Once upon a time there was a youngish guy running for president against a Washington insider. This affable, charming guy was concerned about his foreign policy credentials and so picked a running mate who boasted a distinguished resume and was old enough that, at the end of four-to-eight years, running for president himself seemed …
Barack Obama
Dark Horses
Chicago, Illinois
Reading the tea leaves on Obama’s stops en route to Denver (Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Davenport, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; Billings, Montana) yields a couple of Dark Horses candidates: Dick Gephardt* of Missouri and my favorite, Brian Schweitzer of Montana. Their families have already met, remember that photogenic July 4 …
Now Who’s Effete?
Chester, Virginia
Obama today at a “discussion on the economy” here latched on to McCain’s recent comments to Politico when asked about the number of houses McCain has.
John McCain was asked recently: How many houses do you have?
And he said, “I’m not sure I’ll have to check with my staff.” True quote he said, “I’m not sure
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Obama’s Veep Trial Balloons
Two weeks ago it was – STOP THE PRESSES!!! – Tim Kaine. Last week it was Bayh, Bayh, Bayh. This week’s flavor is Biden, strengthened by his trip to Georgia at Saakashvili’s request. Anyone notice that camp Obama has been floating trial balloons on all of these veep wannabes, quietly trying them on for size in the press? So what …
Rick Warren Preview
Invesco — Don’t bring These Items
The convention just put out this list of banned items for Investco Invesco field. Some of these seem like, um, no brainers. Because, you know, I often bring hazardous radiological material with me to political speeches.
Those attending are advised that the list of items not allowed on-site includes but is not limited to:
• Outside
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Re: Obama’s Shortened Veep List
The convention folks just put out a list of Wednesday speakers (release after jump) that would seem to either knock three of the top contenders out or make the case that someone’s going to be speaking twice. Noticeably absent from a line up of veterans and foreign policy experts are Reed, Clark and Kerry.
An updated list:
Obama’s Tax Plan
In a WSJ editorial this morning Obama economic advisors Jason Furman and Austan Goolsbee unveiled details of Obama’s economic plan. It contained some surprises (capital gains of 20%, not 25% as had been widely assumed). And at least one provision that the GOP latched onto as detrimental to marriage (Obama would raise taxes on couples …
Obama’s Shortened Veep List
As we learn more and more about the speakers at the Democratic convention — a brilliant PR move on behalf of the Obama campaign that has kept the press lapping up the details like my dog begs for Puperoni – it occurs to me that, unless someone speaks twice, the announcements are whittling down Obama’s veep shortlist. Here’s a list …
Maybe Joe is Bucking For VP
In our discussion of potential veeps for McCain Monday commentators Ivb, Kathy, rainbow68 said they’d like to see McCain pick Lieberman for his vice president. I was dubious because when I interviewed Lieberman in June he was adamant that, if offered, he’d turn down any offer of veep. Then I read his comments campaigning for McCain …
A Veep Convention Hint
Is there a hint at Obama’s veep pick in the convention line up? This morning convention co-chair Kathleen Sebelius outlined to reporters on a conference call the themes of each night at the convention.
Monday, August 25 — One Nation
Monday’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama.
Tuesday, August 26 – Renewing
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Obama and the Economy
Last week I began to wonder: given that the economy is so bad, why hasn’t Obama taken off more in the polls? So I decided to head out on the trail and ask some voters. A pattern emerged (Romo and Hecimovich are two of the more than 50 people I spoke with that Obama encountered at the two diners and at one of his economic town hall …
“It’s not vanity, it’s strategy.”
Peggy Noonan has a wise piece in The Wall Street Journal today assessing the shifts in the presidential race. She credits McCain with closing the gap, but observes his persistent weaknesses. She rejects the arrogance rap on Obama, but observes his weaknesses, too.
NOTE to commentors: I didn’t declare Noonan a genius or endorse …