obama did best wit... More About: President , Results
Ad Wars: Let's Get Ready To Rumble!
2008-04-23 00:44:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.All three candidates took the opportunity to reach out to wrestling fans on last night's WWE Raw broadcast. Ridiculousness ensued...Hillary Clinton The Clinton campaign plays heavily on the politics of fear in its latest ad, "Kitchen." Though it doesn't mention Obama by name, the ad features images of Osama bin Laden, Pearl Harbor and Hurricane Katrina, while implying that he doesn't have what it takes to be commander-in-chief. The ad finishes with, "Harry Truman said it best--if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Who do you think has what it takes?"Clinton addresses the economy in "Spoke Out," which highlights her early warnings of a recession.Clinton appeals to middle class voters in "For People," which features voters talking about Clinton's dedication and resolve.Clinton focuses on "jobs, jobs, jobs" in her new Indiana ad, appropriately titled, "Jobs."In North Carolina, Clinton continues her "Ask Me" series wi... More About: Congress , President , Barack Obama , Wars
The Links: Pennsylvania Votes... Finally
2008-04-22 23:39:00 Served fresh today with a new blogging look.Pennsylvania Polling Average: Clinton +6.6The first PA exit polls are coming in.CQ Politics offers a PA primer.Obama denounces the Jimmy Carter-Hamas meeting.Politico has five things to watch for in PA.Obama picks up an Ohio super.Clinton talks tough on Iran .The New Mexico GOP hits Obama in a radio ad.Bush 's ratings continue to fall.The Clinton and Obama camps spin expectations.What have we learned over the past six weeks?Mark Blumenthal breaks down the latest PA polling.Cindy McCain has a book due in September.The money gap grows in Obama's favor.Bill Clinton brings up the race card again.The Supreme Court is looking at the millionaires' amendment.Roger Simon examines the potential impact of race in November.McCain's wife says he doesn't have a bad temper.This day in history: Earth Day was observed for the first time in 1970. More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton
Quotable: The Race Card
2008-04-22 23:32:00 "I think that they played the race card on me."--Bill Clinton, referring to the Obama campaign, yesterday on Philadelphia radio. More About: Card , President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Quotes
Under Construction
2008-04-22 18:52:00 We're making the switch to a new template today, so the site may look strange for a little while. Right now the top link bar as well as the columns to the right are still under construction. Hopefully we will have all the kinks worked out soon.Please let us know if you find any persistent problems with the new format or simply share your thoughts on our new look. Thanks!Regular posting should resume this afternoon. More About: Construction , R News , Under Construction
Ad Wars: Attack Season
2008-04-21 14:32:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary Clinton The Clinton campaign has released two new ads going after Barack Obama in the days leading up to the Pennsylvania primary. "Answer" is a response to an Obama ad that began airing this past weekend. The ad suggests Clinton's plan is affordable, while Obama's leaves people without coverage. The ad also ties into ABC's recent debate, saying, "He [Barack Obama] couldn't answer tough questions," and "There are more and more questions about Barack Obama. Instead of attacking, maybe he should answer them." That language is the toughest we've seen yet in a Clinton ad--even more so than the 3 AM attack ads, which relied largely on symbolism. With just a few days left, both campaigns have opted to go negative in Pennsylvania. It will be interesting to watch what effect it has, if any."Talk" attempts to tie Obama to lobbyists, noting former lobbyists who have worked for his campaign.John McCain The Democratic Party has p... More About: Wars , Season
Cartoon Monday
2008-04-21 14:01:00 If it's Monday, it's got to be Cartoon Monday!Borrowed from here, here, and here. More About: Bush , Iraq , Iran , President
Quotable
2008-04-21 07:19:00 "I have to win."--Hillary Clinton , on Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary. More About: President , Quotes
The Links: Hamas For Obama?
2008-04-21 07:12:00 Some late night weekend linkage:Pennsylvania Polling Average: Clinton +6.1Chris Cillizza looks at the November battleground states.Clinton gets support from OH Dems Tim Ryan and Betty Sutton.She also picks up two add-on supers in NJ.Obama picks up a Nebraska super.McCain's tax, budget plans don't add up.Tom Tancredo takes on the Pope on immigration.McCain suggests Hamas supports Obama. (Ridiculous.)Howard Dean again pushes supers to commit.McCain releases his tax returns.Clinton Labor Sec. Robert Reich backs supports Obama.35,000 supporters showed up to see Obama in Philly.Clinton slams MoveOn and the party's left wing.Former Dem Senators Sam Nunn and David Boren back Obama.McCain uses the Bush 2000 and 2004 fundraising model.Obama went on a whistle-stop tour to end his PA campaign.Have Republicans fallen in line behind McCain?The Obama camp is beefing up its rapid response team.The NBA approves moving the Seattle Sonics. (Disappointing.)This day in history: two students shot an... More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Links
Ad Wars: Obama's Last Minute PA Push
2008-04-20 21:01:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.Barack Obama With Pennsylvania voters heading to the polls on Tuesday, the Obama campaign began its last minute advertising push this weekend. The campaign released two new ads across the state, where they have been vastly out-spending rival Hillary Clinton . "Reason" touts the endorsements Obama has received from major newspapers across the state."Afford" focuses on health care and is perhaps the campaign's first negative ad of the cycle (though in the grand scheme of negative ads it's fairly mild). The ad attacks Clinton's plan because it "forces everyone to buy insurance even if you can't afford it." The ad goes on to push Obama's own plan, which "reduces costs more than Hillary's" plan.Gubernatorial Watch: IndianaRepublican incumbent Mitch Daniels released a flurry of new ads over the past week, all touting his first term accomplishments. "Veterans" notes Daniels outreach to veterans and veterans organizations across the ... More About: Congress , President , Wars
The Links: Obama Is No Dukakis
More articles from this author:2008-04-17 17:13:00 Served fresh (almost) daily:NC Dems Price and Watt endorse Obama, as does IN's Carson.Obama also gets an OK super, while a DC super switches from Clinton to Obama.Clinton could get two more supers in New Jersey.PA Dem John Murtha says McCain is too old to be president.One of the PA voters upset with Obama's bitter comments in a Clinton ad isn't actually a PA voter.The RNC again out-raises the DNC."Bitter" shows up down the ballot in PA.MSNBC refuses to air the gun control ad featuring NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.Mike Huckabee launches Huck PAC.A superdelegate convention picks up more support.The Supreme Court allows lethal injection.Obama says he is no Dukakis.President Bush releases a new environmental plan.British PM Brown is meeting with Clinton, McCain, and Obama.Pennsylvania Polling Average: Clinton +5.4The Boss and the Bus endorse Obama.This day in history: Benjamin Franklin died in 1790. More About: Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , George W 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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