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Ad Wars: Defending Reid
2009-02-01 16:35:00 Remember to check out our YouTube channel, Political Realm TV, which now has over 200 subscribers and more than 1800 videos.Last week, the NRSC launched the first ad of the 2010 Senate cycle, slamming Majority Leader Harry Reid for backing the financial bailout last year and supporting President Obama's stimulus package that is currently working its way through Congress. Now the SEIU, one of the nation's largest unions, is coming to Reid's defense. The group released their own 30-second spot, "Hard Work," that praises Reid for working with President Obama to help turn the economy around."The economy is in trouble, but our senator, Harry Reid, been working with President Obama to put together an economic recovery package that will create jobs by investing in energy and transportation projects," the ad begins. It goes on to note that Reid is working to "cut taxes for struggling middle class families," urging viewers to call Reid to thank him for his hard work."The extreme right ... More About: Wars
The Links: Rush
2009-01-31 16:28:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...Obama slams the nearly $20 billion in bonuses Wall Street bankers received.NH Republican Senator Judd Gregg is being considered for the Commerce post.The Congressional Black Caucus is backing John Thompson for the position.Chris Cillizza lists ten Republican politicos to watch over the next cycle.Sarah Palin says her new PAC isn't necessarily a sign that she's running in 2012.Obama is hosting a Super Bowl party at the White House.New Illinois Governor Pat Quinn promises to root out government corruption.A left leaning group is airing radio ads tying Republican leaders to Rush Limbaugh.Roger Simon notes that attacking the press never works.The White Sox have invited Obama to throw out the first pitch in Chicago.An Iraqi orphanage pays homage to the shoe thrower.Senate Republicans unite again in opposition to seating Al Franken.The US Postal Service may cut delivery down to five days per week.Mark Blumenthal discusses why Rush Limbaugh isn't a good as ... More About: Links
This Week In Fake News...
2009-01-31 15:25:00 More FunniesPoll: Obama Even More Awesome Than Originally ThoughtOverwhelming Evidence Of Guilt Constitutes Unfair Trial, Blago Lawyers SayColeman Hoping Dems Include Salary For Litigious Ex-Senator In Stimulus BillBias Divides Journalists Who Love Obama From Those Who Love, Love HimBlago Claims Behavior Was Just Elaborate Plan To Surprise Patrick Fitzgerald With Senate Nomination On His BirthdayCarl's Super Bowl Picks More About: News , Fake , Week
Republicans Elect Michael Steele
2009-01-31 01:04:00 After six drama-filled counts, Michael Steele was elected the next chairman of the Republican National Committee today. As the other contenders -- Mike Duncan, Saul Anuzis, Ken Blackwell -- dropped out as the day progressed, the race became a showdown between Steele and South Carolina Chairman Katon Dawson. Needing 85 votes to secure the position, Steele ultimately prevailed, 91-77. "This is awesome," Steele said after the election. He becomes the first African-American to lead the GOP, a historic moment that wasn't overlooked by the candidate. "It is just one more bold step the party of Lincoln has taken," he said later.After becoming chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, Steele was elected lieutenant governor in 2002. He ran for the state's open Senate seat in 2006, losing to Democratic Congressman Ben Cardin, 55%-44%. He has since become a guest on Fox News Channel.After retaining its Congressional leadership, re-electing Mike Duncan as chairman would have been a con... More About: Republicans
Picture This: Impeached
2009-01-30 20:01:00 Despite a last minute plea to save his job, the Illinois Senate voted unanimously to remove Governor Rod Blagojevich from office yesterday. Voting 59 to 0, the Senate also barred Blagojevich from ever holding public office again in the state. Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn immediately assumed power and was sworn in late yesterday, keeping the office in Democratic hands.Blagojevich had essentially ignored the impeachment proceeding, opting instead for a round of high profile media appearances. He had firmly maintained his innocence and decried his inability to call certain witnesses. Blagojevich abruptly changed course late Wednesday, asking to address the body before their vote on Thursday."I'm appealing to your sense of fairness, your sense of responsibility," Blagojevich said in a dramatic, meandering address. "You haven't proved a crime and you can't, because it hasn't happened. How can you throw a governor out of office with incomplete or insufficient evidence?"The ousted ... More About: Picture
Senate Watch: Florida Capsule
2009-01-30 18:31:00 State OverviewThough we did not see a repeat of the 2000 recount debacle in 2008, Florida remains the nation's marquee swing state. With a massive advertising blitz and an aggressive early voting campaign, Barack Obama was able to bring Florida's 27 electoral votes back into the Democratic column in November. Republicans, however, still have a clear advantage at the state and local level. The party controls nearly all of the statewide offices, holds comfortable majorities in the statehouse, and retains 15 of 25 Congressional seats. Popular Governor Charlie Crist appears on his way to an easy re-election before a potential presidential run in 2012 or 2016. Other than Senator Bill Nelson, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink (equivalent to a state treasurer) is the only Democrat holding statewide office. With a population still very much on the rise, Florida's clout will grow further with an extra electoral vote (and House seat) or two in 2012.Incumbent: Mel Martinez (R)Republic... More About: Watch , Senate
Ad Wars: Another Stimulus Push
2009-01-29 17:35:00 Remember to check out our YouTube channel, Political Realm TV, which now has over 230 subscribers and more than 1800 videos.Several labor and progressive groups -- Americans United for Change, MoveOn.org, SEIU, and AFSCME -- are teaming up to release a new ad in several states urging Republicans senators to support President Obama's stimulus plan. The 30-second spot, "Factory," is aimed at Lisa Murkowski in Alaska, Charles Grassley in Iowa, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe in Maine, and Judd Gregg in New Hampshire. A general version will also air in the nation's capital. Americans United had released a similar ad in Ohio earlier this month targeting Republican Senator George Voinovich.The ad features President Obama touting the job creation aspect of his stimulus proposal, saying, "The first job of my administration is to put people back to work and get our economy moving again." As Obama speaks, viewers seems images of an closed factory reborn, with cars filling a once abandoned... More About: Wars
Senate Watch: Delaware Capsule
2009-01-29 06:12:00 State OverviewThe nation's first state, which joined the union in 1787, gave its three electoral votes to Barack Obama and native son Joe Biden in a landslide in 2008. Obama's 62 percent of the vote is more than any presidential candidate has received since Herbert Hoover in 1928. Democratic state Treasurer Jack Markell had little trouble in his race to succeed term limited Governor Ruth Ann Minner. Democrats now control both houses of the legislature and hold most of the statewide elected offices. Moderate House Republican Mike Castle, who has become a political fixture in the state with stints as governor and lieutenant governor under his belt, did secure a ninth term last year.Incumbent: Ted Kaufman (D)Outgoing Governor Ruth Ann Minner appointed Ted Kaufman, a longtime Senate aide to Joe Biden, to succeed his former boss upon his election to the vice presidency. Because Biden was just re-elected in 2008, Kaufman will serve until a special election is held to fill the remain... More About: Watch , Delaware
Senate Watch: Connecticut Capsule
2009-01-28 22:07:00 State OverviewWith Barack Obama's landslide in 2008, Connecticut went blue for the fifth straight cycle. Democrats have knocked off three House Republicans in recent years and now control the state's entire Congressional delegation. They also hold most statewide offices and have majorities in both houses of the legislation (including a lopsided margin in the lower body). The lone spot of red in this blue bastion is Governor Jodi Rell, who took office in 2004 when John Rowland was forced to step down over corruption charges. Rell cruised to a full term in 2006 and remains very popular.Incumbent: Chris Dodd (D)Chris Dodd, first elected to Congress in 1974 and to the Senate in 1980, has never really had a difficult race in more than three decades representing Connecticut. Hoping to capitalize on his years of experience, Dodd launched a presidential bid in 2008, but was ultimately unable to keep pace with his rivals financially. He ended his campaign after a poor showing in Iowa. ... More About: Watch
Ad Wars: Republicans Set Sights On Reid
2009-01-28 20:24:00 Remember to check out our YouTube channel, Political Realm TV, which now has over 230 subscribers and more than 1800 videos.With the 2010 elections a scant 643 days away, Senate Republicans have launched the cycle's first ad, targeting Majority Leader Harry Reid in his home state of Nevada. The ad slams the "super-spending partisan" Reid for helping to guide President Obama's stimulus proposal through Congress and for supporting the $700 billion financial bailout last year. "As Democrat leader, he helped pay for vicious attack ads criticizing last year's bailouts," the ad begins, referring to ads run by the DSCC in certain races criticizing the bailout. "But guess who voted for the $700 billion bailout. You guessed it -- Harry Reid. And now he wants a trillion more dollars in new spending? A trillion dollars? Tell Harry Reid to stop wasting our hard-earned money."The NRSC is putting little money behind the 30-second spot, titled "Trillion," airing it on cable stations in the Ren... More About: Sights , Wars
Quotable: "Flinty Chicago Toughness"
2009-01-28 19:08:00 "My children's school was canceled today, because of what? Some ice? As my children pointed out, in Chicago school is never canceled... When it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things."--Barack Obama, teasing the DC schools for canceling classes due to inclement weather today. Obama added that he would need to apply some "flinty Chicago toughness" in the District. More About: Toughness
The Links: SarahPAC
2009-01-28 18:00:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...First step towards 2012? Sarah Palin has started her own federal PAC.Defense Secretary Robert Gates outlined Obama's goals on the Hill yesterday.WaPo provides a look at the layout of Obama's West Wing.Middle East Envoy George Mitchell is in Israel hoping to reach a peace agreement.Held up initially, AG nominee Eric Holder passed the Judiciary Committee, 17-2.Kirsten Gillibrand was sworn in to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate yesterday.Marc Ambinder looks at the impact of the primary schedule on the RNC chair race.Looking to charm Hill Republicans on the stimulus, Obama got mixed results.Obama teases DC schools for canceling classes today.Jill Biden will begin teaching at a community college in NoVa.Michelle Obama is all waxy.On the Hill this morning, Al Gore urged Congress to pass the stimulus bill.WCBS offers an amusing look at celebrities who aren't liberals.Congressional Quarterly is being put up for sale.Nate Silver notes that Olympia Snowe ... More About: Links
Senate Watch: Colorado Capsule
2009-01-28 06:50:00 State OverviewColorado has undergone a political transformation over the past decade, with Democrats now holding the governor's office, both Senate seats, 5 of 7 House seats, and majorities at the statehouse. Barack Obama's surprisingly easy win here was the icing on the cake for Colorado Democrats, completing a shift that began with Ken Salazar's Senate victory in 2004. The state remains a battleground, though Democrats have quite the winning streak going here.Incumbent: Michael Bennet (D)Having never been elected to public office before, Michael Bennet was a somewhat surprising, unconventional choice to fill the remainder of Ken Salazar's term. Most recently Bennet served as chief of staff for Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper before being appointed superintendent of Denver's public school system in 2005. After reportedly being considered to head the Department of Education, Bennet was appointed to the Senate by when Salazar became President Obama's Interior nominee.Race Overv... More About: Watch
Senate Watch: California Capsule
2009-01-27 21:51:00 State OverviewCalifornia left the ranks of the swing states long ago and Democrats control nearly every statewide elected office, both Senate seats, 34 of 53 House seats, and have majorities in the statehouse. With Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger term limited, the gubernatorial contest is the one to watch in 2010. Republicans have had some success at holding onto the office even as the state has grown increasingly blue over the years. Senator Diane Feinstein is reporting weighing a bid, while Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and former eBay CEO Meg Whitman are among those set to vie for the Republican nomination.Incumbent: Barbara Boxer (D)After a decade in the House, Barbara Boxer was first elected to the Senate in 1992 along with her colleague Diane Feinstein, who won a special election that year to complete the remainder of Pete Wilson's term. In the Senate, Boxer has a developed a solidly liberal voting record--certainly to the left of Feinstein--and her outspo... More About: Watch
The Links: Confirmed
2009-01-27 00:47:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...Treasury nominee Timothy Geithner was just confirmed, 60-34.Obama grants a lobbyist waiver for a top DoD deputy, Bill Lynn.White House email was down today.First Read suggests John Thompson could be Obama's Commerce nominee.Michelle Obama speaks out against 'inappropriate' dolls modeled after her children.The digital conversion may not take place on February 17 after all.The Franken-Coleman race hit the courts once again today.Google Maps has lifted the blur on the vice president's residence.Chris Cillizza discusses the winners and losers of the Gillibrand pick.Hillary Clinton has kind words for her would-be replacement. Obama too.Congress subpoenas Karl Rove again.Obama will allow states to set emission levels and fuel efficiency standards.Forbes comes up with a list of the 25 most influential liberals in the media.Chuck Todd enters Colbert Nation.'Paul Blart: Mall Cop' tops the weekend box office again with $21.5 million.Blago is everywhere.This... More About: Links
Ad Wars: McAuliffe Launches First Ad In Virginia
2009-01-26 23:09:00 Remember to check out our YouTube channel, Political Realm TV, which now has over 230 subscribers and more than 1800 videos.Terry McAuliffe, a former DNC chair, has launched the first television ad of the 2009 Virginia gubernatorial contest. McAuliffe focuses on job creation in the 30-second ad, "Listened," which is airing in the Hampton Roads area, a populous region in the Southeast part of the state. "I've spent four decades building businesses and creating jobs. Now I'm running for governor, because I know we can create thousands more right here," McAuliffe explains. "I'll make it my job to protect your job and get Virginia's economy moving."With a huge cash advantage over his Democratic rivals, McAuliffe can afford to go on the air this early to establish himself and his message. Though McAuliffe's campaign told First Read they "do not intend to say anything negative" about his Democratic rivals, the ad does contain a perhaps not so subtle jab at Creigh Deeds and Brian M... More About: Wars
Cartoon Monday
2009-01-26 19:27:00 Enjoy!Borrowed from here, here, and here. More About: Cartoon , Monday
This Week In Fake News...
2009-01-23 19:46:00 More FunniesHillary Clinton Mouthing Along To Presidential OathObama Gets Last Laugh, Tricks Chief Justice Into Giving Him A Second TermPresident Bush As Seen In Onion HeadlinesAnn Coulter RevealedBratz Dolls May Give Girls Unrealistic Expectations Of Head Size More About: News , Barack Obama , George W
Quotable: A Date Which Will Live In Infamy?
2009-01-23 17:38:00 "December 9th to my family, to us, to me, is what Pearl Harbor Day was to the United States. It was a complete surprise, completely unexpected. And just like the United States prevailed in that, we'll prevail in this."--Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, in an AP interview, comparing his recent arrest on corruption charges to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The state legislature is currently in the process of impeaching Blagojevich, a two term Democrat. More About: Live
The Links: "An Abundance Of Caution"
2009-01-23 17:09:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...Out of "an abundance of caution," Obama took the oath of office again.The Senate confirmed six more members of Obama's Cabinet.Obama is set to meet with Congressional leaders from both parties this morning.Hillary Clinton was confirmed as SoS and took charge of the State Dept. yesterday.New Press Secretary Robert Gibbs held his first press briefing yesterday.Treasury nominee Timothy Geithner was voted out of committee, 18-5.The confirmation of AG nominee Eric Holder has been delayed.Reid Wilson takes a look at the ongoing race to chair the RNC.Kirsten Gillibrand has been picked to succeed Hillary Clinton in the Senate.Confirmation of a DoD nominee has been held up due to lobbying ties.Obama orders the Guantanamo Bay prison facility closed within one year.VA Governor Tim Kaine officially became the DNC chair on Wednesday.Howard Dean reflects on his time at the DNC, praising the 50 state strategy.Republican SoS Jan Brewer was sworn in as Arizona's gover... More About: Abundance , Links
Senate Watch: Arizona Capsule
2009-01-22 23:03:00 State OverviewThough Democrats have carried the nation's 48th state just once since 1952 (Bill Clinton in 1996), John McCain's margin in his home state was rather unimpressive in 2008. Massive population growth has changed Arizona 's electorate and it's quickly becoming a battleground state. Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer ascended to the governor's office yesterday--Arizona has no lieutenant governor-- and the GOP has majorities in both houses of the state legislature. Democrats do hold five of the eight House seats, but they haven't won a Senate race in Arizona in more than 20 years.Incumbent: John McCain (R)McCain moved up to the Senate in 1986 after two terms in the House and his long career in Washington has been filled with highs and lows. Implicated in the Keating Five scandal of the late 1980s, McCain would recast himself as a maverick and government reformer. McCain's so-called straight talk made him a media darling during his upstart 2000 presidential bid... More About: Watch
Senate Watch: Arkansas Capsule
2009-01-22 06:24:00 State OverviewThough native son Bill Clinton carried the Arkansas ' six electoral votes twice, Republicans have now won the state three presidential cycles in a row and it was one of the few places where John McCain out-performed George W. Bush. Despite the increasingly red hue at the federal level, Democrats continue to dominate state and local politics in Arkansas. Democrats currently control all of the statewide elected offices and hold comfortable majorities in both houses of the state legislature. In 2008, first term Senator Mark Pryor ran without Republican opposition, cruising to an easy victory. Amazingly enough, all four members of the House delegation--where Democrats currently have a 3-1 edge--went without major party opposition in 2008 as well.Incumbent: Blanche Lincoln (D)After serving two terms in the House, Blanche Lincoln was first elected to the Senate in 1998, replacing retiring Democrat Dale Bumpers. There she has crafted a moderate record, though perhaps sligh... More About: Watch
The Links: Chia Obama
2009-01-21 20:14:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...Anthony Palmer discusses three challenging faces for the Republican Party.After falling sharply yesterday, stocks have rebounded somewhat today.Read the text of Obama 's inaugural address.First Read highlights some of the firsts of yesterday's inauguration.President Obama spoke with Middle East leaders this morning.The White House website got a makeover yesterday. And a new blog too.You can also check out the Obama Administration's agenda on WhiteHouse.gov.Politico outlines the causes for concern as Obama assumes office.The Senate unanimously confirmed seven Obama Cabinet nominees yesterday.As expected, Hillary Clinton's nomination was held up by Republican John Cornyn.Clinton should be confirmed shortly, however.Timothy Geithner's confirmation hearings began today on the Hill as well.Did you catch the oath flub? It wasn't the first time.Mark McKinnon offers an inside look at Bush's trip back home to Texas.Ted Kennedy suffered a seizure yesterda... More About: Links
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2009-01-20 18:00:00 "With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
The Links: Wooing Republicans
2009-01-20 17:02:00 Served fresh (almost) daily...Jonathan Martin examines Obama's effort to woo Republicans as he takes office.As the economy slows, military recruiting has exceeded goals.Obama advisor David Axelrod is giving up ownership in his consulting firm.Mayors across the country are pushing for stimulus funding to drive local economies.Obama may be able to keep his Blackberry, but staffers will say goodbye to IM.John McCain has been advising Obama aboutBrian Stelter discusses Fox News' shifting role under an Obama Administration.Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease fire and troop withdrawal.Obama volunteered yesterday and visited troops at Walter Reed.Cindy McCain speaks out about the campaign in an interview with her daughter.Jill Biden says her husband got to choose between VP and SoS.Biden's team walks back her comments.Peter Baker profiles Biden and his plans for the vice presidency.John McCain is apparently looking for a high profile role in the next Congress.Secretary of Defense Ro... More About: Links
Picture This: Out For A Ride
2008-06-10 19:00:00 Barack Obama and his wife Michelle went biking with their two daughters over the weekend along the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. Obama proved that even the most stylish of candidates will look dorky in a bicycle helmet. More About: Barack Obama , Picture , Ride , Picture This
Ad Wars: "I Hate War"
2008-06-10 18:51:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV, where more than 60 people have now subscribed to get free and instant access to every video we post.Presidential Watch: John McCain McCain campaign released its first general election ad following Barack Obama 's clinching of the Democratic nomination last week. The ad, "Safe," features the candidate talking about his service and his desire to protect the country in the future. "I hate war," McCain says, "and I know how terrible its costs are. I'm running for president to keep the country I love safe." The campaign is clearly ready and willing to engage on foreign policy, feeling McCain's experience and concerns about Barack Obama's relative inexperience will boost their prospects. The campaign, however, may have a tough time selling the war as a necessary cost--the public made up its mind some time ago and has shown no willingness to reverse course. The ad will air in 10 states that are sure to be battlegrounds come Nove... More About: Wars , Hate
The Links: McCain's Electoral Strategy
2008-06-10 17:49:00 A morning dose of the links...General Election Polling Average--McCain vs. Obama: Obama +4.1The McCain campaign lays out its electoral strategy.The Obama team will be in all 50 states.The RNC launches MeetBarackObama.com.McCain has renewed his push for the gas tax holiday.Mark Halperin lists the overrated and underrated veep qualities.Obama's camp launches the Joshua Generation Project to reach Christian voters.They're being sued over the name of the project.Both camps say no to a media sponsored town hall event.The McCain team raised $21.5 million in May.Joe Lieberman has created a grassroots organization to support John McCain.Chris Cillizza offers his latest veepstakes line.Howard Dean will remain in place as the DNC chair.Obama forces the DNC to return $100,000 in lobbyist donations.2008 was not a good year for New York presidential contenders.Ted Kennedy was released from the hospital.John Edwards takes himself out of the veepstakes game.How will the 2008 map be different fro... More About: Barack Obama , Strategy , Hillary Clinton , Links
Quotable: Carter's Second Term
2008-06-10 03:32:00 "Senator Obama says that I'm running for Bush's third term. It seems to me he's running for Jimmy Carter's second."--John McCain , in an interview with NBC's Nightly News, comparing rival Barack Obama to former President Jimmy Carter. More About: Quotes , Term
Picture This: Saying Goodbye
More articles from this author:2008-06-10 01:04:00 Hillary Clinton bid farewell to her supporters Friday, suspending her presidential campaign and endorsing rival Barack Obama . Clinton came closer to the nomination than any other defeated candidate in history, earning the votes of more than 17 million Americans. More About: Hillary Clinton , Picture , Goodbye , Picture This 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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