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Barack Obama Wins Democratic Nomination
2008-06-04 06:00:00
After a long and hard fought Democratic contest, Senator Barack Obama became the victor after securing the 2,118 delegates required to be nominated.Obama rolled out almost three dozen superdelegates before the South Dakota and Montana primaries, eventually clinching the nomination as the results of the South Dakota primary trickled in. Clinton did not endorse Obama tonight, but all signs point to a possible endorsement tomorrow or in the coming days.Clinton won the South Dakota primary, home state of prominent Obama supporter and former Majority Leader, Tom Daschle. Obama won the Montana primary.Obama is now the first African-American to be nominated by a major party, exactly 200 years after the end of the slave trade (1808).Now, we look to November...
More About: Democrats , Nomination , Hillary Clinton

DNC Rules & Bylaws FL/MI Ruling
2008-06-01 04:19:00
Here is the ruling.Florida 1. Allocation of the delegates based on the January 29 Florida primary, 105 for Clinton and 67 for Obama.2. Full seating of all pledged delegates and superdelegates at half a vote.3. Final voting weight is 52.5 delegates for Clinton and 33.5 delegates for Obama.Michigan 1. Adoption of of the Michigan Party plan, dividing the delegates 69 for Clinton and 59 to Obama.2. Full seating of all pledged delegates and superdelegates at half a vote.3. Obama gets the 2 add-on delegates from Michigan.4. Final voting weight is 34.5 delegates for Clinton, 29.5 delegates for Obama.The new magic number is 2,118 delegates. Obama is about 65 delegates from that number, which he is likely to reach sometime after this Tuesday's primary in South Dakota and Montana .
More About: Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

MN, KY General Election Polls
2008-05-27 05:35:00
Two polls I will like to point out today, one from Minnesota and the other from Kentucky. Both of which surprised me.MinnesotaMcCain: 38%Obama: 53%McCain: 38%Obama: 53%Over the last year, Minnesota has been in the battleground column and probably still is, however, in the last one or two months, polls have suggested that Minnesota may be lean or even likely Democratic this year. McCain has extraordinary strength in the Great Lakes region, particularly Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Polls in the later two states suggest he can win. With recent polls suggesting that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty may not be a strong Vice Presidential pick against an Obama match-up (here) , one has to wonder if Pawlenty is a smart choice for McCain. It is my personal belief that the Vice Presidential nominee should NEVER be picked based on moving a state from one column to the next or solely based on geography. Perhaps McCain's meeting with possible Vice Presidential contenders, Jindal, Romney an...
More About: Democrats , Republicans , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

She Said What?
2008-05-24 20:53:00
Definitely not something Clinton needs considering her situation in the Democratic nomination contest.On Friday during an editorial board meeting with South Dakota newspaper Argus Leader, Clinton invoked the RFK assassination in 1968 as a reason to continue the race to be the Democratic nominee.Instead of quoting her, here is her comments in full context (something you won't get in the media).Her apology.I am willing to give Clinton the benefit of the doubt and when in context, it does seem she was only referencing why she should go all the way to June--other campaigns have done it before. Bill Clinton wrapped it up in June 1992. RFK was in third place in the delegate count but planned to take it to the convention before his tragic end. Edward Kennedy was far more behind in the delegate count than Clinton and took it to the convention in 1980.NOTE: My internet is still not up an running. It will be awhile until everything is back to normal.
More About: Democrats , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Current Delegate Count
2008-05-21 21:05:00
Real Clear PoliticsObama - 1975, 51 to winClinton - 1775, 250 to winDem Con WatchObama - 1962, 64 to winClinton - 1780, 245 to winCNNObama - 1962, 64 to winClinton - 1777, 248 to winMSNBCObama - 1960, 66 to winClinton - 1783, 243 to winWe will find out if the number needed is is 2,210 or 2,026, on May 31st. That is when the DNC?s rules committee will decide whether or not to reverse their previous decision and count Michigan and Florida .
More About: Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Current , Count

McCain's Not Too Old . . .
2008-05-18 16:04:00
He stayed up late here . . . well, maybe taping is earlier in the day . . .
More About: Cain

Some Interesting News Stories
2008-05-11 16:21:00
Republicans in trouble elsewhere, Politico:"In case you?ve been too consumed by the Democratic race to notice, Republicans are getting crushed in historic ways both at the polls and in the polls."Obama's Gameplan, News week:"For Obama, the challenge will be to respond quickly and surely?but without overreacting or inviting an endless cycle of recriminations." Not just a Saturday Night Live skit, Review Journal:"The record clearly shows that Hillary's campaign was the first to use Obama's race against him."
More About: Interesting , Stories , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Having Internet Problems
2008-05-07 05:52:00
Could not come at a better time. I'm having some internet connectivity issues and I'm not sure when it will be fixed.As a side note, Obama by 14% in North Carolina and a very tight race in Indiana . It may be a double take for Obama. Bad news for Clinton.
More About: Internet , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

LA-6 Special Election
2008-05-05 02:17:00
In a stunning victory, Democrat Don Cazayoux defeated Republican Woody Jenkins to replace retired Republican Congressman Richard Baker. Cazayoux won the district 49% to 46%, this despite Republican ads, which tried to tie Cazayoux with Nancy Pelosi, Obama and Rev. Wright.If anything, this Republican defeat is a sure sign of things to come this November.The 6th Congressional district has remained Republican since 1975 with about a 7% lean Republican.
More About: Democrats , Republicans , Louisiana , Barack Obama , Election

Polls Show Wright Fallout
2008-05-01 21:18:00
Several polls have been released in the last few days that show some interesting movement away from Barack Obama . It seems that the reemergence of Rev. Wright and possibly Obama's response to Rev. Wright may be turning away some voters. Lets take a look.Democratic NominationGallup 4/28-30Hillary Clinton : 49%Barack Obama: 45%Since Clinton's win in PA, Clinton has gained 9 points while Obama has lost 5 points.Barack Obama: 43%John McCain: 47%Hillary Clinton: 46%John McCain: 46%Since Clinton's win in PA, Clinton went from -1 to even, while Obama went from even to -4 points against McCain.Rasmussen Reports 4/27-30Hillary Clinton: 46%Barack Obama: 44%Since Clinton's win in PA, Clinton has gained 5 points while Obama has lost 5 points.Barack Obama: 43%John McCain: 46%Hillary Clinton: 44%John McCain: 44%Since Clinton's win in PA, Clinton went from -6 points to even, while Obama has remained 3 points behind McCain.North Carolina Two polls for the North Carolina primary continue to show ...
More About: Democrats , Indiana

Is This an Attack Ad?
2008-04-30 22:05:00
Now, I may support Senator Clinton, but at least you know my biases, having said that, I'm one of the most objective Clinton supporters you are likely to meet. Senator Obama is now accusing Clinton of running the first attack ad of the campaign season. While the ad does mention Obama, the ad is factually correct and displays specifics. Clinton was for a foreclosure moratorium (I support this), Obama was not. Clinton is for a gas tax holiday (I do not support this), Obama is not. This is simply stating a factual difference. If that is an attack ad, then I cannot imagine what I would see in the fall. Is the ad tough? Yes. Is it an attack ad? No. Can it be viewed that way? Obama thinks so.
More About: Video , Democrats , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Attack

Hillary Adds Pennsylvania Superdelegate
2008-04-30 20:57:00
Since Pennsyvania Obama has a 8 to 4 advantage in announced superdelegates.From PennLive:Hillary Rodham Clinton will pick up the support of another influential superdelegate this morning when Bill George declares his support for the senator from New York.George, the president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, had been one of six remaining undeclared Pennsylvania superdelegates. ...With George?s support, Clinton extends her lead over fellow Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama to 16-5 among Pennsylvania superdelegates.
More About: Democrats , Hillary Clinton , Delegates

Ron Paul Still Around
2008-04-30 03:53:00
In this article, it talks about Ron Paul still gaining votes in primaries and mentions two interesting points: will he support McCain or will he run as an Independent?Two quotations: ?I?ll be very cautious about what I do,? he said, noting his effort to encourage his supporters to get involved with their local Republican committee. ?If I just endorse somebody from another party and walk away, that probably wouldn?t go over too well.?And, "But while keeping to the same mantra ? ?I have no plan, no intention to do so? ? Paul is also not completely slamming the door shut on a third-party run. And, perhaps more worrisome for Republicans should they have a tight race with the eventual Democratic nominee, he?s also not ruling out supporting a third-party candidate."Didn't want to make it seem like the Democrats had the only intriguing campaign.

DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Membership
2008-04-30 01:36:00
Democratic Convention Watch has a list of members on the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee.With the expected hearing on the FL and MI delegation plans on May 31, here is a look at the makeup of the committee and who supports who.Co-Chairs - no endorsementAlexis Herman (co-chair, Washington , D.C. )James Roosevelt, Jr. (co-chair, Massachusetts )Members - Clinton supporters (12)Hartina Flournay (DC)Donald Fowler (SC)Harold Ickes, Jr. (DC)Alice Huffman (CA)Ben Johnson (DC)Elaine Kamarck (MA)Eric Kleinfeld (DC)Mona Pasquil (CA)Mame Reiley (VA)Garry Shay (CA)Elizabeth Smith (DC)Michael Steed (MD)Members - Obama supporters (8)Martha Fuller Clark (NH)Carol Khare Fowler (SC)Janice Griffin (MD)Thomas Hynes (IL)Allan Katz (FL)Sharon Stroschein (SD)Sarah Swisher (IA)Everett Ward (NC)Members - no known endorsement (8)Donna Brazille (DC)Mark Brewer (MI)Ralph Dawson (NY)Yvonne Gates ( NV)Alice Germond (DC) - DNC SecretaryJaime Gonzalez, Jr. (TX)David McDonald (WA)Jerome Wiley Segovia (VA)Matt notes ...
More About: Democrats , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

Survey USA Shows Single Digit NC Race
2008-04-30 00:20:00
Survey USA released its new North Carolina poll today, showing a close single digit race.Barack Obama : 49%Hillary Clinton: 44%Obama's lead is down from the last poll, which showed him winning the state by 9 points.Some interesting demographics.Clinton wins whites by 31 points. Among unaffiliated voters, Clinton now leads by 4 points. This suggest the recent Wright controversy may have had some effect. We will have to wait until next week to see if Obama's response gained him any points.Note of caution, in Survey USA's PA polls, SUSA over-polled Clinton all the way up to their last poll where they under-polled Clinton. Is it possible the same is happening with Obama, except in reverse?If the race in North Carolina ends in the single digits, and Clinton walks away with an Indiana win, this could make the race for the Democratic nomination wide open. Obama is widely expected to win North Carolina by huge margins, any sign of weakness in the Obama candidacy can not only sway voters, ...
More About: Democrats , Health Care , Survey

Clinton, Obama Respond to McCain Health Care
2008-04-29 22:29:00
Here are the responses from the Democratic candidates regarding McCain's Health care plan.From Clinton:John McCain is proposing a radical plan that would mean millions of Americans would lose their job-based coverage: The McCain plan eliminates the policies that hold the employer-based health insurance system together, so while people might have a ?choice? of getting such coverage , employers would have no incentive to provide it. This means 158 million Americans with job-based coverage today could be at risk of losing the insurance they have come to depend upon.While Senator McCain touts the choices his plan offers, people who are older or sicker would actually have no choice under his new proposals. Older Americans or those with pre-existing conditions would be allowed to get only one type of coverage in a high risk GAP pool. That kind of arrangement does more to help insurers than individuals. In addition, high-risk pools fall far short of helping people in need. Virtually all hi...
More About: Democrats , Republicans , Health Care , Barack Obama

Rep. Ike Skelton Endorses Clinton
2008-04-29 22:25:00
Clinton picks up another superdelegate today, this one from Missouri Congress man Ike Skelton.Skelton is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Clinton sits on the Senate counterpart.According to the Democratic Convention Watch, the superdelegate count stands as:Hillary Clinton : 259Barack Obama : 239Undecided: 296
More About: Democrats , Clinton

Obama Denounces Wright
2008-04-29 22:17:00
Today, Barack Obama denounced Rev. Wright over his controversial remarks last March and his comments at the National Press Club.Instead of quoting him, here is the man himself.Whether or not this is enough remains to be seen, but according to recent polls, the Wright controversy has certainly done its damage, particularly among white voters. What people can do with Obama's denunciation is read between the lines. Rev. Wright said Obama is a politician and as a politician reads the polls and says what he has to say. Today, the polls show Obama in a closer race in North Carolina and nationally against both Clinton and McCain. Obama addressed that issue in the video above, and I believe him. Nevertheless, Obama's comments could not come at a better time.As a side note, it is heartbreaking to see Obama throw the man who married him and baptized his children under the bus. As we say, this is politics.
More About: Video , Democrats

McCain Targets Healthcare
2008-04-29 19:57:00
One of the biggest challenges for McCain is domestic issues. No one doubts McCain's national security credentials, but McCain's performance on the stump has been subpar when it comes to the economy and domestic issues. Now, McCain is trying to address the issue with this new spot on Health Care .
More About: Video , Republicans , Healthcare

Clinton Up 8 and 9 Points in Indiana
2008-04-29 19:51:00
Two new polls out from Indiana show Clinton with a moderate lead in Tuesday's Indiana primary.Survey USAHillary Clinton : 52%Barack Obama : 43%Clinton is down from a 16-point advantage in the last Survey USA poll, but up from a 5-point deficit SUSA did for Downs Center. The poll for Downs Center used a different method of gathering data than what is usually used by SUSA.PPPHillary Clinton: 50%Barack Obama: 42%Clinton enjoys some internal advantages in Indiana, including the support of Senator and former Governor of Indiana (and possible VP candidate) Evan Bayh. Obama's internal advantages are also matched with a sizable African-American population and Chicago media market that is prevalent in the northern part of the state.
More About: Democrats , Poll

More Superdelegates for Obama
2008-04-29 19:43:00
Obama continues to roll out superdelegate endorsements. The latest endorsements comes from Richard Machacek, an Iowa superdelegate.Another very important endorsement for Obama comes from Kentucky . Congressman Ben Chandler endorsed Obama today. Chandler represents a district that is predominantly white, working class, a demographic Obama has struggled with throughout this campaign.The Kentucky primary is May 20. Latest polls shows Obama with a huge disadvantage in the state. Clinton leads there 62% to 26% in the last Survey USA poll.Recommended ReadingObama Looks for Edge in "Invisible Primary"
More About: Democrats , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Obama

NC Governor Mike Easley Endorses Clinton
2008-04-29 19:31:00
A little surprising in my opinion, but today, Hillary Clinton received the endorsement of outgoing North Carolina Governor, Mike Easley. This endorsement marks the second superdelegate endorsement from North Carolina for Clinton. Obama has six.The endorsement comes a little late in my opinion, but could give her a small boost and momentum in the state. She is likely to lose by double digits, but if Clinton manages to keep the race in single digits, look for Easley to jump up a few notches on Clinton's VP list.Easley is also a superdelegate.The latest Rasmussen poll shows Obama losing some ground in NC, now leading Clinton 51% to 37%. That is down from a 23-point lead in the last poll. Survey USA has the race in single digits with Obama leading 50% to 41%. PPP (which had Obama winning PA by 3%, but is a NC firm) shows Obama's lead shrinking from 25% to 12%, now 51% to 39%. With the Easley endorsement, the reemergence of Rev. Wright and the GOP ad campaign, don't be surprised if th...
More About: Video , Democrats , Barack Obama

Post PA Polls
2008-04-27 21:39:00
Lets take a look at the polls post Pennsylvania.Number in parentheses are the last poll conducted before Pennsylvania.Gallup has one of the most prominent movement towards Clinton, yet it look like she has peaked at 47%.Barack Obama : 47% (50%)Hillary Clinton : 47% (40%)Gallup has one of the most stable general election matchup I have seen this season, so I can't do an effective comparison.Barack Obama: 45% (45%)John McCain: 45% (45%)Hillary Clinton: 47% (46%)John McCain: 44% (45%)Rasmussen on the other hand does not show much movement.Barack Obama: 48% (49%)Hillary Clinton: 42% (41%)General election matchups show some movement towards Democrats .Barack Obama: 46% (44%)John McCain: 46% (47%)Hillary Clinton: 45% (43%)John McCain: 47% (49%)Favorable RatingsJohn McCain: 51%/46% (51%/46%)Barack Obama: 50%/47% (49%/49%)Hillary Clinton: 43%/55% (47%/51%) NET -12 to -4
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Where the IN and NC Race Stands Today
2008-04-24 00:20:00
The next two races are fast approaching. What do they look like? Here are some polls for you to divulge.Indiana Downs Center (4/14-16)Clinton: 45%Obama: 50%LA Times/Bloomberg (4/10-14)Clinton: 35%Obama: 40%Survey USA (4/11-13)Clinton: 55%Obama: 39%ARG (4/2-3)Clinton: 53%Obama: 44%North Carolina Survey USA (4/19-21)Clinton: 41%Obama: 50%PPP (4/19-20)Clinton: 32%Obama: 57%ARG (4/14-15)Clinton: 41%Obama: 52%Insider Advantage (4/14)Clinton: 36%Obama: 51%LA Times/Bloomberg (4/10-14)Clinton: 34%Obama: 47%
More About: Democrats , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

David Petraeus Nominated to Head CENTCOM
2008-04-23 23:36:00
Today, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced the appointment of David Petraeus to head the U.S. Central Command.In 2007 Petraeus was appointed as Commanding General of the Multinational Force in Iraq , overseeing the "surge." Through his tenure, military and Iraqi casualties have dramatically fallen, but anti-war sentiments at home remain high.It is unlikely there will be opposition to his nomination, but it will be interesting to see the reactions of Democrats as a vote for Patraeus can be seen as a vote secondary vote supporting the current course in Iraq. I for one approve of this appointment.On a political note, Republican s see Patraeus as a possible candidate for President in 2012 if McCain does not win or if he does not seek a second term. It is unclear to me if Patraeus is a Democrat or Republican.Here are some reactions.From Senator Harry Reid :"The next Centcom commander and field commander in Iraq will have to help the next president with a number of critically importa...
More About: Joe Biden

Recommended Reading
2008-04-23 22:10:00
Here are some items you can read through during your spare time:The Low Road to Victory, New York TimesThe Second Coming of McGovern, NROTake These Candidates, Please!, Philadelphia InquirerToo Little, Too Late, Dick MorrisWhy Obama Won't Win, Theo CaldwellWhy John McCain Can't Win, Bob Beckel
More About: Reading , Democrats , Republicans , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton

McCain: Kill Anti-Obama Ad
2008-04-23 21:45:00
The GOP is planning to roll out a new anti-Obama ad in North Carolina attacking Obama for his connections with his former pastor Jeremiah Wright, this despite objections by both the RNC and John McCain .From Brent Woodcox, Communications Director for the North Carolina GOP.?Senator McCain has been very clear that he expects to run a respectful campaign based on the critical issues confronting the nation. The RNC has been in contact with the NC GOP and communicated that we do not believe the ad is appropriate or helpful and have asked that they refrain from running it"Both RNC Chairman Mike Duncan and John McCain have been in contact with the North Carolina GOP.From John McCain:Dear Chairman Daves,From the beginning of this election, I have been committed to running a respectful campaign based upon an honest debate about the great issues confronting America today. I expect all state parties to do so as well. The television advertisement you are planning to air degrades our civics and ...
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Clinton Going Through IN and NC
2008-04-23 21:39:00
According to the Politico, Hillary Clinton has a planned fundraiser with Chelsea and Dorothy the day after the North Carolina and Indiana primaries.Looking at the media narrative, Clinton has to win Indiana or it is over, Clinton has other plans. This race goes all the way through the Convention.
More About: Democrats , Primaries

Popular Vote and Delegate Count
2008-04-23 20:21:00
After the Pennsylvania primary, the delegate count and popular vote looks like this:NOTE: Delegate allocation is still being tabulated.Barack Obama Pledged: 1,487Superdelegates: 232TOTAL: 1,719Hillary Clinton Pledged: 1,331Superdelegates: 255TOTAL: 1,586Popular Vote Without FL/MI: Obama +501,138Without FL/MI (include IA/WA/ME/NV): Obama +611,360 With FL: Obama +206,366With FL (include IA/WA/ME/NV): Obama +316,588With FL/MI: Clinton +121,943With FL/MI (include IA/WA/ME/NV): Clinton +11,721Clinton popular vote lead will be wiped out with Obama's win in North Carolina, but even so, if she could win WV, KY, IN, and PR by healthy margins, she could hold a popular vote lead in some shape for form.
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Pennsylvania Primary Results
2008-04-23 07:11:00
DEMOCRATIC PrimaryPrecincts reporting: 99%Hillary Clinton : 55% (WINNER)Brack Obama: 45%Popular Vote: Clinton +216,067REPUBLICAN PrimaryPrecincts reporting: 99%John McCain: 73% (WINNER)Ron Paul: 16%Mike Huckabee: 11%Source
More About: Democrats , Republicans , Barack Obama , Results