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Rev. Wright Off Obama's Campaign
2008-03-15 21:22:00
It's no longer what the candidate says, but what their associates say.Barack Obama 's pastor and longtime mentor is no longer part of Obama's campaign, following controversial comments that made Geraldine Ferraro old news. Rev. Wright officially resigned from Obama's African American Religious Leadership Committee according to spokesman Tommy Vietor.You can see Wright's comments here:You can see Obama's eloquent response here.Here is a sample:Let me say at the outset that I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy. I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies. I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it's on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue.P.S. No, I didn't die. I'm BACK!
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More on Hillary
2008-03-13 01:49:00
OK . . . according to RealClear Politics, Obama leads Hillary in the total popular vote EVEN if you include Florida and Michigan (a state that didn't have his name on the ballot). Without both states, Obama has 13.2 million votes to Hillary's 12.5 million votes. Add Florida, and Obama leads 13.8 to 13.4. Then, add Michigan (again, where he got zero votes), Obama still leads 13.8 to 13.7.Where does Hillary find the value in a revote? If anything, she'd lose by more votes. Maybe she's hoping for a "Reverse Texas Armbar." As noted in the comments before, Hillary won the popular vote in Texas 1.4 million to 1.3 million, yet, lost the delegate count because of caucuses. I guess Clinton thinks, "hey, the more people vote, the more screwy it will get, and I might win!"
More About: Hillary Clinton

Super Delegates
2008-03-12 11:32:00
So, despite losing Texas and Ohio, Obama is still has his lead prior to Super Tuesday II. This means there is no way either candidate will get enough pledged candidates to win the nomination. Even if Michigan and Florida revote, it's unlikely that either candidate will win enough pledged candidates.That means it's coming down to the Super Delegates . Will they really vote for Hillary Clinton ? Could you imagine the democrats alienating the black vote like that? It's unlikely they'll do that. So what is Hillary hoping for?

Mike Huckabee Drops Out
2008-03-05 03:05:00
Word from CNN is that Mike Huckabee will drop out of the race tonight.
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John McCain Wins Republican Nomination!
2008-03-05 03:01:00
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a nominee. Senator John McCain of Arizona will be the Republican Presidential nominee.McCain faced a rocky road to the nomination. Once the frontrunner and once political dead in the water, McCain went against all odds to make an enormous comeback. Can he go all the way?Word has it that President Bush will officially endorse McCain tomorrow.
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Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont the night before
2008-03-04 06:02:00
OhioRepublican PollsRepublican Primary Date: 3/4/08Delegates At Stake: 88. Awarded Winner Takes AllSurvey USADate: 3/1-2OhioEst. MoE = 4.5% [?]John McCain58%Mike Huckabee29%Ron Paul4%Unsure4%Other5%SourceDemocratic PollsDemocratic Primary Date: 3/4/08Delegates At Stake: 161. Awarded ProportionallySuffolk UniversityDate: 3/2OhioAdded: 3/3/08Est. MoE = 4.9% [?]Hillary Clinton52%Barack Obama40%Refused4%Unsure4%SourceRhode Island Republican PollsRepublican Primary Date: 3/4/08Delegates At Stake: 20. Awarded ProportionallyAmerican Research GroupDate: 2/20-21Rhode IslandEst. MoE = 3.8% [?]John McCain65%Mike Huckabee18%Ron Paul7%Unsure10%SourceDemocratic PollsDemocratic Primary Date: 3/4/08Delegates At Stake: 32. Awarded ProportionallyWPRI TV poll conducted by Fleming AssociatesDate: 2/24-27Rhode IslandAdded: 3/1/08Est. MoE = 4.9% [?]Hillary Clinton49%Barack Obama40%Unsure11%SourceTexasRepublican PollsRepublican Primary Date: 3/4/08Delegates At Stake: 140. Awarded Winner Takes AllSurvey USA...
More About: Democrats , Republicans , Ohio , Night

Guess Who is Running for President
2008-02-25 16:14:00
Okay, I'm a bit late on posting this, but Ralph Nader has once again announced he is running for President . Does it really matter this time around? I don't think so, so don't make me comment any further on this.
More About: Running , Guess Who , Independent

Clinton's Future, Part II
2008-02-24 00:55:00
I want to elaborate on a post Mike wrote earlier. What is Clinton?s future for this presidential campaign and beyond?For the first time, the odds are against Hillary Clinton . She entered the race as the frontrunner and was the frontrunner for the nomination as far back as 2002. A lot has changed since she first announced. Obama exploded onto the national stage giving her a formidable opponent that threatens to take away the nomination from her. Today, it looks like Barack Obama will be the nominee. The polls have dramatically closed in Texas to the point of a virtual tie and Clinton?s once 20-point lead in Ohio is now down to single digits. Three things happen on March 4 and beyond.One, the most likely, Barack Obama wins one or both of the Texas and Ohio primaries. In this case, the media will concede the nomination to Obama and Clinton will be forced to suspend her campaign. I don?t know the rules, but I do believe this means she will keep her delegates until the convention. If thi...
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Clinton's Future
2008-02-23 02:09:00
Listening to Oberman, Fox, Hardball, they all seem to be singing the same tune: Clinton's done. The question is, how will she fold her tent: in a blaze of obscurity or as a statesmen? Her mathematical odds are long, the momentum is with Obama who is now speaking Spanish, more and more people are asking her to quit now.There's less than 2 weeks to March 4th, what do you all think? Should she call it quits or keep fighting?
More About: Democrats , Hillary Clinton , Future

Been a Little Busy
2008-02-23 00:14:00
I've been a little busy. I've missed so many important news stories both on the presidential campaign and abroad. I will try to post tonight or maybe tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.
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RESULTS: Wisconsin
2008-02-20 07:03:00
Obama's Winning Streak ContinuesCBS/AP) Barack Obama easily won Tuesday's Democratic primary in Wisconsin , handing Hillary Clinton her ninth straight defeat headed into crucial March 4 contests in Texas and Ohio.John McCain easily won the Republican contest in Wisconsin, as well as a primary in Washington, putting him ever closer to wrapping up the GOP nomination.With 91 percent of the Wisconsin vote in, Obama led Clinton, 58 percent to 41 percent. In the Republican contest, McCain held a commanding lead, 55 percent to 37 percent, over former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. With just over half the Washington vote in, McCain led Huckabee, 49 percent to 21 percent.CBS News exit polling of Wisconsin Democratic voters indicated that Obama made significant gains among groups long thought to be loyal to Clinton. Women voters and Catholics were equally split between the two, and Obama led Clinton among those without college degrees by 13 percentage points. He also edged her out among self-i...
More About: Results , Primary

Hillary Clinton Wins New Mexico Caucus
2008-02-14 22:53:00
Finally the results are in and after counting 17,000 provisional ballots over the last nine days, Hillary Clinton is announced the winner of the New Mexico caucus.Obama: 71396Edwards: 2157Dodd: 81Kucinich: 574Richardson: 1305Biden: 122Clinton: 73105Hillary Clinton will get 1 extra delegate as the popular vote winner of the state
More About: Democrats , New Mexico

Romney Endorses McCain
2008-02-14 22:30:00
Now on CNN. Mitt Romney announces he endorses John McCain for President and instructed his delegates to vote for John McCain at the convention.McCain currently has 832 delegates according to CNN. Romney has 286 delegates. If all of Romney's delegates support McCain, as of today, McCain has 1,118 delegates. 1,191 delegates are needed for the nomination.
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Huckabee Now an Impossibility
2008-02-13 19:37:00
After last night's wins by John McCain, it is now mathematically impossible for Mike Huckabee to win the nomination.Here is what John McCain's campaign manager, Rick Davis, has to say:“The results from tonight’s primary elections in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, make it mathematically impossible for Governor Huckabee to secure the Republican nomination for president,” Davis wrote in the document, first obtained by Politico. “He now needs 950 delegates to secure the required 1,191. But in the remaining contests there are only 774 delegates available. He would need to win 123% of remaining delegates.”

Survey USA: Clinton Strong in Ohio
2008-02-13 19:20:00
A new Survey USA poll out has Clinton up 17 points in Ohio . The problem is the internals.Clinton: 56%Obama: 39%According to the internals, "only" 73% of African-Americans support Obama. This contradicts his performance he has registered since Super Tuesday in which up to 90% of African Americans voted for Obama. Second, Independents seem to be under represented. Only 11% of the sample are Independents, roughly half of 2004 levels. Obama leads Clinton 48% to 43% in this demographic.48% of the respondents said the economy was their top issue. Clinton lead 60% to 35%.
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McCain Goes After Obama in Victory Speech
2008-02-13 19:19:00
It seems John McCain knows who his general election opponent will be. In his victory speech last night, McCain took a veild swipe at Barack Obama on his message of hope.Hope, my friends, is a powerful thing. I can attest to that better than many, for I have seen men's hopes tested in hard and cruel ways that few will ever experience. And I stood astonished at the resilience of their hope in the darkest of hours because it did not reside in an exaggerated belief in their individual strength, but in the support of their comrades, and their faith in their country. My hope for our country resides in my faith in the American character, the character which proudly defends the right to think and do for ourselves, but perceives self-interest in accord with a kinship of ideals, which, when called upon, Americans will defend with their very lives.To encourage a country with only rhetoric rather than sound and proven ideas that trust in the strength and courage of free people is not a promise...
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What's the Message?
2008-02-13 05:55:00
The following tag clouds are from tagcrowd.com. First, try and guess who it might be, it's not that hard if you've been paying attention. The next question, what does it mean? The first is Barack Obama on Feb. 12 after winning the Potomac Primaries, the second is John McCain at the CPAC conference on Feb. 7, and the last is Hillary Clinton at the Jefferson Jackson dinner in Richmond, Va. on Feb. 9. First, this now makes political speeches a great drinking game. Drink when you hear "change," "America or American," "people," and "dream." Besides drinking, what can you gather? For Obama, the major themes are about people, the American Dream, and hope. This fits his image as a new JFK. I would bet politicos consider Obama to be on message. Meaning, his words fit the image he gives. For McCain, country and positions tie for his number 1 word, followed by intend, and defended. Conservative was said 10 times. This comes across as a very defensive speech which makes sense since ...
More About: Democrats , Message

Barack Obama Wins Virginia
2008-02-13 01:20:00
CNN projects that Barack Obama will win the Virginia primary. This is expected and the Clinton campaign has not planned any victory or concession speech. At the moment, she is is Texas.The exit polls are very good for Obama showing him taking 90% of the African-American votes and about half the white voters. Clinton cannot keep the race like this if she intends to win this.
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The Forgotten State
2008-02-12 09:08:00
One Super Tuesday state still does not have a declared winner and it looks like it may be some time until we get the final results. New Mexico still has no winner as the voters continue to be counted one week after the election.The count has stopped at 99% with a 1,123 vote lead for Clinton. 13 delegates have already been allocated to Clinton and 12 to Obama. One delegate is outstanding, which will be allocated to the popular vote winner of the state.17,000 provisional ballots still have to be counted.
More About: Democrats , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , State , Delegates

Odds Against Huckabee
2008-02-12 08:59:00
When you crunch the numbers, it makes you wonder why Mike Huckabee is still in this race. According to CNN, 1,242 delegates have been awarded, which means 1,138 delegates remain to be allocated. Huckabee has 217 delegates and need an additional 974 delegates to secure the nomination. Huckabee will have to win 86% of the remaining delegates to be the Republican presidential nominee. Compare that to McCain who has to win 468 delegates or 41% of the remaining delegates to secure the nomination.So, why is Huckabee is rolling along his campaign? Maybe he is now running for Vice President. Maybe he is running for 2012.
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McCain Will Not Accept Matching Funds
2008-02-12 08:48:00
After struggling for survival last year, John McCain announced that he will accept federal matching funds to keep his campaign alive during the primary season. But, since his newfound success in New Hampshire, money seems to be coming in pretty fluidly and the McCain camp has now sent a letter to the FEC declining matching funds."I will make no further requests for matching-fund payment certification and will not accept any matching-fund payments including the initial amount and other amounts certified by the commission in connections with my campaign's previous submissions," McCain wrote in a letter to the FEC last week.McCain was eligible for $5.8 million in matching funds, which he would have received in March had he accepted. Taking the money would have also limit his campaign to a $54 million spending limit for the primary season, which runs through the Convention.
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Al Gore Will Not Endorse
2008-02-12 08:41:00
Sources now say that former Vice President Al Gore is not expected to endorse either Clinton or Obama during the primary season, instead opting to be the "neutral elder statesman in the Party." With the possibility that neither candidate will have the required 2,025 delegates to be nominated, Gore sees himself as the facilitator-in-chief for any possible deal making, should there be any as Kerry, Kennedy and Bill Clinton have all taken sides.Other top Democrats , Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, has no plans to endorse any candidate.
More About: Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Jeb Bush Endorses McCain
2008-02-11 22:39:00
John McCain picked up another high profile endorsement, this one from the President's brother and former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush .In a statement, Bush praised McCain as a ?patriot and devoted conservative leader.? He added, ?like no other candidate in the field, John McCain has made tremendous sacrifices for this nation. He is beholden to no interest other than that of the public good. He is determined and steadfast in his commitment to reducing the burden of high taxes, restoring the people?s trust in their government, and winning the war against radical Islamic extremists. It is with pride that I announce my endorsement of John McCain for president.?McCain has received some heat from conservatives who outright do not trust the Senator to represent their values (it makes you wonder why they liked Giuliani in the first place). Former Governor Bush can help mend differences with this key voting block, but it looks like McCain has a lot of work to do, especially when people like...
More About: Republican , Jeb Bush

Congressman Tom Lantos, 1928-2008
2008-02-11 19:33:00
Congressman Tom Lantos of California died today after his battle with esophageal cancer. Lantos was a Holocaust survivor and dedicated his life to human rights. He was elected to Congress in 1980 and chaired the House Foreign Relations Committee from 2007-2008 .
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Solis Doyle Out
2008-02-11 02:55:00
Clinton's long time adviser and campaign manager stepped down from her position to be replaced with another loyal Clinton adviser from the White House years, Maggie Williams.Here is a letter from Patti Solis Doyle:Over a year ago Hillary launched her campaign for President.Her announcement began a historic effort that has inspired millions and brought hundreds of thousands to their feet all across this nation.I have been proud to manage this campaign, and prouder still to call Hillary my friend for more than sixteen years. I know that she will make a great President.This has already been the longest Presidential campaign in the history of our nation, and one that has required enormous sacrifices from all of us and our families.During the last month I have been working closely with my longtime friend, Maggie Williams.This week Maggie will begin to assume the duties of campaign manager. I will serve as a senior adviser to Hillary and the campaign and travel with Hillary from time to ...
More About: Democrats , Hillary Clinton

Obama Takes Another State
2008-02-11 02:46:00
Barack Obama won the Maine caucus today, 59% to 41% leaving Clinton 0 for 4 in this weekend's contests.I would really like to know who devised Clinton's caucus strategy. Clinton has lost every caucus by very large margins with the exception of Nevada.Obama is poised to sweep this Tuesday's contest as well.
More About: Democrats , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , State

Edwards Talking to Clinton, Will Meet With Obama
2008-02-11 02:31:00
Word comes that John Edwards met with Hillary Clinton at his home in Chapel Hills last Tursday and will meet with Barack Obama on Monday. Can we expect an endorsement?Edwards is possibly the last remaining endorsement that could matter, though many can argue even the most coveted endorsement has been useless (e.g. Ted Kennedy). Still, both campaigns are courting the former Senator in hopes of making inroads of his supporters. While most of them are anti-Clinton and have moved to Obama, an endorsement of Clinton (unlikely) can give voters a chance to at least consider the latter. An endorsement of Obama will continue his momentum as he plows through the February states. There is also a matter of his 26 delegates, though I have read they are unbound to him. I'm not entirely sure how the Democratic rules work for a candidate who has suspended his campaign.I think this endorsement is much more needed for Clinton than it is of Obama, though such an endorsement can create an aurora of in...
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Obama Sweeps; Huckabee Keeps it Strong
2008-02-10 06:08:00
The results are coming in and Obama has swept through the Washington, and the Nebraska caucuses with large wins as well as a win in the Louisiana primary. Mike Huckabee, the only significant challenger to McCain won Kansas and is giving McCain a run for his money in Washington and Louisiana, leaving McCain on a tough road with conservatives.Delegate allocation is still being tabulated, but as of now, Clinton has 1,100 delegates, while Obama has 1,039 delegates according to CNN. They are both far short from the 2,025 delegates needed to be nominated. It is going to be a long road for the Democrats to the convention, where we could possibly face a brokered convention. This Tuesday is the Potomac primaries when Virginia, Maryland and the District of Colombia will hold their contests. Obama is expected to sweep them all and recent polling (VA, MD) can vouch for that. Maine holds its caucus Sunday. While Obama has won every caucus with the exception of Nevada, Clinton is expected to do w...
More About: Republican , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Nebraska Caucus Results (Democrats)
2008-02-10 06:02:00
DEMOCRATIC CaucusPrecincts reporting: 99%Barack Obama : 68% (WINNER)Hillary Clinton : 32%Source
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Washington Caucus Results
2008-02-10 06:01:00
DEMOCRATIC CaucusPrecincts reporting: 99%Barack Obama : 68% (WINNER)Hillary Clinton : 31%REPUBLICAN CaucusPrecincts reporting: 87%John McCain: 26%Mike Huckabee: 24%Ron Paul: 21%Mitt Romney: 16%NOTE: Both the Republican s and Democrats will hold a primary on February 19. It will be interesting to note turnout and results.Source
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