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Huckabee Reaches October Fundraising Goal

October 31, 2007 8:38 PM

ABC News' Kevin Chupka reports: Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, has announced via his campaign’s website that they have raised over a million dollars online since October 1.

A strong showing at the recent Republican debates and the Family Research Councils’ Values Voter Straw Poll led to increased media attention, prompting the campaign to set a online fundraising goal for the month of October to exceed its third quarter figure of $1,034, 487. As of 8 pm tonight the website reported a total of $1,064,271.73 in web-related receipts.

In an interview on the Fox Business Channel this evening, Huckabee suggested that in just the past seven days alone the campaign has raised a total (i.e. not strictly online donations) that eclipses any other fundraising quarter.

Such an increase in revenue for the campaign has allowed them to hire more help in their Little Rock headquarters in order to deal with all the increased support. More importantly though, it should allow Huckabee to cast a wider campaigning net in the key early states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. The campaign’s first commercials, produced over the past few weeks, should begin airing in those states in the near future.

The Huckabee media blitz continues tonight and tomorrow with appearances on "The O’Reilly Factor," "Hannity and Colmes," and "Charlie Rose" among others

October 31, 2007 in Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (11)

Giuliani Says Gov't Needs "Flexibility" on Waterboarding

October 31, 2007 7:51 PM

ABC News' Jan Simmonds Reports: In Nashua, New Hampshire, today Rudy Giuliani maintained his position that waterboarding may not be torture after he was asked if he had wanted to re-articulate his position.

Holding his ground, Giuliani said "the way it's defined is very very disturbing" but pressed that the federal government needs "flexibility" on this issue.

"The reality is it depends on the circumstances," Giuliani said today. "It even depends on the circumstances in which you do it. It depends on the gravity of it."

"You can't keep this country safe if you don't allow for that flexibility," he also noted.

Referring to comments made earlier this week by Admiral Robert J. Natter (Ret.), who is also a senior military advisor to his campaign, Giuliani warned that "political campaigns are not the way in which we should be making these very delicate definitions."

The former mayor and United States Prosecutor did leave the door open for Congress to pass legislation making waterboarding illegal, but added there was likely a reason they hadn’t already.

"If Congress wants to make waterboarding illegal, they should do it. But they haven’t… twice. So there must be a reason for that," he said.

Democrats and Republicans have been critical of Giuliani’s position including John McCain, R-Ariz., the competing Republican presidential candidate and former prisoner of war.

While appearing at a family restaurant in New Hampshire, the national Republican frontrunner also continued to react to last night’s Democratic debate in Philadelphia, specifically the performance of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.

"Last night she did something I have never seen before," said Giuliani referring to Clinton's much debated response on whether she supported the plan of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, D-N.Y., to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

"Sure she is known for taking one position with one audience and another position with another audience -- people know that about her. What they didn’t know is that she can take two actual positions in front of the same audience, within one minute. And it wasn't a tough question."

"Hillary's been getting away with this," he later added. "Going down south, using a southern accent. Coming up north, taking one position, taking another. Well she finally got really caught at it last night."

October 31, 2007 in Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (1)

McCain, Warner, Graham Subtly Endorse Mukasey

October 31, 2007 5:04 PM

ABC News' Z. Byron Wolf Reports: It was not a ringing endorsement, but the White House and Attorney General nominee will take whatever they can get right now.

The ranking and emeritus Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee have written the Attorney General Nominee, Judge Michael Mukasey, asking him to clarify his position on waterboarding ... but only after he is confirmed as Attorney General. This implies that they will support his nomination on the merits of what he has already said. 

Earlier Wednesday, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, said Mukasey's nomination was in jeopardy unless he clarified his position on torture.

Most of the letter sent today by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. John Warner, R-Va, the former chairman of that committee and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is a refutation on both legal and moral grounds of torture and  the practice of waterboarding, a practice that Mukasey had ceded in a letter to Democrats on the judiciary committee yesterday is "repugnant" to him.

But he would not entirely disavow himself of the practice since he said he is not fully read in to top secret justifications for interrogation policies in the Bush administration.

"We share your revulsion at the use of waterboarding and welcome your commitment to review existing legal memoranda covering interrogations and their consistency with current law," the Republican Senators wrote today. "It is vital that you do so, as anyone who engages in this practice, on behalf of any U.S. government agency, puts himself at risk of criminal prosecution, including under the War Crimes Act, and opens himself to civil liability as well."

But then they close with this innocuous statement that seems to indicate they will support his nomination:

"We must wage and win the war on terror, but doing so is fully compatible with fidelity to our laws and deepest values.  Once you are confirmed and fully briefed on the relevant programs and legal analyses, we urge you to publicly make clear that waterboarding can never be employed," the Senators write.

McCain had told George Stephanopoulos this weekend that Mukasey's answer on torture concerned him. Today's letter suggests he, Virginia Republican John Warner and South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham will support Mukasey.

Only the Democratic Presidential candidates in the Senate have officially indicated they'll oppose Mukasey.

October 31, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (1)

Cheney's Dog Darth Vader for Halloween

October 31, 2007 4:53 PM

ABC News' Jennifer Duck Reports: The Vice President's dogs may beat the President's dogs in the best dressed category this Halloween. 

Late night TV shows have ridiculed and compared Vice President Dick Cheney to Darth Vader.

So in a wicked response, Cheney dressed one of his dogs, Jackson, as the famous Star Wars character.  Cheney's other Labrador retriever, Dave, is dressed up as superman.

The canine costume may also be a jab at Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.

In September after the Democratic-led Congress failed to persuade congressional Republicans to force the President to change course in Iraq through legislative means, Clinton told supporters at a New York fundraiser, "You can always tell when the Republicans are restless -- because the Vice President's motorcade pulls into the Capitol. Darth Vader emerges. And honestly I'm not invited to their meetings I don't know what he says or does."

President Bush's pets also disguised themselves for Halloween.

Quite catty and looking a little spooked, India the cat wasn't too thrilled posing in her wizardous get-up.  However, Barney and Miss Beazley, the President and Mrs. Bush's two Scottish Terriers, were happy to sit pretty as a cowboy and a strawberry.

White House employees brought their children trick-or-treating in the Old Executive Office Building, and the White House is allowing parents to go home a little early to spend the boo-tiful night trick-or-treating with their kids.

Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Dana Perino attempted to "spook" an otherwise unfazed White House press corps by posting her daily briefing slide in orange lettering.

Click HERE to view more photos of presidential pets.

October 31, 2007 in Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (26)

Thompson: Clinton 'Dodging Hard Issues'

October 31, 2007 3:52 PM

ABC News' Christine Byun Reports: While Senator Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and her Democratic rivals were hashing it out on the debate stage Tuesday last night, Republican candidate Fred Thompson said he was not watching.

At a media availability in San Francisco, the former Tennessee senator said he "didn't watch her last night, had other priorities." He said he was briefed on last night's debate, and thought it was "another example of dodging hard issues" like Social Security.

Of Clinton's answer on whether she supported New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's plan to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, Thompson said she's being "non-committal" and not saying "what's in your mind and on your heart" for fear of losing votes.

"As far as I'm concerned, I think giving drivers licenses to illegals is a bad idea for a lot of reasons," Thompson added.

Previously, Thompson –- who has gone after Clinton for her healthcare plan – has said that he's "not fixated on Hillary Clinton." At a stop in Bluffton, S.C. last week, he told supporters that he's more focused on defeating "an entire party out there that wants us to become a big welfare state."

"This aint about Hillary Clinton," Thompson said in front of the Sippin Cow Café last Wednesday. "I'm not fixated on Hillary Clinton or anybody else. I'm fixated on us, our party, our candidacy and doing the right thing."

Today, when questioned about fellow Republican candidates questioning his experience to lead the country, Thompson said he receives such criticisms with a "smile on my face."

"With exception to Senator McCain, I'm the only guy in the race who has dealt with matters of national security, [and] who has dealt with matters of national and international nuclear proliferation," Thompson said, citing his senate experience.

October 31, 2007 in Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (1)

Clinton Gets Major Union Endorsement

October 31, 2007 1:00 PM

ABC News' Teddy Davis and Eloise Harper Report: On the heels of a rough debate, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., showed off the institutional strength of her candidacy on Wednesday when she picked up the endorsement of the nation's public employees union.

"Six guys against Hillary and I'd call that a fair fight," said AFSCME President Gerry McEntee, referring to Tuesday's Philadelphia debate in which Clinton's Democratic rivals joined together in arguing that she does not give straight answers to tough questions. Keeping with the "fighter" theme, a sea of AFSCME workers wore green t-shirts at Wednesday's event which read "when it comes to fighting for America's families, I'll go ten rounds with anybody."

Clinton's critics -- from the Republican National Committee to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama -- sought to blunt the endorsement's impact by pointing to the union's long history with former President Bill Clinton: AFSCME endorsed Clinton early in his 1992 presidential bid and reportedly played a role in courting the union this time.

But the endorsement of the 1.4-million member American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees is one of the big "gets" in Democratic politics.

The powerful public employees union, which represents 30,000 members in Iowa alone, is planning to spend $60 million over the course of 2008 primary and general-election campaign. It is also promising to mobilize a 40,000-member "army of volunteers" for Clinton.

In order to avoid a repeat of 2004 when AFSCME's support of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean did not seem to transfer to the union's rank-and-file, McEntee has explained that his union "drilled down deep" into the views of its members this time.

AFSCME's evaluation process included two presidential candidate forums. One took place in Nevada and was moderated by ABC News' George Stephanopoulos; another took place in Washington, D.C., and was moderated by MSNBC's Chris Matthews.

October 31, 2007 in Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (6)

Bush Nominates Gov. Schafer to Agriculture

October 31, 2007 11:27 AM

ABC News' Ann Compton Reports: President Bush has chosen another farm state governor to run the Department of Agriculture at a time when the important farm bill has to be reauthorized. 

President Bush nominated former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer to lead the Department of Agriculture.

Standing beside Schafer in the Roosevelt Room, Bush said, "At every stage of his career, Ed has shown wisdom, foresight and creativity. Those same qualities will make him a valuable member of my Cabinet, and they will make him a trusted friend to America's farmers and ranchers."

Schafer, a North Dakota native, responded, "Mr. President, I come from an agriculture state, as do you. Growing up in that arena, and focusing now on the USDA, I realize that the mission of this agency goes far beyond the services delivered to the preservation of a way of life that I believe is the foundation of this country."

Schafer would have to be confirmed by the Senate at a time when farm subsidies and food safety issues are hot political issues in Washington.

The White House says Schafer has the right experience for the job, and points to his record in agriculture, business and government.

Shafer was governor of North Dakota from 1992 to 2000, and has been working in the private sector.

He was elected by large margins in North Dakota, winning strong bipartisan support and becoming the first Republican ever elected to a second term in the state's history, the official said.

If confirmed, Schafer's portfolio will include the farm bill, advancing the President's trade agenda, food safety, nutrition, and development of alternative fuels like cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel.

The $288 billion farm bill is up for debate in the Senate this week or next and critics say it maintains big subsidies designed to help farmers, though the payouts now go even to farmers and agri-businesses raking in record profits.

The farm bill also, nutritionists say, encourages the production of junk food over fruits and vegetables.

During a speech to the Grocery Manufacturers Association on Wednesday, Bush asked the Senate to confirm Schafer quickly, "This afternoon I'm going to name a new secretary of Agriculture...I think you'll like him. He understands agriculture, of course. And he'll be a good follow-on to Mike Johanns, who did a superb job as the secretary of Agriculture."

ABC News' Jennifer Duck and Brian Hartman contributed to this report.

October 31, 2007 in Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (5)

Only Love Between Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush Onstage

October 31, 2007 10:49 AM

ABC News' Eloise Harper: The morning after receiving verbal punches from her Democratic rivals -- and delivering criticism of President George Bush -- Senator Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., stood on stage Wednesday with the President's wife at an event to support preservation in America.

Clinton, who mentioned Bush twenty-five times last night at the Democratic debate in Philadelphia, joined First Lady Laura Bush in her role as a former first lady to support the preservation of "America's treasures."

The two women walked on stage together at an event in Washington, D.C., to announce legislation authorizing two historic preservation programs that have been used to preserve and protect American heritage and cultural treasures. The two programs are called Preserve America and Save America's Treasures Program, which was founded by Senator Clinton.

"With this bill," Bush said, "We can make sure more communities are protected for our children and our grandchildren."

Thanking Clinton she said, "This preservation initiative was established by another first lady and I'd like to thank Senator Clinton."

"Mrs. Bush, I want to personally thank you," Clinton said at the event. "She has been a great champion of historic preservation of heritage tourism. I am very grateful for her support of Save America's Treasures," she said.

Clinton and Bush thanked each other several times in their remarks, but no mention of the debate.

However retiring Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., quipped: "Senator, I watched last night the debate and I wasn't sure you were going to get here today –- it was all against you and you look terrific." 

Clinton smiled and said she wondered whether she would make it to the event after the rough night.  "I appreciate Senator Domenci acknowledging that it might have been a little difficult for me to be here but I wouldn't have missed it."

October 31, 2007 in Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (0)

Bush Loyalist Karen Hughes Resigns

October 31, 2007 9:26 AM

ABC News' Jonathan Karl and Kirit Radia Report: Karen Hughes resigned Wednesday morning as Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy. 

In July, 2005 Bush appointed Hughes as the first Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy to "promote America's values and confront ideological support for terrorism around the world."

Hughes, a former local television reporter in Texas, was a longtime communications advisor to President Bush when he was Governor of Texas. During Bush's presidency she managing the White House Office of Communication, Media Affairs, Speechwriting and Press Secretary.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced Hughes' resignation this morning at the State Department.

Rice called said Hughes would continue to advise the State Department and President Bush on several projects going forward. She called Hughes a "valued counselor" and policy advisor who sat in on her policy meetings every morning.

"You have more than exceeded what I could have hoped for in taking over public diplomacy when you came.  And now, as you finish, I hope that you have a sense of the tremendous contributions that you've made," Rice said.

Hughes said she would likely return to Texas in mid-December. Her family had not moved to D.C. with her, something Rice said was a great "strain," and Hughes said she was looking forward to living in the same city as her husband.

Both Rice and Hughes listed advancements in public diplomacy during Hughes' tenure, namely countering terror messages on Arab-language blogs, setting up a larger video production center at the department, creating rapid reaction units to respond to incidents, and reaching out to Muslim women in the Middle East.

Public Diplomacy was one of the central pillars in Rice's transformational diplomacy plan, but Hughes had a rocky start in the new role.

During her first trip to the Middle East after being confirmed in 2005 she struck many as ignorant and naive when she commented how surprised she was to find that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was considered so important in the Arab world.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said Wednesday that Hughes wants to spend more time with her husband. Perino said Hughes will keep in touch with the President and work on a Palestinian initiative through the end of the year.

ABC News' Ann Compton contributed to this report.

October 31, 2007 in Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (50)

Tom Cruise, Ron Paul and the Sex Pistols Intersect with Leno

October 31, 2007 8:23 AM

ABC News' Z. Byron Wolf Reports: There he was, sandwiched between megastar Tom Cruise and a reunion of The Sex Pistols, singing "Anarchy in the UK" on the Tonight Show.

Texas Congressman and Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul was not about the jokes when he sat down on Jay Leno's couch and talked about the Austrian School of Economics - "Free market and hard money." Paul doesn’t think the government should be "printing money out of thin air."

Leno, who in his opening monologue joked that as an OB-GYN Ron Paul is the "only person in Washington who said take your clothes off to more women than Bill Clinton," seemed a bit skeptical of the Austrian school.

He asked Paul about all the people on social security and Paul shot back that he is the only candidate to consistently vote against spending from the social security trust fund. "Mine is really the only way to protect social security," Paul said, clarifying that he wants to continue benefits for those who have been promised them while transitioning to a system where people can opt out.

Leno pushed, asking how you'd pave roads without the IRS and the income tax, which Paul pointed out has only been in existence since 1913.

"We did a lot of good things before 1913," Paul argued.

He went on to discuss his anti-war, non-interventionist foreign policy ideas and his notion that, more than terrorism, "Our greatest threat is to civil liberty here at home."

Paul's one joke came when Leno asked him if there was actually a chance he could win.

Paul mentioned his fundraising and growing online army of supporters.

"It's certainly way beyond what I had originally conceived," Paul said. "So there is a risk I could win."

Indeed, stranger things have happened: The Sex Pistols are back together.

After the commercial break, with Paul still on the couch, Leno introduced the Sex Pistols. Oh to be a fly on the wall in that green room.

Johnny Rotten and Paul may actually have a lot to talk about -- some look at the Sex Pistols lyrics and say Rotten is libertarian too.

October 31, 2007 in Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (20)