Very nice. Bush sure will make sure the oil and nuclear industries get as many free passes from him that he can...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/us/27s olar.html?ei=5087&em=&en=96ea5e9 8a35597da&ex=1214712000&adxnnl=1 &adxnnlx=1214600259-dakOUBgdC/XeacGb Xhab+A

This is more of a question than a diary per say, but I didn't know where else to put it. I recently came across the "Whitey" story and I was wondering what the background is, is it a sure thing it's false etc. This one story is making me a little wary about appreciating Obama's chances because I feel it will then be used as an October surprise. Is it a hoax or what? Thanks

Anyone know when Obama's fund raising numbers for May will be released?

Since its becoming more and more clear that Obama will be the nominee, as a Clinton supporter and Democrat first, I will obviously be supporting him. Also I agree with a lot of his policies, I just agreed with Clinton's a little more. Anyway, I do two concerns about him that I do keep on noticing....

1. One reason I chose Clinton is how great she was in debates. I could very well see her wiping the floor with McCain. For Obama, he seemed to be "ok" but always came across as frustrated and made it clear he wasn't enjoying the debate. I really hope that will change.

2. His campaign. He says he wont be swift-boated and will respond to every controversy immediately, yet when the Wright thing happened, even though it was extremely clear what he had to say and do, he waited. Kinda gives me concerns about the GE but hopefully he'll improve.

 Also, when the gas tax holiday debate came out, it was clear to everyone to run with the "the oil companies will just raise their prices anyway" mantra to shut down the whole debate in general. Instead it was somewhat here and there used but for the most part not so much.

So yeah, those have been some of my two main concerns about him. Hopefully he'll be able to pick up the pace.

Thoughts? Comments?

Well the local news in Las Vegas, NV today reported that the main Democrat running against Jon Porter in CD3, was dropping out due to "family reasons". Robert Daskas was to be the opponent was had a strong chance to beat Porter. This was kinda dis heartening to hear until....

The news added it is very likely Dina Titus, a State Senator, would take his place to run against Porter. Titus came close to winning the Governorship in 06 and beat the now most un-popular Governor in the nation in CD3 on election day.

Democrats hold a 22,500 voter registration advantage over Republicans in the district and in 06 Porter barely won his district against a political new comer by 1%. Titus, who is well recognized throughout the state and again, won CD3 against Gibbons in the Governors race would surely be able to user Porter out and add another Democrat to the House.

It will be a slaughter in the Republicans favor. I've been back and forth and back again debating what candidate to support. First I was with Clinton, then after seeing that Obama had a pledged delegate lead that was likely not to be topped, I figured it was best that the party unite around him. I even ordered the Obama bumper sticker...but now, after the past few weeks, i have to hope the super delegates vote in Hillary's favor. As a party, they must. This is the percise reason they are allowed to vote. To stop a nomination before its too late. If this Wright thing and the effects it has had on the public haven't happened, i would be against having the supers decide but unfortunately it looks like it must happen. Based on personal experiences...

The anger of the Wright controversy is real and is NOT going away. Especially when the Rev. himself wont shut up and keeps saying asinine things. I am in a job where I talk to various people throughout the day from various backgrounds. When we come to politics the mood has definitely changed against Obama. He used to be met with an uplifting attitude by my customers, now it's "Well, that preacher really has ruined his reputation in my book..." I even came home this night to find my very liberal mother furious at Rev. Wright for more comments he has said today and she was partly angry at Obama him self for not distancing him self. Let's face it, perception usually wins out against reality in elections. The ads against Obama will be damaging and Obama hasn't really shown he has the abilities to seal the deal or fight back when pressed. Imagine the 24/7 campaign ads...

Rev Wright....America got what it deserved....Michelle Obama's "this is the first time ive ever been proud of america".....obama not putting his hand over his heart or wearing the american flag pin....

Do I think these things are stupid to base your vote on? Yes, but again perception beats reality in politics and unfortunately the campaign against him will be ruthless and i can very much see an electoral landslide in McCain's favor.

The perfect scenario? Through a deal, Clinton wins the nomination and immediately takes Obama as her running mate. This satisfys the AA and young vote and gets him out of the spotlight as much as where the Wright thing doesn't matter so much. She has shown she is stronger in the Ohio,PA's and Michigan's of America which is a vital asset to have in the GE.

Do I feel bad if this were to happen to Obama? Yes, but something has come up that can severely implode his candidacy. Unfortunately politics is like that sometimes and sometimes you have to bite the bullet for the good of the party and the nation.

Hopefully this will happen but I unfortunately think that Obama is going to be the candidate and we will be killed in a GE. Best of luck to him though.

Can anyone tell me why Clinton didn't have a serious caucus strategy in place for the Feb 5th states? I'm looking for serious answers, not Obama fans trying make a one liner.

So much for Obama's clam he's "above the fray" and the "reconciliation candidate" ;)

Of course I'm sure this wont get a front page entry like what seems to happen if God forbid Clinton doesn't bend over backwards to praise Barack...

WASHINGTON (CNN) - It could have been a moment for Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to demonstrate the civility they say we need in our politics.

Oh, well.

Before the President entered the House Chamber for the State of the Union address, Clinton took a seat three chairs and an aisle away from Obama. While members of Congress were still greeting one another, Clinton crossed the aisle to speak with Democratic Rep. Jim Langvin of Rhode Island, a Clinton supporter. He was seated in front of Obama.

While Clinton was bent over talking to Langvin, who has been in a wheelchair since age 16, the senator sitting next to Barack Obama watched Clinton intently. It was Sen. Ted Kennedy, who had made a splash by endorsing Obama earlier in the day.

Here's where it could have happened.

When Clinton straightened up, Kennedy quickly reached across Barack Obama to shake Clinton's hand. She took it. As they spoke, Obama turned away. Then the senators seated to Obama's right - Ben Nelson and Ken Salazar -- both shook Senator Clinton's hand and talked to her. Instead of doing the same, Obama turned to look at the back of the room. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who has also endorsed Obama and was seated next to Kennedy, reached across the Massachusetts senator -- who was still talking to Clinton -- and tapped Obama (still twisted toward the back of the room) on the shoulder. McCaskill engaged Obama in conversation until the moment passed.

It all lasted less than five minutes. Neither acknowledged the other all night.

-CNN's Jessica Yellin

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/200 8/01/28/state-of-the-union-awkward-momen t/