Hillary or Bust

[NewYorkExpress]

November 8, 2006

Democrats sweep to victory in midterm elections

Democrats swept to victory in the midterm elections, taking back both the House and Senate in a resounding rebuke to President George W. Bush. Now speculation in both parties mounts as to who will run for President in 2008. All eyes are now on Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democrats, and John McCain for the Republicans.


Senate results (only those that differ from IRL 2006 will be shown)

Connecticut: Ned Lamont defeats Joe Lieberman and Alan Schlieslinger

Tennessee: Harold Ford Jr. defeats Bob Corker

Governor results (only those that differ from IRL 2006 will be shown)

Florida: Jim Davis defeats Charlie Crist

Nevada: Dina Titus defeats Jim Gibbons

Rhode Island: Charles Fogarty defeats Donald Caicieri

House of Representatives: (only results that differ from IRL 2006 will be shown)

Florida-13: Christine Jennings defeats Vern Buchanan

Illinois-6 Tammy Duckworth defeats Peter Roskam

Minnesota-6 Patty Wetterling defeats Michelle Bachmann and John Binkowski

Nevada-3 Tessa Hafen defeats Jon Porter

New Jersey-7 Linda Stender defeats Mike Ferguson

Virginia-2 Phil Kellam defeats Thelma Drake

Washington-8 Darcy Burner defeats Dave Reichert


November 9, 2006

Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzalez resign

Following a disastrous midterm for the Republican Party, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez have submitted their resignations. With a surge in Iraq considered possible, President Bush is expected to nominate a Middle East expert as Secretary of Defense, with some insiders predicting that Colin Powell will return to the Administration.

Gonzalez's resignation comes as the Senate Judiciary committee was beginning an investigation into the dismissal, earlier in 2006, into the firing of several US Attorney's. It is speculated that one of the fired attorney's will be given the position of Attorney General to appease Democrats in the Senate.

Henry Kissinger indicted in Argentina for his role in Operation Condor

Prosecutors in Buenos Aires have indicted former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on murder and crimes against humanity charges for his role in Operation Condor, a United States backed government operation by Latin American dictatorships. President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice are not expected to oppose the extradition of Kissinger to Argentina, and a Justice Department source told the Washington Post that if the Argentinian Government wanted help prosecuting the case, they would be willing to loan a few Assistant US Attorneys.

Tom Vilsack becomes first major candidate to announce Presidential campaign

Outgoing Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack (D) became the first major candidate in either party to declare a Presidential campaign, announcing his campaign at the Governor's Mansion in Des Moines. In his announcement speech, Vilsack stated that America needed someone with a "farmer's touch" to be President, saying that America's best Presidents came from the heartland.

November 10, 2006

Barack Obama will not run, will chair DSCC for 2008 cycle.

Barack Obama (D-IL) has been tapped to run the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for the 2008 cycle, and has told those close to him that this will take him out of the Presidential race.

Oakland Athletics, Raiders to move

Following the failure of the City of Oakland to build the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball, and the National Football League's Oakland Raiders a new stadium both teams will be moving following simultaneous votes by both leagues yesterday.

The Athletics will be moving to Vancouver, British Columbia, starting in the 2011 season, and will temporarily share BC Place with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League and the Vancouver Whitecaps of USSF Division 2 in professional Soccer, when that club starts play, before getting a 45,000 seat stadium in the Riley Park Neighborhood, due to open in 2013.

The Raiders, meanwhile, will be moving back to Los Angeles, and will play home games at the Rose Bowl for the foreseeable future. Owner Al Davis stated in an interview to ESPN anchor Sage Steele that the Raiders will not be playing at any other Los Angeles stadium while he was alive, stating the Rose Bowl should become "the pinnacle of success". He also indicated that he hoped the Rose Bowl would be awarded Super Bowl XLV, which is to be awarded in May 2007.


November 13, 2006

Colin Powell nominated as Secretary of Defense


Perhaps bowing to political reality, President Bush has nominated Former Secretary of State Colin Powell to serve as his nominee for Secretary of Defense, replacing Donald Rumsfeld who resigned after the midterms. Senate Republicans are expected to try to confirm Powell in the lame duck, as some Democrats, led Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama have threatened to filibuster any nominee for the position that does not commit to an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, with at least one Senator, believed to be Barbara Boxer, also supporting the filibuster if the nominee does not also commit to an immediate withdrawal from Afghanistan as well.

Newt Gingrich becomes first major Republican to announce Presidential Campaign

Speaking at a rally in Savannah, former Representative Newt Gingrich became the first major Republican to launch a Presidential campaign. Gingrich, alluding to the likely candidacy of Hillary Clinton, said he was the only Republican capable of taking on the Clinton's in the rally.

College Football gets playoff

NCAA Executive Director Myles Brand announced, that due to fan discontent over how the National Championship game in College Football's Division 1-A is selected, announced that a playoff would take place starting with the 2007-8 season. The playoff is to consist of the eight Conference Champions, seven at-large in-division schools, and the Division I-AA champion. All
playoff games are to be played during the following Spring Semester from the regular season before it.

Duma abolishes term limits, paves way for Putin to rule for life

In a 350-100 vote, the Russian Duma voted to abolish term limits for the President of Russia last night, paving the way for President Vladimir Putin to serve for the rest of his life, if he so wished. Putin has not yet announced his plans for the elections in 2008, but it is widely believed he pushed for the changes. The changes to the constitution will now go before the voters of Russia in a referendum, which is widely expected to pass easily, as Putin is broadly popular.

[Chips]

Interesting read so far.

[John King wannabe]

I'm intrigued....

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Why did you have to move the A's?

[NewYorkExpress]

Why did you have to move the A's?

They're talking about it right now in real life.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Why did you have to move the A's?

They're talking about it right now in real life.

Won't happen. 2006 was a different time. The A's stadium wasn't nearly as bad.

[NewYorkExpress]

Why did you have to move the A's?

They're talking about it right now in real life.

Won't happen. 2006 was a different time. The A's stadium wasn't nearly as bad.

This is true. The stadium might be made Soccer specific, and the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) might move there in the not to distant future.

[NewYorkExpress]

November 14, 2006

Rudy Giuliani nominated to be Attorney General

President Bush nominated former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to be Attorney General, replacing Alberto Gonzalez. Giuliani, who served as Associate Attorney General, and US Attorney for the Southern District of New York during the Reagan Administration, would bring vast prosecuting experience to the position.

Giuliani is expected to have a difficult confirmation process, as Republicans will seek to press him on his support for abortion and same-sex marriage, while Democrats will pressure him on the administration's policies in regards to torture and extraordinary rendition.

While sources close to Giuliani say the former Mayor was considering entering the Presidential race in the coming months, the nomination to the position as Attorney General would likely put paid to those plans, barring a rejection in the Senate.

Antonio Villaraigosa launches long-shot Presidential bid

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa launched a bid that even he acknowledged had long odds from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, stating that "America should never be afraid of new ideas". Villaraigosa, if elected, would be the first Hispanic-American President of the United States.

Car Bombing in Perth kills sixty, injures eighty-one

A Car Bombing at the WACA Ground, in Perth, Australia, aimed at fans about to attend an international test cricket match between Australia and Pakistan killed sixty people, and wounded eighty-one last night. In a videotape released this morning, Osama Bin Laden claimed responsibility on behalf of Al-Qaeda, citing Australian support of the United States war in Afghanistan.

November 16, 2006

Senate Armed Services hearing for Colin Powell turns testy as Democrats walk out

The Armed Services Committee hearing for Colin Powell grew testy when the nominee told the Committee, when asked if the war in Iraq was winnable that "it's winnable if we do everything right". When he said this, every Democrat on the Committee walked out, along with Chuck Hagel, with one Democrat flat out suggesting Powell was lying to benefit the Administration.

[NewYorkExpress]

November 16, 2006

Newt Gingrich calls Senate Democrats terrorists for holding up Colin Powell nomination

At a campaign rally at the University of West Florida, Newt Gingrich called Senate Democrats, terrorists, for attempting to block the nomination of Colin Powell as Secretary of Defense. He specifically called out the ringleaders of the ongoing attempt to fillibuster and defeat the nomination, Barack Obama, Russ Feingold and Barbara Boxer, calling on the Administration to declare them enemy combatants and ship them to Guantanamo Bay. The White House has made no statement to the media, but Press Secretary Tony Snow stated Hannity and Colmes, when questioned by Alan Colmes about the comments that "no Senator is being sent to Guantanamo for opposing a Cabinet nominee". When asked by Sean Hannity on the same program about Gingrich's comments, Colin Powell said they were "dangerous" and called for Gingrich to leave the Presidential race.

November 17, 2006

George Allen announces Presidential bid

George Allen (R-VA) isn't letting his defeat in the recent Senate elections to Jim Webb get him off track. Today, the outgoing Senator announced at a rally in Clemson, South Carolina, that he would run for President. Taking a swipe at his only declared rival so far, Allen called Newt Gingrich, "a liar and a cheater", and unveiled endorsements from former South Carolina Governor David Beasley, and former New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson, both of whom appeared and spoke at his kickoff rally.

Ehud Olmert resigns as part of plea bargain with Israeli prosecutors

Facing criminal charges owing to his activities as Mayor of Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has reached a plea deal with prosecutors today, announcing his resignation, effective immediately as Prime Minister and as a member of the Knesset, in exchange for avoiding prison time on multiple corruption charges. Tzipi Livni is expected to become Acting Prime Minister, with a leadership election within the Kadima Party to decide the next Prime Minister to be held within the coming weeks. Whoever the next Prime Minister is, whether it is Livini or someone else, is expected to call for elections, which would likely be held sometime between Passover and Shavuot 2007, according to sources in Jerusalem.

November 19, 2006

Harry Reid bows to progressive pressure, confirms that incoming Senate will not take up Powell nomination

Harry Reid bowed to pressure from the left wing of his party today, when he stated on Meet the Press, that the nominee for Secretary of Defense, Colin Powell, would not be voted on by the incoming Senate. Reid, when asked about other hypothetical nominees by Tim Russert, said that "they probably won't receive hearings or votes either", stating that President Bush must commit to a full withdrawal from Iraq before any Defense Department nominee would receive a hearing. Asked if he was prepared to do the same to a Democratic President's nominee by Russert, Reid replied "yes, I am."

Tom Brady sets record for Touchdowns in single game as Patriots throttle Bills

Tom Brady set an NFL record for most touchdowns in a single game yesterday with nine , as the New England Patriots crushed the Buffalo Bills 70-3 at Ralph Wilson Stadium, to move to 9-1 . Brady also was 30-32, and threw for 503 yards, in a performance that Bills Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell said was like "being the defense in Madden". Wide Recievers Troy Brown and Bam Childress  combined to catch seven of Brady's nine touchdowns.

Barry Bonds, Marion Jones indicted for perjury, obstruction of justice over BALCO testimony

U.S Attorney Scott Schools (Northern District of California) announced the indictment of San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds, and Olympic Gold Medalist Marion Jones on perjury and obstruction of justice related to their testimony in the BALCO scandal. Both Bonds and Jones are accused of lying under oath about taking performance enhancing drugs. Bonds is accused of obstructing justice by threatening a possible witness against him, his ex-girlfriend Kimberly Bell, while Jones is accused of obstructing justice by calling other witnesses, and trying to persuade them to lie under oath. Both were arraigned today. Bonds was released on $250,000 cash or bond, Jones on $125,000 cash or bond.

November 20, 2006

Global Super League being formed

A football Global Super League, featuring the top clubs from almost every continent is being formed, with FIFA's backing. The League, which will have a promotion and relegation system to the top league of the relevant country, will have a "significant number" of clubs to start. The bottom five teams will be relegated, and promotion will be achieved by winning the top Continental Competition of a Continent, such as the UEFA Champions League or the Copa Libertadores.

The Inaugural Season, which will be 2009-2010, will be contested by the following teams:

UEFA: Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund

CONCACAF: America, Atlante, Cruz Azul, LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, Deportivo Saprissa, L.D Alajuelense

COMMEBOL: Boca Juniors, River Plate, Santos FC, Botafago, Independiente, CA Lanus

AFC: Kashima Antlers, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Guangzhou F.C, Al-Itthad (Jeddah), Al Sadd SC

CAF: Zamalek, Al Ahly, Orlando Pirates, Etoile du Sahel, Kaizer Chiefs, Wydad AC

[Utah Neolib]

Bump

[NewYorkExpress]

Bump

Sorry, I got writer's block on this one.

[NewYorkExpress]

December 1, 2006

Hillary Clinton to announce Campaign on New Year's Eve at Times Square Ball drop

Sources close to the Clinton's say that Hillary Clinton plans to announce her campaign for the White House at New York City's Times Square Ball Drop, on National Television.

John McCain files for Presidential Campaign

Senator John McCain (R-AZ), has filed documents with the FEC, to begin fundraising for a Presidential campaign. A formal announcement is expected sometime in February, probably in New Hampshire, according to sources close to the Senator.

December 5, 2006

Rudy Giuliani confirmed by United States Senate

The United States has confirmed Rudy Giuliani to be the next Attorney General by a 51-50 vote, with Vice President Dick Cheney breaking the tie. All Democrats  but Joe Lieberman voted against Giuliani, and were joined by Jeff Sessions, Sam Brownback, James Inhofe, Tom Coburn, Rick Santorum, Jim DeMint and Richard Burr.

[NewYorkExpress]

December 7, 2006

Federal Judge rules that Fanfiction violates U.S copyright law in landmark lawsuit.

In a landmark court case, Rowling v. Li, Federal Judge Vaughn Walker ruled today that the concept of fan-fiction violated U.S Copyright Law, as it is not "fair use", and ordered the closure of Fanfiction.Net by January 1, 2007. He also directed Congress to pass legislation expressly forbidding "fanfiction", stating that in his twenty-four page opinion that is a clear violation of any copyright holder's rights. Fanfiction.net's owner Xing Li, is expected to appeal the ruling.

December 11, 2006

John Edwards will not run for President, cites wife's breast cancer as reason

John Edwards has pulled the plug on a long anticipated second bid for President, citing the recurrence of his wife's Breast Cancer. Edwards is instead believed to be considering a run against Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2008.

December 13, 2006

Dennis Hastert arrested by FBI agents in sexual assault scandal, will resign

Outgoing Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert was arrested on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday, after a three month long investigation by the FBI into suspicious cash withdrawals, which led prosecutors to hush payments to cover up decades old sexual abuse by Hastert. Hastert has been charged with financial crime violations of the PATRIOT Act, and obstruction of justice by U.S Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Hastert announced he would resign this morning, and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is expected to set the special election for his Congressional seat for sometime in April, 2007.

[NewYorkExpress]

December 31, 2006

Hillary Clinton announcement fails to impress

Hillary Clinton's announcement that she was running for President, made before a national audience on ABC's Rocking New Year's Eve in Time's Square, failed to make an impact with Democratic Primary audiences, snap polling shows. Late night polling by ABC and the Washington Post in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, the four states preliminary approved by the DNC to go first in the primary process show Hillary Clinton's announcement with a negative approval rating.

ABC/Washington Post poll on Hillary Clinton

Do you approve of Hillary Clinton's announcement for the 2008 Presidential race?

Yes: 40%
No: 42%
Undecided: 18%

Does Hillary Clinton's announcement strategy make you more or less likely to vote for her in your state's primary/caucus?
More Likely: 22%
Less Likely: 23%
It doesn't affect my decision: 65%

What is your opinion of Hillary Clinton?

Approve: 47%
Disapprove: 40%
No Opinion: 13%

The poll was conducted with 3,000 registered Democrats in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina between 11:15: PM on December 31, 2006, and 10:00 AM on January 1, 2007.

January 1, 2007

New Congress sworn in, Nancy Pelosi named first female Speaker, Tom Harkin named Senate Majority in upset.

The 110th Congress has been sworn in in today, with several historic firsts. The First Muslim Representative, Keith Ellison was sworn in, as were the first two Buddhist Representatives in Mazie Hirono and Hank Johnson. Nancy Pelosi was elected the first female Speaker of the House, as well

The House Leadership for the 110th Congress, with one seat to be filled in a special election.

Speaker of the House: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

House Majority Leader: Jim Clyburn (D-SC)

House Minority Leader: John Boehner: (R-OH)

Majority Whip: John Lewis (D-GA)

Minority Whip: Roy Blunt (R-MO)

Democratic Caucus Chairman: Rahm Emanuel (D-IL)

Republican Conference Chairman: Kay Granger (R-TX)

Chair-DCCC: Xavier Becerra (D-CA)

Chair: NRCC: Tom Cole (R-OK)

The leadership of the United States Senate for the 110th Congress.

Majority Leader: Tom Harkin (D-IA)

Minority Leader: Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

Majority Whip: Dick Durbin (D-IL)

Minority Whip: Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Chair-DSCC: Barack Obama (D-IL)

Chair-NRSC: Kit Bond (R-MO)

Republican Conference Chairman: Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

January 8, 2007

In first and last BCS Championship game, Florida Gators defeat Michigan Wolverines

In what will be the only BCS National Championship Game ever played, the Florida Gators defeated the Michigan Wolverines 20-7 today. Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow threw for 289 yards and one touchdown, and ran for 144 yards and another touchdown on his way to becoming the game's Most Valuable Player.

[Orwell]

Michigan playing Florida means they beat Ohio State in The Game of the Century, right? That is a big moment for them seeing as their legendary coach Bo Schembecler had died the night before.

[Utah Neolib]

Bump

Sorry, I got writer's block on this one.

That’s totally fine, and I’m not forcing you to write anything

[NewYorkExpress]

Michigan playing Florida means they beat Ohio State in The Game of the Century, right? That is a big moment for them seeing as their legendary coach Bo Schembecler had died the night before.

Correct.

[NewYorkExpress]

January 5, 2007

Ruth Bader Ginsburg will retire in June

Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg announced this morning that she would retire from the Supreme Court when the court completes it's term in June, setting up a potentially messy confirmation battle between President Bush's nominee, and the Democratic-controlled Senate. Ginsburg, who cited a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, said her diagnosis was caught early and that she was getting treatment, but she wished to retire to avoid being a liability to her fellow justices.

It is unclear whether any nominee President Bush makes will have the support in the Senate to be confirmed.

January 9, 2007

Mitt Romney will run for President

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney announced his Presidential Campaign in Manchester, New Hampshire. Calling himself a "Mr Fix-It" who will bring honor and respect to the White House the way he did with 2002 Winter Olympics, Romney's announcement drew rave reviews on Fox News.

Romney currently is running even with John McCain in New Hampshire polling.

Ted Stevens indicted in VECO Scandal, will plead guilty and resign Senate seat.

Federal prosecutors have indicted Senator Ted Stevens in the ongoing VECO criminal investigation. According to sources close to the U.S Attorney's office in Alaska, Stevens will plead guilty at arraignment on Thursday, as part of plea deal, that will require him to resign his Senate seat. As part of the plea agreement, Stevens will be sentenced to one year in prison, and will be barred from running for federal office or for state office in Alaska.

January 11, 2007

Alaska Special Election Date set, will be Tuesday, March 13.

Governor Sarah Palin has set the date for the Special Election to replace Ted Stevens to be Tuesday, March 13, 2007. Palin, who is not permitted to make an appointment, denied interest in running for the seat herself.

January 12, 2007

Bush to nominate Merrick Garland to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Facing a hostile Senate, President Bush has chosen to bow to the political reality and has submitted Appeals Court Judge, D.C Circuit, Merrick Garland, as his nominee to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. Garland, seen as a moderate consensus builder on the D.C Circuit is not expected to draw much Republican support, but he is expected to get the votes of most of the Democratic caucus. His nomination to replace Ginsburg will shift the Supreme Court slightly to the right, though likely not by a significant degree.

Bush doubles down, renominates Colin Powell as Secretary of Defense

Despite Senate Democrats making it clear that no nominee for the position of Secretary of Defense would be given a hearing until a pullout from Iraq occurred, President Bush has doubled down and renominated former Secretary of State Colin Powell to the position. Powell is considered unlikely to get a hearing even if a pullout from Iraq occurs due to his prior service in the Bush Administration, according to Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Carl Levin.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Declining to hold a hearing for COLIN POWELL as SECRETARY OF DEFENSE is kinda absurd. He was still popular.

[NewYorkExpress]

Declining to hold a hearing for COLIN POWELL as SECRETARY OF DEFENSE is kinda absurd. He was still popular.

If Colin Powell hadn't previously served as Secretary of State in the Bush Administration, and the Administration committed to pulling out of Iraq he would be confirmed easily.

As it is, neither fact is true, so he isn't getting a hearing.

[NewYorkExpress]

January 15, 2007

Citing increased doping at previous Tour de France's, French Government proposes ban on road cycling races in France.

French Minister of Youth and Sports, Jean-Francois Lamour citing the number of doping cases at last year's Tour De France as a result of Operation Puerto, introduced legislation on behalf of the Government, that would ban road cycling races, such as the Tour de France, from being run in France. The proposed legislation has at least tepid support from most major parties, with most of the candidates in the upcoming Presidential election offering support to the legislation. Notably, Nicolas Sarkozy called cycling "corrupt" stating at a campaign stop in Marseilles that the sport needed cleaning up before it could be allowed in France again, Segolene Royal stated that professional cycling was "beyond repair", Francois Bayrou stated that it was time for the Tour de France to "fall into the dustbin of history", and Jean-Marie Le Pen stated that the Tour de France was "an unholy marriage between athletes and commercialism, for which France is being sacrificed." Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe stated that even if the legislation failed to pass, the Tour de France would not be allowed to enter Paris while he was Mayor in a press statement.

The legislation is expected to be one of the last items to pass through the Parliament, before the Presidential and Parliamentary elections later this year.

John Warner will retire

After a long distinguished career in the United States Senate dating back to 1978, Senator John Warner (R-VA) has announced his retirement today. Warner told reporters that it was "time to call it quits". Virginia is a state steadily moving towards Democrats, and is expected to be one of the top battlegrounds of 2008. Republicans are expected to attempt to convince former Senator George Allen to end his Presidential campaign, where he is getting very little traction, and run for the Senate instead, to fend off the possible candidacies of popular former Governor Mark Warner or popular Governor Tim Kaine.

Sean Parnell announces candidacy in Alaska special election

Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell (R) has announced his campaign in the special election to replace Ted Stevens, serving a federal prison sentence for his involvement in the VECO scandal. Parnell is considered the strongest possible Republican recruit after Governor Sarah Palin declined to run. No Democrats have filed yet, and the filing deadline is fast approaching.

Most major rating services rate the Special Election as a Tossup, pending the entrance of a Democratic candidate.

Mike Huckabee announces Presidential Campaign

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (R) became the fifth major Republican to take steps towards a Presidential campaign, announcing his bid in Ames, Iowa this morning. Huckabee's announcement, which stated that he was "the only candidate that spoke from the heart, rather than using platitudes" went over well, and he enters the race with one major endorsement, that of former Attorney General John Ashcroft.

January 16, 2007

Mark Begich will run in Alaska Special Election

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (D) has announced his campaign in the upcoming special election for Alaska's Senate seat. Begich was considered the strongest possible Democratic nominee, and is expected to make a strong play for the seat.

Ratings analyst Charlie Cook stated that the race is a tossup, and likely will remain so until the Special Election, but he said that "if you put a gun to my head, I'd probably pick Begich, based on the fundamentals of the unpopularity of the Bush Administration, and the aftereffects of the VECO scandal".

RNC announces dates, locations, moderators for first two debates.

RNC Chairman Mike Duncan announced the dates, location, and moderators for the first two Presidential Primary debates today.

The first debate, will be held on February 1, 2007, at Bob Jones University, in Greenville, South Carolina, and will be moderated by Gretchen Carlson and Bill O'Reilly.

The Second Debate, will be held on February 28, 2007, at Franklin Pierce University, in Rindege, New Hampshire, and will be moderated by George Stephanoplouos and Robin Roberts.

[NewYorkExpress]

January 17, 2007

DNC announces locations, moderators, dates for first two debates

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean announced the dates, locations and moderators for the first two Presidential Primary debates for the so-far small Presidential field.

The first debate will be held on February 6, 2007 at Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be moderated by Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer.

The second debate will be held on February 27, 2007 at the U.S Cellular Center, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and will be moderated by Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff.

DNC, RNC set primary calendar rules-only protected dates are Iowa and New Hampshire.

In a joint press release, DNC Chairman Howard Dean and RNC Chairman Mike Duncan laid out the ground rules for the Presidential Primary calendar for 2008. Only Iowa and New Hampshire can hold their primaries or caucuses before January 15. Any other state can hold theirs after that date, but no more than three states can hold their primaries or caucuses on the same day. The penalties for doing so will differ by party. The DNC is proposing that any group of more than three states that schedule their primaries or caucuses on the same day will be stripped of their superdelegates, while the RNC is proposing that any group of three or more states that schedules their primary or caucuses on the same day will be stripped of all of their pledged delegates in 2012.

January 18, 2007

Mario Cuomo finally running for President

Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo (D), once called "Hamlet on the Hudson" for his dalliances with running for President in 1988 and 1992, shocked the nation by announcing that he would run for President last night at a packed rally in Times Square. Cuomo said the nation had gone backwards since he was Governor and that we "don't need triangulation", a direct swipe at Hillary Clinton, the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.

Cuomo, 75, would be the oldest nominee of a major party if nominated, and would be the oldest President elected, if he wins next November.

January 20, 2007

Pete Domenici will retire

Pete Domenici (R), became the second Senator this cycle to retire, ending a long Senate career that began with a victory in 1972. His seat in New Mexico is getting steadily more Democratic, and Republicans are expected to have trouble holding the seat, especially if Representative Tom Udall decides to run.

Federal Judge rules NCAA student-athletes are entitled to form a union

In a landmark case, Federal Judge (Southern District of Indiana) John Daniel Tinder ruled in Orton v. NCAA that college student-athletes are entitled to collectively bargain for pay and benefits, just like any other employee. Tinder's twenty page opinion savaged the NCAA, calling it "plantation slavery", and "making a fortune by ruining the health and livelihoods of young people". Orton's attorney, John Ashcroft, who took the case pro bono, stated in a press conference that the fight wasn't over, as he anticipated the NCAA would appeal all the way to the Supreme Court, and that he looked forward to winning at the highest court in America.

Mitchell Report out, recommends abolishing players union.

The Mitchell Report on steroid use in baseball accused eighty-nine current and former players of using performance enhancing drugs. The report, which released several months ahead of schedule by George Mitchell, the former United States Senator, had two shocking conclusions and recommendations. The first conclusion, was that penalties for PED use were far too lenient. Mitchell recommended a lifetime ban for any offense, and the forfeiture of all salary made throughout the guilty player's career. Mitchell also concluded that PED's percolated as long as they did because the player's union was too powerful. He recommended that either Congress or the courts order the abolition of the Major League Baseball Player's association, the union for Major League Baseball players.

[President of the great nation of 🏳️‍⚧️]

I know the name implies he's gonna lose, but honestly I kinda want Cuomo for the memes.

[NewYorkExpress]

I know the name implies he's gonna lose, but honestly I kinda want Cuomo for the memes.

Yeah, Mario Cuomo running after all this time shocked pretty much everyone in the Democratic Party.

It should be interesting to see how he does in the debates.

[NewYorkExpress]

February 1, 2007

First Republican Debate held, Huckabee, Romney impress, McCain holds own. Gingrich falls flat.

John McCain's formal announcement of his Presidential campaign took place not in New Hampshire, but on the debate stage at Bob Jones University, as Republicans gathered for their first Presidential debate. Let's take a look at how the candidates did.

George Allen: Largely vanished. Didn't have a question addressed to him, and his only notable moment was attacking McCain for his support of an immigration reform effort being spearheaded by Jeff Bingaman and Dianne Feinstein, an attack which will resonate with primary voters, but may matter more should Allen decide to drop down and run for the Senate instead. C

Newt Gingrich: Took attacks on his multiple divorces from Huckabee and Romney, and was the only candidate to bring up Romney's Mormon faith in a widely criticized broadside. Gingrich also came under fire from Huckabee for suggesting that Democratic Senators should be sent to Guantanamo Bay for opposing Colin Powell's nomination as Secretary of Defense, and from McCain for his misjudgment in pursuing impeachment in the Lewinsky investigation, when it was clear Republicans didn't have the votes to remove Bill Clinton. Gingrich never really was able to defend himself well, and a dropout may be imminent. F

Mike Huckabee: Largely got away with attacking Gingrich, but mostly was ignored by McCain and Romney. Had plenty of good soundbites, and answered questions about the intersection of religion and politics well. B

John McCain: Not McCain's best night. While he hammered Gingrich, he struggled to find something to hit Romney on, and struggled with attacks from Allen on immigration. Still his name recognition will keep him in the lead in most states. C-

Mitt Romney: Cool, calm and collected, throughout. Provided an effective defense of his religious beliefs in response to Gingrich, and provided detailed responses on his plans to fix the auto industry, as well as the qualities of what he is looking for in a Supreme Court Justice. He helped himself win the nomination tonight, but he tacked to the right, and might have harmed himself in November. B+

January 27, 2007

Bill White to run for the Senate

Texas Democrats landed a high-profile as Houston Mayor Bill White announced a campaign for the Senate against incumbent John Cornyn today.

Most analysts have this race at either Lean or Likely R. Charlie Cook has stated that while White is a strong recruit, Texas has too Republican a lean to overcome in all but the most Democratic year.

February 4, 2007

Indianapolis Colts win Super Bowl XLI

Super Bowl XLI was won by the Indianapolis Colts, 30-10 over the New Orleans Saints.
Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning completed 31 of 39 pass attempts for 339 yards, and three touchdowns, and was named the game's MVP.

Super Bowl Halftime Show draws in massive ratings

The Super Bowl Halftime Show this year, performed by Phil Collins was given rave reviews, and was watched by over 1.9 billion globally, which was 550 million people more than watched the game. Collins's setlist of "In the Air Tonight", "Sussudio", "One More Night", You'll Be In My Heart, and "Son of Man" was well received by both the audience at Dolphins Stadium and the viewing audience watching around the world.