Clinton Adviser: She's Fighting to Last Primary

May 13, 2008 10:55 AM

ABC News Radio's Ann Compton reports: Accusing Sen. Barack Obama of being "scared" of campaigning in West Virginia, Clinton adviser Terry McAuliffe tells ABC News Radio in an interview to air tonight  that Sen. Hillary Clinton will remain in the race through the last primary on June 3rd, "100 percent."

McAuliffe argues there are still six-million registered Democrats in five states voting in the final primaries.

McAuliffe says he will worry about campaign debt after the primaries end June 3rd, claiming that online fundraising remains "steady " for Clinton, and that the campaign has just bought additional advertising time in Oregon and Kentucky and is opening more offices in the final primary states.

Obama has now passed Clinton in the number of superdelegates publicly committed, but McAuliffe claims there "hasn't been the avalanche" of pundits predicted after the narrow Indiana vote last week.

When asked about the chemistry between the two Democrats, McAuliffe insisted they have  "tremendous respect for  one another." He added "there is no question they will have to work together in some capacity in the fall  election"  to elect a Democrat president. 

May 13, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Obama, Barack, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (157) | TrackBack (0)

Fmr DNC Chair Romer Backs Obama

May 13, 2008 10:45 AM

ABC News' Teddy Davis and Sunlen Miller Report: Roy Romer, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and former governor of Colorado, has decided to announce his support for Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

"My reasons are that the party needs to get on right now with a lot of business, including figuring out what to do with Michigan and Florida," Romer told ABC News. "It's important to make known right now not only my vote but as many superdelegates as possible."

Romer said his support for Obama is based on the delegate math as well as Obama's strength in the west (the Illinois Democrat carried Colorado over Clinton by a two-to-one margin: Obama 67%, Clinton 32%).

Asked if announcing his support for Obama conflicted with his role leading a bipartisan education reform effort, Ed in '08, Romer pointed to the Republican affiliation of the group's executive director.

"My partner here, Marc Lampkin is a Bush Republican, a McCain Republican, so we are still one Democrat and one Republican who will be working even handedly," said Romer.

Asked about Obama's support for performance-based pay for teachers (one area of education policy which differentiates him from Clinton), Romer said, "I think he's got a very responsible position in that area."

"My role is to do educational advocacy," said Romer, "yet, I'm a citizen who votes and I have to fulfill my obligation to my party."

May 13, 2008 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (64) | TrackBack (0)

Hagel Flirts with Obama Veepstakes

May 13, 2008 9:05 AM

ABC News' Ed O'Keefe Reports: The intense race for the Democratic nomination may not yet be officially over but that won't stop veepstakes speculation.

In an interview with CNN, Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., didn't do much to remove himself from such consideration/jockeying.

"I don't expect to be on anyone's ticket this year; I don't expect to be in anyone's government next year," Hagel said with a laugh in response to a John Roberts query on whether he might join Obama if asked or serve in a potential Obama administration, if the junior Senator from Illinois is elected.

When pressed, Hagel, a Republican who is retiring from the Senate, insisted, "I'm going to try and find some honest work," before adding, "If (Obama) asks, I'll let you know."

Much has been made of an Obama-Clinton (aka 'Dream Ticket') as of late and both Democratic contenders will be in Washington, DC Tuesday with potential time to discuss such an arrangement.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has had a two-month head start on the veepstakes.

While Clinton and Obama have continued their tight fight for the Democratic crown, McCain has been mostly under the radar, campaigning and fundraising in preparation for the fall.

May 13, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, McCain, John, Obama, Barack, Vote 2008: Democrats, Vote 2008: Republicans | Permalink | User Comments (70) | TrackBack (0)

Obama Looks Ahead to the General Election

May 12, 2008 5:28 PM

ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: Sen. Barack Obama will campaign in Missouri, Florida and Michigan over the next few weeks -- another sign that his campaign is already executing a general election strategy.

On Tuesday while voters in West Virginia are heading to the polls, Obama will be campaigning in Missouri, a state which held its primary on February 5th.

While polls are closing Obama will fly then to Michigan in advance of campaign events in the state on Wednesday. Next week Obama heads to Florida to fundraise, marking Obama’s first visit to each of the two states since singing a pledge to not campaign there in the primary due the states violation of party rules.

At a press conference on Saturday in Bend, Oregon Obama spoke to the shift towards a general election, “We’re not going to have a lot of time to pivot. And John McCain’s been getting a free pass.”

With six remaining contests on the Democratic side, the campaign is taking on two races at once. He will be campaigning in the yet to vote Democratic primary states of Oregon, South Dakota and Montana later this week in addition.

Campaign manager, David Plouffe, in an email to supporters signaled the shift that the campaign is making, “Senator Clinton intends to compete vigorously in the remaining contests; at the same time we face increasing attacks from Senator McCain and the Republican attack machine.”

Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that the schedule is strategic, “Our schedule reflects the fact that we are still fighting for votes and delegates in the remaining contests but also that we are going to places that are going to be competitive in the fall.”

Obama spends his day today in West Virginia, only his second visit to the state that Clinton is anticipated to handily win.

May 12, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Obama, Barack, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (86 ) | TrackBack (0)

Clinton: W. Va. Will Be Turning Point in Race

May 12, 2008 4:50 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper reports: Senator Hillary Clinton continued her tour of West Virginia today, arguing Tuesday's primary election in the state will turn the tide.

“This is going to be a crucial turning point in this election and I want you to know that if you stand up for me tomorrow then I will stand up for you.”

Clinton, who is expected to win the West Virginia primary tomorrow,  was introduced by a supporter, local state senator Harry Truman Chafin, who predicted a possible ninety percent victory in the state.

“We’ve got to give her vote tomorrow 80-20 or 90-10 – lets get the national media’s attention!” Truman said.  Clinton spokesperson Mo Elleithee quickly tried to lower expectations.

“We appreciate his exuberance, but we expect the race to be much closer than that,” he said. 

Clinton provided a small insight as to why she is continuing her bid: “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t believe I could be the best president for West Virginia and America.  And that was the stronger candidate to take on John McCain in the fall.”

Speaking about President Bush’s economic policies – Clinton said, “we’ve lost ground under President Bush. He seems to have the idea if you just take care of the rich everything else will just be fine. You’ve heard of that. Trickle-down economics; well, a lot of people feel like they’ve been trickled on for seven years.”   

Comparing the current president to her husband she said, “Bill Clinton took care of us – he led us fiscally …and now were back to work our way out of a big ditch.”

Clinton said she was shaking hands with voters in the state and "a man handed me a check and said you keep fighting – this will help you."

During her speech a man from the crowd shouted out “Keep fighting!” and an applause followed the comments. 

Clinton said West Virginia picks presidents – but then said the state was also responsible for picking George W. Bush.

“West Virginia in the general election votes for the winner. If West Virginia had voted for our democratic nominee in 2000 and 2004 we wouldn’t have had to put up with George Bush.”

May 12, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (73) | TrackBack (0)

Laura Bush Dishes Wedding Details

May 12, 2008 2:46 PM

ABC's Ann Compton reports: At an East Room luncheon for Senate spouses, Laura Bush conceded she scheduled the annual gathering for the Monday after daughter Jenna's wedding, knowing many of the Senate wives would like to hear some of the inside stories of the ceremony which did not include official Washington guests. 

Mrs. Bush did share a bit of previously unreported news about an 11th hour emergency -- although local weather forecasts in Texas did not confirm, the Crawford area may have been struck by a tornado hours before the wedding.

"We are tired. But it was really terrific," Mrs. Bush told the Senate wives Monday. "I thought you all -- one of the reasons I thought it would be fun to have this lunch right after the wedding is for me to be able to tell you a few things about the wedding.

"It was just perfect. It was exactly the way Jenna wanted it. She was absolutely beautiful. If you've seen any of the pictures, you can tell how pretty she was. And the ranch was absolutely beautiful. We had wildflowers blooming. They weren't quite at the peak, but there were lots of flowers blooming everywhere, and it was so green and pretty. "

"And we did have a little -- one setback on Friday night. While we were off in another town at the rehearsal dinner there was a tornado. So we had all the -- all the catering ovens were turned over and the sides were ripped off the tent. But everyone worked wildly and you couldn't even tell the next night. It was just perfect, everything was great.

"We had -- I know you all have heard that the President had this beautiful limestone cross built on this peninsula in our lake, and that's where they got married, in front of this limestone cross that is the same limestone that our house is built from. So that was very perfect. And just as they said their vows, the sun dropped and the moon came up. So it was really, really lovely, and the way we wanted it to be," Mrs. Bush continued.

"You know that Henry asked Jenna to marry him at the very first place you can see the sun -- sunrise in the United States, at the top of Cadillac Mountain in Maine, and got her up real early to hike up to the top of this mountain. She said she was very grumpily hiking up, and her legs were cold, everything. And then they were there for sunrise. So that was great that they were -- got to get married at moonrise."

"So we had a really wonderful time. It was a great weekend of family and friends. It was all of George's brothers and sister and their family, Barbara and Jenna's cousins that they're both very close to, and my mother -- and then, mainly, friends of the couple, which made it really fun. So there was a lot of wild dancing until 3:00 a.m."

Mrs. Bush added to the laughing audience:

"But I can assure you none of us, of the older people, made it that long."

May 12, 2008 in White House | Permalink | User Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Sign of the Times? Clinton At Half Price

May 12, 2008 2:20 PM

ABC News' Kate Snow reports: Surely this can't be a good omen for Senator Hillary Clinton.

The pundits can argue all they want, her campaign may protest that she's still in the game, but at the "America!" souvenir shops at Dulles International and Reagan National airports, the signs are clear as day.

"Sale!" "Clearance!" "50% off!" they blare.

A pink t-shirt with an image of Clinton's head and the words "Madame President 2008: Making History." 

A black t-shirt that reads "Anyone but Hillary" with a drawing of the famous "scream" painting. 

The "Hillary for President" bobblehead.  And oh yes, even the Hillary nutcracker, "with stainless steel thighs."  All are marked half off.

A store employee says the products went on sale last Friday.

He says it's not meant to be a political statement, just a practical business decision.  Seems sales of Clinton merchandise have slowed way down since last week's loss in North Carolina and squeaker in Indiana. 

Not every Clinton souvenir is on sale, just the items they have large stocks of in the warehouse.  The employee said the store is worried they might get stuck holding a lot of merchandise they can never sell.

May 12, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (64 ) | TrackBack (0)

Obama Downplays Expectations in W. Virginia

May 12, 2008 2:14 PM

ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: Sen. Barack Obama downplayed expectations for West Virginia in his second visit the state before Tuesday's primary.

“There is an election here tomorrow,” Obama reminded a crowd of veterans in Charleston, “I’m extraordinarily honored that some of you will support me, and I understand that many more here in West Virginia will probably support Senator Clinton.”

At a stop later in South Charleston, Obama played pool with veterans and continued to tell press about his expectations for the state, using former President Bill Clinton's barometer as a guide.

"I think President Clinton said he thinks they will get 80 percent of the vote, so we’ll take him on his word." Obama said by Clinton's definition that a good showing would be "better than 20 percent according to President Clinton."

Obama said although Clinton will likely win in the state, he is confident that the Democratic party will unify behind whoever is the nominee.

Obama’s second, and last public event in West Virginia was an attempt to woo the veteran heavy population of West Virginia  and addressed the issue of patriotism, an area where he has been challenged with in the past, due to the controversies of his former pastor, his background, and his decision to not wear a flag pin.

“At a time when we’re facing the largest homecoming since the Second World War,” Obama spoke of the Iraq war as he sported a rare flag pin on his lapel, “the true test of our patriotism is whether we will serve our returning heroes as well as they’ve served us.”

The senator, who sits on the Veterans Affairs Committee, said that the conditions at veterans hospitals like Fort Bragg and Walter Reed are a betrayal to troops.

Obama’s only criticism during his speech was saved for presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain’s opposition to the 21st Century GI Bill, a bill introduced by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., to provide veterans with more options for college affordability without harming retention.

“John McCain is one of the few Senators of either party who oppose this bill because he thinks it’s too generous,” Obama said, “I couldn’t disagree more.”

In response, McCain’s spokesman, Tucker Bounds said, “It is absurd for Barack Obama to question John McCain’s commitment to America’s veterans, when Obama himself voted against funding our nation’s veterans, and troops in the field during a time of war. Voters need a leader with uncompromising judgment, and will reject Barack Obama’s decision to vote against funding our troops in the field, after he said it would be irresponsible to do so.”

McCain supports the Graham-Burr-McCain bill for improving education benefits for veterans.

May 12, 2008 in McCain, John, Obama, Barack, Vote 2008: Democrats, Vote 2008: Republicans | Permalink | User Comments (37) | TrackBack (0)

Clinton Loosely Compares Her White House Fight to JFK's Campaign

May 12, 2008 1:49 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper Reports: Senator Hillary Clinton confidently barnstormed West Virginia Monday, where she is significantly leading in the polls. The Senator, speaking in Clear Fork, WV, said that JFK was down when he was running but, had the support of the Mountain State.

“It was West Virginia that made it possible for John Kennedy to become president. Now John Kennedy didn’t have the number of delegates he needed when he went to the convention in 1960, he had something equally as important. He had West Virginia behind him.”

The New York Senator praised the beauty of the state calling it “heaven,” but added that help was needed to fix the condition of the roads that wind through the mountainous state. Clinton mentioned providing “federal government help to make sure you can get around West Virginia. It isn’t easy. It is almost heaven, don’t get me wrong, but you know it’s not easy.”

Clinton spoke about the resilience of this country – but also perhaps her perseverance in the race. 

“We are always fighting for a better tomorrow. Even when times are tough and it looks like the deck is stacked against you – Americans are resilient, boy West Virginians are sure resilient,” Clinton said.

May 12, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary | Permalink | User Comments (25) | TrackBack (0)

McCain Breaks Sharply from Bush on Environment

May 12, 2008 9:09 AM

ABC News' Ron Claiborne Reports: Campaigning in the Pacific Northwest, presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, R-Ariz., broke sharply from the Bush administration on climate change, calling for urgent steps to confront its threat and saying that as president he "will not shirk the mantle of leadership" on the issue.

In an implicit rebuke to the Bush administration, McCain said at the Vestas Wind Energy Training Facility in Portland, Oregon. "I will not shirk the mantle of leadership that the United States bears. I will not permit eight long years to pass without serious action on serious challenges." Referring to the Kyoto Protocols on greenhouse gas emissions the U.S. never signed, McCain added, "I will not accept the same dead-end of failed diplomacy that claimed Kyoto."

"We stand warned by serious and credible scientists across the world that time is short and the dangers are great," McCain said. ""The most relevant question now is whether our own government is equal to the challenge."

McCain proposed a "cap-and-trade" system that sets overall limits on domestic greenhouse gas emissions and allows companies with low emissions to sell their credits to companies that fail to meet their benchmarks. He called for capping total U.S emissions nationwide at 2005 levels by the year 2012, at 1990 levels by 2020, with the aim of cutting emissions by 2050 by at least 60 percent of the 1990 levels. He does not mention mandating higher fuel efficiency levels for vehicles.

McCain also favors increasing reliance on nuclear power.

"It doesn't take a leap in logic to conclude that if we want to arrest global warming, then nuclear energy is a powerful allow in that cause," he said.

This week, McCain is embarking on a series of environmental-themed campaign events. McCain advisers say it is a way to distinguish himself from President Bush. Charles Black, a senior aide to McCain, noted that climate change is an issue is of particular importance to younger voters, a group among whom Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill, has done well in the Democratic primaries. As the the Democrats continue to attack McCain as offering what amounts to a third Bush term, the McCain campaign says the Arizona Republican will stepping up efforts to highlight his differences with the president, including talking frequently about environmental issues.

During his presidential quest, McCain has spoken out often on climate change. He was one of the only Republican candidates do so and was the most forceful GOP contender to talk about the issue. In 2003, he sponsored the first bill calling for mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

McCain has indicated he may support legislation sponsored by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, Ind-Conn., and Sen. John Warner, R-Va, that would mandate a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 70 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, support the Lieberman-Warner bill, but have called for even greater reductions, to 80 percent below 1990 levels by mid-century.

Despite having been outspoken on the issue of climate change for years, McCain earned only a 24 (out of 100) lifetime rating by the League of Conservation Voters. He received a 0 score for 2007 because he failed to vote on any of what the LCV considered important environmental legislation.

May 12, 2008 in McCain, John | Permalink | User Comments (54) | TrackBack (0)