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.
Friday, March 28, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, March 21, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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)
"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.
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.
(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.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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.
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
Obama for
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
In
Over the last few weeks, there has been much discussion about how to ensure that the
To that end, we are in active consultation with all of our supporters in
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
Hillary Clinton made the following statement at the Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce earlier this morning:
“If you are a voter from
“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
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.”
Friday, March 7, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
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."
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."
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
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)
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 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.
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!
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.
presidential nomination, according to The Associated Press delegate
count.
Monday, March 3, 2008
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:
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.
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.
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