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The Links: Obama's "Kiss And Make Up" Tour
2008-05-16 06:49:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...Kentucky Polling Average: Clinton +31.3, Oregon Polling Average: Obama +13.3McCain vs. Obama: Obama +3.7McCain vs. Clinton: Clinton +3.5CA Dems Henry Waxman and Howard Berman, WA Dem Jim McDermott, and a DC super back Obama today.Chris Cillizza wonders who the stronger Democratic candidate is--Clinton or Obama?McCain laid out his first term goals today, including getting out of Iraq by 2013.The Steelworkers union also endorsed Obama today.Politico offers six ways for the GOP to stave off disaster in November and beyond.After visiting Michigan this week, Obama will appear in Florida next week.NARAL received serious backlash after endorsing Obama yesterday.President Bush implied that the Democrats and Obama are appeasers while in Israel.McCain jumped on the bandwagon, questioning Obama's ability to protect the country.The Democrats were quick to fire back.The Tennessee GOP goes after Michelle Obama before her visit to the state.Several of John Edwards ' ...
More About: Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Ad Wars: McCain Looks To The Future, Vaguely
2008-05-16 06:12:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary Clinton The American Leadership Project, a pro-Clinton group that has run ads in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas, is airing a new ad in Oregon. "Middle" talks about Clinton's plan to boost the economy and help the middle class. Of note, this is the first ad from the group that doesn't offer even the slightest hint of an attack on Obama.John McCain In conjunction with a speech the candidate delivered today that outlined his vision for a first term in the White House, the McCain camp released a new web-only ad today highlighting similar points. "2013" is narrated by actors Powers Boothe, who has voiced all of McCain's general election ads, but like all of McCain's prior ads, it offers lofty goals and only vague specifics or none at all.Senate Watch: ColoradoA day after Democrat Mark Udall launched his first ad, Republican Bob Schaffer has taken to the air as well. In "Moving Forward," Schaffer stresses his Colorado r...
More About: Congress , President , Barack Obama

Quotable: B.S.
2008-05-15 23:39:00
"Bullshit."--Senator Joe Biden, on President Bush 's recent comments in Israel, which implied that Barack Obama is willing to appease terrorists.
More About: George W , Quotes

Picture This: Obama And Edwards
2008-05-15 01:53:00
John Edwards joined Barack Obama on the campaign trail in Michigan today to lend the Illinois Democrat his long awaited endorsement. "The reason I am here tonight is because the Democratic voters of American have made their choice and so have I," Edwards told the Grand Rapids crowd.
More About: President , John Edwards , Picture

The Links: Edwards For Veep?
2008-05-15 01:02:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...Kentucky Polling Average: Clinton +31.3, Oregon Polling Average: Obama +13.3McCain vs. Obama: Obama +3.7McCain vs. Clinton: Clinton +3.5Roger Simon wonders if any cares about Clinton's West Virginia win.Teagan Goddard lays out the case for Edwards as Obama's veep.Chris Cillizza tries to put the impact of the endorsement into perspective.The Clinton team pushes their popular vote lead again.IN Dems Joe Donnelly and Pete Visclosky, a CO super, a DC super, an LA super, an OK super, a WI super, a College Dems super, and a Democrats Abroad super (worth a 1/2 vote) endorse Obama.Clinton picks up a Tennessee super.A pledged delegate for Clinton announces he'll actually vote for Obama in Denver.The Hill interviews every senator about their veep aspirations.Clinton, Obama, and Howard Dean reach a joint fundraising deal for the general.With the nomination apparently in hand, what are the next moves for Obama?Campaign Diaries offers its latest pledged delegate ...
More About: Congress , President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , John Edwards

John Edwards To Endorse Barack Obama
2008-05-14 23:29:00
This just in from the Department Of Things Happening Way To Late Too Late To Make A Serious Impact--John Edwards will endorse Barack Obama at an event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, tonight. Edwards becomes the third former candidate to endorse Obama, joining New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd. The move, however, comes more than a week after his home state of North Carolina held its primary and months after he abandoned his campaign following a disappointing showing in native South Carolina in January.With just five contests remaining, the endorsement doesn't significantly change the tight primary race between Obama and Hillary Clinton. Obama is already viewed by most Democrats as the likely nominee, while Clinton has made clear that she will state in the race at least through the beginning of June. Edwards' support for Obama is, however, yet another sign that the Democratic Party is beginning to unite behind its nominee. Depending on his level o...

Bob Barr: Tipping The Scales?
2008-05-14 22:53:00
Former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr officially announced his Libertarian Party presidential bid earlier this week, setting off speculation that he could play a spoiler's role in November. Barr represented Georgia's 7th District as a Republican for four terms and was one of the House managers of Bill Clinton's impeachment before redistricting forced him out in 2002. Near the end of his tenure Barr became increasingly critical of President Bush 's policies, specifically the Patriot Act, that infringed on civil liberties and has called for an end to the Iraq War since leaving office. Barr had acknowledged interest in a potential Libertarian run earlier this year and formed an exploratory committee on April 5 that led to Monday's announcement.While most of the focus of late has been on the division within the Democratic Party, Republican nominee John McCain has base problems of his own and Barr could present an intriguing alternative to disenchanted conservative, libertarian, and...
More About: Barack Obama , Al Gore , George W

Ad Wars: Looking Down The Ballot
2008-05-14 19:31:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV. We now have 360 videos in our archives, with more than 50 subscribers!Gubernatorial Watch: MissouriHouse Republican Kenny Hulshof launched his first ad today with the release of "Blessed." It is generally an introductory spot in which Hulshof talks about his upbringing and values. Hulshof faces off against Treasurer Sarah Steelman for the right to face Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon in November. The primary is August 5th.Senate Watch: ColoradoDemocratic Congress man Mark Udall has hit the airwaves with the release of his first ad, "Stand." In the ad, Udall talks energy, seeking independence from foreign oil and the development of green jobs.Senate Watch: MinnesotaThe American Future Fund, which has already run ads this cycle supporting Republican Norm Coleman , is up with a new web ad, "Laugh Track," that attacks Democrat Al Franken . The spot hits Franken for supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants and failing to p...
More About: Wars

This Week In Fake News: It's Over
2008-05-14 15:08:00
Around The WebThings Younger Than McCainLatest Superdelegate Defection For Hillary: Bill Clinton Switches To ObamaHillary's Americans: A Guide To Healing The Democratic PartyBeer With Voters Reveals Americans' Concern Over Expensive Hot WingsDemocralypse Now: The Presumptive NomineeNumber Of Acceptable Things Candidates Can Say Now Down To FourMcCain Denies He Voted Against LincolnChristian Slater Dropped From List Of Names To Drop
More About: News , Fake , Week

West Virginia Primary Results: Clinton Romps
2008-05-14 01:37:00
West Virginia voters head to the polls today and Hillary Clinton is expected to dominate the state's primary. Will her victory tonight be big enough to change the dynamics of this race or will it be seen as too little, too late?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.West Virginia (84% Reporting)Hillary Clinton 67%Barack Obama 26%West Virginia offers Democrats 28 delegates. Notes[6:39PM CST] As expected, Clinton has been declared the winner in West Virginia already. Some supporters were suggesting she could bring in as much as 90%. While that seems like expectations gone wild, a romp is no doubt in the works. What margin of victory does she need to change the thinking that this race is over? Will any margin of victory do that? I tend to think this is all too little, too late, despite the Clinton camp's best efforts over the past week to play up West Virginia's import...
More About: Congress , West Virginia , Results

A Victory For Omaha
2008-05-13 08:06:00
As some of you may know, I live in Omaha, and I'd like to touch on a local issue in this post. The city just reached an agreement with the NCAA to keep the College World Series in Omaha for 25 more years. This contract is huge victory for the city, baseball fans, and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey. The Series has spent 57 consecutive years in the city and the new arrangement will keep it here through 2035.Fahey has faced serious criticism (including a failed recall effort) over the past year while pushing for a new stadium to entice the NCAA into a long term deal. In the end, it seems his foresight has paid off for Omaha and he should be applauded for doing what was necessary to keep the Series. While I will be sad to see Rosenblatt Stadium--the home of the Series since it came to Omaha in 1950--go, the new stadium plan was certainly critical to the new deal. A number of other cities, with newer, fancier parks and attractions, were vying for NCAA attention--no other NCAA championship...
More About: Victory

Ad Wars: McCain Seeks The Center
2008-05-13 06:12:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.John McCainThe McCain campaign has released another general election ad, this one to air in Oregon, a state they very much hope to put in play in November. In the ad, "A Better Way," McCain seeks to own the middle ground on the environment, decrying the extremists on both sides. The ad affords McCain a break with the policies of President Bush and the Republican Party, which will be a necessary tactic to expand his electoral options (Oregon has gone narrowly to Democrats the last two cycles). But beyond acknowledging the existence of global warming, McCain's break with his party seems relatively superficial or at least unsubstantiated. For some, the symbolism of reaching across the aisle (artificial or otherwise) may be enough, but until McCain offers more specifics, his reach may be limited.Barack Obama MoveOn.org will begin airing a new ad supporting Obama on national cable and it local markets in the battleground states...
More About: Climate Change , Wars

The Links: West Virginia's Impact
2008-05-13 05:44:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...West Virginia Polling Average: Clinton +31.8McCain vs. Obama: Obama +4.5McCain vs. Clinton: Clinton +4.8Michael Scherer offers McCain seven steps to defeat Obama.Clinton plays up West Virginia's significance.HI Sen Daniel Akaka, ME Dem Tom Allen, an HI super, and an ID super back Obama.LA Times thinks Clinton staying in the race affords Obama some cover in WV and KY.Stuart Rothenberg writes that 2008 has not been kind to pollsters.President Bush 's spiritual advisor is supporting Obama.Chelsea Clinton is campaigning in Puerto Rico this week.Does Clinton want on the ticket? NY Senator Chuck Schumer is now pushing the idea.Ben Smith offers several options for Clinton to end her presidential bid.Obama is turning his focus to the general election.McCain tried to break with President Bush in an environmental speech today.Expectations are getting out of hand for Clinton in WV.The Clinton campaign acknowledged they have $20 million worth of debts.Cindy McCai...
More About: Barack Obama , Climate Change , Hillary Clinton

Ad Wars: Obama Talks Coal In Kentucky
2008-05-12 17:19:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary Clinton Clinton's campaign released a televised version of the web ad they released this weekend in honor of Mother's Day. The ad features daughter Chelsea talking about her mother's values.Barack Obama The Obama campaign is airing a new ad, "Coal," in Kentucky, which holds its primary in two weeks. Obama appeals to blue collar coal workers in the ad, while offering clean coal as an alternative to the country's energy crisis.Senate Watch: New MexicoThe Republican primary is heating up in the race to succeed retiring Pete Domenici in New Mexico. Heather Wilson attacks House colleague Steve Pearce in her latest offering, "Fighting For New Mexico." The ad hits Pearce for voting against funding that would have benefited a military base in New Mexico.Meanwhile, the Club For Growth, a conservative group that has endorsed Pearce, is airing a new attack ad on Wilson. The ad hits Wilson for supporting the S-CHIP child he...
More About: Iraq , Nancy Pelosi , Wars

Cartoon Monday
2008-05-12 13:40:00
If it's Monday, it's gotta be Cartoon Monday. Click on the thumbnails for the full sized images. Enjoy.Borrowed from here, here, and here.
More About: Bush , Iraq , Cartoons , Barack Obama

The Links: Clinton's Downfall
2008-05-12 05:59:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...West Virginia Polling Average: Clinton +31McCain vs. Obama: Obama +1.7McCain vs. Clinton: Clinton +3.2The AP chronicles Clinton's downfall.AZ Dem Harry Mitchell, a CA super, an OH super, a UT super, and two Virgin Island supers (one switching from Clinton) back Obama.Clinton gets a Massachusetts super.Obama's camp has not discussed retiring debt with Clinton's team.CQ Politics projects an easy victory for Clinton in West Virginia.After an unpredictable primary, David Yepsen sees more of the same.John Edwards says "Obama will be the nominee."Obama says McCain's Keating Five history is on the table.The Times outlines strategies for McCain and Obama going forward.Obama and McCain may appear at joint town hall meetings this summer.Clinton is apparently open to lending her campaign more money.Two McCain aides resign over connections to Burma.Bill Clinton urges West Virginia voters to shock the world.A tired Obama tells supported he's visited 57 states.T...
More About: President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Links

Quotable: When The Pantsuit Lady Sings
2008-05-12 01:35:00
"It's not over until the lady in the pantsuit says it is."--Hillary Clinton , quoting a supporter, on the end of her Democratic primary race with Barack Obama .
More About: President , Quotes , Lady

Picture This: Father Of The Bride
2008-05-11 22:53:00
President Bush was the father of the bride this weekend, as his daughter Jenna married Henry Hager on the family's Texas ranch yesterday. "The wedding was spectacular. It was all we could have hoped for," the president said today. "We're mighty blessed."
More About: George W , Picture , Bride , Picture This

Happy Mother's Day!
2008-05-11 19:05:00
Some classic Calvin and Hobbes for all the mothers out there (click on the cartoons for the full-sized images):
More About: Cartoons , Happy

Ad Wars: Can We Ask?
2008-05-11 06:58:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary Clinton Clinton released a new ad in Oregon, "Strongest Plan," which features Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame touting Clinton's plan to end the Iraq War.The Clinton campaign also released a new web video in honor of Mother's Day that features Chelsea talking about her mother.John McCainMcCain's latest general election ad, "Accountable," is slated to run in the battleground state of Iowa. The ad focuses on the economy--creating jobs, addressing the mortgage crisis, and restructuring the tax code.Barack Obama The Republican Party has launched a new web site CanWeAsk.com that hits Obama for apparently avoiding votes on tough issues. The site allows voters to submit questions for Obama to answer. The accompanying web video attacks Obama for voting present on a number of issues while in the Illinois Senate, mentions his "bitter" comments, and implies he doesn't have the experience to be president.Senate Watch: KentuckyDem...
More About: Congress , President

Quotable: Superdelegate Trickle
2008-05-11 04:19:00
"The trickle is going to become an avalanche."--Superdelegate and Clinton-backer Don Fowler, on the movement of superdelegates to Barack Obama .
More About: President , Hillary Clinton , Quotes

The Links: Nine Supers For Obama
2008-05-10 22:11:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...West Virginia Polling Average: Clinton +33McCain vs. Obama: Obama +3.2McCain vs. Clinton: Clinton +4.6Nine (!) supers for Obama: HI Dem Mazie Hirono, NJ Dem Donald Payne (switching from Clinton), OR Dem Peter DeFazio, a CA super, an NM super, an SC super, a VA super, the AFGE union and its superdelegate president, and Mr. Super.PA Dem Chris Carney, TX Dem Ciro Rodriguez, back Clinton.Bill Clinton argued with a voter in West Virginia.WaPo looks at McCain's involvement in a deal that helped a backer. McCain responds.Did John Edwards reveal his preference?An informal Obama adviser steps down after a meetings with Hamas.Clinton is gauging superdelegate support to see if she has a realistic chance.McCain will speak at the NRA convention in Kentucky next week.Clinton's camp is forced to cut spending as the race moves on.Matt Stoller looks at Obama's molding of the Democratic Party.McCain stops by The Factor.Clinton backer Lanny Davis is a whines again abou...
More About: Bush , President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Quotable: Losing One's Bearings
2008-05-09 22:55:00
"I just want to report that this morning I personally checked John McCain 's bearings. He has not lost any of them. They are all in really great shape."--Senator Joe Lieberman , defending John McCain from recent criticism from Barack Obama .
More About: President , Quotes

The Links: The Race Goes On
2008-05-09 06:58:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...West Virginia Polling Average: Clinton +28McCain vs. Obama: Obama +2.6McCain vs. Clinton: Clinton +3.9Clinton says the race goes on until there is a nominee and calls WV must-win.Her campaign chair says the race will be over in June.Obama takes his case to the supers on the Hill.Clinton writes to Obama about resolving Michigan and Florida.Former nominee and Clinton backer George McGovern (not a super) switches support to Obama and calls on her to leave the race.NC Dem Brad Miller, WA Dem Rick Larsen, a CA super, a VA super (switching from Clinton), and two NC supers also back Obama.NC Dem Heath Shuler and IN Dem Brad Ellsworth (maybe?) come out for Clinton.The Navy has released John McCain's service records.Marc Ambinder offers Clinton seven reason to stay in and leave the race.Obama Girl returns.Stuart Rothenberg offers his latest 2008 House Ratings.Chris Cillizza offers winners and losers out of IN and NC.Former Edwards campaign manager David Bonior ...
More About: Congress , President , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , John Edwards

Ad Wars: McCain Courts Hispanics
2008-05-09 05:54:00
Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.John McCain McCain is courting Hispanic voters with the creation of a new Spanish language campaign site and the release of a new web video. In the video, McCain touts his Arizona background--a state with a large Latino population--while focusing on the economy and job creation. McCain also released a web video featuring his mother talking about his childhood in the days before Mother's Day. Gubernatorial Watch: IndianaRepublican Governor Mitch Daniels released two new ads this week. "Change That's Working" touts Daniels' economic record during his first term--noting job creation and economic growth without raising taxes."Done More" touches on much the same issues--job creation and low taxes--while painting the incumbent as a workhorse during his first three years in office.Senate Watch: KentuckyDemocrat Bruce Lunsford trumpets endorsements from various groups in his new ad, "Support."Senate Watch: MassachusettsJim Ogonows...
More About: Congress , President , Wars , John Kerry

This Week In Fake News: Panderer's Box
2008-05-08 02:12:00
Around The Web McCain Vows To Replace Secret Service With His Own Bare FistsIn Stephanopoulos Interview, Clinton Complains About Getting First QuestionEconomic Stimulus Check Burned For WarmthPope Stays Up All Night Telling God About Trip To America The Empire Strikes Barack
More About: News , Fake , Week

Quotable: Experience
2008-05-07 22:53:00
"The presidency of the United States is not an internship. He can read a prompter very well and energize a crowd, but he has not accomplished anything during his life in terms of legislation, or leading an enterprise, or making a business work, or a city work, or a state work. He really has very little experience."--Mitt Romney , suggesting Barack Obama isn't prepared to serve as president.
More About: President , Quotes , Experience

Indiana, North Carolina Primary Results
2008-05-07 01:13:00
With Hillary Clinton winning the last three big contests in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas (which actually gave Obama a delegate win), tonight's races in North Carolina and Indiana are crucial for both campaigns. For Clinton, tonight offers the largest remaining delegate prize and the best opportunity for her to make up ground on her rival, while a loss in either state pushes the nomination further out of reach. For Obama, they provide an opportunity to end this race, while a split decision moves him closer to the 2,025 delegates he needs to clinch the nomination.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.Indiana (95% Reporting)Hillary Clinton 51%Barack Obama 49%North Carlina (99% Reporting)Barack Obama 56%Hillary Clinton 42% Indiana offers Democrats 72 delegates, while North Carolina brings 115 delegates. Notes[6:19PM CST] Check out our primer on tonight's races for our exp...
More About: Results

Prepping Indiana And North Carolina
2008-05-07 00:56:00
Even Guam, the far off island in the Pacific that is home to fewer than 200,000 people, is not immune to the intense political battle that is the 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary. Just seven votes separated Barack Obama from Hillary Clinton in this weekend's caucuses, splitting four delegates between the two camps--a microcosm of the race that has divided the Democratic Party.Today, all eyes turn to Indiana and North Carolina --two states that hold the largest delegate prize remaining on the calendar. While the media, the party, and Clinton and Obama partisans are hoping tonight's results will provide a knockout blow or a game-changing turnaround, the two states are likely to provide an all too familiar outcome: another split decision. Tonight probably won't bring this race to an end, but the stakes remain high nonetheless for both Clinton and Obama.Clinton comes into tonight having won the last three big primaries in Ohio, Texas (which actually gave Obama more delegates), and...

The Links: Pre-Results Edition
2008-05-06 22:21:00
Served fresh (almost) daily...Indiana Polling Average: Clinton +4.2North Carolina Polling Average: Obama +7.3Al Gore says he may still endorse during primary season.Newt Gingrich warns Republicans of pending doom in November.Turnout is reportedly heavy, as usual, in today's contests.McCain goes judicial in a speech today, knocking those big, bad "activist judges."Politico gives us five things to watch for in Indiana and North Carolina tonight.Hillary Clinton gave the Top Ten list on Letterman last night.Fred Thompson returned to the campaign trial for John McCain today.An Obama campaign office in Indiana was vandalized Sunday night.CQ Politics offers VP Madness.Nathan Gonzales suggests 2010 could see a lot of open seats in the House as representatives in both parties look to move up the political food chain.Tuesday Tunes: Layla (Unplugged)This day in history: The Hindenburg blew up in New Jersey in 1937.
More About: Results , Links , Edition