Make Me a Christian

A new British reality show starts this weekend. It is called "Make Me a Christian."

According to the UK's Channel 4 website, it's a 3-part series in which a group of volunteers give up their normal lives and try to live like Christians for three weeks. Here are the list of volunteers:

-a biker who's a tattooist and a militant atheist
-a young man who was brought up Christian until he was 12, and now has a girlfriend who is 10 weeks' pregnant
-a lap-dancing manager who can't live without continually acquiring expensive designer shoes
-middle-class parents who are so professionally busy that they have hardly any time to spend with their children
-a man in his 20s who, unbeknown to his girlfriend, goes out every week drinking and womanising
-a man who found Christianity unfulfilling and has converted to Islam
-a lesbian who sometimes sleeps with men.

I really don't have much more to add. Talk amongst yourselves.

Fight Night

Dear political nerds, campaign workers, wonks, lawyers, judges, gypsies, tramps and thieves and interested members of the electorate,

Next Thursday, August 14, I am moderating a debate in Jacksonville. Technically, it's three debates but all contained in one program. The main event will be between the candidates for state attorney, Angela Corey and Jay Plotkin. The lead-up bouts are Buttner vs. Norton and Hulsey vs. Soud.

It's at the Florida Coastal School of Law and will start at 6.

Watch it on the web if you can't attend. My understanding is firstcoastnews.com will stream it live.

Sincerely,

Shannon Ogden

Finally Paris Hilton Enters Campaign '08

Paris Hilton has responded to the John McCain ad in which Barack Obama is labeled a celebrity, like Paris and Britney, whose leadership is in question. For the record, Paris Hilton's leadership is not questioned in the McCain ad.

It's on the web site funny or die, which was started by Will Ferrell and his partner. Take a look.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d

Fla. Delegates, Happy Birthday & Tattoos

Barack Obama urged Democratic party leaders to give the Florida and Michigan convention delegates full voting power at this month's convention. How hard to take must that be for Florida Dems like Congresswoman Corrine Brown? She has been yelling for just that from the get-go and whats more she was a Hillary Clinton supporter. Full Florida and Michigan delegations with full voting power could have changed the game. Ouch.

Happy birthday to Illinois Senator Barack Obama who turns 47 today (Aug. 4). He is in Boston where Harry Connick, Jr. sang "Happy Birthday" to him. For the senator's sake I hope it was from across the room and in front of many other people. Is there anything more awkward than being sung to?

Arizona Senator John McCain also has a birthday this month. Senator McCain turns 72 on August 29th. He spent part of his day today at the big motorcycle rally thing in Sturgis, SD. I know Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd and REO Speedwagon are performing there this week but have no knowledge if any of the bands sang an early "Happy Birthday" to him. If they did, I hope it was from across the room and in front of many other people.

McCain trolling for the tattoo and leather vote got me wondering: Would Americans vote for a president who had a tattoo? Has any US president ever had a tattoo?

The website vanishingtattoo.com claims Teddy Roosevelt had a tattoo of his family crest in an "unknown location."

The same page lists Portia De Rossi as having a small ring tattoo on her middle finger and Gavin Rossdale having the name of his dog "Winston" tattooed on the inside of his left wrist.

What would be the reaction if a sitting US president got his/her first tattoo while in office? For starters I guess it would technically be the "first tattoo". I think it might be kind of cool.

Thoughts of Joy, Manny and Schlitz

For what it's worth I was also going to call my blog "Thoughts of Joy" but Joy Purdy beat me to it. Since she likely won't change hers to "Thoughts of Shan", I'll let her keep it.

It's been a busy week both in and out of news. And I'm still trying to process Manny Ramirez leaving the Red Sox. (Not a team player and apparently poison in the locker room but man can he hit a baseball). Manny's gone but Schlitz is coming back in its old formula. So let's call this week a wash.

busy

Very busy day at FCN. Writing this from the set three minutes before the 5pm show.
Fatal crash in SJ Co. Omni Hotel evacuated bc of a small fire.
911 down in parts of Jax - those affected are asked to actually GO to the nearest fire station if they have an emergency. Seems like a lot to ask.

And it's only 4:58:30. Stay tuned.

Ludacris Blows Chance of Being Secretary of State

There are a lot of people all kinds of upset over the new Ludacris song called "Obama is Here."
The Obama campaign calls it "outrageously offensive." In the song Ludacris calls President Bush mentally handicapped and says John McCain doesn't belong in "any chair unless he's paralyzed."

The part about the chair I don't totally get. I guess the chair is the presidency? Nonetheless, I'm fairly certain it's not a nice thing to say about John McCain.

I've listened to the song. The only place I found the full lyrics was on hiphopmusic.com. I copied them from there:

I'm back on it like I just signed my record deal
Yeah the best is here, the Bentley Coup paint is dripping wet, it got sex appeal
Never should have hated, You never should've doubted him
With a slot in the president's iPod Obama shouted 'em
Said I handle my biz and I'm one of his favorite rappers
Well give Luda a special pardon if I'm ever in the slammer
Better yet put me in office, make me your vice president
Hillary hated on you, so that b*tch is irrelevant
Jesse talking slick and apologizing for what?
If you said it then you meant it how you want it head or gut?
And all you other politicians trying to hate on my man,watch us win majority vote in every state on my man
You can't stop what's bout to happen, we bout to make history
The first black president is destined and it's meant to be
The threats ain't fazing us, the nooses or the jokes
So get off your a**, black people, it's time to get out and vote!
Paint the White House black and I'm sure that's got 'em terrified
McCain don't belong in any chair unless he's paralyzed
Yeah I said it cause Bush is mentally handicapped
Ball up all of his speeches and just throw 'em like candy wrap'cause what you talking I hear nothing even relevantand you the worst of all 43 presidents
Get out and vote or the end'll be near
The world is ready for change because Obama is here'cause Obama is here
The world is ready for change because Obama is here, yeahcuz Obama is here

Send Me Your Questions

As we plan our coverage for Florida's primary election (Aug. 26) I would like you to send me any questions or issues you would like addressed that night. We will have a couple of fantastic analysts who can talk local, statewide or presidential politics.
Fire away sogden@firstcoastnews.com

Blue Lobster and Skirt Magazine

My thanks to the very patient, pleasant and understanding Sara Conrad, editor at Skirt magazine. She was interviewing me over the phone this afternoon while I was home and my dog thought interview time would be the perfect time to play.

I'm trying to give Sara thoughtful, interesting answers at the same time I'm dragging Ollie around the floor by his blue lobster. I must've sounded like a crazy person over the phone and God knows, what answers I gave.

The blue lobster replaced the beloved red lobster which was a gift for my dog we brought back from Boston, sort of. We returned from a trip home and forgot to bring the dog anything. I don't know if "forgot" is the right word because I can't think of a time we ever brought him anything back from a trip. Nonetheless, we didn't get him anything from Boston so my wife goes to Target and gets this lobster that we tell him came from Boston - not from next door to NAS Jax.

With any luck he'll never find out the truth. I know he won't read it here. He never reads blogs. He thinks they are trite and obligatory.

You Can Have Your Dark Knight

While most of you will be standing in long ticket lines and sitting squished against a stranger for the other movie that's opening this weekend, my daughter and I will breeze right into the theater, stretch out and enjoy what will prove to be THE movie of '08 - Space Chimps.
Fandango's description:

Three NASA chimps are sent to a galaxy far, far away. Two chimps have 'The Right Stuff,' and the other, a good natured goofball, has 'The Wrong Stuff.' Together all three find themselves on a strange, uncharted planet, where they embark on a fantastical journey to save its inhabitants from a tyrannical leader.

And the top of the movie poster says, "July 18, Go Bananas!"
Sounds good, doesn't it?

I don't know a lot about this movie. Only that I'm fairly sure it's based on a true story. And though this is Kirk de Micco's first go-round as director he has a proven track record as writer on Racing Stripes, Here Comes Peter Cottontail: The Movie and Casper's Scare School. I assume everyone saw the first two. But don't feel silly if you're not familiar with Casper's Scare School. It didn't do nearly the business Hollywood expected. Of it, IMDB says:

Casper has a new assignment: get in touch with his spooky side and start scaring "fleshies" OR ELSE...

You can see right there by the "OR ELSE" being in capital letters that Casper is really going to be in a pickle if he doesn't start scaring fleshies. That's exactly the type of cinematic tension de Micco is capable of delivering. And with any luck (knock, knock on wood) he has delivered again with Space Chimps.

I Knew It All the Time

Wayne Weaver insists he's not selling the team and that it will stay right here in Jax.

In light of that let me clarify my post from last night. What I was trying to say is that I do "Believe in Now." I think it's the perfect slogan because it sums up that not only should we believe in NOW but in all the NOWS to come.

Got it?

With Friends Like These

To recap:
John McCain's economic adviser, former Senator Phil Gramm, dubbed the US "a nation of whiners" in a "mental recession."

And high-profile Democrat Jesse Jackson said he's going to cut Barack Obama's n*ts off.


Thanks for your help gentlemen. It's been fun.

Jaguars and Backyardigans

On-air TV types aren't known for their ability to share. But right is right. And I want to share this spotlight with FCN Sports Director and Anchor Daniel Radcliffe Hicken (I have no idea if that's his middle name. Isn't that the Harry Potter kid's name?).
I encourage you to check out his latest weblog entry. It's a review of the Backyardigans show in Jax yesterday.

In the meantime, the newsroom is buzzing about the reported talks between Jags owner Wayne Weaver and another very rich man who might want to buy the team. If sold, will they go to LA?

How are we supposed to "Believe In Now" if Mr. Weaver if thinking of ditching the team? How about "Believe in No"? As in, I Believe the answer to whether the team should move to Los Angeles is NO!
Or maybe the "Believe in Now" slogan was chosen this year because of its deceptive accuracy. As in, "Believe in Now because the Jags won't be here for you to believe in in the future. "

Jacksonvillains

I am going to suggest to my producers that we start calling those from Jacksonville who commit crimes, "Jacksonvillains."

What do you think?

My track record with such suggestions isn't good. You'll recall my labeling of the Florida Democratic delegation dilemma "deleGATE"? That never caught on.

Vacation at the Neighbor's

Welcome back from your long weekend.

Several months ago, cable's chattering class was predicting a lot less flying and a lot more driving for summer vacations this year in America. As the price of gasoline continued to climb predictions became that Americans wouldn't drive too far for vacation. Now, however, with the price of gas bringing on elevation sickness people can't afford to drive anywhere that's not absolutely necessary. So I suggest a variation of the staycation: Swap houses with your neighbor.

Pick a house on your street or the next one over, no further, that you've always admired and pitch the swap to the owner. Nothing complicated. Just an even swap. You get his house, food and drink for a week and he/she gets yours. You will be surprised how different it feels and how far away from your regular routine it gets you.

The TV's in a different place. Different video games. Different food. Different and funny smells. More (or less) space. Different furniture. And the best part is, it doesn't cost a dime and the TV channels are all the same. What more could you want?

I have to get to my 5 o'clock newscast now. But think about it.

Old Dentist Joke

Sitting in the dentist chair waiting for the novacaine to take hold I thought it was a good time to tell my dentist my favorite dentist joke:

What's the difference between a dentist and a sadist? The sadist has better magazines.

My dentist was wearing one of those surgical face mask things when I told it so it's possible he was laughing under there. But it sure didn't seem like it. It's also a lame and very old joke. My dentist is a patient patient man. I wouldn't put up with me, that's for sure.

Tim Toman is his name, if you are looking for a talented dentist. And a patient one.

Not Unity Everywhere

There is no Unity among my jaw, teeth, lips, cheek and tongue today. My superdose of novacaine from the dentist is lingering longer than expected. I will not be broadcasting the 5 or 6pm news tonight. I expect to see you back here for the 11.

My daughter is enjoying it, however. She keeps giving me difficult sentences to say and then laughing at how they sound coming out of my mouth. There's no doubt she's my daughter.

The Bermuda Triangle

Emailing with my brother today he brought up an interesting question: Whatever happened to the Bermuda Triangle? Is it still a thing? Do ships still go missing? When we were kids it felt like there was a Bermuda Triangle TV Movie of the Week every year or so. There was even a board game.

If you can shed any light, email me.

The Barack Obameter

I will admit that my taste in music is much more in line with Obama than McCain. (You can refer to an old post when I interviewed McCain about his taste in music. I can't find that entry, FYI. But I know I wrote it.)


In an upcoming Rolling Stone article, Obama lists the following as favorites on his iPod:
Bob Dylan, Yo-Yo Ma, Sheryl Crow, Jay-Z, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder.
Senator Obama's playlist also includes about 30 songs from Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" along with Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker.
The AP quotes from the article:
"Actually, one of my favorites during the political season is 'Maggie's Farm,"' Obama said of one of Dylan's tracks. "It speaks to me as I listen to some of the political rhetoric."

For me, that scores quite high on the Barack Obameter. I've been looking for an opportunity to use that phrase.

I am also reminded of something my now 8-year-old daughter said when she was two. She was riding in the back seat of my Volvo, stuck in traffic south of Boston and blurted out, "Charlie Parker plays alto sax."
And while this was certainly true, how did she know? I hadn't told her. My child rearing plan didn't call for covering Charlie Parker until she was four.

Cool/Not Cool

Letterman's Late Show started a great ongoing bit called "Cool/Not Cool." And save your comments about this being proof I support Obama. It's not. As I've told those of you who accuse me of supporting McCain and those of you who are convinced I'm a die-hard Obamaniac, none of you and no one in my newsroom has any hint of my political direction. I'm directing you to these clips simply because I think they are funny:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=o-fOdbB3ESU
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-P20ivRVIRs

Nothing's Afoot

No Deal.

I just got off the phone with the FL Dem Party. Mark Brubriski said the AP story that has been circulating today about a deal reached to settle Florida's delegate problem is inaccurate. He said there is no deal. No plan. Period. Like most everyone else, they are all hoping all the delegates will be seated and are waiting until the DNC meeting at the end of the month which promises to find a solution.

Something's Afoot

There is a buzz today about a deal in the works to settle the Florida delegate problem. I'm working the phones to Tallahassee and will let you know what I find out.

And this letter was just sent out:

Senator Barack Obama

Obama for America
P.O. Box 8102
Chicago, IL 60680

Dear Senator Obama,

This has been an historic and exciting campaign. Millions of new voters have been brought into the process and their enthusiasm for the Democratic Party and the principles for which you and I have fought and continue to fight is unprecedented.

One of the foremost principles of our party is that citizens be allowed to vote and that those votes be counted. That principle is not currently being applied to the nearly 2.5 million people who voted in primaries in Florida and Michigan. Whoever emerges as the Democratic nominee will be hamstrung in the general election if a fair and quick resolution is not reached that ensures that the voices of these voters are heard. Our commitment now to this goal could be the difference between winning and losing in November.

I have consistently said that the votes cast in Florida and Michigan in January should be counted. We cannot ignore the fact that the people in those states took the time to be a part of this process and to make their preferences known. When efforts were untaken by leaders in those states to hold revotes to ensure that they had a voice in selecting our nominee, I supported those efforts. In Michigan, I supported a legislative effort to hold a revote that the Democratic National Committee said was in complete compliance with the party's rules. You did not support those efforts and your supporters in Michigan publically opposed them. In Florida a number of revote options were proposed. I am not aware of any that you supported. In 2000, the Republicans won an election by successfully opposing a fair counting of votes in Florida. As Democrats, we must reject any proposals that would do the same.

Your commitment to the voters of these states must be clearly stated and your support for a fair and quick resolution must be clearly demonstrated.

I am asking you to join me in working with representatives from Florida and Michigan and the Democratic National Committee to arrive at a solution that honors the votes of the millions of people who went to the polls in Florida and Michigan. It is not enough to simply seat their representatives at the convention in Denver. The people of these great states, like the people who have voted and are to vote in other states, must have a voice in selecting our party's nominee.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

###

NC 115, IN 72

Indiana and NC today. 187 total delegates up for grabs. This is the last of the big vote states. Starting May 13 we have West Virginia and then Oregon and Kentucky the week after that followed by Puerto Rico June 1 and Montana and South Dakota June 3. None of those states (territory) has more than 55 delegates.

Both Obama and Clinton have said they will still be campaigning into June regardless what happens today.

Can you imagine?

I am just getting back on my feet after an extended illness. One bout of high fever brought on hallucinations. I thought that we were already in May at didn't yet have a Democratic presidential nominee.

McCain-Pitt

Apparently the buzz grew loud enough that Sec State Rice felt she had to say something. So she did. And she said she has no plans to run as McCain's VP.

There of course is no indication the source of the McCain-Rice speculation came from anyone other than professional speculators. But this is the time in the race when such speculation is expected to be spectacular. The moment McCain announces his choice, the game is over. So get your guesses in quickly.

I speculate that McCain will look outside of politics for a running mate. Brad Pitt might be a strong choice. Of course he loses the vote of those still angry about Angelina over Jen.

Tim Tebow would secure him the North Florida vote, but I think he's already in pretty good shape there.

Drew Carey would've been an interesting choice had he not just gotten the Price if Right job.

Steve Carell can do no wrong right now. He actually might be a pretty good pick. And I have a great photo of him with my wife at a reunion. I could probably parlay that into a private tour of the White House.

Byron Leftwich seems to have some free time right now. Though, I have no idea if he's a Republican.

Alright, I have to get to work. Please feel free to post your own choices. Weirdest choice wins.

A Happy Accident

A pollster calling random voters on their positions on the presidential race, randomly called PA Gov. Ed Rendell. Rendell is PA's chief Clinton supporter.
Asked if Ed Rendell's endorsement had any impact, Rendell said, "Absolutely." The pollster obviously had no idea he was talking to Rendell.

The pollster then asked whether Sen. Casey's endorsement of Obama made him more or less likely to vote for him. Rendell said, "No difference." Rendell beat Casey for the gubernatorial nomination in 2002.

My wife calls such things Happy Accidents.

Clinton is Doing Worse But Doing Better

Hillary Clinton must be swirling. Most all polls are in step showing that her once large lead over Obama in PA has shrunk. But, and this is a big but, Quinnipiac today has Clinton doing better in key swing states than Obama against McCain and in fact has her beating McCain in these states.

Florida Clinton 44 McCain 42
Ohio Clinton 48 McCain 39
PA Clinton 48 McCain 40

Now, will this change the minds of Superdelegates when they see how Clinton is stacking up in the general election?

And Clinton's Response...

Clinton Campaign Reaction to DNC Meeting on Seating Florida Delegation

Deputy Communications Director Phil Singer issued the following statement in response to the DNC’s meeting with the Florida delegation today on seating its delegation:

"We have long maintained that pretending the voters of Florida and Michigan don’t exist is not fair in principle and unwise in practice. This morning’s Quinnipiac poll out of Florida reflects the urgent need for Democrats to get behind our effort to count Florida’s voters and seat its delegation. Chairman Dean is clearly committed to seating the Florida delegation and we urge Senator Obama to join us in calling on the rules and bylaws committee to make this a reality."

###

And this means what, exactly?

Emailed to me from FL Dem Party.

Joint Statement from Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen L. Thurman and Florida’s Democratic Congressional Delegation on Seating Florida’s Delegates

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a joint meeting today among Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen L. Thurman and Florida’s Democratic Congressional Delegation, the participants issued this joint statement:

“We are all committed to doing everything we can to ensure that a Florida delegation is seated in Denver. We all agree that whatever the solution, it must have the support of both campaigns.

“While there may be differences of opinion in how we get there, we are all committed to ensuring that Florida’s delegation is seated in Denver. We’re committed to working with both campaigns to reach a solution as soon as realistically possible.

“We are also laying the groundwork to ensure we win in Florida in November and spent time here today talking about how to do just that. We will continue to work towards a solution to ensure delegates are seated and logistics are in place for a Florida delegation in Denver.”

###

Every Right But Not a Good Reason

Safe to say the Clinton Campaign has been fearing the big shots in her party calling for her to step aside. Well, it may have just begun.

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) -- Senator Patrick Leahy is suggesting it's
time for Hillary Rodham Clinton to admit defeat in her presidential
bid.
The Vermont Democrat says Clinton "has every right, but not a
very good reason" to remain a candidate. He says it's not in the
interests of a Democrats for Clinton to draw out the Democratic
nomination battle.
Leahy has endorsed Barack Obama for president, and he says
Obama's lead appears insurmountable.
The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman told Vermont Public
Radio that Clinton ought to withdraw and back Obama. But in a
statement today he also says that it's a decision only Clinton can
make.
Pennsylvania Democrats vote next. There are 158 delegates at
stake in the April 22nd primary and recent polls show her with a
lead there.

Much Too Pretty for an Inside Interview

I just stopped by Congressman Crenshaw's office for a brief interview. By the way, I'm going to institute a new rule: Any time the sun is out, the humidity is low and the temp is between 70 and 80 all interviews will be conducted outside and lemonade will be served.

We started the interview on the Mayport study. He said he made a pitch to Pres. Bush for Mayport to be home to the next nuclear carrier. Crenshaw said he tried to make the president see how great for him it would be to have a carrier named after his dad (the next carrier will be the George HW Bush) in the state in which his brother was governor. He said the pres. made no promises but seemed to like the idea.

Crenshaw, who was a Romney supporter, says he thinks the early Florida primary was worth all the ruckus it caused.

We also take up the Fed's bailout of Bear Stearns, Congress's role in helping homeowners in trouble with mortgages, gasoline prices and a running mate for John McCain.

Don't Reid Too Much Into It

I just got off the phone with the DNC press office (again) to try to get some clarity on remarks Harry Reid reportedly made to a Las Vegas newspaper.

MSNBC carried the following quote by Reid: "...Michigan and Florida delegates are going to be seated. They're going to be a part of the convention. It's a question of whether anything can be worked out to change this prior to the 2,025. They're the ones causing all the problems. No one else did. And so they will be seated. They're big states. They represent 29 million people. We want to make sure their delegates are part of the convention that takes place in Denver."

The perpetually stoic DNC press officer said (imagine a younger Ben Stein's voice) "There are two ways for the delegates to be seated. Have a do over vote. Or through the credentialing committee."

He said he didn't know what newspaper article I was talking about and that nothing at all had changed. And that Reid had attended a meeting that was nothing more than routine.

I write this because I had not seen anyone of Reid's pay grade make such declarative statements about the delegates being seated. Perhaps I read it more optimistically than he said it. For a second there I was actually hopeful something was being done.

Please Watch Corrine Brown Interview

Congresswoman Corrine Brown stopped by the FCN studios today. I challenge you to find a livelier interview.

Regardless of what you think of her politics you cannot say Brown isn't a colorful, candid, passionate lawmaker who seems to love representing the folks in the Florida 3rd.

The bulk of the interview takes up the various issues of DeleGATE. And man, is she mad at Howard Dean. She tells me that he should fix this mess or resign. She also kicks Bill Richardson right in the character for endorsing Obama.

Many politicians I interview seem so scared to say the wrong thing they end up saying nothing or at least nothing worth reporting. Congresswoman Brown doesn't have that problem.

My thanks to Corrine Brown for her time on a gorgeous day off from work.

The story airs in about an hour and a half, at 11. And as soon as it airs, the whole unedited interview will be posted on the web site. Please watch. It's terrific fun.

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

"He's a man who's worked for everything he's achieved. That's
something I can't say." -- West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller,
joking as he introduced Barack Obama at the University of
Charleston. (from ap)

DeleGATE

I'm trying to sell the idea of calling our Florida Delegate Debacle coverage "Dele-GATE" - as in Watergate, Troopergate, Monicagate...etc. It doesn't seem to be catching on so I'll just use it myself here.

As you can see by the AP story below, the race to solve the delegate problems in Michigan and Florida still seems to be being run on ice. Tomorrow afternoon I am going to interview Congresswoman Corrine Brown. She has been an outspoken opponent of a revote of any kind. I'm excited to get her insight into the proposals and her solution.

As usual I'll have a portion of the interview on our 11 o'clock news and post the entire interview on the web site. Also, as always, let me know of any questions you'd like for me to ask her.

DeleGATE

Here is the latest volley:

(AP) Barack Obama's campaign said Thursday that
evenly splitting Michigan's delegates with rival Hillary Rodham
Clinton would be a fair way to distribute them, now that the
chances of a do-over primary are essentially dead.
The Michigan Senate adjourned Thursday without taking up a bill
for a June 3 repeat primary. While there still is a possibility a
last-minute deal can be reached, lawmakers' lack of enthusiasm for
a second election paid for by private donors means that's unlikely.
Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, an Obama supporter and former
presidential candidate, promoted the idea of splitting the
delegates 50-50 in a statement Thursday. "The best outcome is to
come to an arrangement where the delegates are apportioned fairly
between Senators Obama and Clinton, so the Michigan delegation can
participate fully in the Denver convention," the statement said.
Obama spokesman Bill Burton said Dodd spoke to campaign leaders
about an even split. Burton said they agreed it would be an
equitable way of handling Michigan, where Obama's name wasn't even
on the ballot in a renegade Jan. 15 primary.
The Clinton campaign immediately rejected the idea of splitting
the delegates. Clinton told reporters while campaigning in Terre
Haute, Ind., that Obama's nomination could be tainted if he
achieves it without a second Michigan contest.

FL House Dems Hate Plan

As you can see the outside world is starting to pay real attention to the Florida delegate fiasco that we've been wading around in for some time now. Late last night it seemed a compromise was perhaps at hand. Sen. Bill Nelson was taking the lead to get this ironed out once and for all possibly by a more cost-effective mail-in ballot re-vote. He met with Florida's congressional Democrats last night to talk about it.

The House group hated the plan. Just after that meeting I spoke with the press secretary for Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D - Florida's 20th) who was in the meeting last night. The House group is 100% completely without reservation opposed to a mail-in vote or a re-vote of any kind.

Clinton Campaign Letter to Obama Campaign

And here is the letter Hillary Clinton's campaign manager sent to Obama's campaign manager:

March 12, 2008

David Plouffe

P.O. Box 8102

Obama for America
Chicago, Illinois 60680

Dear David:

The 2008 primary campaign has been a spirited contest that has resulted in record voter turnout. Both of our candidates can proudly boast of bringing new people into the process and energizing our Democratic Party.

With the campaign now entering the final phase of the nominating contest, it is vital that both of our campaigns come together to ensure that the delegations from Florida and Michigan be seated to reflect the will of the voters.

In Florida and Michigan, nearly 2.5 million Americans made their voices heard and participated in primary elections. We think the results of those primaries were fair and should be honored.

Over the last few weeks, there has been much discussion about how to ensure that the Florida and Michigan delegations are seated. We think there are two options: Either honor the results or hold new primary elections.

To that end, we are in active consultation with all of our supporters in Florida, including Members of Congress. In Michigan, we are in active consultation with the committee appointed by Governor Granholm.

We hope that your campaign will join us in our efforts to ensure that these votes are counted.


Sincerely,

Maggie Williams
Campaign Manager

Clinton's new Florida statement

Hillary Clinton Statement on Seating Delegates from Florida and Michigan

Hillary Clinton made the following statement at the Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce earlier this morning:

“If you are a voter from Florida or Michigan, you know that we should count your vote. The nearly two and a half million Americans in those two states who participated in the primary elections are in danger of being excluded from our democratic process and I think that’s wrong. The results of those primaries were fair and they should be honored. Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of discussion about what we should do to ensure that the voters in Florida and Michigan are counted.

“In my view there are two options: Honor the results or hold new primary elections. I don’t see any other solutions that are fair and honor the commitment that two and a half million voters made in the Democratic primaries in those two states. Whether voters are clamoring for solutions to the challenges that we face or not, or whether people are coming out in droves to be heard, we have a basic obligation to make sure that every vote in America counts.

I hope that Senator Obama’s campaign will join me in working to make that happen. I think that that is a non-partisan solution to make sure that we do count these votes.”

Kicked to the Curb

There finally seems to be a respectable head of steam behind finding a solution to the Florida-Michigan Delegate Debacle.
I spoke today with Bryan Dooley of Hamilton Campaigns and he thinks there will be a second vote. And James Carville today said that both Clinton and Obama campaigns can surely come up with enough money (the $15 million figure was thrown around) through supporters to foot the bill for re-votes.

Apparently the country finally woke up to the fiasco that has been going on here for some time now. And now perhaps the ridiculousness of 1.7 million voters being kicked to the curb will be recognized.

Crist's Aggravating Press Secretary

There's nothing like starting off your work day fighting with the governor's press secretary.

I called Gov Crist's office because I was seeing conflicting reports about whether the gov supported a second presidential preference primary in order to seat the delegates at the summer conventions.

I thought it was a simple question: "Erin, does your boss support holding a second primary?"
She initially was polite and told me the governor does not advocate another primary and thinks the people should be heard and the delegates seated.

Because she seemed to emphasize the word "primary" I then asked how he would feel about the parties holding caucuses instead. She said, the governor does not advocate another primary and thinks the people should be heard and the delegates seated.

I said, I know. I heard you the first time. But I'm asking how he would feel if the parties decided to hold caucuses instead.

She repeated word for word what she said.

I asked again. She repeated again, in a very snippy voice, the same line. And added, "I don't know how much clearer I can be!" She was being nasty by this time.

So now I'm irritated. I said, "I'll tell you exactly how you can be clearer. By answering my question about the caucuses and not about the primary. I know how he feels about the primary. You have told me several times. And you are talking to me like I'm an idiot. I don't care how he feels about it and I don't even know that I will report on it I just want to clarify some confusing reports out there."

Ladies and gentlemen she repeated the primary thing again. I said good bye and hung up.

Does it really have to be this hard?

If Crist doesn't want to talk about possible caucuses or he hasn't decided how he feels about them or favors them but doesn't want to say so, fine. There are ways to express such things without being combative and sarcastic. Especially when a reporter is trying to clarify for the voters of Florida an unclear and erroneously reported position by the governor.

The staff of the "People's Governor" needs work on "People Skills."

The race is hotter than the devil's anvil

Hillary Clinton is showing renewed strength tonight. She remains between 15 and 20 points ahead in Ohio and is dead even in Texas. Still a long way to go tonight but it does give me a chance to break into The Big Book of Dan Ratherisms again.

This race is tighter than a rusted lug nut on a '55 Ford.
This race is tighter than a tick.
This race is tighter than a tick in a gerbil's armpit.
Don't taunt the alligator until you've crossed the creek.
If you try to read the tea leaves before the tea is done you get yourself burned.
This race is closer than Lassie and Timmie. ( I know I've used that one before but it's good)

A Place Called Hope

There goes Hope's hope for a second son to be president. Folks, there's not much to Hope. It's impressive that one person from there went on to be president. It is unbelievable that a second man from there became governor and went as far as Huckabee did in the presidential race.

Huckabee

Watching Huckabee's bow-out speech it's crystal clear why he did as well as he did.

Huckabee Will End It Tonight

Mike Huckabee will formally drop out of the race tonight, according to AP.

David Letterman

I'm only going by memory here, but to the best of my knowledge John McCain becomes the first major party presidential nominee to have announced his plans to run for the White House on David Letterman's show.

He announced informally on Letterman last February. He later then held an official flag-waving, bunting and music announcement event.

I remember the joke he made. He said during the interview with Letterman that he will run for president. The crowd goes nuts. Dave shakes his hand. Then Dave said something like, "So that was it? You have announced?" And McCain says, "Well, that was an informal announcement. I'll make it official later. (pause) On Leno." Or something like that. Very funny I thought.

Congratulations to John McCain. And to David Letterman.

It's McCain

The news below of course is not really news at this point in the race. But in the context of his crushing defeat in 2000 and his comeback from early in this race, it's an impressive victory.

We have yet to hear from Huckabee.

Now, America's favorite parlor game begins: Let's playyyyyy, GUESS THE RUNNING MATE!

John McCain is Your Republican Presidential Nominee

WASHINGTON (AP) -- John McCain has clinched the Republican
presidential nomination, according to The Associated Press delegate
count.

State Radio

If you like politics in your music, check out State Radio this Thursday. They are playing at Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville. I'm sure their politics won't agree with many people but the music is good and the topics thought-provoking (or just really irritating. Depends on you I suppose.)

You might say, "Who else was he going to endorse?" But still...

Florida's Republican party chairman endorses Senator McCain.
Here is part of the statement just emailed to me:

Tallahassee—Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer announced today that he endorsed Senator John McCain as the 2008 Republican presidential nominee. Chairman Greer also announced that Florida’s Republican National Committeeman and Committeewoman, Paul Senft and Sharon Day, are endorsing Senator McCain, securing Florida’s three Republican National Committee members for McCain.

“Senator McCain has demonstrated strong leadership throughout his career in public service. He has the right experience and an unwavering commitment to the core values of Republicans the State of Florida and our nation,” noted Chairman Greer. “We can trust Senator McCain to protect our national security and to keep our national economy strong vibrant.”

Obama's GOPish Cabinet

I'm back after a much needed break. Though, as usual, I forgot to take a break during my break.

Tomorrow is a big day. Is it the big day? We'll see. There is a wonderful piece in yesterday's London Sunday Times (thanks Henry Thomas) that discusses among other things who will be the one to tell Hillary Clinton it's time to get out. Will it be her husband or Vernon Jordan perhaps? And will be it immediately after tomorrow if she doesn't win big?

Clinton indicated this weekend she would continue on past tomorrow's OhioTexasRhodeVermont votes.

The Sunday Times piece also reports on Obama considering Republicans for his cabinet. A potentially clever move (or leak) going forward both in the primary and the general election.

Another note: Mike Huckabee is still out there, still urging his supporters to turn out tomorrow to further delay McCain's apparently inevitable nomination.

Comfortable Enough in Gracie Mansion

Presidential flirt and New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg will not run after all.
Here's the AP story that just crossed.

NEW YORK (AP) -- After two years of playing coy about his
presidential ambitions, Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared in a
newspaper editorial Wednesday that he will not run for president as
an independent and said he might support the candidate who "takes
an independent, nonpartisan approach."
The 66-year-old billionaire businessman, who aides had said was
prepared to spend $1 billion on his own independent campaign, wrote
in a New York Times editorial that he will be working to "steer
the national conversation away from partisanship and toward unity;
away from ideology and toward common sense; away from sound bites
and toward substance."

Cleveland Rocks

Tonight's Obama/Clinton debate is on MSNBC, 9-10:30 from Cleveland State Univ. Brian Williams and Tim Russert are moderating.

Dodd Nod

It's popping around here today. Nasty weather on the First Coast, hundreds of thousands of central and southern Florida households and businesses with no power, dismal economic news and the last debate before next Tuesday's If-Not-Super-Then-Just-Really-Important primaries.

Before tonight's Cleveland debate, Clinton has a 10 point lead in Ohio and she and Obama are tied in Texas.

CT Sen. Chris Dodd endorsed Obama today. Maybe not the biggest deal but not insignificant. And my understanding is that he and Hillary are pals.

One more note: This weekend Florida delegates are elected to represent their respective congressional districts at the DNC convention in August. Another exercise in futility? Regardless, votes for CD4 will be cast from 10 to noon at the IBEW Union Hall.

Coincidence of the Day

Claire Cook, my dear friend and author of such delicious summer books as Must Love Dogs, Multiple Choice and Life's a Beach, just finished her latest: Summer Blowout. I got an advance copy this week. I think it will be released in June.

It is about a woman who works at a hair salon. In the Acknowledgments at the front of the book Claire thanks, among other people, Donna Crowley "of Charles David Salon for inspiration and support."

Donna Crowley is the mother-in-law of First Coast News traffic reporter Julia Crowley.

And this concludes the Coincidence of the Day.

By the way, Claire may very well be the world's sweetest person - reason enough right there to buy her books. That she spins a delightful, fun-to-read yarn is a bonus.

In a nutshell...

Shot down a spy satellite in space
US embassy is attacked in Belgrade
Three US senators make helicopter emergency landing in Afghanistan (Kerry, Biden, Hagel)
NYTimes reports naughty behavior by McCain
McCain denies naughty behavior
Teamsters backs Obama
Full Lunar Eclipse
Raining cats and dogs outside the station
Donna and I are sick as dogs inside the station
Oscars are Sunday

That's a wrap.

Texas Smackdown

I had grown numb to the seemingly endless presidential debates. Or at least I thought I had. It seems I just needed three weeks off. Because I am really looking forward to tonight's Obama v Clinton matchup in Austin.

I've become a debate junkie and because of over-exposure my tolerance had just really built up and they didn't give me the same high anymore. But after three weeks cold turkey I'm ready for my fix. (Apologies for the crude analogy)

Their last debate was January 31st and during it they could not have been nicer to each other. Since then, a lot of bad blood and delegates have been spilled promising great drama tonight.

It starts at 8. It's on CNN. We'll have a full wrap on FCN at 11.

Did Romney Get Out Too Soon?

Did Romney get out too soon?

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney had the strongest business resume of the bunch.
During his campaign the slowing economy was a story but wasn't the story. Within hours of dropping out, however, it seems like the feeble economy shot to the top of every newspaper in the country. Housing Market Vacant. Mortgage Crisis Deepening. Bernanke Recommends Returning to Barter Economy!

Why didn't Romney sense this, stick it out another month and pour everything he had into a single "I'm Mitt Romney and I'll fix this lousy economy" message? It seems like his experience was preparing him for exactly such a moment in time. Did he really miss out on it by no more than a moment?

'41 to Endorse McCain & Where's Jeb?

One of the NY Times reporters assigned to the McCain campaign writes in his log that the nominee-in-waiting will travel to Houston Monday to meet with Bush '41. And while the "e" word has not yet been said aloud, the former president is expected to endorse McCain.

Which leads nicely into the point I set out to make in this entry. Where's Jeb?

Arguably the most popular, pristine Republican of them all is no where to be seen. After leaving the governor's mansion, Jeb Bush said he was going to lay low for a while. Man, he wasn't kidding.

How would his endorsement of someone other than McCain have changed this race?

For a while I had his personal email address. I sent him one request for an interview not long after he left Tallahassee and he sent back a short but very nice note saying that he really wanted to just be out of the spotlight for a while. You've got to respect that, right?

Subsequent emails to that same address, however, have not been returned. And those who have access to him won't make eye contact with me when I begin to hint around at maybe them helping me out a little getting in touch with him or passing a message along.

Dan Rather

Had Florida lawmakers left the state's primary date alone just think of how actually important the state and its delegates would be right now. Recall that in 2004, the primary was March 9. With the Democratic race "closer than Lassie and Timmy" (to borrow a Dan Ratherism) Florida's 210 Dem delegates could make all the difference in the world right now. Or at least enough difference to really make a difference.

I know many people would rather "walk through a furnace in a gasoline suit" (another from Rather) than admit the early primary might have been a mistake this year. But if it had been left alone Florida would be knee-deep in candidates, campaign rallies and media money right now.

It looks like now we've got our back to the wall, our shirttails on fire and the bill collector's at the door.
The situation here would give aspirin a headache. It's shakier than cafeteria Jell-O. The race is as hot as a Times Square Rolex and Obama's lead as thin as turnip soup.

And finally, if a frog had side pockets, he'd carry a handgun.

What in the world this last one means is beyond me. But I do kind of miss Dan Rather. Don't you?

Dobson to Endorse Huckabee

Evangelical heavyweight James Dobson is about to endorse Mike Huckabee. That's according to AP. Dobson is founder of Focus on the Family. Huckabee is a Southern Baptist preacher so this isn't exactly coming from Left Field.

The part of this that interests me is a statement Dobson released Tuesday. He slams John McCain for a litany of conservative no-nos: support of embryonic stem cell research, opposition to federal anti-gay marriage amendment, his temper and use of dirty language.

Dobson said if McCain is the nominee he would not cast a ballot for president for the first time in his life.

And that, my friends, is a taste of what is ahead for McCain as he grows securely into his front runner status. Conservatives don't think he's even close to being one of them. McCain addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference today. CNN reported that he received boos in addition to applause.

Nonetheless, it looks like McCain will be the one taking them to the dance this year. After Romney announced he was quitting, former GOP chairman Ken Mehlman endorsed McCain and urged all Republican members to back him.

John Cougar Growls

Apparently John Mellencamp is not in the John McCain camp. The mid-American, middle of the road rocker sent a letter to McCain's presidential campaign saying it made him uncomfortable for McCain to use his songs at campaign events. Mellencamp is a liberal and had been supporting John Edward.

McCain was using "Our Country" and "Pink Houses."

Ron Paul Will Win Georgia

Georgia is part of the Super Tuesday stew. Up for grabs in the Peach State are 87 delegates for the Dems, 69 for the Republicans.

Let's take a quick look at how this state has voted in recent primaries.
Dem
88-Jesse Jackson
92-Bill Clinton
96-Bill Clinton (uncontested)
00-Al Gore
04-John Kerry

GOP
88-Bush
92-Bush
96-Dole
00-Bush
04-Bush (uncontested)

Clearly Georgians are looking for Republicans with four-letter names. So, obviously Ron Paul will win that state today. Polls close at 7.

Another Pizza Filled Night of Polifun

Thanks to all of you who watched FCN on Florida Primary night. We had so much fun we're going to do it again tonight. And joining Donna and me on set once again is political expert Dr. Henry Thomas.
We're on starting at 8. See you then.

Don't forget the South Pacific

As the chattering class focuses on California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and around here Georgia, let us not forget the easily forgotten. American Samoa has its territorial Democratic Caucus today. At stake, three delegates to be given proportionally.

It has Begun

BC-APNewsAlert 02-05 0027
BC-APNewsAlert

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Mike Huckabee has won the Republican
caucuses in West Virginia.

Tom Brady Rules

You don't have to wait until Tuesday to get your voting fix. Maine Republicans hold caucuses all weekend long. You hadn't heard about it? You are not alone. I just went to the Portland Press Herald web site and the front page is pretty much devoted to the Patriots in the Super Bowl Sunday. I didn't look long but I didn't see even a mention of the vote.

Of course on the other hand... who can blame them? These Patriots are the greatest team to ever walk the Earth.

Gay Marriage

An initiative to ban gay marriage in Florida will be on the November ballot after all.
A citizens group collected and had certified 649,346 signatures - 38,337 more than was required.

Within minutes of finding out it Floridians will be voting on this, the state GOP sent out the following statement:

“We applaud the Department of State’s certification of the Florida Marriage Amendment for the 2008 ballot, which illustrates the widespread support for the sanctity of marriage. We are grateful for the hard work of the Florida Coalition to Protect Marriage and the hundreds of thousands of Floridians who made their voices heard by signing this petition. The people of Florida will have the opportunity to vote on this important issue in November. I am hopeful we will see traditional marriage - between one man and one woman – defended in our state constitution.”

Nothing yet from opposition or the Democrats.

If I Hear One More Stupid Custom Ring...

I want a law against unattended cell phones in the work place. If you get up from your desk, take your phone with you. If you leave it at your desk when you are not there, set it to "vibrate." Any candidate whose platform includes a federal law enforcing such will get my whole-hearted endorsement.

Handshakegate '08

With Edwards out, tonight's Democratic debate in California will be a completely different beast. No third or fourth candidate to act as a buffer. Just two candidates. Two candidates who have shown few signs of liking each other lately.

After Handshakegate '08 at the SOTU I predict either Clinton or Obama makes a great gesture at the beginning of the debate to reach out and shake hands with the other. It will be one of those moments that in debate prep seemed like an address-the-elephant-in-the-room gesture but will end up looking like a lame excuse for comedy that politicians can't seem to save themselves from. Sorry I dangled that "from" back there.

It's at 8 on CNN.

Crist's Budget

Gov. Crist sans McCain released his proposed budget today. It's $70-billion and seeks additional spending on some insurance programs despite the fact that House estimates show a projected shortfall in tax revenue. Gov will pay for the new money with the state's reserves and the casino deal with the Seminole Indians.

A quick glance of the Florida House Budget Chair's reaction is that he's not crazy about the governor's plan and it faces a fight.

Mopping Up

Today is a different day. It is essentially a two (wo)man race in both parties now. Edwards gone. Giuliani gone. Huckabee did not do well yesterday and is reported to be running on fumes financially. Tonight's Republican debate in Simi Valley will be McCain, Romney, Paul and Huckabee unless Paul or Huckabee bows out before it starts.

With McCain's victory, the headline from last night is that there is finally a front runner in this campaign.

Statewide voter turnout in Florida yesterday was 37.7%. A half dozen or so counties reported well above 50%.

Exit Polls

Early exit polls in Florida show 4 of 10 moderates voted for McCain today. And 4 in 10 conservatives voted for Romney.

It also shows about 6 of 10 people who oppose abortion rights voted for either Romney or Huckabee. About the same who support abortion rights voted for McCain and Giuliani.

Born-again Christians split their votes pretty evenly among Huckabee, Romney and McCain.

Sitting on the anchor desk

I am sitting on the anchor desk in the studio right now. TGFL (Thank God for Laptops) We are cutting into programming whenever there is movement. Clinton is scheduled to address her troops in Davie, FL sometime this hour.

FCN.com is streaming candidate speeches in their entirety tonight. We will air parts of the speeches live when we are on the air but the speeches will continue on our website.

Clinton Wins

Hillary Clinton was just declared winner of Democratic primary in Florida. What she wins? Who knows. At the very least bragging rights. Perhaps momentum heading into next Tuesday's 1000-plus delegate free-for-all. And maybe even Florida's delegates at August's convention if something is worked out by then.

McCain squeaking ahead of Romney. That is still fluid and we are early in the night.

Margaret Truman Dies

Harry Truman's only child died today. Margaret Truman was 83. It's worth your time to look up her biography. What a life she had.

Florida Primary Day

Anecdotal evidence seems to show strong voter turnout in Florida pretty much statewide.

At my polling place an older woman as she was getting in her car was yelling about how we were going to wreck fire protection and schools here. I wonder how she voted on Amendment 1?

Weather is perfect. A neighbor was sitting in a cheap lawn chair in his driveway, tie on, no suit jacket, working on his laptop. He has the right idea today.

Nope

I just called in to the conference call. It has been postponed until further notice.

Hillary Conference Call to Discuss FL Delegates

Hillary Clinton supporters are holding a conference call at 3 about seating Florida and Michigan delegates at the convention.

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH)

Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL)

Lt. Governor Lee Fisher (OH)

Are hosting the call.

I'll let you know what they say.

Kennedy Clinton SOTU

State of the Union is about to begin. Sen. Clinton is working the crowd making her way to her seat. Sen. Obama has already taken his seat. Next to Sen. Edward Kennedy. Kennedy, as you know, endorsed Obama today.

Hillary Clinton was endorsed by a Kennedy. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. endorsed her late last year. Clinton occupies his father's former New York Senate seat. But you have to assume that tonight the seat she really wanted was the one Obama is in, next to Robert's uncle.

They Really Never Came

There is (for me) a strange feeling heading into tomorrow's Florida primary. We've plowed through Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina and still the question remains: Will Florida's Democratic voters matter tomorrow?

Against any bet I would have made, the Democratic presidential candidates sure enough stuck to their pledge and did not campaign here. And just between you and me, every single day since they made their no-campaign promise, I have been expecting the three or at least two leading candidates to wiggle through a loophole and show up in Florida. They didn't. I was wrong.

So, will the votes count? Democratic officials keep urging us not to report the fact that Florida will get no delegates in Denver. But nothing is changing. The DNC never blinked. The party was apparently deadly serious this time and so were the candidates. Florida broke the rules. Florida is being punished. The end.

Voter turnout in early and absentee ballots is strong in both parties. The figures I got from the Florida Democratic Party (not a preference.It is just the party that pulled these figures together today) show 1,057,144 total have voted. That breaks down with D-437,038 and R-503,461.

Pretty impressive. But let's not forget Floridians are voting on Amendment 1 tomorrow, too.

The Last SOTU

I have an old, beat up, red, white and blue pocket-sized U.S. Constitution (And Fascinating Facts about It) that I've kept in my work bag for 10 years or more. The internet has reduced it to little more than bag clutter on most days. But every year around this time I dig it out to remind myself why the president is speaking to the country. It's highlighted in yellow on dog-eared page 40 and is spiced up with baffling capitalization.

Article II Section III
"He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient..."

Tonight at 9pm President George Walker Bush shall give Congress Information of the State of the Union for the last time.

A Nice Get for Sen. Clinton

Senator Clinton gets the endorsement of Sen. Bill Nelson. This is a good get for several reasons. One being that Nelson led the charge on legal action against the Dem Party for tying Florida's hands in the primaries and Clinton continues to hold the party line and not campaign here.

The endorsement also comes on the same day Clinton reached out to Florida voters as detailed in the post below.

The Camera Never Blinks

Thanks to those of you who emailed and posted on the Talk Back section on Ron Paul.

It is an interesting situation. I don't think I'll ever truly understand why one candidate is immediately marginalized and another not. Congressman Paul has really never been taken seriously by the mainstream press yet he has consistently finished ahead of candidates like Rudolph W. Giuliani in primaries. Still Giuliani is painted as a possible serious contender. Go figure?

Paul obviously has a message that many people connect with. And more than other Republican candidates seems to have the attention of college age Republicans.

I thought the debate was mostly very gentlemanly and the candidates on-message. Did anyone break out of the pack last night? Did anyone change any Florida minds?

I think one of the most difficult parts of participating in a high-profile debate would be controlling your expressions when you are not speaking or being directly spoken to. In other words, when you think the camera isn't paying attention to you. A couple of times last night, Gov. Romney looked like he was going to throw up and Mayor Giuliani was squinting and blinking like he'd just emerged from a lifetime of living in the tunnels of New York.

It's nothing more than the facial expressions they make when listening intently. I know when I'm really trying to listen to something I look like a Sioux Indian scanning the distance for approaching enemy cowboys.

I'd love to hear from you about your expectations of FCN coverage on Primary Night.

-h^tavetu

Clinton and Florida's Delegates

While she will keep to her no-stumping-in-Florida promise, Sen. Clinton today released the following statement saying she will try to get Florida's delegates (and Michigan's) seated at the convention regardless of party rules. Here you go:

“I hear all the time from people in Florida and Michigan that they want their voices heard in selecting the Democratic nominee.

“I believe our nominee will need the enthusiastic support of Democrats in these states to win the general election, and so I will ask my Democratic convention delegates to support seating the delegations from Florida and Michigan. I know not all of my delegates will do so and I fully respect that decision. But I hope to be President of all 50 states and U.S. territories, and that we have all 50 states represented and counted at the Democratic convention.

“I hope my fellow potential nominees will join me in this.

“I will of course be following the no-campaigning pledge that I signed, and expect others will as well.”

Kucinich out

BC-KucinichWithdraws 01-24 0089
BC-Kucinich Withdraws,80
Kucinich quits presidential race
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Dennis
Kucinich is abandoning his second bid for the White House.
In an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the congressman
said he was quitting the race and would made a formal announcement
Friday.
"I want to continue to serve in Congress," he told the
newspaper.
Kucinich said he will not endorse another Democrat in the
primary.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APTV-01-24-08 1621EST

A Really Big Show

NBC 12 airs the GOP debate from Florida Atlantic Univ tonight at 9. It's 90 minutes. Immediately following, Donna and I will host a half hour special on the debate. We'll be joined by Dr. Matt Corrigan, chairman of UNF PoliSci Dept.

We'll take apart the debate itself then get into the Dem candidates' funky relationship with Florida, Amendment 1 and anything else that comes up.

I'm looking forward to it. I know Donna is too. And history shows when that's the case, it's going to be fun. I hope you watch.


*******
Mason-Dixon poll conducted Jan 21-23 shows Romney leading McCain in Florida but within the margin of error and Clinton burying everyone on the Dem side.

A Frustrating Conversation with the DNC Press Office

Me: Hi. My name is Shannon Ogden. I'm calling from WTLV-TV in Jacksonville, FL. Some lawmakers from down here today sent letters requesting the Democratic presidential candidates be released from their no-campaigning-in-Florida pledge. Do you know if there is any movement on that front?

DNC Guy: That's not with us. That's the states.

Me: Right. I know. But do you know of anything that seems to be shifting in that area?

DNC Guy: That's not us. That's the states.

Me: I know. Ok. I had also heard a rumor that Howard Dean might intercede and allow the candidates to come to Florida this weekend.

DNC Guy: (kind of shocked) What? No. I've heard nothing about that. No. That has nothing to do with us.

Me: Well, come on. It all started with your rules. It has something to do with you.

DNC Guy: Well, yes, but...the pledge. It has nothing to do with us.

Me: Listen, I'm not trying to get into an argument over semantics. I'm just trying to figure out if the candidates are coming to Florida.

DNC Guy: (silence)

Me: So, are the candidates coming to Florida? Before the primary on the 29th?

DNC Guy: I don't know their schedules. I don't work for their campaigns.

Me: I know that. But have you heard anything like that?

DNC Guy: No.

Me: Thank you. Good bye.

It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar...

Oscar nominations were announced this morning. We will have plenty of time to fine tune our picks before the Feb. 24th ceremony. But tonight I want to get out in front on one category.

I want to go on record as saying that if Il Supplente does not win for Live Action Short Film over fan favorites Le Mozart des Pickpockets and Tanghi Argentini, which I found so penuriously devoid of direction as to make the actors nearly existentially obstreperous, I may lose faith in human nature altogether.

Fred 08

It was one of my favorite bumper stickers of this campaign. A navy blue oval outlined in white that just said "Fred 08." I grabbed a couple of them the last time I was at GOP HQ. Now of course I'm banking on them becoming coveted collector's items. Hello ebay.

Fred Thompson's campaign just never seem to take off. I met him on the day or day after he launched his campaign. He was certainly pleasant but didn't seem terribly excited. His mood seemed to me more of someone who had just successfully reorganized his tools in the garage than someone who was launching a presidential bid. Maybe that was him being excited. Who knows?

No one will ever be able to argue that he didn't look like a president. Or a district attorney. Or a sub commander for that matter. Anyway, more elbow room for the other candidates at the debate in Boca Thursday. Such is politics.

Matt Lauer's favorite band is Earth, Wind and Fire

I interviewed John McCain this afternoon at a private air terminal on the grounds of JIA. Most journalists who cover him say he's a nice guy. And he is. He seems to have trimmed down since I saw him last. I can't imagine the toll such a campaign takes on your body. But he looked good. He certainly doesn't look 71.

His answers did seem a bit more cautious than in previous interviews. But who can blame him? He just won the South Carolina primary and certainly has more to lose than gain from joking around with a journalist.

His wife Cindy was with him. She sat off-camera to his left during the interview tapping away on her Blackberry. I had never met her before. She was too busy for me to get an accurate impression. He seems to think she'd make a good First Lady.

For years and years I have asked high-profile people what books they are reading and what music is in heavy rotation on their iPod/CD player. Because I read so much and listen to so much music their answers help me feel like I get a better bead them.

John McCain most recently ("for fun" not for work) read For Whom the Bell Tolls. He initially told me it was The Great Gatsby but then changed his final answer to For Whom the Bell Tolls. I'm assuming he has read them both recently and it wasn't that he gets the two confused. But The Great Gatsby for fun? For Whom the Bell Tolls, sure. Robert Jordan is one of the coolest characters ever. And it's just a cool book. Blowing up stuff. Sneaking around fighting the man. Falling in love with a beautiful fellow freedom fighter. But The Great Gatsby?

Music in heavy rotation on the senator's iPod? "Anything before 1967," he said. That's too vague for me but I let it slide. And just between you and me it's also a tad disappointing. Sgt. Pepper's came out in '67. Joni Mitchell's Blue is still four years away and The Clash don't come around for another 10 years.

I remember Matt Lauer told me years ago that Earth, Wind and Fire's Greatest Hits never left his car CD player. I'm not sure why I remember that.

The whole interview is or will be posted. McCain's interview. Not Matt Lauer's.

Here they come!

Florida is about to get a lot more crowded for Rudolph W. Giuliani. He has more or less had the place to himself for the last couple of months but starting this weekend the rest of the field starts to jog back in.

At this point in the race all the campaigns seem to have a frenetic "Should we go here? Or should we go here? And if here, then when? And when will be come back to here?" air about them. In the last two days I've been told Huckabee, Thompson, McCain and Romney will for sure be in Jacksonville in the next five days. Or they won't be in Jacksonville in the next five days. But definitely within the next six days. Unless that changes.

The bottom line I guess is that as soon as the South Carolina GOP primary is over Saturday, look for the Republicans to be tramping down the Florida sand in numbers and frequency of visits like we have not yet seen.

Leroy Neiman, Wii and the Duval GOP

I had an interesting interview with Duval Co. GOP chairman John Falconetti today. Very nice guy. Excited about his job, which is always nice to see.
We run down his vision for the party, the breaking of Republican ranks over Amendment 1, RNC punishment of Florida and his predictions for the races. It's a good interview. It will be posted unedited soon. Please check it out.

But I have to admit that it is occasionally distracting when you talk to him because you can't help think about the fact that he is married to someone Leroy Neiman has painted. (Falconetti is married to Olympic gold medal gymnast Shannon Miller.) Growing up, only the greatest most Wide World of Sportiest athletes were painted by Neiman and his ridiculously awesome mustache - Ali, Johnny Bench, the US Lake Placid Hockey Team, Frazier-Foreman...etc.

Driving away from the interview I was also saddened for a moment realizing that I have pretty much missed my shot at doing anything for which I will be painted by Leroy Neiman. Unless you think he's interested in capturing an exceptional Wii bowler.

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

The new Duval Co GOP chairman John Falconetti and I will finally get a chance to do that interview tomorrow. It has been postponed two or three times now. The last time, just as I arrived at his office the T2 Labs on the Northside exploded and I had to rush back to the newsroom.

Please email me any specific questions you'd like me to ask him. As always, the entire interview will be posted on fcn.com.

It's been a busy but largely uneventful day. Dems are still in NV. Republicans are still in SC. Rudy is still in Florida. And I still haven't eaten lunch or dinner.

Want a break from stump speeches, polling results, promises of change and vilification of "Washington Insiders"? Check out Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. An extraordinary soul/rock/bluesy band from Burlington, VT. Their new CD is worth your time. It's one of my favorite albums from last year.

Romney Wins

We are three for three (sort of. Apparently it was decided somewhere that everyone would ignore Wyoming's Jan. 5 primary which Romney won). Three GOP primaries, three different winners. The promise of a brokered convention lingers.

Clinton won Michigan but it was a non-event for Dems.

MSNBC has tonight's Nevada Dem debate. It's a very different tone and look. It is just the three top contenders - Obama, Clinton and Edwards - sitting around a dark round table with Brian Williams and Tim Russert. It has much more of a cordial chat feel than any previous debate.

Obama and Clinton promised to cool the rancor between their campaigns blaming over-eagers supporters for some of the nastiness that has recently surfaced.

The Big G

I'm staring at Rudy Giuliani's campaign bus currently parked outside the TV station. FL AG Bill McCullum is also milling about. He is Giuliani's state chairman.

Rudy's proximity to the currently nameless professional football stadium across the parking lot from his bus gave me an idea.

His campaign appears in desperate shape and even with all the time and money spent in Florida polls show him still losing ground to John McCain. Here's the idea: Jacksonville stadium has no name or sponsor and Giuliani is trying to do something to win the hearts of Florida voters... why doesn't his campaign buy the naming rights to the stadium? What Jags fan wouldn't love the man whose name provides a home to his/her beloved team?

Rudolph W. Giuliani Stadium... home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

What if?

While cold voters do their duty in Michigan (high in Detroit 30, windchill 19), Jacksonville is harboring Rudy Giuliani for the night after events in Jax and in Yulee. America's Mayor's Florida Or Bust strategy got me thinking. What if? What if Giuliani wins Florida? What if Romney wins his original home state of Michigan today? After Huckabee's victory in Iowa and McCain's in New Hampshire, what if this trend continues and there is no clear frontrunner who the party faithful fall in behind? What if there is a contested convention?

I know this has been blog fodder for months now but the beginnings at least are really happening.

The last brokered convention was 1952. Search the '52 Democratic convention to learn details of the multiple votes it took to nominate Gov. Adlai Stevenson. Also say "blog fodder" out loud. Kind of satisfying. It sounds like old-timey hillbilly swearing.

Led Zeppelin

While Romney and McCain slug it out in Michigan, Rudy Giuliani is spending tomorrow's Michigan primary day in Florida which will include a stop in Jax.
As you've heard, Giuliani is putting all his early eggs in the Florida basket so he's not going to be happy with today's Florida poll numbers. From Quinnipiac:

REPUBLICANS
John McCain, 22 percent
Rudy Giuliani, 20 percent
Mike Huckabee, 19 percent
Mitt Romney, 19 percent
Fred Thompson, 7 percent

So he's just two points back of McCain after McCain's victory in NH. Big deal? Well, McCain is up seven points since Q's Dec. 20th poll and Giuliani is down eight.

Dems are camped out in Nevada, their next real contest which is Sat. What about the primary in Michigan? Michigan was slapped around by the national parties just like Florida. Not only did the Dems pledge not to campaign there, either, but all except Hillary, Kucinich and Gravel requested their names be removed from the ballot.

I'm no campaign strategist but is anyone else Dazed and Confused (I read Led Zeppelin's bio over the weekend) about candidates snubbing two states which have a collective 44 electoral votes to deliver in November? This is not new blogging territory I know but with Michigan's primary upon us and Florida's approaching I'm hit by the realization of what is and is not going on in these states.

Also, did you know the name Led Zeppelin came from a comment The Who's John Entwistle made about a band Jimmy Page was putting together. He said something like that it would go over like a lead zeppelin. Page remembered that when it came time to put the real band together. He also changed the spelling from "lead" to "led" so the yanks wouldn't pronounce it leed zeppelin.

Dribs and drabs

Juggling too many balls at once today so just a couple of quick notes. AP reports about a dozen senior staffers for Giuliani are forgoing their paychecks this month. A sign of possible money trouble?

Regarding last night's GOP debate in SC, the consensus seems to be it had little overall effect on campaign battle.

This also from Associated Press today. A poll shows one in five respondents considers Mike Huckabee attractive.

Florida is Important

I had an interesting interview this afternoon with UNF poli sci professor Henry Thomas. He makes the argument that it really won't matter much at all if Florida's delegates are seated at the summer's presidential nominating conventions. Thomas says that will be overshadowed by Florida primary voters giving invaluable propulsion to two lucky people into Feb. 5's Super Tuesday and then right into the general election.

It's a pretty thorough interview in which we hit Kerry's endorsement of Obama, a possible Bloomberg candidacy, high voter turnout in Florida and his predictions both for Florida's winners and the two who emerge as their parties nominees. (I'll give you a hint to his answer to that one. It rhymes with Millary and BucCain.)

I'll post the entire unedited interview tomorrow afternoon.

Sign sign everywhere a sign... except here

On my run this morning I noticed or rather didn't notice something: political signs. I saw two. We are only two weeks or so away from the Florida primary and I saw two, count 'em two, campaign signs in five miles. And trust me, I was going so slowly this morning that I didn't miss anything. There were two Ron Paul signs and those were directly across the street from each other. Maybe I am just running in a particularly non political part of town but I don't think that's the case.

Something did occur to me, though. Realtors should run for office more. A successful real estate agent has his or here name on front yard signs all over the area. A couple driving around house-hunting sees the sign and goes, "Oh. Mr. Realtor is running for mayor. I think I'll vote for him. And he has a cute little three bed, two and a half bath split level ranch."

Richardson Out

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D) is dropping out of the White House race.

After Dodd and Biden dropped out Donna and I were discussing how politically experienced, serious and seemingly-capable candidates sometimes just never grab the attention for whatever reason. Such an inexact science, this politics thing. Richardson has always struck me as a strong candidate. I've met him a few times. He's sharp and charismatic - the kind of pol you could easily imagine being in the mix of a presidential campaign deep into the primaries.

Question from viewer

A viewer from Ortega asks why the DNC and RNC are punishing Florida for moving its primary to Jan. 29th and why Florida won't change back to a date that doesn't so irritate the national parties.

Here's the Cliffs Notes answer. Florida traditionally has held its primary in March well after New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina primaries and caucuses. But Florida lawmakers decided the state is important enough to warrant a higher profile primary so they voted to move it to Jan. 29th. Well, here's the problem. Both national parties want IA,NH,SC to preserve their first-in-the-nation votes. Why? The only answer I'm ever given is simply "tradition." And the parties have rules that prohibit most states from holding primaries before Feb. 5. Since Jan. 29th does happen to come before Feb. 5 the parties punished Florida.

The Dems stripped FL of all its delegates to the summer nominating convention. The GOPs took half the delegates away. What's more, all the major Democratic candidates pledged not to campaign in Florida until after votes in those early states.

Florida lawmakers and party officials refused to be bullied by the national parties and stood their ground. That's where we are today.

Since it was a Republican legislature and Republican governor that changed the date to Jan. 29th I figured the state Democratic party had a good argument that it had nothing to do with the change and therefore shouldn't be punished. But the DNC said "rules are rules" and that was that.

You say to yourself, "This is petty inside baseball stuff that really doesn't matter to our state or country so why should there be a chance my vote won't count because of it." You wouldn't be the first to say it.

A brand new day

On days like this I'm glad I don't make my living as a pollster or political prognosticator. We all awoke this morning to their collective "oops." Hillary won. McCain beat Romney is his own back yard and the overall 2008 campaign has a completely different feel than it did this time yesterday.

I just spoke with Mike Huckabee's press secretary and she seemed as upbeat as her boss did last night when addressing supporters in NH. And why shouldn't they feel upbeat? A couple of months ago the Huckabee campaign was largely treated as little more than a debate placeholder and now his crowds are growing, riding the wave of his Iowa victory. He finished third in NH, by the way and is scheduled to return to Florida Saturday.

Fred Thompson was trounced in NH yesterday finishing a distant sixth. Ron Paul beat him by 16,000 votes or so. But the former senator from TN never seemed to try to be competitive there. I just got off the phone with one of Thompson's advisers who told me the campaign has no plans to change strategy. The strategy is and has been to hold on until South Carolina and start to really shine there.

Clinton beating Obama tonight could signal a very long primary season.

That's it for tonight. Off to the set for this evening's newscast. Hope to see you there.