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Ad Wars: Indiana Gubernatorial Race Heats Up
2008-04-01 17:33:00 Check out more videos at Political Realm TV.John McCain Another day and another biographical video from the McCain campaign. The latest, "Heroes," tells of the impact teacher William Ravenal had on McCain's life.Gubernatorial Watch: Indiana Republican Governor Mitch Daniels has released two more ads in his bid for a second term. "Outside The Box" touts Daniels' economic record during his first four years in office."Taxpayers First" also focuses on the economy, suggesting Daniels turned Indiana's economy around without raising taxes. Two Democrats are vying for the right to face Daniels in November--former Representative Jill Long Thompson and architect Jim Schellinger. Thompson's first ad, "Hoosier," is a biographical ad that emphasizes her experience.Jim Schellinger's first ad, "Like Us," is also a biographical spot.In "Opportunity," Schellinger talks about his plan for improving Indiana's education system. More About: President , Wars , Race
The Links: Governor Clinton?
2008-04-01 06:21:00 Served fresh (almost) daily.Could Hillary Clinton be New York's next governor?Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar endorses Obama.The NC Dem delegation may be next to endorse Obama.Paul Kane looks at the rocky McCain-Obama relationship.The NFL is scheduling around the Republican Convention.Bill Clinton tells voters to "chill out."The politics of Wikipedia?Florida Republican Mel Martinez gives McCain's economic plan an "incomplete."Al Gore talks to 60 Minutes.HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson is leaving.Rapper 50 Cent switches from Clinton to Obama.'21' wins the weekend box office.Four 1 seeds head to the Final Four for the first time.This day in history: liberal radio network Air America premiered in 2004. More About: President , Barack Obama , Links
Picture This: First Pitch
2008-04-01 05:54:00 President Bush threw out the first pitch at the inaugural game at Nationals Park between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves last night. The Nationals won 3-2. More About: George W , Picture , Pitch , Picture This
Ad Wars: McCain's Biography
2008-03-31 21:20:00 Check out more videos at Political Realm TV.John McCainIn coordination with the candidate's biography tour that kicks off today in Mississippi, John McCain's campaign has released a new web video, "Character Forged By Family." The video notes the history of military service in his family and the effect that had on McCain's own character. Like his first general election ad of the cycle, this video is thin on policy, but rife with patriotic themes. With the Republican brand suffering in recent years due to the growing discontent with President Bush and the Iraq War, McCain's campaign is eager to project an image of the candidate that goes beyond the party.Issues Watch: EnvironmentThe We Campaign, a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection, is beginning a new ad campaign to increase awareness about the environment and climate change. The nonpartisan organization founded by Al Gore has dedicated $300 million to the effort. Future ads will include joint appearances from Nan... More About: Nancy Pelosi , Climate Change
Odds & Ends
2008-03-31 20:25:00 Just a few housekeeping items to mention:We will be adding new sites to our blogroll today. If you would like to see your site in our blogroll, just leave us a comment (a return link would be nice too). We'd also like to send a link back to everyone that links us, so if you already link to Political Realm and we haven't returned the favor, just let us know.Political Realm readers can now find some of our posts at Donklephant. Justin Gardner was kind enough to invite me to join the blogging team there and I encourage you to check out his excellent site. Donklephant is a centrist blog that offers thoughtful commentary and analysis of the day's political news and is well worth a look.You can still find us posting at Mirror On America as well. Mirror On America is a blog focusing on news, politics, race, religion, and media.We currently have a post featured in the latest Carnival of Politics. Stop by and check out the other great offerings there this week.Remember to check out o... More About: R News , Odds , Ends
Cartoon Monday
2008-03-31 14:53:00 Borrowed from here, here, and here. More About: Bush , Cartoon , Iraq , President , Cartoons
The Links: Strikes & Gutters
2008-03-30 17:12:00 What's on the menu this weekend?Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, Jr. endorses Obama.Obama also gets support from a CT super.Howard Dean: Clinton-Obama bickering could hurt the party.Team Clinton isn't paying the bills.Will NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorse Obama?Florida Dem Bill Nelson calls for primary reform and the end of the Electoral College.Gore believes the Dem race will resolve itself.Puerto Rico's governor, an Obama backer, is indicted.McCain is going on a biographical tour next week.Former AL Governor Don Siegelman has been freed as Congress looks into possible political motivation for his prosecution.Chelsea Clinton says mom would be a better prez than dad.Ralph Nader tells Clinton to stay in the race.James Carville keeps pushing the Richardson as Judas idea.Obama goes bowling.Pennsylvania Polling Average: Clinton +12.1This day in history: President Reagan was shot in 1981. More About: Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Bill Richardson , Al Gore
Quotable
2008-03-30 01:32:00 "I do not discourage easily, in case you haven?t noticed."--Hillary Clinton , on the trail in Kentucky today. More About: President , Quotes
Ad Wars: McCain Looks To The General Election
2008-03-29 19:18:00 Check out more videos at Political Realm TV.John McCainHe may not have an opponent yet, but McCain's campaign began advertising for general election this week. "624787" will air only in New Mexico, one of the closest battlegrounds over the past two cycles, and focuses on McCain's experience. While there isn't much by way of policy detail, the ad drips with patriotic rhetoric: "What must a president believe about us? About America? That she is worth protecting? That liberty is priceless?" The ad concludes with: "John McCain: The American president Americans have been waiting for."Barack Obama Obama's latest Pennsylvania ad, "Nothing's Changed," focuses on energy independence. Obama notes that he does not take money from oil companies or Washington lobbyists--claims the Clinton campaign refutes. More About: President , Hillary Clinton , Wars , General
Senate Watch: News & Notes
2008-03-29 07:00:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country. Click here for our latest Senate rankings.AlaskaHow much does Republican Congress man Don Young's political trouble reflect on Ted Stevens' chances for re-election in 2008? Young (pictured), often referred to as the state's third senator because he's been in office since 1973, is in the fight of his political life after becoming embroiled in the same bribery scandal that threatens Stevens. Several polls have shown Young, the state's lone representative, trailing his Democratic challengers and he recently drew a primary challenge from Lt. Governor Sean Parnell. Parnell's candidacy will test the clout of recently elected Republican Governor Sarah Palin, who ousted unpopular Frank Murkowski in a 2006 primary showdown. Republicans have dominated elections in Alaska and the party would probably stand a better chance without Young and Stevens on the ballot in 2008.So far, Stevens has drawn two primary ch... More About: News , Bush , Watch , George W
Ad Wars: Hoosier State In Focus
2008-03-28 00:00:00 Check out more videos at Political Realm TV.Barack Obama The Obama campaign will begin airing its first ads in Indiana, whose primary is on May 6, tomorrow. In "For Decades," Obama (looking more relaxed--read: "common man"--in a leather jacket) talks about his work for laid off steelworkers and focuses on his plan to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Gubernatorial Watch: IndianaRepublican Governor Mitch Daniels, who began airing his first ads earlier this week, is up with his second ad, "Actively Recruiting Jobs." The ad touts Indiana's job growth during Daniels' first term. More About: President , Wars , State , Focus
The Links: "Things Are Being Done"
2008-03-27 04:19:00 Uno, dos, tres, quatro!Harry Reid says "things are being done" to end the Dem battle.Obama hits Clinton for her Bosnian exaggeration.The Clinton team hits back.How long will Al Gore wait?Hillary Clinton insists the race will go on.Jeremiah Wright has canceled more appearances.Eager for more debates a few weeks ago, Clinton is now slow to commit to a North Carolina debate.A Michigan judge rules the state's primary unconstitutional.McCain addresses economic concerns.Obama says McCain's speech offered no solutions.Chris Cillizza takes a look at Bill Clinton's impact on the race.Obama releases more tax returns and pushes Clinton to follow.Clinton donors challenge Pelosi's superdelegate stance.A Florida Dem floats Al Gore as a compromise nominee.Obama gets another super--Illinois Congressman Dan Lipinski.Mike Gravel (remember him?) is seeking the Libertarian nod.Nancy Reagan endorses McCain.Major League Baseball's season has begun... in Japan.This day in history: Vladimir Putin was ... More About: President , Nancy Pelosi , Barack Obama
Quotable
2008-03-26 21:46:00 "If a politician doesn't wanna get beat up, he shouldn't run for office."--Bill Clinton, suggesting that heated rhetoric is part of the process, at a campaign event for his wife in West Virginia today. More About: President , Hillary Clinton , Quotes
This Week In Fake News...
2008-03-26 21:38:00 Around The WebBlack Guy Asks Nation For ChangeIraqi PM Wishes Western Politicians Would Call Before VisitingFederal Reserve Announces Emergency Release Of ButterfliesStudy: 93% Of People Talked About Once They Leave The RoomHome School Moms Hiring Bullies To Teach Kids Valuable LessonsHillary 'Sins Bad,' According To SinbadThese Superdelegates Need To Understand Just How Super Barack Obama Is More About: News , Fake , Week
Good Reads: Long Road Ahead For Democrats
2008-03-26 20:45:00 David Brooks: The Long DefeatHillary Clinton may not realize it yet, but she?s just endured one of the worst weeks of her campaign.First, Barack Obama weathered the Reverend Jeremiah Wright affair without serious damage to his nomination prospects. Obama still holds a tiny lead among Democrats nationally in the Gallup tracking poll, just as he did before this whole affair blew up. Second, Obama?s lawyers successfully prevented re-votes in Florida and Michigan. That means it would be virtually impossible for Clinton to take a lead in either elected delegates or total primary votes. Third, as Noam Scheiber of The New Republic has reported, most superdelegates have accepted Nancy Pelosi ?s judgment that the winner of the elected delegates should get the nomination. Instead of lining up behind Clinton, they?re drifting away. Her lead among them has shrunk by about 60 in the past month, according to Avi Zenilman of Politico.com.In short, Hillary Clinton?s presidential prospects continue t... More About: President
Quotable
2008-03-25 21:51:00 "He would not have been my pastor. You don't choose your family, but you choose what church you want to attend."--Hillary Clinton , referring to Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright, in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. More About: President , Barack Obama , Quotes
The Links: Indictments, Endorsements, And OJ
2008-03-25 05:35:00 Ready, set, go.Chuck Hagel says he's not ready to endorse John McCain.Detroit's mayor is indicted.The push for a superdelegate mini-convention grows.The US death toll in Iraq has reached 4,000.Geraldine Ferraro is still talking.What a small world it is.Both Clinton and Obama have done some embellishing.Dan Balz lists five ways Richardson helps Obama.The Clinton campaign ended February in the red.What a campaign--the OJ verdict is mentioned on the trail.Today was the last day to register for PA's primary.A record number of people have reportedly registered.Jonathan Martin looks at the McCain-Lieberman relationship.Is Fred Thompson headed back to Hollywood?'Horton' reigns at the weekend box office again.How does your bracket look?This day in history: the Exxon Valdez ran aground in 1989. More About: President , Joe Lieberman , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton
Richardson Endorses Obama
2008-03-24 21:19:00 New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson became the second presidential candidate to endorse one of his former Democratic rivals when he came out in support of Barack Obama on Friday. Richardson's endorsement follows that of Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, who abandoned his bid following a disappointing showing in Iowa, for Obama in late February. "It is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward," Mr. Richardson told Obama supporters at a rally in Portland, Oregon. "Barack Obama will be a historic and a great president, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad."Richardson's support has been highly sought by both the Clinton and Obama campaigns since he left the race after New Hampshire's primary. Richardson is a former cabinet secretary from the Clinton administration and his close ties led to his frequent mention as a potential Clinton running mate. On the day of the Iow...
Ad Wars: Obama In Pennsylvania
2008-03-24 18:37:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Barack Obama Barack Obama, with more cash available and a deficit to make up, has hit the airwaves in Pennsylvania . In "Toughest," Obama attacks the special interests and politics as usual, while touting his own work on ethics reform. "Opportunity," is a biography ad that mentions Obama's work for laid off steelworkers and his career of public service.Gubernatorial Watch: IndianaRepublican Governor Mitch Daniels, seeking a second term, has begun airing his first television ad of the cycle. Daniels talks about creating jobs, lowering health care costs, and suggests he's optimistic and sincere about taking on more challenges. Democrats Jill Long Thompson and Jim Schellinger are vying for the right to challenge Daniels in November.Gubernatorial Watch: North CarolinaDemocratic Lt. Governor Bev Perdue, seeking to succeed term-limited Governor Mike Easley, has released a new ad, "Who's Best." The ad touts Perdue's ideas on a ra... More About: President , Wars
Cartoon Monday
2008-03-24 15:50:00 Borrowed from here, here, and here. More About: Bush , Cartoon , Iraq , President , Cartoons
Quotable
2008-03-23 04:54:00 "Mr. Richardson?s endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic."--James Carville, a Clinton advisor, comparing Bill Richardson 's endorsement of Barack Obama to Judas' betrayal of Jesus. More About: President , Hillary Clinton , Quotes
The Media And Obama's Speech
2008-03-20 21:10:00 This is too funny. From last night's Daily Show:And from Colbert: More About: Media , The Media , Speech
The Links: March Madness!!!
2008-03-20 16:42:00 What's on our plate today?Osama bin Laden has released a new tape.Obama attacks McCain's Iraq -Iran-Al Qaeda gaffe.McCain's camp attacks Obama's plan for withdrawal.Mike Huckabee defends Obama on the Wright scandal.Hillary Clinton has released her White House schedules.Pennsylvania Congressman Jack Murtha backs Clinton.Clinton also picks up West Virginia super Pat Maroney.New York has another promiscuous governor.The Dalai Lama is McCain's pen pal.Is John Edwards going to endorse before North Carolina votes?"Pro-Life" will be on the Senate ballot in Idaho.Scooter Libby is disbarred.It's time to Dance (for the record, I've got UCLA over UNC).More trouble for the Beijing Games: squat toilets?!This day in history: Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in 1852. More About: President , Barack Obama
Senate Watch: News & Notes
2008-03-19 21:58:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country. Click here for our latest Senate rankings.ArkansasFirst-term Democrat Mark Pryor (pictured) will go without a Republican challenger in his bid for re-election. The situation has to be a huge disappointment for Republicans, who have had little success at the state level despite going twice for President Bush . Republicans have won just one Senate race since the late 1800's--Tim Hutchinson in 1996, who Pryor defeated in 2002. Democrats also control the governor's office and three of the state's four House seats. Republican hopes for mounting any challenged faded completely when former Governor Mike Huckabee, fresh off his presidential bid, again confirmed that he would not jump into the race. The inability to compete in Arkansas against a first-term senator will only further GOP woes in 2008. The party has 23 seats to defend to just 12 for the Democrats, while only one Democratic incumbent appears vulne... More About: News , Congress , Watch , George W
Quotable
2008-03-19 16:03:00 "I have never been so naive as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election."--Barack Obama , in his speech addressing the Jeremiah Wright controversy and broader issues of race in Philadelphia yesterday. More About: President , Quotes
Ad Wars: It's 3AM In Louisiana
2008-03-19 15:51:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.John McCainThe Democratic Party has released a new ad, "Lockstep," that ties McCain to President Bush , Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and the war in Iraq . Barack ObamaObama delivered a speech in Philadelphia yesterday touching on the Jeremiah Wright controversy, but focuses on race in our society.Here is Obama's official statement on the Jeremiah Wright controversy:The Obama campaign has also released two new radio ads in Pennsylvania. The first ad appeals to young voters and urges them to register to participate in the state's primary (voters must register as Democrats by March 24). The second ad appeals more to independent voters and attacks the politics as usual in Washington, while again urging voters to register as Democrats to participate in the Pennsylvania primary.Gubernatorial Watch: North CarolinaLt. Governor Bev Perdue, locked in a tight Democratic primary with Richard Moore, has released this new ad, "Bev's Rhyme," wh... More About: Congress , Louisiana
This Week In Fake News...
2008-03-19 15:14:00 Around The Web ? The Gift Of Freedom ? Some Old Man Still Churning Out Marmaduke ? Report: 32% Of Prayers Deflected Off Passing Satellites ? The Battle For Berkeley More About: News , Fake , Week
Senate Watch: Rankings
2008-03-19 05:27:00 Our latest rankings paint a rosy picture for Democrats, who find only one of their incumbents on our list of the ten seats most likely to flip hands in 2008. After picking up six seats and winning a thin 51-49 majority in 2006, they appear poised to expand their holdings, but fall short of a filibuster-proof 60-seat advantage.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: As a former business executive and governor, Mark Warner (pictured) simply doesn't come across as a legislative branch kind of guy. Widely considered a potential 2008 presidential candidate before he surprisingly put such speculation to rest in October 2006, Warner does little to scuttle the notion that he has ambitions that lie beyond the Senate. A term in the Senate, which seems all but assured at this point, could help fill out the foreign policy portion of his resume for a presidential run in 2012, 2016, or beyond. At this point in 2006, however, another former governor was also prepping for an apparently easy Senate race befor... More About: Congress , Bush , Watch , Iraq , George W
Good Reads: Throw Out The Maps
2008-03-18 20:38:00 John Heilemann: A Pants-Down PrimerUndoubtedly the scarcest commodity in American political life, with its sky-high levels of partisan polarization and its cable-news-driven incentives toward oppositionalism and contrarianism, is unanimity of opinion. So maybe the most astonishing thing about the Eliot Spitzer self-immolation was the gusher of agreement that it brought forth from all sides, especially on two points. First, there was the unalloyed shock that, of all people, Spitzer?that storied crusader against Wall Street corruption, that tireless scourge against all manner of malfeasance, that embodiment of political rectitude?could possibly have been engaged in transgressions so tawdry and venal, so reckless and just plain dumb. And second, there was the insta-verdict about what he had to do: apologize (as profusely as possible) and resign (as quickly as possible). But the long and endlessly entertaining history of political jiggery-pokery suggests that neither of these reactions ... More About: Bush , President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , George W
Quotable
More articles from this author:2008-03-18 15:25:00 "When they started off, it was all about delegates. Now that we have more delegates, it's all about the popular vote. And if that does not work out, they will probably challenge us to a game of cribbage to choose the nominee."--Obama strategist David Axelrod, discussing Clinton campaign tactics. More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Quotes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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