Hillary or Bust

[NewYorkExpress]

February 6, 2007

First Democratic Debate held. All eyes on Hillary Clinton

The First Democratic Primary debate was held earlier this evening, and here is how the candidates did.

Antonio Villaraigosa: Antonio Villaraigosa who? Villaraigosa was a complete non-entity in the debate, and he'll be lucky to be invited back for another one, especially if more candidates enter. F

Tom Vilsack Vilsack also largely disappeared for most of the debate, but he did have a memorable moment when he called Mario Cuomo's proposal to make precleareance under the voting rights act permanent "uncalled for, in saying that people can't change". C

Mario Cuomo: Took plenty of shots at Hillary Clinton, but largely was ignored. Got into a battle with Tom Vilsack over whether preclearance in the voting rights act should be made permanent, and his response to Vilsack, stating that "racism lasts forever" will be an excellent sound bite. He certainly showed no signs of age, or lack of knowledge on current affairs. Still, he has to be disappointed that Clinton doesn't see him as a threat. A-

Hillary Clinton: Spent more time attacking the Republican field than she did addressing her primary opponents. Sure, the field currently is weak, but pride comes before a fall, and Cuomo did well in the debate. Clinton's refusal to acknowledge her opposition could either be a shrewd move, or could prove to be her downfall later. B+.

February 7, 2007

RNC announces schedule, moderators, location for two more debates.

RNC Chairman Mike Duncan has announced two more debates.

The third Republican Debate will take place at CPAC in Washington D.C on March 8, 2007, and will be moderated by Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes.

The fourth Republican Debate will take place at Liberty University, in Lynchburg, Virginia on March 26, 2007 and will be moderated by Major Garrett and Gretchen Carlson.

DNC announces schedule, moderators, location for two more debates

DNC Chairman Howard Dean has announced a pair of new debates today.

The third Democratic debate will take place on March 15, 2007 at South Carolina State University, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and will be moderated by Suzanne Malveaux.

The fourth Democratic debate will take place on April 1, 2007 at Saint Anselm College, in Goffstown, New Hampshire, and will be moderated by Chris Matthews.

[President of the great nation of 🏳️‍⚧️]

Mario Cuomo: [...] A-

If Cuomo's performance improves his standing in polling, I might f[inks] around and unironically support him.

[NewYorkExpress]

Mario Cuomo: [...] A-

If Cuomo's performance improves his standing in polling, I might f[inks] around and unironically support him.

Cuomo (and everyone else) are still polling well behind Hillary at the moment.

He did get a fundraising boost, however.

[NewYorkExpress]

Primary polling update (declared candidates only)

Democrats

Hillary Clinton 49%
Mario Cuomo 14%
Tom Vilsack 9%
Antonio Villaraigosa 1%

Republicans

John McCain 21%
Mitt Romney 21%
Mike Huckabee 13%
George Allen 9%
Newt Gingrich 7%

Fundraising (As of February 10, 2007)

Democrats

Hillary Clinton: $8,087,650 raised, $1, 547,555 spent.
Mario Cuomo: $4,234,444 raised, $878,678 spent.
Tom Vilsack: $1,107,000 raised, $345,095 spent.
Antonio Villaraigosa: $190,000 raised, $121,000 spent.

Republicans:

John McCain: $5,078,555 raised, $3,333,499 spent.
Mitt Romney: $13,056,079 raised ($1,000,000 self-funded), $1,000,500 spent.
Mike Huckabee: $2,068,000 raised, $444,444, spent.
George Allen: $1,067,000 raised, $239,000 spent.
Newt Gingrich: $1,479,050 raised, $1,155,500 spent.

[NewYorkExpress]

February 9, 2007

Al Gore will make second bid for President

Former Vice President Al Gore will attempt to succeed the man who beat him in 2000, as he makes his second bid for the Presidency. Sources close to Gore say to expect a formal announcement over the weekend, so Gore can take part in the debate at the end of the month.

February 11, 2007

Senate confirms Merrick Garland

The United States Senate confirmed Merrick Garland as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court today in a 58-38 vote. George Voinovich, Richard Lugar, Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, John Warner, Mel Martinez, Chuck Hagel and Judd Gregg voted with all Democrats for Garland. John McCain did not vote (he was campaigning in New Hampshire), and neither did Hillary Clinton (she was campaigning in Nevada).

Ron Paul to enter Presidential Race

Representative Ron Paul became the sixth Republican to enter the Presidential race, and the first representative of the party's libertarian wing to enter. Paul's announcement speech in Houston called the Republican's "the defenders of liberty", and savaged the Bush Administration for destroying liberty with the Patriot Act.

Kathleen Blanco will not run for reelection

Confirming what many in Louisiana politics have suspected, deeply unpopular Governor Kathleen Blanco (D) has decided that she will not run for a second term. Blanco, whose popularity never recovered from the twin blows of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, was trailing the only announced Republican candidate, State Representative Shirley Bowler, by six points, and trails in a multi-way race with Bowler and Representative Bobby Jindal, who is considering a run, by nine points.

February 15, 2007

Democrats in Congress pass legalization of Online Poker

Democrats in Congress today completed the passage of legislation that would legalize and tax online poker in the United States. After the bill passed 289-133 in the House on Monday, it passed today in the Senate, 53-45. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins voted with the Democrats. John McCain did not vote,  choosing to campaign in South Carolina instead. The legislation goes to President Bush for a possible signature, and it is expected that he will veto the legislation.

[NewYorkExpress]

February 16, 2007

Ernie Fletcher will not run for reelection

Embattled Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher (R) will not run for reelection, as scandals mount in his administration, and polls show him trailing both declared Democrats, Businessman Bruce Lunsford and former Lieutenant Governor Steve Henry by over ten points each. Fletcher, who was indicted in 2006 for violations of the merit system of appointments to offices in Kentucky, and according to some escaped prosecution because of his office as Governor will leave office with a modern record low approval rating for a Governor of Kentucky.

Protests in Hong Kong over Security Act lead to crackdown from China

A proposed Security Act, introduced two weeks ago in Hong Kong by Chief Executive Donald Tsang, and supported by Beijing, has led to two weeks of protests, some violent in the streets of Hong Kong. Today, Beijing has responded by announcing that they will take direct control of Hong Kong, sending 100,000 members of the People's Liberation Army into Hong Kong to put down the protests, and has sacked the Hong Kong Government, and will put in place direct rule from Beijing.

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has condemned the actions of the Chinese Government, stating that "China needs to understand that their system of Government is doomed to failure".  Hillary Clinton, speaking at a campaign stop in Boca Raton, called for Congress to institute sharp and punishing sanctions on China. John McCain, at a campaign rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, said his administration's policy would be to bring about "regime change" in China.

[NewYorkExpress]

February 27

Second Democratic Debate. Clinton, Gore clash

The Second Presidential Debate was held this evening, and here's how everyone did:

Antonio Villaraigosa: Was a lot more aggressive tonight, and it showed. Accused Clinton of antisemitism for her kissing of Suha Arafat during the 2000 New York Senate election, and was told off by both Clinton and Gore. F

Tom Vilsack: Made a major gaffe when he stated that American policy should be to support regime change in Saudi Arabia in retaliation for 9/11, and was roundly criticized by all other candidates. Otherwise completely disappeared for most of the debate. F

Mario Cuomo: Another excellent debate for the former New York Governor. Called Hillarycare's failure a "personality flaw", in a largely successful attack, said he could pass health care reform better. Called Gore a hypocrite for pushing measures to prevent Climate Change while flying around in luxury jets, which seemed to have resonance with voters in early states. A

Al Gore Unloaded on Hillary Clinton, blamed her and Bill for his loss in 2000 from the get-go. Couldn't escape accusations from Hillary that he was running to take revenge on her and Bill. Had trouble dealing with attacks from Cuomo. While he seemed well-informed on issues, he seemed rusty debating. Not his best night. D+

Hillary Clinton Survived tough fusillade of attacks from Cuomo and Gore, and landed several body blows on Gore. Suggested in response to Vilsack's call for regime change in Saudi Arabia, that she wouldn't be shocked if Osama Bin Laden tried to kill him. All in all, an excellent night for Hillary. A

February 28

Republicans hold Second Debate, Gingrich melts down again.

The Republicans held their second Presidential debate in New Hampshire earlier this evening. Here's how everyone did.

George Allen Fumbled a question about "maccaca-gate", but otherwise impressed by attacking McCain for lack of loyalty to President Bush. C+

Newt Gingrich: Again tried to bring up Romney's Mormon faith, and called for dropping nuclear weapons on Beijing in response to China's crackdown in Hong Kong. Possibly one of the worst performances in a Republican Primary debate in history. F

Mike Huckabee: Once again handled intersecting questions about religion and politics well, and also deftly answered a question about he'd support repealing the First Amendment's Separation of Church and State. A-

John McCain: Was energized by being in New Hampshire. Crushed Gingrich on his suggestion of nuking Beijing, and called for staying the course in Iraq. Wasn't really attacked much. A

Mitt Romney: Hammered Gingrich when he brought his Mormonism again, said that his faith was "not relevant to whether he'd make a good President" to applause from the audience, and nailed Paul over whether he'd stay in the Republican Party if he struggled in the primaries. A

Ron Paul: Failed to answer a question about whether he'd leave the party and seek the Libertarian nomination if the primaries don't go well for him, was otherwise ignored. D-

[OSR STANDS WITH PALESTINE]

I know this is a Hillary timeline but I hope Cuomo wins

[NewYorkExpress]

I know this is a Hillary timeline but I hope Cuomo wins

Cuomo's doing really well in the debates, but winning the nomination is unlikely. Remember, he's been out of office since 1994.

[OSR STANDS WITH PALESTINE]

I know this is a Hillary timeline but I hope Cuomo wins

Cuomo's doing really well in the debates, but winning the nomination is unlikely. Remember, he's been out of office since 1994.

I know, but this is a clinton timeline so I know she wins

[NewYorkExpress]

Polling update

Democrats

Hillary Clinton 35%
Al Gore 17%
Mario Cuomo 17%
Tom Vilsack 4%
Antonio Villaraigosa 0%

Republicans

John McCain 24%
Mitt Romney 23%
Mike Huckabee 15%
George Allen 7%
Ron Paul 3%
Newt Gingrich 3%

Iowa-Democrats

Hillary Clinton 38%
Tom Vilsack 15%
Mario Cuomo 12%
Al Gore 11%
Antonio Villaraigosa 0%

Iowa-Republicans

Mike Huckabee 25%
John McCain 24%
Mitt Romney 21%
George Allen 12%
Newt Gingrich 5%
Ron Paul 2%

New Hampshire-Democrats

Hillary Clinton 37%
Al Gore 19%
Mario Cuomo 17%
Tom Vilsack 2%
Antonio Villaraigosa 0%

New Hampshire-Republicans

Mitt Romney 29%
John McCain 27%
Mike Huckabee 13%
George Allen 12%
Newt Gingrich 4%
Ron Paul 1%

Michigan-Democrats

Hillary Clinton 40%
Al Gore 15%
Mario Cuomo 15%
Tom Vilsack 3%
Antonio Villaraigosa 0%

Michigan-Republicans

Mitt Romney 37%
John McCain 20%
George Allen 10%
Mike Huckabee 10%
Newt Gingrich 5%
Ron Paul 1%

South Carolina-Democrats

Hillary Clinton 44%
Al Gore 22%
Mario Cuomo 13%
Tom Vilsack 2%
Antonio Villaraigosa 0%

South Carolina-Republicans

John McCain 31%
Mike Huckabee 27%
George Allen 15%
Mitt Romney 14%
Newt Gingrich 5%
Ron Paul 1%

Nevada-Democrats

Hillary Clinton 35%
Al Gore 20%
Mario Cuomo 15%
Tom Vilsack 1%
Antonio Villaraigosa 0%

Nevada-Republicans

Mitt Romney 25%
John McCain 24%
Mike Huckabee 20%
George Allen 5%
Newt Gingrich 5%
Ron Paul 5%

Florida-Democrats

Hillary Clinton 36%
Mario Cuomo 29%
Al Gore 25%
Tom Vilsack 1%
Antonio Villaraigosa 0%

Florida-Republicans

John McCain 22%
Mitt Romney 22%
Mike Huckabee 17%
George Allen 10%
Newt Gingrich 7%
Ron Paul 0%

[NewYorkExpress]

March 1, 2007

Gingrich under fire for controversial comments in Alaska

Newt Gingrich, campaigning on behalf of Republican Senate candidate Sean Parnell in Fairbanks in the Alaska Special Election, drew attention today when he suggested that the VECO investigation was "rigged" and that "extreme prosecutorial misconduct was occuring". Governor Sarah Palin has condemned the comments, stating that prosecutors acted "within their authority", while Mark Begich, the Democratic candidate reminded voters that Gingrich had been involved in House check-bouncing scandal in the eighties and nineties, and should not be trusted in finding misconduct.

The Alaska Special election has drawn multiple Presidential candidates. In addition to Gingrich, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Mitt Romney have all been to Alaska to campaign for Begich or Parnell.

March 13, 2007

Mark Begich wins Alaska Special Election, gives Democrats key pickup

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich will be the next Senator from Alaska, giving Democrats a key pickup in the Senate, after defeating Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell in a close election. Begich's victory in the Senate brings the Democrats margin in the Senate up to 52-48, with Independent Bernie Sanders caucusing with the Democrats.

Alaska Senate-Special Election

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (D) 48.788%
Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell (R) 46.934%
Former Alaska State Representative John Howard Lindauer (Alaska Independence Party) 4.728%

[NewYorkExpress]

March 4, 2007

Morgan Tsvangirai assassinated in Harare.

Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai was assassinated yesterday by gunmen believed to be loyal to President Robert Mugabe after attending the funeral of an activist of his MDC party in downtown Harare. Today, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice condemned the assassination in a press conference at the State Department. Senator Hillary Clinton, speaking at a campaign stop in Daytona Beach, called on Congress to institute sanctions against Zimbabwe. John McCain, speaking with reporters in Nome Alaska, suggested that he would support an American Military intervention in Zimbabwe to remove Mugabe, stating that he would consider removing troops from Iraq if they were redeployed to Zimbabwe.

March 8, 2007

Argentina awarded 2014 FIFA World Cup

At a conference in Nyon, Argentina beat out Brazil, Chile and Colombia to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The following stadiums will be used as venues:

Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, Rosario (Group Play, Round of Sixteen, One Quarterfinal)
La Bombonera, Buenos Aires (Group Play, One Quarterfinal, One Semifinal, Final)
Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, La Plata (Group Play, Round of Sixteen)
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza (Group Play, Round of Sixteen, One Quarterfinal, One Semifinal)
Estadio Momunetal Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires (Group Play, Round of Sixteen, One Quarterfinal, Third Place Game)
Estadio Cuidad de Lanus-Nestor Diaz Perez, Lanus (Group Play, Round of Sixteen)
Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba (Group Play, Round of Sixteen, One Quarterfinal)
Estadio Monumental Jose Fierro, Tucuman (Group Play, Round of Sixteen)

March 7, 2007

Ahead of Presidential debate, Mitt Romney wins CPAC straw poll

With a CPAC Presidential debate taking place tomorrow, Mitt Romney won the straw poll at CPAC by a comfortable margin today, easily defeating his closest rivals, John McCain and Mike Huckabee. Notably, Jeb Bush, who has not declared a campaign, finished a surprising second in the straw poll.

CPAC Straw Poll

Mitt Romney 39%
Jeb Bush 22%
John McCain 16%
Mike Huckabee 10%
Newt Gingrich 8%
George Allen 4%
Ron Paul 0.7%
Other 0.3

[NewYorkExpress]

March 8, 2007

Third Republican Debate, Candidates pander to base

The third Republican debate took place on the final day of CPAC. Here's how the candidates did.

George Allen: Did well with limited speaking time. Made case that he was the "conservative who can get things done". B

Newt Gingrich: Another bad debate. Brought up Romney's religion again, and called for banning religions other than Christianity, while simultaneously stating that Mormons aren't Christians. Won points with the base, but cost himself dearly in general. D-

Mike Huckabee: Agreed with Gingrich on banning other religions, but otherwise had a quiet debate. D+

John McCain: Stayed above the fray, except for a response to Paul where he said "America does best at war" in response to an attack about his support for a troop surge in Iraq. B

Mitt Romney: Continued pummeling Gingrich for bringing up his Mormonism, but otherwise remained above the fray. B

Ron Paul: Got into a fight with McCain over Iraq, but was otherwise largely irrelevant. C-

[NewYorkExpress]

March 15, 2007

Third Democratic Debate held in South Carolina, Clinton shines.

The third Democratic Presidential Debate was held today at South Carolina State University. Here's how the candidates did.

Antonio Villaraigosa It's a mystery as to why Viilaraigosa keeps getting invited to the debates. He's polling at 0% in almost every state, keeps putting in poor performances, and tonight wasn't much better. He drew criticism from pretty much everyone when he said he agreed with John McCain about military intervention in Zimbabwe. F

Tom Vilsack Had a good moment when he called for the United States to boycott the Beijing Olympics over China's crackdown in Hong Kong, a call that would be echoed by the other Democrats on stage. Otherwise struggled to get attention. C+

Al Gore Struggled to defend his voting record on civil rights issues in the Senate from attacks from Cuomo and Clinton, who argued that he didn't do enough on the issue. Otherwise was well-prepared, and had a marked improvement from the previous debate. B-

Mario Cuomo: Strafed Gore on civil rights, and hit Clinton on carpetbagging into New York to run for the Senate, stating that "if I had tried to carpetbag into Arkansas, I would have been crucified". The attack against Clinton might not have landed. Again was clear, concise, and well-informed on the issues. Clearly isn't showing age or rust. B+

Hillary Clinton: Had an excellent debate. Pointed out that Cuomo originally supported her in her Senate race in 2000, called him a hypocrite for attacking her on carpetbagging charges. Suggested Gore's record on civil rights in the Senate was insufficient, an attack that may have resonated with African-American voters. A

[NewYorkExpress]

March 16, 2007

Hong Kong crackdown leads to boycott of Beijing Olympics

A sizable number of nations have announced a boycott of the 2008 Olympics, to be held in Beijing next summer, citing China's crackdown in Hong Kong. President Bush, in a press conference at the White House, said the United States was joining the boycott because "China's oppression of it's citizens cannot stand".

The Nations joining the boycott are:

The United States
Taiwan
The United Kingdom
France
Germany
Switzerland
Canada
Ireland
Italy
The Netherlands
Belgium
Norway
Denmark
Japan
South Korea
Finland
Sweden
Australia

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing called the boycott an "act of war" and said that the Chinese Government was considering it's options against the boycotting countries.

IOC Chairman Jacques Rogge stated in a press conference that there were no plans to move the games from Beijing, saying that "preparations were too far along now", while also stating that it was "within a country's right to boycott the games for any reason".

Fred Thompson will enter Presidential race

Former Senator Fred Thompson will exit Law & Order, which recently wrapped up filming for it's seventeenth season, to enter the Republican Primary field for President. A formal announcement is expected to take place sometime in the coming weeks.

March 17, 2007

Newt Gingrich suspends campaign, endorses George Allen

With his fundraising collapsing, and with three bad debate performances in a row, Newt Gingrich has suspended his campaign for President. He endorsed George Allen at a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, today calling Allen a "winning conservative leader". Gingrich denied rumors that he was considering running for Mayor of Atlanta in 2009, saying to an Atlanta-Journal Constitution Reporter that the race "wasn't winnable for someone who identified as a Republican".

[OSR STANDS WITH PALESTINE]

Let’s go Cuomo

[NewYorkExpress]

March 18, 2007

New York Times publishes secret plans for Chinese invasion of Taiwan

In a stunning scoop, the New York Times published secret plans from the Chinese government for a military invasion of Taiwan, code-named "Operation Boxer", which are purportedly scheduled to take place during the Winter of 2008, during the United States Presidential Transition. The proposed invasion, which calls for an amphibious invasion using 750,000 troops of the People's Liberation Army, as well as a simultaneous military assault consisting of another 300,000 troops on the U.S Military base in Okinawa, to prevent American Military aid from coming to Taiwan's aid, has been deemed "credible" by military experts in the Defense Department.

Neither the Chinese, nor the Taiwanese Government has commented on the matter.

Secretary of the Army-designate Pete Geren stated at his Senate confirmation hearing today that threats to American soldiers in Okinawa will not be tolerated.

Japanese Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma stated that an attack on American troops on Okinawa, a Japanese territory would be "an act of war against Japan by China".

Democrats, Republicans, announce next round of debates.

Both the Democrats and the Republicans announced the next set of Presidential Primary debates today.

The Fifth Republican Primary debate will take place on May 2, 2007 at the Dow Event Center, in Saginaw, Michigan, and will be moderated by Shep Smith.

The Sixth Republican Primary debate will take place on May 31, 2007 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Paradise, Nevada, and will be moderated by Chris Wallace.

The Fifth Democratic Primary debate will take place on April 26, 2007, at Florida Gulf Coast University, in Naples, Florida and will be moderated by Joe Scarborough.

The Sixth Democratic Primary debate will take place on May 22, 2007, and will be moderated by Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

[NewYorkExpress]

March 19, 2007

Cuomo attacks Robert Byrd over past Klan membership

Campaigning in Greer, South Carolina, Mario Cuomo hit Robert Byrd (D-WV) over his membership in Ku Kux Klan in 1940's stating that he was "not fit to be dogcatcher". Cuomo called on Byrd to resign his Senate seat, stating that the long-time Senator should have been prosecuted under anti-terrorism statutes for his past Klan membership.

Senator Byrd's office has not commented on Cuomo's attacks.

March 20, 2007

Wu Bangguo named Chair of the Hong Kong Communist Party, will bring full integration with China

The Chinese Communist Party announced today that former Vice Premier Wu Bangguo would be named Chair of the Hong Kong Communist Party. Bangguo will provide full political integration of Hong Kong with Beijing, which means the formal end of the "one party, two systems" style of government that Hong Kong had been run by since being handed over to China in 1999.

Upset in Jacksonville Mayoral election signals possible Democratic landslide in 2008 according to analysts.

Political Analysts believe incumbent Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton's upset loss in tonight's Mayoral Election is foreshadowing significant gains for Democrats in 2008, especially in Florida. Stuart Rothenburg stated that "while the race is a local election and that can't be understated, it does foreshadow gains based continuing frustration with the Bush Administration's intransigence on Iraq, and the Republican Presidential frontrunner's open suggestion of sending American troops to Zimbabwe".

Jacksonville Mayoral Election

Community Activist Jackie Brown (D) 51.79%
Incumbent John Peyton (R) 49.21%

[President of the great nation of 🏳️‍⚧️]

Christ, Cuomo, I want to support you, but the man recanted, take the L.

[NewYorkExpress]

Christ, Cuomo, I want to support you, but the man recanted, take the L.

He tried to pander and failed. Byrd is taking the high road, and Cuomo isn't gaining any significant support among black voters (most of it is going to Clinton, with a sizable percentage, especially after South Carolina, still undecided).

[NewYorkExpress]

March 24, 2007

George P. Bush running for Congress

George P. Bush, son of Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, nephew of President George W. Bush, and Grandson of Former President George H.W Bush has announced his campaign for the House of Representatives in Texas's 14th Congressional District.

The 14th is currently held by Ron Paul, who is running for President, and has not made his plans regarding reelection clear at this time. Texas law allows for candidates to run for more than one office at a time, and Paul has yet to make a decision about whether he will run for reelection.

For his part, Bush says he will not defer to the incumbent if he decides to run, telling the Houston Chronicle that he is "out of step with the Republican Party".

March 26, 2007

Republicans debate at Liberty University, Romney under attack again

The Republican candidates for President debated tonight at Liberty University. Here's how they did:

Fred Thompson: Did not attend the debate, and instead appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman to announce his candidacy. Probably offended most of his rivals, but it remains to be seen what this does for his candidacy. N/A

George Allen: Had the best attack of the debate, calling Romney's tenure at Bain Capital "Vulture Capitalism" but it sounded more like a Democratic soundbite than a Republican one. It will be reused in a general election, should Romney win the nomination. C+

Ron Paul: Called a racist by McCain over old newsletters he published in the late 1980's, he failed to provide an effective defense. Both McCain and Romney called on him to leave the race over the newsletters, and McCain called on him to resign from Congress in a spirited five minute argument. F

Mike Huckabee: Proved he was the religious candidate tonight, supporting bans on same-sex marriage, abortion, and various other issues backed by Christian Conservatives. Went far in gaining their support. A-

John McCain: Slammed Paul for his old newsletters, and had the other great attack line of the debate, calling Romneycare "socialist". Scored the best points on Romney today. A

Mitt Romney: Defended himself well from allegations that Romneycare was socialism, but had trouble with Allen's Bain Capitol attacks. Had a particularly tone-deaf moment when he bet McCain $20,000 that the Iraq Surge wouldn't be a success by election day 2008. B

[NewYorkExpress]

March 26, 2007

DNC announces Primaries will be winner take all

DNC Chairman Howard Dean announced today that the Democratic Primaries will not be decided by proportional representation, but instead will be winner takes all, a move that likely will benefit the front-runner, Hillary Clinton.

March 28, 2007

Douglas Wilder to run for President

Richmond Mayor and former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder announced his candidacy for President today in Richmond.

If nominated Wilder would be the oldest nominee from a major party, and would be the first African-American nominee from a major Party.

March 31, 2007

Antonio Villaraigosa suspends campaign, endorses Hillary Clinton

Antonio Villaraigosa, who has failed to gain any sort of traction in the polls, and has raised less than $400,000 total in his Presidential campaign, has suspended his campaign, and endorsed Hillary Clinton in a rally in Los Angeles today.

AFL-CIO endorses Mario Cuomo

The AFL-CIO, the most powerful union in American politics, endorsed Mario Cuomo for President today, with their leader, John Sweeney stating that "Hillary Clinton simply cannot be trusted to get things done for the American worker when half the country hates her already".

[NewYorkExpress]

April 1, 2007

Cradle of New Hampshire Politics holds Democratic Primary debate, largely uneventful.

The Fourth Democratic Primary debate was this evening. Let's take a look at how the candidates did.

Douglas Wilder: Had a decent start to his campaign. Did a good job reintroducing himself to national audiences, but otherwise didn't stand out. Did himself no harm. B

Tom Vilsack: Got panned when he suggested that Bill Clinton was responsible for 9/11 due to inaction, was trashed by both Hillary and Gore for the comment. Otherwise had a quiet debate. D

Al Gore Still hasn't been able to shake the perception that he's running for revenge on the Clinton's. It's been dogging him on the campaign trail, and it's dogging him here too. Defended the Clinton's from Vilsack's comments on 9/11, and called for a more stringent version of the Kyoto Accords. B-

Mario Cuomo: Fast becoming the progressive alternative to Clinton. Hit Clinton on her not releasing her White House papers, and stated that "transparency was lacking" in the Clinton Administration. Called for an across the board tax increase to pay for universal health care, a move which will win him points in a primary, but might cost him in a general election. B+

Hillary Clinton: Hammered Vilsack on his statements regarding Bill Clinton and 9/11, but struggled to defend herself from Cuomo's attacks. Called on Democratic Party to abolish Superdelegates, said they were "undemocratic", a move that will win her points with primary voters, but may hurt her with superdelegates. B+

Primary Election Polling (As of April 2, 2007)

Democrats

Hillary Clinton 39%
Mario Cuomo 19%
Al Gore 18%
Tom Vilsack 6%
Douglas Wilder 6%

Republicans

John McCain 20%
Mitt Romney 20%
Mike Huckabee 19%
George Allen 8%
Fred Thompson 8%
Ron Paul 2%

Democrats-Iowa

Hillary Clinton 41%
Mario Cuomo 23%
Tom Vilsack 13%
Al Gore 12%
Douglas Wilder 6%

Republicans-Iowa

Mike Huckabee 24%
John McCain 20%
Mitt Romney 20%
Fred Thompson 17%
George Allen 9%
Ron Paul 6%

Democrats-New Hampshire

Hillary Clinton 34%
Mario Cuomo 27%
Al Gore 19%
Douglas Wilder 5%
Tom Vilsack 4%

Republicans-New Hampshire

Mitt Romney 21%
John McCain 21%
Ron Paul 10%
Fred Thompson 7%
George Allen 7%
Mike Huckabee 7%

Democrats-Michigan

Hillary Clinton 36%
Al Gore 18%
Mario Cuomo 18%
Douglas Wilder 14%
Tom Vilsack 7%

Republicans-Michigan

Mitt Romney 27%
John McCain 22%
Mike Huckabee 15%
Fred Thompson 7%
George Allen 5%
Ron Paul 5%

Democrats-Nevada

Hillary Clinton 40%
Al Gore 20%
Mario Cuomo 15%
Tom Vilsack 5%
Douglas Wilder 5%

Republicans-Nevada

Mitt Romney 31%
John McCain 17%
Ron Paul 15%
Mike Huckabee 10%
George Allen 8%
Fred Thompson 7%

Democrats-South Carolina

Hillary Clinton 39%
Douglas Wilder 32%
Mario Cuomo 11%
Al Gore 11%
Tom Vilsack 3%

Republicans- South Carolina

Mike Huckabee 27%
John McCain 25%
Mitt Romney 22%
Fred Thompson 9%
George Allen 9%
Ron Paul 1%

Florida-Democrats

Hillary Clinton 30%
Mario Cuomo 26%
Al Gore 21%
Douglas Wilder 15%
Tom Vilsack 1%

Florida-Republicans

John McCain 24%
Mitt Romney 24%
Mike Huckabee 24%
George Allen 9%
Fred Thompson 9%
Ron Paul 2%

[NewYorkExpress]

April 2, 2007

Florida wins NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

The Florida Gators won their second straight Men's Basketball title, defeating the Texas Longhorns 86-85 in double overtime. The Longhorns's Kevin Durant led all scorers with 49 points, and was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.

April 3, 2007

Tennessee wins NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers won the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, defeating the Connecticut Huskies 69-65. Candace Parker led all scorers with 31 points, and was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.

April 6, 2007

Mexican Interior Minister assassinated, Cartels to blame

Mexico's Interior Minister, Francisco Javier Ramirez Acuna, was assassinated by armed gunmen  in Cancun today. President Felipe Calderon has blamed the drug cartels operating in Mexico, stating that they have "taken the life of a Minister who was determined to to wipe them out" and that "we will finish his work".

April 8, 2007

Tom Watson wins The Masters, becomes oldest person to win one of Golf's majors

At 58, one's best years in Golf are probably behind them. However, Tom Watson managed to summon up some magic to win the Masters with a score of (-4) 284, for his ninth Major Championship, and third Masters title, defeating Tiger Woods and Camillo Villegas by three shots. At 58 years old, Watson is the oldest person to ever win one of Golf's Major Championships.