Today is Mardi Gras! Get your beads and enjoy a wild night before Lent begins!
Oh, and it's the day when we could see major changes in the American political landscape, Super Tuesday. I suspect that after tonight, I will be removing a couple more pictures from the right side of your screen. That's right, I'm making the bold prediction that on Hangover Wednesday (or Ash Wednesday, if you prefer), both Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee will be dropping out of the race and conceding the race to John McCain. Now, who would have seen that coming?! Oh, just about everyone over a year ago when this whole thing began...
On the Democratic side, things look much more hazy. I suspect that Hillary Clinton will win California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and thus have a decent night. But, Barack Obama will do well in other states, and keep this race interesting well past tonight.
I'll be watching the results with plenty of choices. All three networks are doing specials, with Charles Gibson and ABC doing a five (!) hour segment. CBS and NBC also have things planned. The networks will continue to duke it out for viewers. CNN will of course have Wolf Blitzer. MSNBC continues for some unbeknownst reason to pay Chris Matthews, but at least has the sense to bring in Tom Brokaw, Brian Williams, and Keith Olberman to add some semblance of maturity. And then there is FOX News, which is unveiling its new analyst, Karl Rove. Should be an interesting night.
Well enjoy Super Tuesday, especially if you didn't enjoy Super Bowl Sunday (I'm a New Englander through and through)! Send me some comments, mjoloughlin@gmail.com.
<><>DEMOCRATS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE FIELD
Delicate Dance for Delegates
Democratic Contest Could Give Leader Momentum to Win
By June Kronholz
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
The Democrats haven't changed the complicated rules by which they choose their convention delegates -- and therefore their presidential nominee -- in a generation. It is just that this year, everyone is paying attention…
Democrats Vie for Navajo Votes
By Leslie Wayne
New York Times
February 4, 2008
With Arizona, Utah and New Mexico holding contests, the Navajo Nation is sitting in prime territory. It straddles all three states and both Democratic campaigns have been making plays for those voters…
Super Tuesday unlikely to settle Obama-Clinton race
By Ariel Sabar
Christian Science Monitor
February 5, 2008
The former first lady's imposing national lead among Democratic voters faded leading up to the 22-state sweepstakes…
In L.A., Bill Clinton visits black churches, and Oprah rallies for Obama
By Cathleen Decker and Mark Z. Barabak
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
Summoning the "God of second chances," former President Clinton appealed for votes for his wife in African American churches in Los Angeles on Sunday, nudging close to an apology for having used language that many thought was racially insensitive…
Clinton, Obama go for a big finish
By Maria L. La Ganga
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
As Super Tuesday nears, both are logging frantic air-travel marathons in an effort to get their messages out…
Democrats strike gold in California
By Dan Morain
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
More than 20% of the money raised by the party's presidential candidates in '07 came from the state. The GOP hopefuls, about 10% of their national haul…
For Democrats, engaging with the press brings friction
By Peter Nicholas and Maria L. La Ganga
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
The Clinton and Obama campaigns have had disagreements with journalists over comments on the record, a dispute that lacks the same urgency on the GOP side…
Contrasting styles serve both Obama and Clinton
By Kathy Kiely and Martha T. Moore
USA Today
February 5, 2008
One is a former first lady with a name known globally and a Secret Service entourage that goes back two decades. The other is a political phenomenon who until four years ago was an obscure state legislator…
CLINTON
What About Bill?
New York Times
February 4, 2008
As popular as Bill Clinton is among Democrats, there are warning signs that he needs to be managed…
For Clinton the Speaker, the Smaller the Better
By Patrick Healy
New York Times
February 5, 2008
Hillary Rodham Clinton’s aides acknowledge that while she may excel in intimate settings, she can be less than inspiring before large crowds…
No More Tears
By Julie Bosman
New York Times
February 4, 2008
After a sentimental journey to New Haven, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton returned to attack mode by mid-afternoon…
OBAMA
Texting for Votes
In Unusual Radio Ads, Obama Asks Listeners To Send Text Messages
By Aaron Rutkoff
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
Many young consumers have grown accustomed to ordering cellphone ringtones via text message. Text a certain keyword to a specific number, and the transaction begins. Barack Obama is reaching out to potential voters in the same demographic with a different message: "Text HOPE."
Facing Far Bigger Crowds, Obama Strikes a New Note
By Jeff Zeleny
New York Times
February 5, 2008
The cerebral, soft-spoken speeches that sustained Barack Obama for months have given way to words of motivation meant to energize his crowds…
Daschle Uses Senate Ties to Blaze Path for Obama
By Carl Hulse and Jeff Zeleny
New York Times
February 5, 2008
Tom Daschle, a former Senate Democratic leader, is working for Barack Obama and trying to steer the party away from another Clinton presidency…
Maria Shriver endorses Obama
By Mark Z. Barabak
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
The California first lady, who apparently wavered until almost the last minute, aligns herself with other members of the Kennedy clan…
<><>REPUBLICANS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE FIELD
Romney Ad Ties McCain to Clinton
By Ariel Alexovich
New York Times
February 5, 2008
Mitt Romney's latest Web ad casts John McCain as having more in common with Hillary Rodham Clinton than with the G.O.P…
Romney, McCain Battle for Right
Rivals Question Each Other's Credentials
By Michael D. Shear and Glenn Kessler
Washington Post
February 4, 2008
Trailing badly in national polls, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney sought yesterday to highlight the conservative distrust of Sen. John McCain of Arizona, his chief rival for the GOP presidential nomination…
Romney, McCain make last-minute pitches
By David Jackson and Andrea Stone
USA Today
February 5, 2008
John McCain and Mitt Romney conducted a cross-country debate Monday about who is the true conservative, a day before a nationwide set of primaries and caucuses that could write the final chapter on the Republican presidential nomination…
HUCKABEE
Huckabee Rejects Spoiler Role, Vows to Continue Race
By Perry Bacon Jr.
Washington Post
February 4, 2008
Facing heat from backers of Mitt Romney, who say his continued presence in the race for the GOP nomination will hand that prize to Sen. John McCain, Mike Huckabee is not standing down…
McCAIN
McCain Placing Increased Focus On the Economy
By Alex Frangos
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
Sen. John McCain seems to be shoring up his economic policies for after Super Tuesday, sensing that the economy -- not national security -- might be the dominant issue of the general election in November…
McCain Leads the Field, but Shuns Talk of Victory
By Elisabeth Bumiller
New York Times
February 5, 2008
John McCain is see-sawing between projecting an aura of confidence and back-pedaling when he grows nervous about presuming too much…
GOP Senators Reassess Views About McCain
His Old Foes Still Wary Of His Pugnacious Style
By Paul Kane
Washington Post
February 4, 2008
John McCain once testified under oath that a Senate colleague inappropriately used tobacco corporation donations to sway votes on legislation. He cursed out another colleague in front of 20 senators and staff members, questioning the senator's grip on immigration legislation. And, on the Senate floor, McCain (R-Ariz.) accused another colleague of "egregious behavior" for helping a defense contractor in a move he said resembled "corporate scandals."
Limbaugh on McCain: It's Better to Be Right All the Time
By Howard Kurtz
Washington Post
February 5, 2008
It may be the best sideshow in presidential politics: the nation's top radio talker trying to take down the Republican front-runner in today's Super Tuesday showdown…
For Super Tuesday, McCain's edge is substantial
By Linda Feldmann
Christian Science Monitor
February 5, 2008
McCain leads by 19 points nationally, but Romney could benefit from anti-McCain votes…
McCain has fences to mend in home state
By Ralph Vartabedian and Nicholas Riccardi
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
Some Republicans don't like the senator's moderate record on illegal immigration…
ROMNEY
Super Frenzy: A Tactician Juggles 21 Contests at Once
By Laura Meckler
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
BOSTON -- Running a presidential campaign in 21 states with less than a week to woo voters involves hundreds of decisions. At one point last Thursday, the question at hand was whether Mitt Romney should watch the Super Bowl kickoff in a bar or at a private home…
Meet the New Mitt Romney, the Anti-Insider Populist
By Michael Luo
New York Times
February 5, 2008
Mitt Romney, who has been through a variety of iterations of his message over the last year, is now portraying himself as the populist insurgent…
<><> PRIMARY CONTESTS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
SUPER TUESDAY
Our Viewers Guide To Super Tuesday
What to Look For as Results Begin Rolling In This Evening From Closest Thing Ever
To a National Nominating Primary
By Jackie Calmes
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
It's not the Super Bowl of politics, but it could be the playoffs. In any event, tonight's television broadcasts of results from the parties' presidential-nominating contests mark the closest thing to a national primary day in history…
The Morning After the Showdown
Forget Hangovers: New Contests Loom For the Democrats
By Amy Chozick and Christopher Cooper
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- There is no rest for the weary this primary season. After waging a cross-country campaign in the past few weeks leading up to today's contests, candidates are already strategizing for the weeks ahead…
Early Voting Could Thwart Candidates' Late Efforts
By T.W. Farnam
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
The presidential candidates campaigned hard to sway voters up to the last minute, but early voting in a third of the 24 states with contests today could blunt those efforts…
Candidates Race Through Northeast, South in Final Super Tuesday Push
Associated Press
February 4, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Sen. John McCain defended his conservative credentials Monday as rival Mitt Romney claimed he was true to core Republican values in the final push before Super Tuesday. Democratic Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, locked in a tight race, searched for support in the delegate-rich Northeast…
24-State Battle for Votes, Delegates and Momentum
By Adam Nagourney
New York Times
February 5, 2008
There will be plenty of trends to track in Tuesday’s free-for-all, as 43 contests in 24 states allocate 3,156 delegates on what could be the most significant night of the race to date…
Candidates Blitz States as Big Day Looms
By Michael Cooper
New York Times
February 5, 2008
Candidates made their final pushes with rallies and commercials in states from coast to coast…
States Prepare for Tests of Voting-System Changes
By Ian Urbina
New York Times
February 5, 2008
Local election officials are bracing for a long night and delays that may prevent some states from reporting final tallies until early Wednesday…
In Some Circles, the Big Game Is Tuesday
By Jennifer Steinhauer
New York Times
February 5, 2008
Super Tuesday has turned into something of a national obsession — nearly as anticipated as a general election night, nearly as exciting as a Super Bowl and, as a bonus, falling on Fat Tuesday…
Two Races, One Big Day
Candidates Crisscross Country in Late Push Before Pivotal Voting
By Anne E. Kornblut and Michael D. Shear
Washington Post
February 5, 2008
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton made a raspy appeal for support yesterday in her race against Sen. Barack Obama, even as her aides warned that the Democratic presidential contest will probably drag on for months after today's Super Tuesday voting. Republican Mitt Romney, meanwhile, predicted he would "surprise" those who were expecting Sen. John McCain to be anointed as the Republican nominee in the busiest single day of primaries and caucuses in presidential nominating history…
First-time voter mobilizes fellow immigrants for New York primary
Associated Press
February 5, 2008
In the city, some 250,000 to 300,000 immigrants-turned-US citizens will vote Tuesday…
Campaigns in overdrive ahead of Super Tuesday
By Johanna Neuman and Seema Mehta
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
In the countdown to the biggest primary day in U.S. electoral history, candidates scurry around the country…
Super Tuesday gets presidential treatment
By Matea Gold
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
TV news' widened coverage will make a big primary day feel more like November…
Voters' minds are made up -- maybe
By Richard Paddock
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
Faced with candidates whose conflicting strengths make it hard to decide, they're waiting and pondering…
New Jersey finds itself an unlikely political battleground
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
The state, until recently thought to be a lock for Clinton, is now home to furious campaigning from both Democrats, each with a battalion of local supporters…
Will Super Tuesday bring super surprises?
News analysis by Chuck Raasch
GNS Political Writer
February 5, 2008
WASHINGTON — Tuesday dawns as the biggest day of uncertainty in the 2008 presidential campaign, one that already has destroyed conventional wisdom…
Candidates make final push ahead of Super Tuesday
USA Today
February 5, 2008
The remaining presidential hopefuls are wrapping up their last full day of campaigning Monday before the Super Tuesday primaries, with top Republicans exchanging comments on their conservative credentials and the Democrats focusing efforts on the Northeast…
<><>RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE<><><><><><><><><><><>
Issues Recede in '08 Contest As Voters Focus on Character
Candidates Pitch Style, Avoid Big Ideas; 'Folks Are Tired of Partisan Paralysis'
By Gerald F. Seib
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
Democrats and Republicans have reached the biggest primary day in the nation's history with this much in common: No major candidate on either side has yet offered up ideas or policies that amount to a new ideological course for the country…
Interest-Group Campaign Spending Nears Record
Figure for First Time Could Top $1 Billion; IRS Reports on 527s
By T.W. Farnam and Brody Mullins
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
Spending by interest groups in the current presidential campaign is on pace to far exceed the record amount spent by outside groups in the last presidential election -- and could top $1 billion for the first time, according to new campaign-finance reports…
Bitten by the Election Bug
By Li Yuan
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
I can't vote in this country and I've been apolitical my entire adult life, but I have to admit that I've been bitten by American election fever…
The Election Won't Affect All Sectors
By Mark Gongloff
Wall Street Journal
February 5, 2008
The turbulent presidential election season is catnip for political junkies. But investors have little reason to pay much attention…
Issues Start Rush to Citizenship by Hispanics
By Julia Preston
New York Times
February 5, 2008
Spurred by the crackdown on illegal migrants and the strident tone of the immigration debate, Latinos are gearing up for the primaries, with an eye toward creating a decisive voting bloc in November…
To many Asians, the U.S. electoral system is a mystery
By Mark Magnier
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
Japan and India don't want Clinton, whom they see as pro-China. Beijing isn't too worried and Indonesians are eager to see Obama, whom they call "one of us," at the helm…
U.S.'s Latin American neighbors would like more attention from the next president
By Patrick J. McDonnell
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
Mexicans fume over immigration rhetoric…
Across the pond, all Democrats, all the time
By Kim Murphy
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
Papers weigh the relative merits of Clinton and Obama, all but ignoring the Republican contenders…
In the Middle East, seeking a balance between might and diplomacy in the next U.S. president
By Jeffrey Fleishman
Los Angeles Times
February 5, 2008
In a region of crises, Israelis and Arabs anxiously await the new U.S. leader who can mitigate some Bush policies…
Economy's slide has voters on edge
By Susan Page and William Risser
USA Today
February 5, 2008
WASHINGTON — Americans are increasingly downbeat about the economy and deeply worried that their standard of living is at risk, according to a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll that shows family finances battered by a rise in fuel prices, the loss of jobs and a housing bust…
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