Who Dropped the Welcome Mat?

An event advertisement on the Jon Corzine election website crosses the ethical line in its attack on Vice President Dick Cheney. Event host Andrea Johnson writes:

Dick Cheney is the latest out-of-state conservative ideologue coming to New Jersey to help out his friend Doug Forrester. We are protesting the event, telling Forrester that these right-wing henchman are not welcome in New Jersey. Join us. We are meeting in the parking lot at the corner of Village Boulevard and College Road West, directly off Rte. 1. Call 609-689-9940 with any questions.

(Hat tip to Buzz reader David, who notes, “I would also welcome the President or Vice President to NJ regardless of who they are.”)

[ 07/22/2005 02:00 PM ]

First Place and Fading Fast

FEC reports show that even when counting John Kerry’s fundraising left-over from last year’s presidential election, his lead in cash on hand over Hillary Clinton has already narrowed to less than $800,000.

Kerry has more than $7 million cash on hand in his current Senate fund and nearly $6 million left over from his old White House fund. He raised about $1.5 million in funds this past quarter.

By contrast, Clinton raised more than $6 million last quarter and has about $12.5 million cash on hand.

[ 07/22/2005 01:13 PM ]

Republican for Life

John McCain stopped by MSNBC’s Hardball last night. While of course having to answer truly thought provoking questions about his cameo role in the film Wedding Crashers, host Chris Matthews squeezed in a few questions on lighter such as abortion. On that topic, McCain had this to say:

I think it depends on the stage of the pregnancy, and I know we're splitting hairs here. But there's a point where the woman's health is, obviously, in the later stages of pregnancy, gains in greater and greater importance.


But I believe that if Roe v. Wade itself were repealed, we would go back to the states. And the states would make decisions according to the standards that they want to prevail within their states. So, if Roe v. Wade were repealed, that wouldn't have the Draconian effects that some view it. And I'm, being a states rights guy, that would be fine with me.

Asked to be more specific on his personal views of abortion, McCain said:

I think it has to be right now on the basis of life of the mother. That's my position. ... Rape, incest, or the life of the mother.

[ 07/22/2005 01:06 PM ]

Expert Training

The Washington Times previews the 8/05 issue of GQ’s interview with Newt Gingrich. Their discussion is held over a “wine-soaked train ride.” Gingrich reportedly professes President Bush “messed up” Iraq and adds more commentary on the war, Bush’s legacy and Hillary Clinton:

"We should've maintained the Iraqi army. And should have created an interim government immediately," Mr. Gingrich says. "And the world would've been a different place."


As for how the world will remember President Bush, the former speaker states: "The challenge of the Bush legacy is this: You have pieces that are really terrific. Then you have pieces that are like, 'What were those guys thinking?'”


Asked about Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Democrat, Mr. Gingrich, who has his own eyes on the White House in 2008, replies: "Total admiration. You have to respect her. This is a first-class professional. And if Bill is 'first spouse,' it'll be one of the great moments. A new TV show — 'The East Wing!'"

[ 07/22/2005 12:54 PM ]

Something Extra

Virginia Governor Mark Warner will leave office with a budget surplus. No doubt this will be used to boost his credentials as a credible manager of the public’s tax dollars. However, the $500 million surplus represents a third of the $1.5 billion tax increase Warner signed.

[ 07/22/2005 11:23 AM ]

Opposites Attract

It's more than an old Paula Abdul song. The Washington Post’s Dana Milbank spent yesterday over at the National Press Club listening to Hillary Clinton and Newt Gingrich praise each other to no end on health care reform. But Milbank notes the obvious – the appearance was about a lot more than preventive medicine:

The budding friendship between Hillary and Newt -- yesterday's meeting was their second such joint appearance -- offers some political rehab for both. Clinton, pariah of the right, wants to show moderation as she prepares for a likely presidential run. Gingrich, pariah of the left, wants to show moderation to earn status as an elder statesman.

[ 07/22/2005 11:22 AM ]

Labor of Love

The AFL-CIO on Monday will hold its own annual meeting. Monday speakers include Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, John Edwards and Ted Kennedy.

[ 07/22/2005 11:20 AM ]

Four For '08

Tomorrow the Democratic Leadership Council meets in Columbus, Ohio for its annual “national conversation.” Four of the five scheduled speakers are possible 2008 candidates: Hillary Clinton, Evan Bayh, Tom Vilsack and Mark Warner. Delaware Senator Tom Carper will also address the meeting.

[ 07/22/2005 11:19 AM ]

One Fell Into the Cuckoo's Nest

Just finished checking out the Senate Democratic Policy Committee’s “Protecting Identities of Covert Agents” meeting. The meeting is still going on, but there’s only so much Larry Johnson one can be asked or expected to endure.

Even though Congress has not authorized such a hearing, the far left elements of the Democratic Party arranged this meeting as their fantasy version of a Karl Rove trial. House member Henry Waxman made as much clear in his opening remarks, “The Republican Congress can hold a hearing as early as next week with Karl Rove.”

After Waxman was finished, Michigan liberal John Conyers took the microphone and declared, “Karl Rove can either come forward and explain his role in the Valerie Plame affair or he should resign from the administration.” It doesn’t a consultation with Holmes and Watson on Baker Street to deduce which conclusion Conyers would prefer.

Finally, New York Democrat Louise Slaughter amplified the rhetoric by stating, “Time and time again this administration has been let off the hook by their allies in Congress. … Our ability to thwart another terrorist attack was recklessly compromised … Is it possible President Bush and Vice President Cheney could have been involved themselves?”

The whole scene has been playing out like a leftist group therapy session. So-called witnesses making direct references to the Iraq war, the election of 2000, and how much more “honorable” President Bush’s father is now so far removed from office.

[ 07/22/2005 11:15 AM ]

Saving Family Savings

Under a proposal by Sam Brownback, poor residents in Washington DC would be eligible for $9,000 in federal dollars if they are married. Individuals investing in home ownership, saving for their child’s college tuition, or starting a business would receive federal matching funds of $3 for every $1 they invested, up to $9,000.

Brownback says there is evidence showing married couples are less likely to live in poverty and can provide a more sustainable environment for children, “We do know the statistics. The best situation to raise a child is a man and a woman bonded together for life. That's where children do best.”

[ 07/22/2005 10:00 AM ]

Once More With Feeling

Robert Blackwill writes in the Wall Street Journal that Condoleezza Rice has brought relevancy back to the State Department:

As we have seen this week in the historic agreement between the U.S. and India on civil nuclear cooperation, diplomacy is flourishing once more at the State Department.


Condoleezza Rice is driving this return to diplomacy, and the deal with New Delhi reflects the extraordinary U.S. diplomatic activism that has characterized her brief time in office: a commitment to ease the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, where she has just spent two days; intense efforts to promote a successful Israeli withdrawal from Gaza; a systematic strategy to increase international support for Iraq; a renewed diplomatic presence in Asia through a series of bilateral visits to the region by the secretary and her senior colleagues; a resumption of the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program; full support for the EU-3 attempt to persuade Iran to cease its acquisition of nuclear weapons; improvement in the Transatlantic relationship; and so forth.

[ 07/22/2005 09:37 AM ]

Living Large

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (subscription required) reports Governor and possible 2008 candidate Mike Huckabee has created the Healthy America PAC to support 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidates across the nation.

[ 07/22/2005 09:31 AM ]

Rice Visits Lebanon

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a surprise visit to Beirut, where she visited with the new, democratic Lebanese government. Rice said:

This will be an opportunity first of all to congratulate the Lebanese people on their desire for democracy and the fact that they keep pressing forward, and have formed a government.


I look forward to meeting some of the members of the government to see how the international community and the United States in particular can be supportive.

[ 07/22/2005 09:22 AM ]

T Time

If the Boston Globe wasn’t desperate before, they sure are now. Today, they take Governor Mitt Romney to task for saying the city’s subway fare costs, “a buck.” The paper spends the next several hundred words offering rebuttals to Romney since the subway in Boston costs $1.25:

Romney made his T fare slip amid criticism that he has become preoccupied with a potential 2008 run for the presidency. He has attempted to emphasize his focus on Massachusetts and yesterday rushed back from Washington, where he had been attending a fund-raiser for senator Elizabeth Dole, Republican of North Carolina. …


Romney's gaffe recalled President George H.W. Bush's puzzlement during the 1992 campaign over a supermarket scanner, seen by many as patrician aloofness. The charge has been disputed by some, but has neverthless dogged the elder Bush ever since

Did Romney’s remark actually recall Bush’s comment in 1992? Or is it simply the Boston Globe who would like to make the unsavory connection? After all, the man whom Bush bested in 1988, Michael Dukakis, receives two mentions of praise in the article because he still takes the subway.

[ 07/22/2005 09:12 AM ]

Make Way

The Los Angeles Times has a fairly amusing look at the left’s collapsing efforts to block John Roberts. The story’s intro asks, “What happens when an army prepares for World War III — and ends up in a border skirmish?”

[ 07/22/2005 08:55 AM ]

Bad Investment

The Associated Press reports this morning the White House opposes a bill passed in the House that would cut U.S. dues to the United Nations in half if the U.N. does not undertake a series of reforms. Near the bottom of the story, former House Speaker and possible 2008 candidate Newt Gingrich says the president should have the authority to withhold U.S. dues.

Gingrich says U.N. reform should seek to “undercut the power of the 120 small nations that together pay no more than 1 percent of U.N. bills” according to the AP. Gingrich added “extremists and murderers” populate the U.N. human rights commission and that the U.N.’s treatment of Israel is “hostility institutionalized.”

[ 07/22/2005 08:27 AM ]

The Blogging World Just Got Better

My good friend and talented Newsday scribe Ed Hornick is contributing to the new Newsday blog, Politarazzi.

It’s full of original New York politics reporting and blogging, including stuff on 2008.

[ 07/21/2005 03:01 PM ]

Wade-ing Into Unknown Waters?

A new University of New Hampshire poll has some interesting statistics for 2008 Republicans visiting the primary state. According to the poll, 63 percent of state Republicans feel the new Supreme Court justices should uphold Roe v. Wade. 24 percent think the new justice should vote to overturn.

However, by a 48 to 37 percent margin, state Republicans want the new justice to make the court more conservative. Finally, according to the poll, 31 percent of New Hampshire Republicans think abortion should “always” be legal. 58 percent choose “limited legal” while 6 percent choose “never legal.”

[ 07/21/2005 02:42 PM ]

Big Cheese

Appearing in Milwaukee yesterday, John Edwards attended a fundraiser, worked on recruiting local candidates for office and met with the editorial board of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Or, as the paper puts it:

In other words, he was making moves consistent with laying early groundwork for a possible future run for the presidency, though he said it was way too early to say whether he might actually run in '08. …


"I really have a passion about this poverty thing," Edwards said at the newspaper. "I want to try desperately to get something done about that. And then, we'll just have to see."

[ 07/21/2005 02:29 PM ]

Fund Run

The Manchester Union Leader reports Mitt Romney will host a New Hampshire State GOP fundraiser at his home on Lake Winnipesaukee on September, 17th.

[ 07/21/2005 02:06 PM ]

Thinning the Herd

Washington Post columnist David Broder writes Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is “the most intriguing” of the possible 2008 candidates who attended last weekend’s National Governors Association meeting in Iowa. Broder writes Huckabee may be following a similar path as Bill Clinton as he explores a presidential campaign:

Largely devoid of foreign policy experience, Huckabee forecasts that the 2008 election will turn on concerns about schools, health care and jobs. He identifies himself as an outsider who shares the public impatience with "a polarized Washington that is a paralyzed Washington." He touts his personal friendship with Clinton, Vilsack, Warner and other Democrats and his ability to work with a Democratic legislature at home.


Which raises an interesting question: Huckabee calls himself "deeply conservative" and "strongly pro-life." This year he and his wife led hundreds of other couples in a televised marriage recommitment ceremony. And yet he tells interviewers that he thinks the term "culture wars" is an exaggeration because "the country is not nearly as polarized as the discussion is."

The whole column is full of information and worth reading.

[ 07/21/2005 01:50 PM ]

Right Here Right NOW

Buzz reader and Senate staffer Jon writes in on those National Organization of Women John Roberts protesters:

At 8:30 this morning a bunch of them were on Massachusetts Ave waving their signs near Union Station but I didn't see any anywhere else.

Buzz readers may recall my efforts in vain to catch NOW at work protesting outside the Senate office buildings. They never showed up.

[ 07/21/2005 01:31 PM ]

Winds of Change

Buzz reader Karen passes along this comic strip that aptly summarizes Evan Bayh’s thoughts process concerning the Supreme Court nomination of John Roberts.

[ 07/21/2005 12:09 PM ]

Milbank vs. Cornyn

What does Washington Post reporter Dana Milbank have against Texas Senator John Cornyn? For two days in a row, Milbank has published inaccurate or misleading statements concerning Cornyn and President Bush’s Supreme Court nominee.

In a story yesterday, Milbank wrote, “Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) issued the text of a speech praising President Bush's selection of Clement as the next justice.”

One problem: There was and is no Cornyn speech on Clement. Cornyn Communications Director Don Stewart tells me, “Several reporters called asking what Senator Cornyn’s response to a Clement nomination would be. I sent them some embargoed points on Clement that were to be held until after Bush’s announcement. If he picked Clement, these reporters were going to write a story on it and wanted some information for their stories.”

“Somehow, this information got back to Dana Milbank. First, he broke the embargo. Second, he referred to it as a speech when there is no speech.”

Meanwhile, in today’s column Milbank praises Democrats for what he sees as their non-partisan response to Roberts’ nomination. However, Milbank paints a portrait of Cornyn looking for a fight:

The Democratic acquiescence flustered the pugilistic Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex). He visited the Senate press gallery to say he sensed a Democratic "game plan" to defeat Roberts. "I'm just pointing out some troublesome signs . . . that I find disconcerting," he warned. But his evidence of this was thin: a Kennedy statement asking whether Roberts is "on the side of justice and individual liberties."


Cornyn, sitting on the edge of an armchair and revealing cowboy boots with a Texas seal, tried for indignation. "Judges are not to be on anybody's side," he said.

As from Milbank’s attempt at a Texas swipe, his information is also inaccurate. Stewart tells me that the senator was responding to a Kennedy statement asking for Roberts to publicly align himself politically.

Kennedy’s statement reads: “The Senate's role will be to establish clearly whose side John Roberts would be on if confirmed to the most powerful court in the land.”

Stewart responded, “The senator was saying we don’t need to know ‘whose side he’s on.’ We don’t pre-determine judges.”

[ 07/21/2005 11:38 AM ]

When the Going Gets Rough

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spent much of Thursday holding a “congratulatory round of meetings” with officials from the newly unified Sudanese government.

However, Rice also “expressed outrage” after Sudanese security forces manhandled Rice aides and some of the reporters traveling with her. Rice said, "It makes me very angry to be sitting there with their president and have this happen. They have no right to push and shove.

CBS’s Charles Wolfson described the scene:

Security officials from his office scuffled with Secretary Rice's senior staff and the press. Some of the senior officials were not allowed into the meeting, and some of the press were kept outside as well.

[ 07/21/2005 11:03 AM ]

Games People Play

According to Orlando Sentinel columnist Kathleen Parker, it seems anyone standing in the way of Hillary Clinton’s video game censorship longings is a sexual criminal. Parker compares the recent moral maneuverings of Clinton and John McCain.

McCain received some mild flagellation for his cameo in the new film Wedding Crashers. Clinton, meanwhile, has successfully bullied major realtors such as Best Buy into pulling the popular Grand Theft Auto video game series off their shelves:

McCain might have thought this one through, if he even bothered to read the script. Forevermore--or at least through the 2008 presidential race--he'll be associated with the sleazeball class.

Hillary's image, meanwhile, glistens with virtue. As she edges toward the center, she's landed on a win-win issue. No one beyond the swelling ranks of pedophiles would argue that children should be exposed to sex and violence in video games or anywhere else.

Of course, Parker failed to mention the game already comes fitted with a “Mature” rating, meaning it should not be sold to those under the age of 17, much like a ticket to a rated “R” movie. I happen to own the game, as do a reported 5.1 million other American citizens who have not committed a crime after being subjected to its dark undertones. The game’s package clearly warns of scenes containing simulated drug use, sexual situations, explicit violence and crime.

I don’t see how Clinton deserves any praise for a move so transparently tied to her presidential ambitions. What is more revealing is Clinton’s continued belief that the state should serve as primary moral authority for our nation’s youth. Responsible parents and retailers who abide by game and movie labels can address the issue themselves.

Finally, Clinton’s move ignores an obvious truth: violent games like Grand Theft Auto became the dominant force in video retail sales after the labels went into effect. It’s the allure of perceived danger that draws kids in. Clinton’s censorship push will only make the phenomenon worse.

[ 07/21/2005 10:43 AM ]

Show Your Support

GOP.com is circulating a petition calling for support of John Roberts’ nomination to the Supreme Court.

[ 07/21/2005 10:20 AM ]

Unfaithful

Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam writes of Mitt Romney asking, “Are we ready for a Mormon president?”

The entire column is insulting to Romney, Republicans, the Mormon faith and organized religion in general. Here’s an indicative selection from the piece:

[Alan] Wolfe thinks that if Romney's ambitions take him to the 2008 Republican primaries, he's likely to be slimed by political operatives of the Karl Rove mold. ''I think there will be rumors spread about how Mitt Romney has six wives, all of them 14 years of age, stashed in a house in Utah. These rumors will be denied, but they will stick in people's minds. There is some subterranean sentiment about curious practices in Mormonism."

I agree with Wolfe, but I think it's not just Republicans who are sharpening their knives for a Romney run. Democrats gleefully smeared Romney when he ran for the Senate against Edward Kennedy in 1994. Capitalizing on Romney's leadership roles in the church -- he was president of 14 Boston-area congregations -- the media trotted out a succession of accusers, some anonymous, who asserted that Romney and the Mormons were antiabortion, anti-single mother, and anti-gay. Of course, those comments could be made about almost any mainstream faith in the United States.

[ 07/21/2005 10:16 AM ]

Kerry Over

The Manchester Union Leader also reports that when John Kerry arrives in New Hampshire next week he may have to face debt collectors. That’s because the 2004 Kerry campaign still owes the city of Manchester $2,500 for the use of police personnel during the campaign.

However, Kerry has found the time and money to pay a full-time staff member to work on local mayor Bob Baine’s re-election campaign.

[ 07/21/2005 10:03 AM ]

Many Pieces but Not Really a Puzzle

Roll Call reports Evan Bayh’s chief of staff Linda Moore Forbes has “huddled” recently with several top Democratic political operatives who are “familiar” with Iowa politics. Roll Call calls Bayh’s move, “the latest sign that the Indiana Senator is an all-but-announced 2008 candidate.”

Forbes also met with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rahm Emanuel to “gauge his commitment” to supporting Hillary Clinton in 2008. Democratic consultant Jim Jordan said:

It’s never too early to lay groundwork, as grotesque as that may sound. It’s no coincidence that the three Democrats who were most successful in ’04 —Kerry, Dean and Edwards — were the three who started the earliest and worked the hardest.

[ 07/21/2005 09:56 AM ]

That's the Ticket

The Manchester Union Leader reports John Kerry and John Edwards will both separately appear in New Hampshire next weekend to attend state Senator Lou D’Allesandro’s birthday party.

The Union Leader reports it will be the first time Kerry and Edwards have appeared together in the state since the ’04 primary. The pair never campaigned together in the state during the presidential election.

[ 07/21/2005 09:48 AM ]

Not so Fast?

The Kansas City Star reports Sam Brownback isn’t ready to confirm John Roberts yet. Even though Roberts once wrote a co-brief as a government lawyer urging that Roe v. Wade be overturned, Brownback said more about his views on abortion must be known:

In the past, we’ve seen that if someone is not well articulated on a position, the tendency is to move left on the bench.

[ 07/21/2005 09:39 AM ]

Cash and Kerry

The Associated Press tracks John Kerry’s efforts to raise money nationally for Democrat candidates and keep his name on the minds of party activists. Since January, Kerry has raised more than $4 million for candidates and committees. Kerry also raised more than $2 million through his Senate re-election committee and his Keeping America’s Promise PAC during the last fiscal quarter.

Kerry also raised $650,000 online for troops overseas that went directly to the USO.

[ 07/20/2005 03:14 PM ]

Matinee Double Feature

The Boston Herald says Massachusetts Democrats have given a “new nickname” for Governor Mitt Romney: “Matinee Mitt.” Democrats say the name derives from Romney’s “image team” and the time spending that goes into his public appearances.

National Review readers might remember the term actually being coined in John Miller’s cover story on Romney last month that generated so much buzz.

Funny that a state party who gave us “hair” apparent John Kerry would take Romney to task over image-awareness.

[ 07/20/2005 02:36 PM ]

Frist Come, Frist Served

The Nashville Tennessean writes for Bill Frist, “The next few months will be a test of whether he can guide the process to ensure President Bush's pick is seated on the bench by October.”

The Third Branch Conference’s Manuel Miranda said:

He's got to do more than go out there and talk about up-or-down votes and fairness to the nominees. He's got to be ready to energize the American people from the Senate floor ... if Frist simply drawls about up-or-down votes and fairness ... he will have missed an opportunity.

[ 07/20/2005 02:17 PM ]

Can Sam Shine?

The Associated Press says John Roberts’ nomination to the Supreme Court could be just what Sam Brownback needs to create some momentum for his possible 2008 presidential run:

As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Kansas Republican said he plans to be an active participant in what is expected to be a bitterly partisan confirmation process for federal appeals court judge John G. Roberts Jr. … Brownback has called the question of when life begins “the central issue of our day” and he is sure to bring the abortion issue into the spotlight in the confirmation process. He has done so in courting social conservatives around the country this year as gathers support for a run at the GOP presidential nomination.

Of course, with Bill Frist, John McCain, Chuck Hagel, George Allen, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Joe Biden and others in the Senate wrangling for 2008 coverage, who knows just how much impact Brownback can really have?

[ 07/20/2005 02:05 PM ]

Vested Interests

Buzz reader Kevin writes in with some thoughts on how the made-for-TV reactions from the left and right to John Roberts’ nomination have played out:

You know, while I know that there're some with deep conviction on either side who care deeply about the major issues any nominee will help rule on should they be confirmed, it strikes me that the majority of these senators are really far more interested in accomplishing two things.

1. Keeping the loudest interest groups either stoked-up and frothing at the mouth or basically keeping them off their backs depending on the issue.

2. Keeping the $$$ flowing (a byproduct of #1 I suppose).

For example, does Schumer really believe half of what he blathers, or is he just running point for the party to appease the primary zealots in their base/their benefactors? Seems like the latter doesn't it? And I'm sure the same could be said for some in the GOP.

[ 07/20/2005 01:02 PM ]

Setting the Record Straight

Rick Santorum appeared on the Fox News Channel’s O’Reilly Factor last night. During his appearance, Santorum was asked about his Communications Director Robert Traynham, who it was recently revealed is gay.

Santorum said: He didn't come out and say he was gay. He was outed by some blogs and then outed further by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

O'Reilly then asked: Is he against gay marriage like you are?

Santorum: You would have to ask him that, but to my knowledge, yes, he is.

O'Reilly: But if he wasn't, could he still work for you?

Santorum: Sure. I mean, there are a lot of people who disagree with me on issues. But his job -- and he knows that job -- is to represent me on how I feel about things. That's what a communications director does. If he doesn't feel like can do that, then, you know, he moves on and does another job. But he has been able to do that for me for eight years and does it very effectively.

[ 07/20/2005 12:57 PM ]

Dean Gets Bar Crowd Buzzed

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette followed DNC Chair Howard Dean as he spoke before a “large enthusiastic crowd” during a fundraiser for state Treasurer Bob Casey Jr. During his speech, Dean spoke of Casey’s pro-life views:

We made a mistake in the last campaign not talking about moral values … I have an awful lot of respect for pro-life Democrats. Pro-life Democrats care about the lives of children after they are born as well as before.

In what must have been a moment of unintentional irony, the fundraiser took place in a former church that had been converted into a brewery.

[ 07/20/2005 12:48 PM ]

Like Fast Forwarding to the end of "Clue"

The Hotline’s Chuck Todd writes in his weekly column that this quarter’s FEC Senate fundraising reports solved at least one mystery that wasn’t all that mysterious to begin with:

The financial numbers Clinton is posting should erase whatever doubt remains with some (mostly on the Democratic side of the aisle, believe it or not) that she'll run in 2008. Clinton's not just "being prepared" with her fund-raising, she's sending a message.

However, Todd note that “more Republicans are urging her to run than Democrats; there's angst among the ‘win-at-all-cost Democrats’ about her candidacy.” Todd says:

It's probably not unlike what former President Richard Nixon went through in '68. Republicans were trying to figure out how to win and yet weren't sure if this new "Nixon" was the way to go. But he was such a well-known figure and had so many connections; he ended up winning the nomination despite the lingering doubts. The same is likely for this new "Clinton."

The comparison seems an apt one and reminds me of a point I made during a TV appearance a few weeks ago. Hillary Clinton is the one true star in the Democratic Party right now. With such a close electoral split between the two parties, it’s not feasible for other side to have a “guaranteed win” candidate in their corner. But all political views aside, imagine if Hillary Clinton were a Republican. Someone who reflects the party’s core values, can raise substantial amounts of money and has national appeal. It’s hard to believe conservatives would be experiencing the same level of personal doubts about someone who so clearly seems to be the party’s strongest choice. Especially when nearly all of Clinton's alternatives are proven national losers: John Kerry, John Edwards, Joe Biden, Al Gore, etc.

[ 07/20/2005 12:30 PM ]

More Protests Before 9am than Most Liberals Do All Day

A Buzz reader who also works over in the Senate, writes in about this morning’s MIA NOW protest:

I don’t know if you are aware, but I came across a large group of people (mostly college aged girls with some older people) wearing pink shirts carrying “Keep Roe” signs and chanting “Keep Roe, etc.” in a circle in front of the Supreme Court this morning (around 8:45 when I was going to work in the Hart Building). I don’t know if this was the same group that was supposed to protest in front of the Dirksen Building or what, but I hope they are gone.

I don’t know if these were the NOW protestors, but they certainly were gone by the time I arrived for the scheduled protest.

[ 07/20/2005 12:16 PM ]

Ill Pill

As Mitt Romney and George Pataki consider bills that would greatly expand distribution and use of RU-486 “morning after” abortion pills, they may want to consider new evidence. Two more women have died recently after using the product.

[ 07/20/2005 12:13 PM ]

More Surprises than a McGriddle

As the Washington Post notes in this morning’s Supreme Court coverage:

Several senators are likely to be critical indicators. Among Republicans, Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) will play an outsized role, given his independent standing and following around the country. Last night, he endorsed Roberts's nomination and said he looks forward to a "swift up-or-down vote" on the Senate floor.

This is yet another example of the “Gang of 14” proving in hindsight to be a decisive victory for the GOP. With McCain taking a leading role in supporting John Roberts, Buzz readers and conservatives in general should enjoy another moment of the “maverick” senator revealing his true, conservative roots. He may stray on enough issues to give all of us the occasional headache, but once again McCain is here when the party actually needs him.

[ 07/20/2005 11:55 AM ]

Gang Initiation

John McCain says he expects the “Gang of 14” to meet today or tomorrow to discuss the John Roberts nomination.

[ 07/20/2005 11:49 AM ]

NOW or Later?

If this is the face of the opposition, John Roberts can breathe a little easier today. When I arrived the Dirksen Senate Office building for NOW’s protest of Roberts, I saw something that caught my eye. Rather, it’s what I didn’t see: protestors.

Assuming I had arrived at the wrong building entrance, I made the long walk around the entire street of office buildings to no avail. Finally, I asked a wandering Senate staffer if she had seen any protestors or knew a more likely destination for their efforts. She told me that there “were more police around than normal” and that perhaps they had sent the protestors somewhere else. I walked down the street to the Supreme Court and spotted a fairly sizeable crowd mostly comprised of women. This was it! The protest!

But then I noticed there were not any signs in their hands. It was a school tour. Did I miss something here?

[ 07/20/2005 11:23 AM ]

Time Out

Ok Buzz readers, I’m headed out the door to check out the NOW protest of John Roberts outside the Senate office buildings. I’ll be back later this morning with the rest of today’s update along with news and pictures from the protest. See you then.

[ 07/20/2005 09:20 AM ]

Reserving Judgment

In a statement on Roberts’ nomination, Hillary Clinton said:

Not only does a thorough examination ensure that Judge Roberts is qualified to serve a lifetime appointment to our nation’s highest court, it also allows the Senate to fully discharge its constitutional mandate of providing the President with meaningful “Advice and Consent” on his nomination.

In the coming weeks, the Senate Judiciary Committee will begin the process of studying Judge Roberts’ record. I look forward to the Committee’s findings so that I can make an informed decision about whether Judge Roberts is truly a guardian of the rule of law who puts fairness and justice before ideology.

[ 07/20/2005 09:18 AM ]

The Beat Goes On

It must be my calling. The National Organization of Women (NOW) will be protesting outside the Dirksen Senate Office building at 10am today. I’ll be there taking notes and pictures for Buzz readers.

In their press release announcing their “emergency” protest, NOW President Kim Gandy writes:

We refuse to allow Roberts - who is such a stealth opponent of women's rights - pass the Senate confirmation. George W. Bush just guaranteed the fight of his political career with this nomination.

[ 07/20/2005 09:05 AM ]

Stretching Before the Big Race

The Washington Post looks at how activist groups on both sides like Progress for America, NARAL and People for the American Way spent the day yesterday preparing to either protest or support the president’s SCOTUS pick.

People for the American was preparing to “activist” its 750,000 members, while Progress for America worked on a pro-John Roberts TV ad that is scheduled to air in the next 48 hours.

[ 07/20/2005 08:59 AM ]

Judge This Site

Progress for America has started its own John Roberts website.

[ 07/20/2005 08:44 AM ]

Rick's Pick

Rick Santorum released his own statement on John Roberts that reads in part:

I am very pleased that President Bush has chosen to nominate such a highly qualified individual to serve on our nation’s highest court. Judge John Roberts is a brilliant legal mind and a man of deep character who has earned the respect from both sides of the ideological spectrum. I look forward to hearing more about his views and learning from his record.

[ 07/20/2005 08:41 AM ]

Frist Makes the Call

Bill Frist didn’t waste any time addressing John Roberts’ confirmation process. In a statement, Frist said:

As we look ahead, the Senate now must fulfill its constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on a Supreme Court nomination. For the majority of Senators, this will be a new process. As Majority Leader, I urge my fellow Senators to join me in making sure the process is fair, that we treat Judge Roberts with dignity and respect, and that we have an up or down vote on Judge Roberts’ nomination before the Supreme Court begins its new term on October 3.

[ 07/20/2005 08:39 AM ]

Tailor Made

It should not be surprising, but MoveOn has already sent a fundraising letter to supporters in protest of John Robert’s nomination to the Supreme Court. MoveOn’s Ben Brandzel writes:

In the past weeks, Republicans and Democrats have called on President Bush to nominate a moderate for the Supreme Court—someone who would honor the legacy of independent Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. But last night, President Bush nominated Judge John Roberts, a far-right lawyer and corporate lobbyist, to fill her post on the Supreme Court.

It’s fair to ask, would the language have been different had President Bush nominated someone else?

[ 07/20/2005 08:33 AM ]

Whatcha Gonna Do, Brother?

Well, it’s been a solid 24 hours, so I’ll end the Hulkamania “mystery.”

Many of you wrote in guessing that I received the call from VH1 because they are hosting a new reality show with Hulk Hogan that centers on him raising and managing his family. Hogan is an “old school dad” as one Buzz reader put it, so maybe VH1 wanted to get a conservative viewpoint.

A few others wrote in speculating that Hogan might be running for elective office. How amazing would that be? I will admit to having an interest in unusual candidates for some time.

Hogan did in fact announce a presidential campaign back in 2000, but it was more a one-day story that never had a real basis to it. Perhaps those “24-inch pythons” Hogan was always referencing were digesting.

I even had one conversation with a reader that concerned “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who is actually from my hometown of Portland, Oregon. Don’t know if it’s still in business, but he used to run an auto-repair shop there called Piper’s Pit Stop. I believe that came before his cinematic tour de force They Live, which co-stars the heroic Keith David.

Unfortunately, no one got the correct answer. Which is totally understandable considering the truth of the matter.

The VH1 guy who called yesterday asked if I had any "expertise" on Hulk Hogan's reported steroid use in the 1990's. Back in ’94, the WWF was under investigation for the obvious saturation of performance enhancing drugs in the sport. The producer thought in light of the recent congressional steroid hearings I might know something about the topic. Unfortunately, I do not.

[ 07/19/2005 03:16 PM ]

Is There a Draft in Here?

The Associated Press picks up The Buzz’s coverage of the draft Condoleezza Rice movement with the breathtaking headline, “Some in GOP hope Rice runs for president.”

However, the story has some good reporting in it, including:

Rice has hired numerous inside-Washington political operatives as some of her closest advisers, including many who worked with her in the White House and one who worked for President Bush's political guru, Karl Rove. Rice, a former professor, has a couple of fellow academics in her inner circle as well, but they are outnumbered.

She looked more like an aspiring mayor or governor waving to the crowd in New York City last month as she plugged that city's long-shot bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

[ 07/19/2005 02:59 PM ]

Gitmo Good Intel

The Hotline reports Chuck Hagel gave an interview with Nebraska public radio that contradicts statements he made upon first returning from a recent visit to Gitmo. NRP notes that after returning, Hagel said the U.S. was getting “very valuable” intelligence from prisoners at the facility. Now, Hagel says:

I would also say I'm not so sure how much good intelligence we're getting out of these guys. I know the administration says we're getting a lot but I'm not so sure.

When asked if he had changed his mind on the issue, Hagel said:

That's not what I said. I never said that. Nothing changed my mind on it and again I didn't say that. Uhhhh, there's always been intelligence coming out of Guantanamo and the question is, is it still relevant and is it still helpful and are we still getting that kind of intelligence from people we have held down there for three years. And I think as I explained on the phone. ... I went through that. ... We're continuing to get good intelligence.

Does anyone else see a pattern here?

[ 07/19/2005 02:51 PM ]

PAC Rat?

The Kansas City Star reports that Sam Brownback’s Restore America PAC is voluntarily returning $5,000 in donations from Emanuel Friedman, who is under investigation for insider trading.

The $70k Brownback’s PAC has raised so far this year puts it well behind other leading Republican White House contenders, according to the Star.

[ 07/19/2005 02:41 PM ]

Standing Firm

At a joint news conference with President Bush this afternoon, Australian Prime Minister John Howard flatly refuted a question about how long Australian troops would be deployed in Iraq. Of the situation on the ground, Howard said:

I believe that progress is being made. I think we do face a situation where, because of the horror of suicide bombing, there is a constant high level of publicity, understandably, given to that, and to the detriment of the progress that is being made at a political level. I mean, nothing can answer and deny the fact that 8 million people risked their lives to vote. Now, that is a stunning personal commitment to democracy that Australians haven't been required to do in my lifetime, or, indeed, the average American citizen, either. Now, I think we have to pay some regard to that. And that is a cause worth fighting for, and it's a cause worth promoting and supporting.

[ 07/19/2005 01:18 PM ]

The Subway Series?

Rudy Giuliani came out far ahead on the Republican side of the Strategic Vision poll. Giuliani led the field with 39 percent. John McCain placed second with 22 percent.

George Pataki placed third in the field with 8 percent, followed by Mitt Romney and Bill Frist tied with 6 percent each. Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, George Allen and Chuck Hagel each registered in the poll as well in descending order.

9 percent of respondents chose “undecided.”

[ 07/19/2005 01:12 PM ]

Clinton Leads New Republican Poll

Republican polling firm Strategic Vision asked 312 Democrats and 224 Republicans to name their preference for presidential candidates in 2008. Each respondent was limited to voting for members of their own party.

Hillary Clinton led the Democrats, winning 40 percent of their support. John Kerry was second with 12 percent, followed by Al Gore with 10. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell places a surprising fourth, with 8 percent, followed closely by Joe Biden at 7 percent.

Wesley Clark, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Mark Warner, Tom Vilsack, Evan Bayh and Barbara Boxer also registered in descending order.

[ 07/19/2005 01:08 PM ]

A Santorum Summer

The RNC announced it will hold its summer meeting this year in Rick Santorum’s support base of Pittsburgh. RNC Spokesman Aaron McLear acknowledged Santorum’s tough re-election effort played into the move:

I don't think that was lost on us...Pennsylvania's a crucial swing state, and I think it's beneficial not only to Senator Santorum, but also to the other candidates in the Pittsburgh area, to bring a couple of hundred Republicans into town from all over the country.

The meeting takes place the first week of August.

[ 07/19/2005 12:56 PM ]

Big Budget Production

FEC reports show Senator George Allen raised $2.35 million this past quarter for his Senate re-election campaign. Allen also reported having more than $5 million cash on hand.

Allen’s numbers are not groundbreaking, but they should help at least temporarily maintain his open field. With no big name challenger to his re-election bid, Allen has more time and resources to dedicate toward a possible 2008 White House campaign. Much like Hillary Clinton, if Allen’s stature continues to rise while his path to re-election remains smooth, he could begin a presidential bid in early 2007 with millions of campaign cash already in the bank.

[ 07/19/2005 12:48 PM ]

You've Got a Hold On Me

After “waiting in limbo for months,” the Senate was finally able to confirm the nomination of Lester Crawford to serve as FDA Commissioner.

Hillary Clinton was one of three senators, including Patty Murray and Tom Coburn, to place a hold on Crawford’s nomination. The Chicago Tribune describes the Crawford holds as:

[E]ach for reasons unrelated to his qualifications. But last week they lifted their objections to a vote after winning assurances from the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA, that their concerns would be addressed.

Supporters said they hope Crawford's confirmation, by a 78-16 vote, would bring stability to the agency, which many claim has drifted without the guidance of a congressionally approved commissioner.

[ 07/19/2005 12:22 PM ]

Heavy Lifting Down Under

The Associated Press reports Australian Prime Minister John Howard had nothing but kind words for President Bush:

Australian Prime Minister John Howard gave an impassioned defense of the U.S.-led fight against terror and said his country's relationship with the United States is better than it ever has been and will keep getting better. … Just last week, Howard said he would send 150 elite troops to Afghanistan by September to help quell insurgent violence. The country has one soldier in Afghanistan now, a mine-clearance specialist, but has 1,400 troops in and around Iraq.

[ 07/19/2005 11:49 AM ]

You Don't Get Elected Three Times Without Some Fans...

The New York Post writes that George Pataki turned in a surprisingly strong visit to Iowa this weekend, but that the marker may be too far out for him to cross:

Pataki made a good personal impression in Iowa this weekend, but Republican leaders say he has a long way to go before he can think about winning the 2008 presidential caucus. …

No amount of explaining will help, said Boone County GOP Chairwoman Bonnie Hall. "I have not heard anyone say they are a Pataki fan. Anywhere," said Hall.

[ 07/19/2005 10:17 AM ]

Imagination at Work

The Boston Herald reports:

Massachusetts taxpayers are shelling out at least $350,000 a year for a cadre of aides whose chief duty is to make Gov. - and possible presidential candidate - Mitt Romney look spiffy during public appearances.

The 13-person staff of the newly expanded Governor's Office of Operations has taken over a warren of rooms in the State House basement previously occupied by the Legislature. Led by ``director of operations'' Jay Garrity, 27, the squad is responsible for ensuring Romney has the proper lighting at events, his microphone works and there are enough chairs for attendees.

However, Romney’s staff denies it is an “image team” designed to promote him politically. They also argue the staff budget is no larger than previous governor’s have used for similar purposes.

[ 07/19/2005 10:09 AM ]

In the Hunt

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, currently serving as head of the Democratic Governors Association, says re-electing a Democrat as Iowa’s governor in ’06 could help swing the state away from Republicans in 2008:

We see Iowa as a key retention. The reason it's so important is for '08. Iowa is one of those battleground states we want to take a big shot at.

Richardson also said if he decides to run for president in 2008 he would not campaign “heavily” in Iowa if current Governor Tom Vilsack also decides to make a run:

I haven't decided to run, but I would be very respectful of the role he has here. I'm not going to appear to be poaching on his territory. I don't want to be seen doing that.

[ 07/19/2005 10:03 AM ]

Opening Up a New Front

USA Today asks in their cover story today, "Can Hillary be elected commander in chief?”

The story is essentially a rehash of earlier news about Hillary Clinton's newfound popularity; stretch to appear moderate on social issues and presidential ambitions. Specifically, USA Today highlights three points where Clinton has attempted to moderate her positions on national security issues:

She is the first New York senator to sit on the Armed Services Committee, where she has focused on improving pay and benefits for troops, both active and reserve. New York has the fourth-largest number of servicemen and women deployed in Iraq. Clinton visited Iraq in February in a much-publicized trip with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

She introduced legislation last week, along with Democratic Sens. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, to boost the Army by 80,000 soldiers over the next four years.

She has co-sponsored bills to improve military health benefits with GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Jim Talent of Missouri. "I think that generally her work on the (Armed Services) committee has been very strong," Talent say.

[ 07/19/2005 09:43 AM ]

Rove-r-PAC

In an email to supporters this morning, MoveOn’s Tom Matzzie announced plans for another Karl Rove protest tonight. The group is scheduled to gather at 6:15pm on Pennsylvania Avenue, near where Rove will be attending a fundraiser for House Republican Jim Gerlach. Matzzie writes:

Gerlach’s election next year will be one of the toughest in the country so you’d think he’d be smart enough to keep his distance from Rove—who betrayed the identity of an undercover CIA operative. But Gerlach is sucking up to the Karl Rove cash cow. We need to draw attention to Gerlach’s failure to put his patriotism before his political ambition. …

The media is expected to attend and we especially expect media from Gerlach’s hometown to attend. We’ll have a peaceful picket for about 45 minutes with some chants while Rove is upstairs at the fundraiser, the media will get their pictures and footage and then we’ll go home.

UPDATE:

A few readers have asked for more information on the MoveOn protest this evening. Here’s the full information provided in their email:

WHAT: “Fire Karl Rove” protest outside fundraiser for Jim Gerlach

WHEN: Tonight, Tuesday July 19 starting at 6:15 PM

WHERE: 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington (Metro: Farragut West or Farragut North)

RSVP: http://political.moveon.org/roveaction/?id=5811-6344868-83o6hGbnLyQbODYv5AyDPQ&t=1

[ 07/19/2005 09:13 AM ]

Idle Chatter

Speaking before more than 20,000 people at the annual La Raza conference in Philadelphia, Hillary Clinton told those in attendance she supports making it easier for Mexican immigrants to mail money back home to relatives still in Mexico. The Washington Post notes Clinton receives “thunderous” applause for several of her remarks but that she never discussed immigration, temporary-worker programs or the border with Mexico.

The Post also reports several in attendance saying that even though Clinton did not discuss 2008, her remarks sounded like a "campaign speech."

[ 07/19/2005 08:35 AM ]

Casting Call

Appearing on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno, John McCain responded to the Drudge Report headline last week that chastised him for his cameo appearance in the new film Wedding Crashers. McCain told Leno, “In Washington, D.C., there's a lot of qualities. A sense of humor is not one of them.”

McCain appears in the film for less than ten seconds and his only line of dialogue is “congratulations” which he says to three individuals attending a wedding.

McCain also responded to questions about his and Hillary Clinton’s presidential ambitions. Of his own, McCain said he’d wait till 2006 to make a final decision. Of Clinton, he said, "I think Senator Clinton would certainly like to be president. I think she'd make a great secretary of defense.”

[ 07/19/2005 08:25 AM ]

Pathetic

In a letter simply entitled “Rove’s Future” MoveOn spokesman Trevor Fitzgibbon forwards the following photo. Needless to say it is tasteless and inappropriate. This is the message of an organization that has been making waves of press about its efforts to join the “mainstream” of political discourse.

If this were a one-off affair, MoveOn could certainly be forgiven for making a joke in poor taste. But if anything, this reflects the character of an organization driven by its own arrogance and sense of self-righteous determination. MoveOn is making a lot of noise and raising a lot of money, but I think most conservatives will settle for winning most elections.

[ 07/18/2005 03:23 PM ]

Hulkamania

Well, I just finished the most unusual interview I’ve probably ever done. Spent several minutes on the phone with a producer for the music channel VH1. We discussed historical details concerning one Terry “Hulk” Hogan.

A special prize to anyone who can guess why in the world a producer from VH1 would be calling a conservative political reporter to discuss Hulk Hogan.

[ 07/18/2005 02:30 PM ]

Slow Burn

In the Delaware News Journal, Jennifer Brooks writes that Senator Joe Biden has learned from the mistakes made in his failed 1987 bid for the Democrat presidential nomination.

Former Biden ’87 Iowa campaign manager David Wilhelm said:

People forget that when he left the race, he was essentially tied for first place. People inside the Beltway probably don't have any sense of how well he connects with middle-class voters on issues. He connects very naturally, very well.

Biden’s sister Valerie Biden Owens adds:

For the past 30 years, people of substance have come up to Joe Biden and said, 'You're going to be president. You're going to have to run for president.' It isn't like he woke up after 15 years and just decided to run for president again.

[ 07/18/2005 02:18 PM ]

Clinton Outpaces Other Senators

Numerous reports show Hillary Clinton raised $6.1 million between April and June for her 2006 Senate re-election campaign. Clinton also reported having $12.6 million in cash on hand.

As the Hotline points out today, if Clinton can keep up her current fundraising pace, while also putting aside a substantial amount towards a 2008 campaign, the odds are increasingly likely she could begin a January, 2007 presidential campaign with $50 million dollars already in the bank.

[ 07/18/2005 01:54 PM ]

Run Free

While appearing on NBC’s Chris Matthews Show yesterday, Newsweek reporter Howard Fineman outlined a scenario under which Jeb Bush could still run for president:

A lot of people -- including his own mother -- have told Jeb Bush he shouldn't run for president next time around. ... Here's how it's going to happen. Down in Florida businessmen are already talking about a draft Jeb Bush movement. So, when the time comes, for the greater good of the country, and not of his own doing, Jeb Bush will run.

[ 07/18/2005 01:41 PM ]

Cash Landing

Howard Dean has given a lot of talk hyping his plan to bolster state Democratic parties in red states. Meanwhile, some of same state parties, such as the Arkansas Democratic Party, have already run out of money. The party took out a second loan in June; already maxing out a $150,000 line of credit it had opened just a month earlier.

[ 07/18/2005 01:33 PM ]

RNC Sets Another $$$ Record

The RNC announced today it raised nearly $59.4 million during the first six months of 2005, another record for a non-presidential election year. The RNC also reported having $34 million cash on hand after raising $6.5 million last month.

[ 07/18/2005 01:32 PM ]

About Time

The Arkansas News Bureau says Governor Mike Huckabee “appeared a little fidgety” on Saturday when the National Governors Association meeting carried on longer than expected. Huckabee was overheard joking with staffers that when he takes over as head of the NGA he’ll make sure all meeting begin and end on time.

Meanwhile, Washington Post columnist David Broder tells the ANB that Huckabee should not be discounted as a possible 2008 candidate:

He has a good story to tell. The presidential race is a wide open race. Governors get nominated and elected and (Huckabee) has as good shot as any of them.

[ 07/18/2005 11:31 AM ]

Mixed Emotions

Roll Call’s Mort Kondracke writes on Bill Frist and stem-cell research in his new column (subscription required). Kondracke asks:

The Senate's stem-cell debate forces a moment of truth upon Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.): Is he, at bottom, a doctor and scientist dedicated to saving lives, or just an ambitious politician out to advance his career?

At the moment, the evidence suggests the latter — that he's working to peel votes away from legislation that would hasten stem-cell research, and in the process give himself and his party political cover.

Of course, the weight of Kondracke’s argument must be balanced against the emotional realities that serve as his moral foundation. Kondracke’s wife passed away last year after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Which is not say his points lack merit. But readers should know the full intentions of anyone accusing someone else of mixed motives.

[ 07/18/2005 11:05 AM ]

You've Got a Friend in Me

The Boston Globe takes a break from trashing Mitt Romney to note he “seemed to generate his share of buzz and maybe more,” during his weekend visit to Iowa.

Possible 2008 candidate/Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee tells the Globe if he decides against a run, he might support Romney, “Mitt's one of the true leaders among us.”

Huckabee elaborates on Romney’s qualities:

He's articulate, he's smart, he's engaged, and when he shows up at a meeting, he doesn't just show up late, leave early, and toss in something he hasn't thought through.

[ 07/18/2005 10:56 AM ]

The Two Towers

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s David Shribman writes on why Hillary Clinton and John McCain “are winning the 2008 presidential buzz sweepstakes.”

Of the two candidates, Shribman finds:

A Republican who very likely can win the general election but likely can't win his own party's nomination. And a Democrat who very likely can win her party's nomination but likely can't win the general election. …

They're not as unalike as you think. They're not really from the states they represent. They're not really in the mainstream of their own parties. They're not really what they seem to be.

Still, Shribman finds that if circumstances dictate, McCain may be the best choice for the GOP in ’08 for the same reason President Bush was in ’00: electability.

[ 07/18/2005 10:48 AM ]

Summer Jammin'

ABC News writes that followers of 2008 news likely missed an entertaining scene in Iowa this weekend. Readers:

[W]ould have been thoroughly entertained Saturday evening at the joint DGA/RGA event that took place at Raccoon River in Des Moines.

Imagine, if you will, Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR) in a Hawaiian-style shirt with images of guitars printed all over it, strumming his guitar and leading his band, "Capitol Offense," through several hours of playing covers of those oldies but goodies.

[ 07/18/2005 10:37 AM ]

Let's Talk About Me

John Edwards writes in the Raleigh News Observer that he knows what kind of judicial nominees President Bush should pick. And when it comes to those the president has already nominated, Edwards finds:

Bush's history of judicial nominations so far gives us reason to worry. Too many of his nominees have been unqualified, ideological partisans who should not serve on the bench. Yet my own experiences show that if we stand strong we can reach an acceptable end result.

It's not Edwards' lack of political experience that makes his critique so meaningless. It's that his language of "ideas" are so clichéd in political speak as to lack any real meaning. The one-term, six-year senator comes across sounding more like a lifetime DC resident.

[ 07/18/2005 10:24 AM ]

Santorum Gives "Full Support" to Gay Staffer

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Rick Santorum’s senior spokesman Robert Traynham is openly gay and has the “full support” of Santorum. For his part, Traynham told PageOneQ “an online gay and lesbian publication” that he is an “out gay man who completely supports the senator.”

Santorum said in a statement:

Robert Traynham... is widely respected and admired on Capitol Hill, both among the press corps and among the congressional staff, as a communications professional. Not only is Mr. Traynham an exemplary staffer, but he is also a trusted friend... to me and my family. Mr. Traynham is a valued member of my staff and I regret that this effort on behalf of people who oppose me has made him a target of bigotry in their eyes.

It is entirely unacceptable that my staffs' personal lives are considered fair game by partisans looking for arguments to bolster my opponent's campaign. Mr. Traynham continues to have my full support and confidence as well as my prayers as he navigates this rude and mean spirited invasion of his personal life.

[ 07/18/2005 10:03 AM ]

Full House

The Des Moines Register reminds us to not discount Democrat Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack from the 2008 field. For a while, Vilsack did receive some speculation as a possible John Kerry vice president selection back in 2004. However, the Register says Vilsack might face stiff competition even at home if he decides to run:

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who arranged meetings with Democratic activists while in Iowa, may raise the bar for Vilsack, should he decide to run. Their inroads, as well as those by others, show that a favorite-son candidate may not automatically stamp out competition in the 2008 caucuses, as U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin did in 1992.

"If I get a chance to come back and revisit Iowa, I'll continue to try to sit down with folks and meet with folks," Warner said in an interview with The Des Moines Register. "But I also recognize, if Tom moves forward, an awful lot of folks in the room will support him. He's been a great governor."

[ 07/18/2005 09:39 AM ]

Just Here to Help

CNN reports Mitt Romney has at least one good non-2008 excuse for returning to Iowa:

“I'll be back in Iowa often to work on the gubernatorial campaign, to make sure we get a Republican elected here in Iowa," Romney said as an aide rushed him away from political reporters Saturday morning. "But yes," he added, hurrying back to the microphone. "I do enjoy the state, and I enjoy visiting often."

And Arkansas Republican Governor Mike Huckabee told reporters he endorses Iowa’s first in the nation primary status:

"It's very refreshing that, in order for a person to seek the highest job in the land, they have to listen to people out in middle America," said Huckabee. "Candidates are forced to go out to small groups of people, actually go out to people's homes to a farm in rural Iowa and sit down. Instead of making a speech, they have to listen. It's more about what they hear than what they say."

[ 07/18/2005 09:29 AM ]

Star Quality

George Pataki gets most of the ink in the Des Moines Register’s local coverage of 2008 hopefuls attending the National Governors Association meeting in Iowa this weekend. Like the AP, the Register notes Pataki drew much of his attention from residents who recognized the governor from his many television appearances.

[ 07/18/2005 09:15 AM ]

Class Trip

George Pataki wasn’t the only 2008 wannabe in Iowa this weekend. The Associate Press reports former Iowa Republican Governor Terry Branstad was “high atop the list of those to meet.” Branstad had dinner on Friday night with Mitt Romney and lunch with Pataki on Saturday. Branstad said, "I do know Iowa, I've run some successful campaigns here, and I'm willing to give advice and counsel."

Meanwhile, Virginia Democrat Governor Mark Warner met with Iowa Democratic Party chair Gordon Fischer, who said of Warner, “He said he was definitely exploring it and hoped to come back to Iowa a lot more. When you come to Iowa twice in a month, it's pretty obvious.”

Finally, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson arrived late to the National Governors Association meeting, “but made time to speak to a group of trial lawyers, a key Democratic constituency.”

[ 07/18/2005 09:05 AM ]

Farmer George

The New York Times followed NY Governor George Pataki during his visit to Iowa this weekend as part of the annual National Governors Association meeting. The NYT coverage is surprisingly positive. While noting the obvious challenges a Pataki '08 bid would present, they find:

Expertly sidestepping dried dung at a county fair here Saturday night, the tall, tanned man with a big grin and an outstretched palm looked every inch the candidate barnstorming before the Iowa presidential caucuses. …

As the weekend went on, Mr. Pataki felt more and more confident that this was fertile political ground for a moderate Republican who cut taxes and gained a reputation for resolve after the 9/11 attack, several friends and political allies here said.

[ 07/18/2005 08:48 AM ]