and Other GOP Candidates
Archives
2008
Posted: Friday, May 30, 2008
The establishment is worried
The Economist goes after "grumpy" Bob Barr and "a dysfunctional minor party."
Bob Barr seeks to unify Libertarian Party
One of the "left-wing" candidates he beat urges everyone to stay on board.
Intriguing and little-known factoids about Barr's legislative record
Ron Paul's one-time banking staffer tells how Paul and Bob Barr worked together in the House of Representatives.
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2008
How Obama can win big in November
Robert Creamer is long-time progressive political organizer and strategist.
Gallup analysis shows Clinton stronger than Obama in swing states
Daily trial heats for the general election over the past two weeks seem to back Sen. Hillary Clinton's argument that she would be more likely to beat John McCain in November.
John McCain's Arab-American problem
Arab-Americans are concentrated in swing states like Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. And the early signs are not good for McCain.
McCain can't seem to win on the controversial preachers issue
Secular voters may be pleased that he rebuked Rev. Parsley and Rev. Hagee, but those actions may have alienated evangelicals. Which voter bloc is more important to his campaign?
Two more McCain aides leave--a 527, not the campaign
McCain's self-imposed "ethics" rule was meant to show how anti-establishment he is; instead it's demonstrating how tied in he is with everything and everyone in Washington.
Bob Barr is new piece in electoral puzzle
Christian Science Monitor: The Libertarian nominee could spell trouble for McCain if Ron Paul backers defect from the GOP.
How will Paul supporters vote in November?
It's a first for the Libertarian Party: A presidential candidate with an Electoral College strategy.
Barr faces two major challenges
He faces numerous obstacles, but two stand out: persuading voters to choose a third-party candidate and persuading the mainstream press to cover his campaign.
The Libertarians' big tent
It's possible--not probable, but possible--that the Libertarian Party could become the third party of America, home to a variety of malcontents that don't like the Democrats or Republicans.
North Carolina judge rejects Libertarian Party arguments
The Libertarian Party sued the state in 2005, arguing requirements to get on the ballot and stay on it are too onerous, violating party members' rights to freedom of speech and association.
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Exclusive: McClellan whacks Bush, White House
In a surprisingly scathing memoir, Scott McClellan accuses ex-boss of running a White House lacking in candor and competence.
Obama hits McCain on closed-door meeting with Bush
"No cameras. No reporters. And we all know why."
While HIllary was sleeping (or at least was only semi-awake)
Obama essentially won the race back in February. Who knows where we'd be today if Clinton had had a post-Super Tuesday strategy.
Will Bob Barr be McCain's Ralph Nader?
The progressives at Huffington Post undoubtedly hope so.
Ballot access map for the Constitution Party
A very useful map showing access achieved/pending/gathering signatures, etc.
Posted: Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Libertarian Party selects Bob Barr as presidential nominee...
...with Wayne Allyn Root as his vice presidential running mate
More than 650 Libertarian delegates met in Denver May 22-26 for the 2008 Libertarian National Convention.
Barr looks forward to the campaign
Boston Globe: Barr expects the party to be on the ballot in at least 48 states and perhaps all 50 if the party can qualify in West Virginia and Oklahoma. Barr said he also hopes to take part in the national political debates by qualifying with poll support of 15% or more of registered voters.
How Barr and Root took over the Liberarian Party
Reason's David Weigel looks at seven major factors leading to their nomination.
Barr gets Libertarian nod, but where is Ron Paul?
Politico's Jonathan Martin: "Without Paul's passionate legions, Barr would have a difficult time attracting grass-roots and financial support."
Five reasons Ron Paul supporters should support Bob Barr
Liberty Maven: "Three, because it will be the LP taking the heat for playing spoiler, it accordingly takes the heat OFF the Paulites within the GOP from being scapegoated if/when McCain loses."
Barr's battle for the Libertarian vote
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was interested in the fate of home-town Georgia boy Bob Barr.
Libertarians: The natural heirs to conservatism?
Delivering the keynote address at the Libertarian Party convention, Richard Viguerie--the direct mail guru who is considered a godfather of modern conservatism--pronounced Libertarians "correct on the issues" and urged them to seize the moment.
Text of Richard Viguerie's keynote address
"Democrats and Republicans have failed America...."
The right flank
The Economist looks at the Libertarian challenge to John McCain.
Is Bob Barr the next Ralph Nader?
ABC News thinks the implications of his nomination could be felt in the fall.
Will Barr's nomination put Georgia in play?
InsiderAdvantage's Matt Towery believes that A Barr candidacy will make Georgia a centerpiece in the November race, given the fact that most other Southern states appear to be less competitive for Barack Obama.
WE HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN
DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS
(though we'd like to)
A politically correct guide to words NOT to use on the campaign trail
This is almost as much fun as those "dumb crooks" videos. And it helps that, of the perpetrators specifically named, Democrats outnumber Republicans 8-4. Who says they're the "sensitive" party!
Rolling...and reeling
And if you haven't guessed it yet, the Democrats are doing the rolling and the Republicans are the ones who are reeling.
Is McCain's use of Ambien a security threat?
Most doctors say no, but some (like Rep. Patrick Kennedy) have blamed the sleeping pill for their falling asleep while driving. Hmm...what if President McCain wouldn't be able to awaken to take that 3 a.m. telephone call?
GOP worries about McCain camp's disarray
“The core image of John McCain is as a reformer in Washington — and the more dominant the story is about the lobbying teams around him, the more you put that into question.”
In McCain campaign, a lobbying labyrinth
A look at Campaign Manager Rick Davis’s own activities shows how the business ties and financial interests of lobbyists can be complex.
Franken-Coleman race is going to the blogs
No Minnesota candidate this fall can afford to ignore the state’s vast universe of Web sites devoted to local politics.
Clinton could face an uneasy return to the Senate
Hillary Rodham Clinton ranks as only No. 36 out of 49 Senate Democrats, more of whom favored Barack Obama.
Posted: Friday, May 23, 2008
Add this to the GOP's woes
After years of struggling to catch up to the Republican Party’s sophisticated niche marketing efforts, the DNC appears to have come close to parity.
McCain advisor's work as lobbyist criticized
It seems the top political strategist for strongman John McCain also likes strongmen abroad.
McCain restricts access to medical records
AP: McCain appears cancer-free, healthy
If that's the case, what is he hiding?
McCain dumps Pastor Hagee
McCain dumps Rev. Parsley
As ABC News' "The Note" puts it: "One day, two rejected endorsements -- there's a sign of cardiovascular strength."
Republicans in disarray
A critical editorial from the Washington Times, which has slavishly backed the GOP and the Bush Administration in the past. Of course it would carry more weight if the Times confronted its own support of the Iraq War, which has had such negative impact on the economic health of the nation.
THIRD PARTY WATCH:
Conservatives are off the GOP reservation: Will they find a home in the Libertarian Party?
Text of Richard Viguerie's keynote address at the Libertarian Party national convention.
Fear and loathing in Denver
The American Spectator covers the Libertarian Party convention.
My Richard Viguerie confession
Libertarian Party activist Wes Benedict explains why libertarians have a lot to learn from Viguerie, even if they don't agree with all of his political opinions.
Candidates and delegates have arrived for a party
Libertarians may enliven the election
The Denver Post welcomes the Libertarians to town.
Colorado Libertarian takes aim at the White House
Far as we know, Christine Smith is the only LP presidential candidate who's a model (see photo), writes about the spirituality of John Denver, and is proficiant with her .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun. Well, maybe all LP candidates are required to pass the handgun test.
Recent converts are top contenders for Libertarian nod
CQPolitics provides in-depth reportage of Reason magazine's recent event showcasing Barr, Gravel, and Root.
Will the real libertarian please stand up?
The American Spectator was also in the audience at the Reason bash.
Is Bob Barr really a libertarian?
George Dance takes a close look at his voting record and finds "a very different picture from the one the Barr- bashers are currently painting. It shows, first, a Congressman whose voting record was, on the whole, libertarian; and, second, one whose voting record was becoming more libertarian the longer he served. The clear indication is that Barr had already evolved into a libertarian while in Congress."
Does the Libertarian Party matter?
Bruce Bartlett in the Wall Street Journal.
C-SPAN covers the Libertarian Party convention
Which raises the question, why didn't they cover the Constitution Party convention?
Bloomberg: Barr could be spoiler for McCain
Newsweek: Libertarians playing the spoiler role?
Barr and the Libertarians deny that intention, but you can see the mainstream media salivating at that thought.
Election Day: Bob Barr captures 19% of national vote
That's a possible scenario from Russ Verney, Barr's campaign manager, who also ran Ross Perot's campaign for the presidency.
Libertarians gain recognition in North Carolina
North Carolina Elections Director Gary Bartlett says he is about to sign a letter that will give the Libertarian Party the same status as Republicans and Democrats in North Carolina.
The state of libertarianism, 2058
James P. Pinkerton steps 50 years into the future.
Constitution Party presidential nominee to be on radio Saturday
Dr. Chuck Baldwin will appear on BlogTalkRadio's "Understanding Our Times." Here's the link.
Chuck Baldwin schedules Memorial Day "money bomb"
He asks supporters to honor veterans with a contribution.
Wait...
Stop the presses! This just in! Clinton concedes to Obama, steals Libertarian nomination from Barr
Oh heck, it's just a spoof--but it's pretty funny.
Posted: Thursday, May 22, 2008
Zogby: Obama now leads McCain by 10%
The national survey hints that Libertarian Bob Barr could do some serious damage to McCain by stealing support among the very conservative and libertarian voters.
Rasmussen: Obama gaining in Colorado
Today it's Obama 48%, McCain 42%. They were tied two months ago.
Viral e-mails attack Obama's life story
The smear campaign represents the dark side of the Internet’s emerging dominance in American politics.
Webb blames affirmative action for Obama's woes
Watch his interview on MSNBC.
McCain struggles as general election looms
After making a promising debut as their nominee, McCain has worried many Republicans by seeming to flounder during the past few weeks.
Why are Romney, Crist, and Jindal in Sedona?
Are they there just to sample McCain's ribs recipe? Or do you think some politics might be going on?
Why you should NOT vote for McCain
Let us count the reasons.
Vote Obama or Barr in November?
No need to decide yet, says Andew Sullivan. Meanwhile, say thanks for "the defeat of Giulaini's neofascist tendencies, Romney's callow theoconservatism and Huckabee's Christianist schtick... And the defeat of the Clintons an even bigger one."
The GOP Senate massacre of 2008
Polling suggests that a massacre may be in the offing — and one that’s possibly even greater than the worst of previous GOP years: 1958, 1964, 1974, 1986 and 2006. This is not a good year to be a Republican.
Constitution Party won't be on ballot in Wyoming
But it hopes to get its candidate, Chuck Baldwin, on the ballot as an independent.
Third Party Watch
The popular website Third Party Watch has been acquired from Stephen Gordon by Richard Viguerie.
Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Obama's fundraising advantage over McCain
The potential, yawning financial gap between the two candidates turns an historic GOP advantage on its head.
On the other hand, McCain has been getting richer over his rivals' primary fight
He's been able to stockpile his cash since he became the presumptive GOP nominee. And if you add in the RNC's funds, his 5-to-1 financial disadvantage has been reduced to a 2-to-1 disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's campaign debt soars to $31 million
Now, THAT certainly shows she's qualified to be President!
Lobbyists to McCain: This is our thanks?
His loyal lobbyist friends kept his campaign alive last August, when his campaign went broke and his White House aspirations seemed doomed. Now they're under siege as McCain tries again to look like a maverick reformer. Well, as Harry Truman said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
Another departure from the McCain camp
His chief media consultant, a Democrat, doesn't want to work against Obama.
A tale of two primary states
Kentucky and Oregon are both overwhelmingly white, but there the similarity ends. But the differences between them may not be exactly what you were told on TV last night.
Romney sets his eyes on 2012
Assuming that McCain will lose, he reopens a PAC.
Karl Rove still doesn't get it
When he talks about what the GOP must do. And the rest of the GOP isn't any better.
Rasmussen: In 4-candidate race, Barr gets 6%, Nader 4%
Barr picked up 7% of the Republican vote, 5% of the Democratic vote, and 5% of the unaffiliated vote.
Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Staff firings rip the mask off McCain
How can you be an "independent" "maverick" "reformer" when your campaign is being run by Washington lobbyists and insiders?
Loss of aide could prove devastating to McCain fundraising
The firing of McCain co-chair/superlobbyist Tom Loeffler will seriously complicate fundraising efforts for a candidate who has lagged badly behind his Democratic rivals.
Another Republican retires, another GOP seat at play
This one's Rep. Vito Fossella, the only Republican in the New York City delegation. He decided to retire after being arrested for drunk driving, which led to the revelation that he secretly fathered a child by a woman who was not his wife. Ah, Republican family values!
Karl Rove's electoral maps show Clinton stronger than Obama against McCain
The maps and charts were obtained by ABC News, and you can click through to them. Very interesting.
Hillary Clinton's defeat: An historic triumph
An interesting appreciation from a progressive perspective, by Arianna Huffington.
Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008
The fall of conservatism
You can see what the problem is from The New Yorker's subtitle: "Have the Republicans run out of ideas?" The conservative movement has been so close to the Republican Party that the two have become indistinguishable.
Congressional Republicans are fleeing the ship
The sinking ship. Some 32 Republican incumbents have resigned or announced their retirement.
It won't be a walk in the woods for McCain
The Economist says "the race is on in earnest, but his party's chances look grim."
A fifth top aide to McCain resigns
And it's beginning to hurt: This one was Tom Loeffler, national finance co-chairman of the campaign. More resignations are expected, amidst growing concern over whether lobbyists have too great an influence over the Republican nominee.
You tubing the Libertarian race
Never mind delegate polls. How are the Libertarian Party candidates for President doing on You Tube?
The Wayne Allyn Root-Mike Gravel debate
On Fox Business channel's "Money for Breakfast" program.
Mailing from the Barr campaign
It's onward to Denver and the Libertarian Party convention, after raising $100,000.
Bob Barr raises the debate level
Interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
A Canadian for Bob Barr
Days before the Libertarian Party convention, he addresses Ron Paul supporters, anti-McCain conservatives, and libertarians.
Entrepreneur eyes the White House
Wayne Allyn Root is considered one of the three serious contenders for the Libertarian Party nomination.
Opponent Mary Ruwart disappointed with Barr's campaign focus
The Libertarian Party doesn't need a "true conservative" as its candidate, she says, "it needs a principled libertarian."
Can the Libertarian Party learn to make a real difference?
A blogger looks at Mary Ruwart and her emphasis on opposing the War on Drugs.
William Rusher on Bob Barr
To no surprise, the former publisher of National Review finds the Barr candidacy "a high price to pay for four or eight years of Obama as president of the United States."
John Fund: Barr sinister?
"Barr obviously is dangerous. At least he negates any possible Nader benefit," says David Norcross, chairman of the Rules Committee at the GOP convention.
Barr on the California gay-marriage ruling
Text of his statement
Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr says that when it comes to gay marriage, what happens in California is California’s own business. He’s a states’ rights man.
Chuck Baldwin aims campaign at youth
More and more, the campaign of the Constitution Party's candidate for President resembles Ron Paul's campaign.
Bob Bird to announce for U.S. Senate in Alaska
He won 34,000 votes in the Republican primary against Ted Stevens in 1990, and is running this year on the Alaskan Independence Party ticket.
Posted: Friday, May 16, 2008
Hillary is too boring to be president
Amen!
Another McCain consultant ousted
Craig Shirley, a prominent GOP consultant, ousted for alleged conflict of interest. Shirley had advised the McCain campaign on how to attract conservative support.
In the tracks of Ron Paul, a candidate goes forth
The New York Times asks: Can Bob Barr become the new Ron Paul?
Belly up to the Barr
Newsweek's extensive interview with the candidate.
Is Bob Barr pure enough for the Libertarian Party?
They might like what he says now (as a Libertarian Party member), but past votes (as a Republican) could be a problem in an ideological party.
Pundits debate whether Barr is an alternative or a distraction
For Barr to get back on the national radar and make a difference in the 2008 race will take "millions of dollars, planning and some luck," says Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist and presidential scholar. "When I see the money in the bank for his campaign, then I'll believe he'll have an impact."
Barr: A Nader or a Buchanan?
A Rolling Stone blog poster sees Barr as "the one-time crackpot Clinton impeachment ringleader who has taken on a veneer of seriousness amid the civil liberties abuses and unholy spending of the Bush years."
Libertarian gabfest set for D.C. May 20
Three candidates for the Libertarian Party presidential nomination--Bob Barr, Wayne Allyn Root, and Mike Gravel--will speak, joined by others discussing "The Future of Libertarian Politics."
A scenario for 'interesting times'
Bob Barr draws limited-government conservatives like Richard Viguerie away from McCain, while the Ron Paul supporters assiduously pursue revolution from within the GOP...
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2008
Republican election losses stir fall fears
A top GOP strategist warns that the three special-election losses this year "are canaries in the coal mine, warning of far greater losses in the fall."
Why the Mississippi loss really hurts
The GOP spent one-fifth of its available national party cash for House races on the Mississippi seat. Cheney campaigned there. President Bush and John McCain pitched in with automated phone calls. Their candidate lost anyway.
Back to the 60's
Combined with the 30 seats lost in 2006, the GOP could be left with a 70-vote deficit in the House, reminiscent of their powerlessness in the 60's and 70's. Prospects in the Senate aren't any better. It's the worst time to be a Republican since Watergate.
GOP can't rely on money advantage now
For years, Republicans could survive mistakes in congressional races and still gain new advantages because they always had more money than the Democrats. Those days are over now, and not in some incremental way.
Viguerie says Republican leaders must resign
“Leaders in the White House, the Congress, and the Republican National Committee and its affiliates, along with most Republican leaders at the state level, have failed – or outright betrayed – the conservative voters who put them in their positions,” he says.
Next time, GOP should Google a slogan before adopting it
Reeling House Republicans unveiled a new slogan this week—"Change you deserve" —only to watch Democrats gleefully noting that it is already used to market an antidepressant and warning about the side effects of the GOP pill.
Karl Rove: GOP must stand for something
One of the chief architects of the destruction of the Republican Party puts his most optimistic spin on recent election results.
Edwards endorses Obama
A serious blow to Clinton at the very time she was hoping to capitalize on her rout of Obama in West Virginia.
John Edwards for veep?
Publicly he says no, privately he says he'd accept that but really wants to be Attorney General. Is that what he's getting from Obama for the endorsement?
Advice to Obama from the Democratic Leadership Council
You're too far to the left. Get to the center--especially on taxes.
Obama the clear winner in unsolicited campaign songs
Perhaps it's his rock-star qualities--the cover of Rolling Stone, etc. Perhaps musicians are just natural opponents of the Establishment. This could open up a whole new subgenre of political analytics.
Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Hillary wins WV by a kazillion percentage points; press yawns
The question is whether the superdelegates are impressed enough to move en masse to Clinton. That's her only hope.
The warrior and her throne
The campaign is slowly becoming a personal tragedy for Clinton as her family's political empire falls apart.
Superdelegate Bill Clinton switches to Obama
(Satire) Some Democratic Party insiders are calling this a particularly ominous sign for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
Even James Carville--yes, Carville!--expects Obama to be the nominee
The ragin' Cajun says "I'm for Senator Clinton, but I think the great likelihood is that Obama will be the nominee. As soon as I determine when that is, I'll send him a check."
The race factor in West Virginia--a sign of trouble ahead for Obama?
Two in 10 whites said the race of the candidate was a factor in their vote, second only to Mississippi. Just 32% of those voters said they'd support Obama against John McCain.
Michael Grunwald (Time) on the race factor
"It's just that Obama, well, this is awkward, but he's, um, black, and most voters aren't. According to exit polls, one in four Clinton voters in West Virginia said race was an important factor in their vote, which is amazing in an era where people who think like that aren't supposed to admit it. Shouldn't they at least have pretended their issue with Obama was that he is an elitist?"
Another big Republican disaster
Democrats picked up a northern Mississippi House seat in one of the most conservative-minded districts in the country Tuesday night -- an upset that will reverberate darkly through a Republican Party already reeling from losses in special elections in Illinois and Louisiana.
It's becoming a disturbing trend for Republicans
Marty Wiseman, a political scientist at Mississippi State University, says if Democrats can carry districts that traditionally have been safe bets for the GOP, "Republican strategists have to be terrified. If you think about the House and the Senate ... and the number of Republican Senate seats that are exposed, this could turn into something bigger than the presidential race this fall."
Posted: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Obama braces for big West Virginia setback
A Suffolk University poll of likely voters conducted last weekend shows Hillary Clinton ahead in West Virginia with 60% to 24% for Sen. Obama.
Racist incidents give some Obama campaigners pause
And the big question is: Are there enough people who won't vote for a black, to make a difference in November?
McCain differs with Bush on climate change
If he were a real maverick, of course, he would break from the herd on the fashionable religion of climate change. The liberal media are not interested in a true maverick or independent thinker; rather, they give those apellations to someone who opposes Bush on enough key issues.
For McCain, distance from Bush is key
McCain’s burden this year is as much about convincing voters that he is not a continuation of the Bush presidency as it is about beating his Democratic opponent.
GOP getting crushed in polls, key races
John McCain is planning to run as a different kind of Republican. But being any kind of Republican seems like some sort of death sentence these days.
A House race holds clues for GOP
A loss in Mississippi, following two others, would signal a life-threatening trend.
GOP pressured Barr not to run
"Bob Barr will make it marginally easier for Barack Obama to become President," says Newt Gingrich.
Is Bob Barr a threat to John McCain?
Jennifer E. Duffy of Cook Political Report says of Barr: "I think he is only a threat if he gets on the ballot in a decent number of battleground states."
Barr to tap Libertarian base for funds
"I'm relying on the Internet, on people who supported Ron Paul and others like them."
Can Bob Barr tap into Ron Paul's movement?
They "share very similar views on the major issues...But the path for Barr to become the next Ron Paul isn’t as clear as it may seem."
Barr = Paul?
The Atlantic's blog looks at where they agree and don't agree.
Posted: Monday, May 12, 2008
It's official: Bob Barr to run for President as a Libertarian
Of course, first he must win the Libertarian Party's nomination at their national convention that starts May 22.
What are Bob Barr's positions?
He talks about them on Reason.tv.
Who is Chuck Baldwin?
He's the Constitution Party's presidential candidate, and a fan provides some information on him.
West Virginia could spell trouble for Obama
Scant support among white working-class Democrats, especially men, could dog him into November.
How to end a presidential campaign
Here are six ways for Clinton to drop out.
McCain convention chief quits
Second McCain aide quits
They were part of a Republican-heavy PR firm that represented the repressive Burmese government. What's the fuss? Bet those Burmese generals are "anti-terrorist"!
McCain woos Democrats on environmental issues
And breaks with President Bush and the Republicans on global warming.
McCain poised to flip-flop on abortion
"I think that would be political suicide," says Tony Perkins, president of the conservative Family Research Council.
Posted: Friday, May 9, 2008
Richard Viguerie launches UltimateJohnMcCain.com
Richard Viguerie would like to measure conservatives’ level of support for John McCain, so he’s launched a new Web site (UltimateJohnMcCain.com) that will take conservatives’ pulse on the presumptive GOP nominee.
Senator Jim Webb as Obama’s Vice President?
Hillary wouldn’t be right for the job, and this author says Jim Webb would make up for many of Obama’s deficiencies.
Politico: Some still dissing McCain at polls
Mere days after two more primaries, John McCain’s people are still trying to explain away the relatively strong performance of McCain’s Republican opponents. Explanations vary, from ‘they’re fringe grassroots supporters’ to ‘we didn’t do any work to turn out the vote.’ Read more.
Posted: Thursday, May 8, 2008
The five mistakes Clinton made
The mistakes may number many more than five, but here’s a look at five huge blunders that Hillary Clinton made on the road to losing.
Washington Times: Protest votes handicap McCain in primaries
Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee keep taking about a quarter of the vote from John McCain, though it’s not exactly a ‘protest’ vote to support someone you believe in.
Dan Rather says other TV networks refused to hire him
Having a decidedly liberal bias and failing to authenticate stories does have its consequences – just ask Dan Rather.
Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2008
McCain’s lingering primary problem
John McCain is touring the country presenting his proposals and visiting constituencies, but he’s still only getting 75% of the vote in virtually uncontested primaries.
Oil at $120, here’s why
It’s not because of capitalism, and it’s not because of the big oil companies. We’re paying at the pump because our own government won’t allow us to help ourselves.
Is it jaw-jaw or war-war?
Pat Buchanan says there are three options in dealing with Iran: one, we can take part in multi-lateral talks to try and end Iran’s nuclear threat; we can attack them with the air power in the gulf, or we can bluff and walk away. Which is most likely?
Posted: Monday, May 5, 2008
Wall Street Journal: The true cost of Obama-care
Obama’s right that people can’t afford health care, but he forgets to mention that he’s one of the reasons why people aren’t able to buy it.
McCain launches Spanish language website
Ole! Senador McCain, el candidato presidencial para los Republicanos!
Third Party Watch: Constitution Party selects “Mr. Smith”
Chuck Baldwin intends to hit the cyber streets with a significant internet campaign
Posted: Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Pew study: Bush and his war driving youth to the Democrats
The shift began among young people in 2004. "The Democratic Party's current lead in party identification among young voters has more than doubled since the 2004 campaign, from 11 points to 25 points." No good news for the GOP here among any of the demographic groups.
No White House for old men
From the Left, Robert Scheer (same age as McCain) says: "Let’s not kid any longer. Age is a factor in this race and nowhere is it so important as in McCain’s vice-presidential choice."
The 3 am phone call that went into voice mail
Obama waited too long to unequivocally denounce Rev. Wright.
GOP gives Clinton the silent treatment
The working assumption in the GOP is that the Democratic contest is over and Obama has won. And, of course, he is particularly vulnerable Wright now, so why waste time on Hillary.
Praise, of sorts, for Constitution Party from The Nation!
"Who would have thought that, when it comes to candidate recruitment, the tiny Constitution Party maintains higher standards than the Republican Party?"
Chuck Baldwin accepts Constitution Party's nomination
(Video)
Who's going to get your wasted vote?
Reason's David Weigel offers a guide to the wildest Libertarian Party nomination fight in decades.
Posted: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Reaganite says McCain would govern as a neocon
That realistic assessment comes from Reagan's national security advisor.
Will the Right sit it out?
Pat Buchanan says McCain seems to have decided to win by love-bombing the Big Media and putting miles between himself and the base.
Obama must knock out Rocky Balboa
Hillary Clinton has taken to calling herself the Rocky of the 2008 primary. The analogy may be more apt than she realizes.
But Rev. Wright may knock out Obama
Everything about his National Press Club speech seems calculated to cause Obama to lose.
Was Rev. Wright's Press Club speech a Clinton plot?
Would love to say "yes," but the situation's not as simple as that.
Bob Barr could be the spoiler this year
Just as Nader was in 2000.
Who says Bob Barr could be the spoiler this year?
Zogby, that's who. He adds Barr and Nader to his presidential poll, and the results are verrrrrry interesting.
Chuck Baldwin, Alan Keyes, and Ron Paul
The Constitution Party's presidential candidate was a Ron Paul supporter. Can he get Paul supporters to vote for him in November rather than the Libertarian Party candidate?
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2008
Karl Rove has some advice for Obama
Six suggestions for getting the magic back.
McCain flip-flops on Rev. Wright
Actually, he wants to have it both ways, and as usual gets his facts wrong.
McCain vs. McCain
"McCain has turned into a foreign policy schizophrenic," says Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria.
Ignore the corporate media spin, McCain is a weak candidate
Frank Rich says Democratic infighting may seem bad, but McCain is trying to succeed the most despised president in his own 71-year lifetime.
Swaminomics
Columnist for The Times of India says India needs McCain as U.S. President.
The biggest loser of the campaign so far
Bill Clinton, formerly the first black President of the United States.
3 candidates with 3 plans, but one deficit
The fiscal plans of both parties’ candidates could significantly swell the budget deficit and increase the national debt by trillions.
THIRD PARTY WATCH:
Barr's campaign for White House taking shape
"The 'Ron Paul phenomenon,' " says Barr "illustrates that there is a significant group of folks out there who recognize that the Libertarian Party does present to them very relevant issues of freedom."
Bob Barr is making the rounds
Of center-right and libertarian think-tanks.
Why Barr is running
He wants to become a bigger nuisance to the entrenched powers.
The coming of Mike Gravel
"I don't know if the Libertarian Party has had, since its foundation—and I say this most modestly—a bigger fish" than himself, he tells Reason.
Wayne Root wins NY Libertarian Party straw poll
After 8 presidential candidates or their representatives speak at the convention.
Constitution Party rejects Alan Keyes candidacy
Presidential nod goes to preacher and talk show host Chuck Baldwin.
Also:
The fall of Alan Keyes
Out of Keyes
Interview with Keyes
Posted: Friday, April 25, 2008
North Carolina GOP leadership divided over Obama-Wright ad
McCain wants it stopped. Obama campaign says he's not trying hard enough and is insincere. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, pressed by Democrats, says no way is she going to get involved--it's not her fight.
He said, they said
"The ad has been pulled," says a top McCain spokesman. No, it hasn't, says the North Carolina GOP.
McCain flip-flops on tax policies
"He's looking forward, not back," explains his top policy aide.
John McCain's FEC problem
His $84 million in public financing is deadlocked in a bureaucratic tangle. Is fellow Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell behind the impasse?
Is the Democratic coalition coming unglued?
A major black leader issues a harsh judgment of former President Bill Clinton's "bizarre" conduct, and his wife's "scurrilous" and "disingenuous" campaign, warning that "black people are incensed over all of this."
Rasmussen sees close Electoral College battle
It's "likely Democratic" 200, "likely Republican" 189. Add in the "leaners" and it's Democrats 260, Republicans 240.
Libertarian presidential hopefuls say voters ready for change
Libertarians are in the process of selecting their presidential nominee, and say this may be the year to end two-party domination.
Posted: Thursday, April 24, 2008
Can an African-American win the presidency?
Democrats are starting to ask that question openly.
Another look at the role of race in the race
And yet another
And Bob Novak on the topic
McCain demands NC GOP stop ad using Rev. Wright as issue
With a link to the video ad.
McCain loses 27% of Pennsylvania vote
With that headline, Yahoo News caught the significance of the vote on the GOP side. Ron Paul got 16% in Pennsylvania.
PA vote hints Republicans divided in support for McCain
The Boston Globe's take on it.
GOP fundraisers complain: McCain campaign is badly disorganized
So reports Bob Novak. See No. 6.
McCain and his shadow
"It is no accident that in the elections since World War II when a candidate has tried to succeed the sitting president of his own party (1952, 1960, 1968, 1988 and 2000), that candidate has failed to capture the White House four out of five times."
Bob Barr almost ready to begin setting up offices
Right now he's hiring staff from the Reagan campaigns, the Perot '92 campaign, and the Ron Paul '08 campaign.
Message from Bob Barr
To potential supporters of his campaign.
Audio: Bob Barr on Mike Church's show
The Mike Church Show runs on Sirius Satellite Radio's Sirius Patriot station.
Why Hillary makes my wife scream
If Hillary can do this to "a meditative practitioner of everything peaceful and organic," imagine what she does to a conservative!
Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wake me when the campaign's over
"Six weeks of bowling and Bittergate and Pastorgate and nonexistent Bosnian snipers . . . and for what? The Pennsylvania results have essentially changed nothing. There is seemingly no cure for the chronic Democratic migraine. Memo to the voters of Indiana and North Carolina: Take these candidates, please!"
Negative campaign hurt both Clinton, Obama
But especially Hillary--68% in exit polls say she attacked Obama unfairly.
Obama's real problem
He's a liberal.
FEC stalemate leaves politicians--especially McCain--hanging
Without a quorum, it is powerless to act on anything, including John McCain's request for public financing.
Why McCain can't win
A liberal analyst says McCain has capitulated to the Right, thus abandoning the anti-Washington, post-partisanship image to Barack Obama. And that was the one weapon that might have overcome the historical and anti-Republican climate in 2008.
Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A quick guide to the Pennsylvania primary
The polls, voting history, and the likely allocation of Pennsylvania's 158 delegates between Obama and Hillary.
Five things to watch in Pennsylvania
What Politico will be watching for as the primary returns trickle in.
CNN's John King and his high-tech toy
We're referring to that giant interactive map he plays with.
For McCain, this could be as good as it's going to get
"Right now," says Stu Rothenberg, "the presidential election resembles a three-way political contest where two of the hopefuls are attacking each other daily, while the third candidate benefits. We've all seen it before in House and Senate races."
The McCain surge
Bill Rusher is certain McCain wishes this were some other year.
Trying to take a measure of racism
How many people won't vote for Obama because he's black? How many will admit this to a pollster?
A developer, his deals, and his ties to John McCain
A test for the candidate who has pledged to avoid even the appearance of dispensing official favors for donors.
Poll: Economic concerns not giving any candidate an edge
AP-Yahoo News poll says the economy is the top issue, but so far it's not driving votes.
AND OUR THIRD-PARTY WATCH:
Will Constitution Party reject pro-war neocon Alan Keyes?
The biggest issue separating Keyes from the Constitution Party is the Iraq war.
Bob Barr speaks in Birmingham
Probably the first time the Birmingham News has taken a Libertarian candidate seriously enough to send a reporter.
Bob Barr's Sunday radio interview
Crazy for Liberty asks him about the Defense of Marriage Act and other issues.
LP presidential candidates in the news
Barr, Gravel, Ruwart, Smith and the others.
Reports from several LP state conventions
Details for the really, really obsessed.
Bob Barr leads the pack
Polls show him at the top of about 10 candidates seeking the Libertarian Party nomination.
Who is Mary Ruwart?
She's running for the LP nomination and has a website, but apparently has not yet qualified as an official candidate.
Posted: Monday, April 21, 2008
Bob Barr for President?
Includes text of the letter sent to conservatives by his presidential exploratory committee.
Barr says Libertarians have a chance to win this year
"I think the Libertarian message is a mainstream message," he tells a Birmingham crowd. "We just have to make people realize it."
The little party that could
If the election is close this year, the Libertarian Party actually could make the difference.
Tough questions for Bob Barr
If he's the Libertarian Party candidate for President, will he repudiate these nanny-state positions he advocated as a Republican congressman?
Does McCain's temper disqualify him?
"His temper would place this country at risk in international affairs, and the world perhaps in danger," says former senator Bob Smith, R-N.H. "In my mind, it should disqualify him."
McCain fundraisers include prominent lobbyists
Lobbyists constitute about a sixth of his "bundlers"--those who have raised more than $100,000 for McCain.
McCain overcomes conservatives' concerns
No more oppose him now in polls than opposed Bush at this point in 2000 race.
The political geography of Pennsylvania
It's not another rust belt state.
Both Democrats go negative at the end
This could be a sign that Obama strategists think he has a chance of winning Pennsylvania.
Clintonite: Obama could get 'swift boated'
Click on the link in the third paragraph to read "What Is Rove Up To?"
Obama: They can't 'swift boat' me
The Obama campaign is planning to expand its research and rapid-response team in order to repel the Republican attacks it anticipates.
What's behind this?
Richard Mellon Scaife's Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, scourge of the Clinton Administration, endorses Hillary for the Democratic nomination.
Posted: Friday, April 18, 2008
McCain-Goldwater relationship not as rosy as once thought
“Initially he [Barry] tried to ignore McCain’s questionable behavior and judgment, but soon found he had to stop McCain from using his good name,” say Barry Goldwater Jr. and John Dean in their new book, Pure Goldwater.
Chris Matthews plays hardball like a girl
So Scott from Oregon comes up with some real questions for John McCain. Ouch.
McCain readies unorthodox campaign
Three-pronged strategy involves relying on RNC and emphasizing differences between himself and the president.
AP-Yahoo poll shows McCain winning back unhappy Republicans
The predictable bleat of a sheep: "''It's not that I'm that much in favor of McCain, it's the other two are turning me off,"
Bob Barr: Ron Paul on steroids?
Methinks this blogger likes Barr.
Take a look at Bob Barr's new site
Doesn't leave much doubt that he's running for the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination.
Mike Huckabee's back as the leader of a PAC
For most politicians no longer in office, it's either that or become a lobbyist. Huck took the higher road. Of course there's also the private sector, but nobody but Ron Paul would think of doing something that extreme!
Alan Keyes leaves the GOP
The Republican Party "has become a dark and confusing place," says the former GOP presidential candidate.
Obama and Clinton deadlocked in Pennsylvania
The latest Zogby-Newsmax poll says it couldn't be closer.
Pennsylvania gun owners show mistrust of Clinton and Obama
And guns are unusually important in Pennsylvania, which leads the nation in National Rifle Association membership and is home to almost one million licensed hunters.
Posted: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Clinton surrogate Jack Murtha says McCain is too old
Only 4 years younger than McCain, Rep. Murtha says presidency "is no old man's job." And you thought the Democrats were against age discrimination.
McCain favors shield law to protect journalists
The law, sought by conservative Rep. Mike Pence, now has bipartisan support from all three of the leading presidential candidates.
Romney's top 10 reasons why he dropped out
No. 5: Got tired of wearing a dark suit and tie, and I wanted to kick back in a light colored suit and tie. (The others are just as funny.)
Forget the idea of a unity ticket (with video)
Neither Obama nor Clinton would sign on to the idea in last night's debate.
Gun group endorses Obama
There was good news and bad news in this for the campaign.
Bruce Springsteen endorses Obama
Obama also received the endorsement Wednesday of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the largest newspaper in western Pennsylvania, as well as the support of three more superdelegates.
Obamas' income soars with presidential bid
The new income comes mainly from book sales.
Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Richard Viguerie lists conservatives' differences with McCain
“The truth is that the differences with McCain are real. They involve matters of policy, of personnel, and of insights into the Senator’s thinking about conservatives and the issues important to conservatives.”
McCain's right flank still vulnerable
Politics suggests that a Libertarian candidacy by Bob Barr, drawing on the momentum of the Ron Paul movement, could cause trouble for McCain in a close election, particularly in Rocky Mountain and western states.
McCain's GOP critics in Arizona continue to press their case
"The people who know him like him the least. He is a media darling,"
Obama surges to 10-point lead over Hillary
The new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows Democrats consider him more electable in November, and Clinton's negatives rise.
Most Americans don't consider Hillary 'honest and trustworthy'
Clinton is viewed as "honest and trustworthy" by just 39% of Americans, according to the new Washington Post-ABC News poll, compared with 52% in May 2006.
Obama outraises Clinton among small-town Pennsylvanians
And that doesn't include donations under $200, where Obama usually does even better.
Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2008
McCain to seek Medicare cuts
He now acknowledges problems with the prescription drug bill he signed. UltimateRonPaul to McCain: Next take a new look at McCain-Feingold, acknowledge your mistake there, and seek its repeal. Then we'll get back to you about the war.
Democrats sue John McCain
The Democratic National Committee wants to force him to comply with the public financing requirements for the primary that he earlier accepted. Wouldn't it be great to see McCain hoisted by the very regulations he supported?
Captain McCain goes to Washington
Part II of the Los Angeles Times profile of John McCain.
Condi: Please don't put me on McCain's Veep list
"I do not want to be, don't intend to be, won't be on [McCain's] ticket," Rice tells the AP. "It's time for me to do something else."
In darkest Pennsylvania
Your editor thinks Obama's off-the-record-but-taped-by-a-blogger remarks about the yokels in Pennsylvania have been overblown for partisan purposes (so what's new?), but who better to do the bloviating than Pat Buchanan. The last sentence of his column alone is worth the price of admission, for those of you old enough to know who John Lindsay was.
Wealthy U.S. senators point fingers and call each other 'elitists'
"If you want to enjoy a belly laugh, here are three reliable suggestions: (1) rent an old Woody Allen movie, especially 'Bananas,' (2) rent 'Borat,' or (3) listen to Hillary Clinton, of all people, attack Barack Obama as 'elitist.'"
Background noise for the campaign:
Bush beats Harry Truman
Dubya has now become the president with the longest consecutive stretch of job-approval ratings below 50% since scientific public opinion polling was invented. Hmmm...and what happened to Harry Truman's party in the 1952 elections?
And, finally, a MUST-READ for tax-filing day:
Taxation under the Pharaohs and today
Gary North explains the difference between Biblical economics and a centrally planned economy, whether in ancient Egypt or today's America.
Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008
Does the conservative movement's crackup spell doom for McCain?
A view from the Left.
McCain helping Giuliani pay off debt
Looks like Rudy Giuliani's decision to quit the primary after Florida and immediately endorse John McCain is paying off for the former mayor.
McCain's campaign will be a long balancing act
The GOP's success in five of the last seven U.S. presidential elections has flowed from the enthusiastic support of a diverse collection of economic, social and national security conservatives. That coalition is fraying.
McCain keeps his faith out of politics
"The most important thing is I'm a Christian," he tells reporters.
John McCain's early years profiled
McCain didn't let serious POW injuries stop him; he went on to run the Navy's largest aviation squadron. But others don't recall his management skills quite as enthusiastically as he does in his autobiography.
Carl Bernstein on a Hillary Clinton presidency
Expect high-minded ideals, lowered execution, half truths, outright lies (and imaginary flights), take-no prisoners politics, some very good policy ideas, a presidential spouse given to wallowing in anger and self-pity, and a succession of aides and surrogates pushed under the bus when things don’t go right. Which is to say, often.
What Hillary wishes she could say
Far from a no-holds-barred affair, the Clinton campaign has been an exercise in self-censorship. Here is why: Hillary and Bill Clinton both devoutly believe that Obama’s likely nomination is a disaster-in-waiting.
The new Hollywood Left
The Old Guard is still going strong, but a newer army of Hollywood heavyweights has emerged over the past few years. Here's a new Tinseltown Ten.
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
McCain advisers tied to foreign lobbying
Two of Sen. John McCain's top advisers and fundraisers are among several Republican and Democratic presidential campaign officials whose lobbying firms have been paid more than $15 million by foreign governments since 2005.
McCain says he would boycott the Olympics
"Unless they change something pretty quickly," he says on 'The View.'
Taxpayers fund Bill Clinton spending
Bill Clinton has a larger benefit package than any other retired president, despite his huge speaking fee income.
Incredibly, Bill Clinton brings up his wife's Bosnia fantasy again
With the controversy finally dying down, he reignites it with more lies.
How to keep a campaign from gaining ground
As the saying goes, if you want political reporters to eat their vegetables, it helps if they have nothing else on their plate. The Clintons, meanwhile, are serving whoppers.
Introducing the 'put your money where your mouth is' act
Designed especially for wealthy Americans who feel their taxes are too low, and who want to repeal the Bush tax cuts--you know, like the Clintons, Warren Buffett, and Barbra Streisand.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Howard Dean: McCain's age worries voters
Of course he maintains that the Democrats won't bring up McCain's age in the fall campaign.
Dems plan $40M hit on McCain
The effort is led by David Brock, who first gained fame in the 1990s as a right-wing, anti-Clinton journalist.
McCain erases Obama's 10-point lead
The two are essentially tied in the latest Associated Press-Ipsos poll.
Romney is still in the political hunt
But for what? Veep? 2012? 2016?
Posted: Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Greenspan endorses McCain
His reason? "I'm Republican."
Grover Norquist endorses Condi Rice for veep
"Is she campaigning for it? I don't know," says Norquist. "But if she is, she's doing it the right way."
McCain still lags behind Democrat rivals in $$$
An indication of his failure to solidify his GOP base.
Romney in 2012?
Mitt Romney still has friends--at least on Facebook.
Democrats ask: Who can beat John McCain?
Clinton's "big state," Obama's "big tent" strategies offer starkly different paths.
Camille Paglia on Hillary Clinton
And why she surrounds herself with girly men.
Why Hillary won't quit
Real politicians don’t quit. They are defeated, indicted, jailed, die or, in some jurisdictions, ousted by term limits. So don’t expect Hillary Clinton to surrender just yet. (And we add: So why do they think it's so strange that Ron Paul won't quit?)
Karl Rove on Hillary's campaign
"She has run a horrific campaign," says Rove. "It has been astonishingly bad. ..."
Polls: Race helps Clinton with whites
Whites who said race was important in picking their candidate have been about twice as likely to back Clinton as Obama.
Howell Raines says Bill Clintion plays race card
"He has sought to, in a low key way, remind people, 'Hey, this guy [Obama] is black.'"
Before Obama was a favorite son
An in-depth look at his role in Chicago's African-American politics before he became nationally famous. Some illuminating information here.
Senate Democrats not likely to get filibuster-proof majority
So even with Obama or Clinton in the White House, we'll still have divided government protecting us from far-Left legislation.
Posted: Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Does Bob Barr continue the Ron Paul revolution?
That depends on Bob Barr and what he does, says Lew Rockwell.
McCain ties campaign hopes to Iraq war
Can the Senator convince voters of progress in Iraq?
General Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker to face impatient Congress
Even some of the war's strongest supporters in Congress have grown impatient and frustrated.
In Pennsylvania, more bad news for the Republicans
Another GOP bastion falls. Bucks County, for the first time since 1978, has more Democrats than Republicans.
Onward the neocon revolution!
Having cheerfully confessed he knows little about economics, John McCain is advancing himself as a foreign-policy president, a "realistic idealist." Pat Buchanan begs to differ, and says McCain is an ideologue.
Posted: Monday, April 7, 2008
Bob Barr takes the first step
He forms a presidential exploratory committee.
Barr fight
If nominated, Barr could be the most successful Libertarian presidential candidate in the party's 37-year history.
Condi Rice wants to be McCain's veep
She even goes to Grover Norquist's weekly meeting to network with conservative leaders--a first for a secretary of state.
McCain to have his doctors tell public about his health
He's decided it is time to do more than joke about his age.
It's reunion time for the Swift Boat crew
They expect Obama to be their Democratic opponent and are beginning to assemble information about him.
Posted: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Fox News: Bob Barr considering Libertarian Party run for President
He told Fox News on Tuesday that he will make a decision in a few days.
Will Bob Barr run as the Libertarian Party candidate?
Bobby Eberle thinks Ron Paul should be kicked out of the GOP if he endorses Barr.
McCain must first convince his old foes to support him
Richard Viguerie says conservatives will be most interested in who he picks as his vice presidential running mate.
McCain compiles long list of possible running mates
He hints the list may have 20 names on it, and it may take months to decide on the best one.
Obama readies plan to reshape the electorate
He is already turning his attention to the general election, and to an ambitious plan to reshape American electorate in his favor.
Posted: Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Happy April Fool's Day, with a couple of headlines you won't see anywhere except on ABC News' 'The Note':
Messiah endorses Obama; Clinton to challenge Lord in credentials committee
Rev. Wright: 'Cosby Show,' 'Fresh Prince' reruns too loved by white people
Cubs win series; Clinton won't concede
"McCain may have good genes and physically live to a ripe old age. I sincerely hope he does. But the organ you should be concerned about in a presidential race is the brain."
Eric Margolis on Teddy Roosevelt McCain
"McCain tried to sound moderate and statesmanlike in his speech. So did President George Bush when he first came into office, decrying 'nation building' and foreign entanglements. But a genuine moderate statesman does not sing 'bomb, bomb, bomb Iran' in public and call for perpetual war in Iraq."
McCain begins to build November machine
One of McCain's first decisions has been to assemble a novel and risky campaign structure that will rely on 10 "regional managers" who will make daily decisions in the states under their direction.
Poll: Voters unaware of candidates' immigration positions
McCain supporters farthest off the mark.
GOP leadership memo: Stand firm on Iraq
Guess we'll see in November whether this is Normandy Beach or the Alamo.
The Republican National Committee's new website: 'Super-delegates'
Pretty funny.
The Democratic National Committee's new website: 'Great moments in presidential speeches'
Bottom line: McCain = Bush.
Posted: Monday, March 31, 2008
Bob Barr to be Libertarian Party candidate for President?
A radio interviewer describes him as ”the best of both the left and the right.” He is a supporter of the American Conservative Union, the ACLU, the Marijuana Policy Project, and the NRA.
McCain's 'biography tour' shows how war dominates his views
But can he convince people that he will also be cautious about war?
Why aren't the big-bucks GOP donors giving to McCain?
So far he's enlisted only a fraction of the heavyweight bundlers who were the financial backbone of the two Bush campaigns.
McCain's 'maverick' myth is the media's creation
David Brock on "the bizarre tale of how the media turned a crooked Republican into the mirage of a principled politician."
How to win in a knife fight
The Democratic race could well come down to the first contested convention in years. Karl Rove gives them lessons on how to prevail.
Harold Ickes is Hillary's Karl Rove
Obama backer Dick Harpootlian says: "He's like a shadow. You hear he's here, you hear he's there, but you never actually see him."
Deadbeat Hillary
She puts off paying bills for months, earning a campaign reputation as a deadbeat in some small-business circles.
Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008
John McCain, Ron Paul, and the draft
Choose McCain's policies and conscription is inevitable, says the former head of the CIA's Bin Laden unit. And McCain's position is fishy to begin with.
Bipartisan team says McCain is 'naturlly born'
But, distinguished as they are, they're not judges and this is not a judicial ruling.
McCain, Romney campaign together in Utah
And of course that raises speculation about McCain's vice presidential pick.
Meanwhile, about the other party's candidates...
It's over, Hillary--you lose
One of Peggy Noonan's best columns--and that's saying a lot.
Would Obama be leading the Democratic race if he were white?
Stuart Rotheberg asks the Geraldine Ferraro question, but answers it much more wisely.
Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bob Barr 'very serious' about possible White House run
He says such a Libertarian Party candidacy would essentially be an extension of the Ron Paul campaign.
McCain needs to be held accountable for breaking campaign finance laws
The hypocrisy of the so-called "maverick" violating a law which he championed because it suits his purposes this time around is horrifying.
Can McCain win the West?
The Democratic National Committee sees big gains, and McCain in trouble everywhere except Utah.
GOP, on the other hand, looks to 'McCain Democrats'
A new analysis of March polling data suggests that John McCain's cross-party support surpasses that of either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.
Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2008
McCain's decade-long attack on the individual
In The New York Times, the editor-in-chief of Reason magazine explains: "Where there are threats to national greatness, there are activities that Mr. McCain insists the federal government should curtail. And the most maverick individuals among us are destined to bear the brunt."
It's 3 am. Who do you want answering the phone?
Not John McCain, say some military leaders: "I think his knee-jerk response factor is a little scary."
McCain's brain: Unfit for command, or merely incontinent?
An M.D. says McCain shows signs of labile symptoms that suggest impairment of his central nervous system.
Nancy Reagan endorses McCain
Now if only she were a conservative, the endorsement might mean something to conservatives.
Campaign 2008 background: Climate change
"The emerging discipline of climatology is an interesting one. It has no laboratory. Instead, various measurements are put into computer models to see the extent to which they are consistent with the hypothesis that human activity has contributed to the trend of global warming. Unable to conduct experiments, all climatologists can do is examine statistical correlations. In my field of economics, we have generally dismissed inferences based on mere correlations."
Posted: Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Bob Barr to appear on Antiwar Radio
Perhaps he will tell us whether he's going to seek the Libertarian Party nomination for President.
Ron Paul / Steve Kubby for President
Joe Cobb once was Ron Paul's aide on the Banking Committee. Here he offers a budget plan based on reality, not forecasting, to two possible Libertarian Party candidates for President.
McCain still not the choice of 50% of Republicans
Take a look at CNN's "national poll of polls" on "likely Republican primary voters' choice for nominee."
Democrats to hammer McCain for '100 years' in Iraq remark
Some Democrats see the “100 years” comment as this year’s equivalent of 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry’s infamous “I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it” remark—a statement that Republicans used over and over again to underscore their contention that Kerry was a liberal “flip-flopper.”
EBay billionaire CEO Meg Whitman joins McCain campaign effort
Whitman says she and McCain share a philosophy of scaling back the role of government, a point of view partly shaped by her EBay experience. "The EBay model is very Republican in its essence -- it's about making a small number of rules and getting out of the way" while not "overtaxing the community," she says.
2008 could see voter turnout tsunami
Many state and local election officials expect turnout in the Nov. 4 presidential election to exceed that of 2004, when voter turnout hit 61% — which was the highest level since 1968. Says one: “Turnout could be up to as much as 80%."
GOP state parties are in dire straits
So how are they going to deliver for John McCain?
Fred Thompson heads back to Hollywood
What, you mean he's dropped out of the GOP race? We hadn't noticed.
Posted: Monday, March 24, 2008
Libertarians seek Barr candidacy
Former Rep. Bob Barr of Georgia is considering a third-party presidential run — a bid that could steal support from Republican John McCain and potentially offset the damage Ralph Nader"s candidacy is predicted to have on the Democratic candidate.
McCain manager Rick Davis on the nature of the campaign to come
It's character, character, character that they hope will win the day in an otherwise grim environment for the GOP.
New McCain video from Democratic National Committee
"The Great McCain Versus McCain Debates"
And a video of 'Colbert Report' on McCain
Colbert on McCain: "The man is such a maverick, he's even independent of his own feelings."
Posted: Thursday, March 20, 2008
McCain's missed opportunity
David Broder can't understand why McCain didn't use the opening given him by General Petraeus for some wiggle room in Iraq. Dave, maybe it's because McCain is a warmonger, is joined to Bush at the hip on Iraq, and is looking forward to our being in Iraq for 100 years.
Evans-Novak political report
See Robert Novak's masterful summary of the role of race in the 2008 presidential election and, on another subject, the financial crisis none of the three "viable" candidates want to discuss. Hey, Ron Paul is still in the race, and he predicted this crisis and does address it constantly.
Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2008