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Year: 2008

It’s The Math, Stupid

He knows it. She knows it. The question is now, who’s going to solve the problem. Who’s going to appear as the patriarch of the Democratic party and cast judgement on how the rest of this nomination process goes? The fact is, the super delegates could do it today. They could easily put their support behind Obama and then go to the Clinton campaign with the news. But they won’t do that, because they’re intimidated by Bill and Hillary. It’s really kind of pathetic when you think of it.

It’s simple really. Either follow the rules and let the delegate count rule the day, or change the rules for the benefit of the Clintons. What’s the exist strategy for the Democratic party?

Technorati Tags:
2008 Election, Barack Obama, Democrats, Hillary Clinton, Politics

John McCain is the Republican Nominee

With a win in Texas, John McCain has now clinched the GOP nomination.

McCain, 71, gained the 1,191 delegates needed to claim the Republican nomination with a series of primary victories, completing a remarkable comeback that began in the snows of New Hampshire six weeks ago. President Bush invited him to the White House for a show of support on Wednesday.

The former Vietnam prisoner of war is making his second try for the White House, after losing the GOP nomination to Bush in 2000.

McCain went over the top in the Associated Press’ delegate count based on his performance in the night’s primaries as well as a late show of support from Republican National Committee members who are delegates to the party convention next summer in St. Paul, Minn. Campaign aides readied an enormous banner bearing the magic number to serve as a backdrop for a victory celebration in Dallas.

Like it or not, McCain is our man. It’s time to rally around him and work to ensure his victory in November.

Technorati Tags:
2008 Election, GOP, John McCain, President, Texas, White House

Texas

The polls are closed in Texas and here’s what Drudge has up:

OBAMA 515,610 54%
CLINTON 427,225 45%

Official results soon.

Update: TV Networks call Texas for Clinton.

Technorati Tags:
2008 Election, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Texas

Ohio

John McCain easily wins the Buckeye State tonight, picking up 31 delegates.

As of right now, the race is too close to call on the Democratic side.

Update: Clinton takes Ohio.

Technorati Tags:
2008 Election, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Ohio

Vermont

[AP] Barack Obama has defeated Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Vermont primary, and the Democratic rivals are dueling in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island in their race for the party’s presidential nomination. John McCain has won the Republican primary in Vermont as he reaches out to secure the GOP nomination.

The Democratic victory was Obama’s 12th straight over the former first lady, who is desperate to rebound later in the night in the other three states holding elections.

Technorati Tags:
2008 Election, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain

Will Huckabee Give Up on Wednesday?

His mathematic possibilities ran out long ago, but the former Arkansas governor has stuck around for unexplainable reasons. Some say he simply wants a voice at the GOP convention. Others claim he’s running for Vice President. Whatever the intentions, all signs point to Sen. John McCain gathering enough delegates tonight to clinch the Republican nomination. This much is clear – Mike Huckabee will have a big decision to make on Wednesday.

Update: Wow, that was quick. Huckabee drops out.

Technorati Tags:
2008 Election, GOP, Huckabee, John McCain, Republicans

T-Minus 1:20 Hours

The polls will close in Ohio soon, and we’ll find out if Hillary was able to pull out a win. Whatever happens, the spin will be mind boggling.

She’s got math problems, for sure. There’s no indication that she’ll pay attention to this though. Here’s my prediction:

Hillary will win Ohio, but lose Texas. She’ll stay in the race with the excuse that voters want the battle for the Democratic nomination to go on. Then we’ll have to wait to see if the party leaders go along with this plan.

Results soon.

Technorati Tags:
2008 Election, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton

A Close One

I’ve been in planes when they have to ditch a landing. It’s disconcerting to say the least. You’re prepared for the wheels to touch the ground when all of a sudden, the jet engines crank up to full throttle as you head straight back up into the air. Not fun.

On Saturday, a Lufthansa flight carrying 131 passengers tried to land in Germany when the pilot encountered crosswinds 150 mph.

Continue reading →

Pay No Attention To Today’s Rhetoric

The Clinton campaign is in full PR mode today. Lot’s of messages being sent. She’s fighting to win Texas and Ohio tomorrow. She’s got the momentum. She’s looking forward to Pennsylvania. “I’m just getting warmed up.”

What do you think she’d say a day before her D-Day?

I suspect there will be hundreds of emails sent to blackberry’s today emphasizing her chances of winning, her ability to hold off a decisive win by Obama, etc. Don’t believe any of it. Hillary must win and win big tomorrow, both in Texas and Ohio. If she doesn’t, she’ll be on the receiving end of private (and some public) calls for her to end the campaign for the good of the Democratic party. There will be plenty of pressure coming from Hillary’s colleagues in the Congress who’ve become increasingly wary of the effects of her fight with Obama. She’ll get a message calling for unity. She’ll hear how super delegates are standing behind Obama. His path will become clear.

The question is – will Hillary listen?

Technorati Tags:
2008 Election, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Super Delegate