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Coming Up: "On the Trail" with Hillary Clinton
December 29, 2007 11:47 AM
This blog is back from a holiday vacation, which included a detour to Des Moines, Iowa. A not-even-remotely scientific study of the caucus-going members of my family in Iowa reveals that it's all still up for grabs and about 6 out of 10 Hamiltons remain undecided. If the Hamiltons are any indication, there could be some surprises on caucus night.
And with votes about to be cast, "This Week" is also going to Iowa.
George is "On the Trail" in the Hawkeye State today to interview Senator Hillary Clinton. With time running out, Clinton is traveling the state and making her closing argument. Des Moines Register Political Columnist David Yepsen has some good news for Clinton - the caucus weather is "Hillary Weather."
"The forecast for caucus day on Thursday in Iowa is clear with a high of 34 degrees. The day before is also expected to be sunny. That's Hillary Clinton Weather. The roads and sidewalks will be clean and the ice melted enough to allow older women to get out and caucus for the New York senator," Yepsen writes.
Also, joining George live from New Hampshire on Sunday is Senator John McCain. McCain has been campaigning aggressively in the Granite State. His latest strategy involves battling one former Massachusetts governor - Mitt Romney - with another, former Governor Jane Swift - a McCain supporter.
And, we have a Roundtable with David Brooks (read his latest column on the best essays of the year), Donna Brazile, and George Will (read his latest column on Barack Obama). Tune in Sunday!
December 29, 2007 in Coming Up | Permalink | User Comments (8)
Happy Holidays from This Week
December 22, 2007 11:25 AM
Happy holidays from all of us at "This Week"!
This blog will be a bit quiet as we break for the holidays, but we'll be back next week with the final sprint toward Iowa and New Hampshire and the latest on the show.
Tune in Sunday to see George's "On the Trail" interview with Rudy Giuliani; our "Roundtable" featuring EJ Dionne, Torie Clarke, Cokie Roberts and George Will; and our "Voice" Caroline Kennedy.
December 22, 2007 in Politics | Permalink | User Comments (0)
Daily Roundtable: Giuliani's Big States Strategy
December 21, 2007 2:51 PM
For today's Daily Roundtable, we're discussing the campaign tactics of our Sunday headliner: Rudy Giuliani. (Click here for the full Sunday line-up)
He hasn't spent much time in Iowa. He's not leading in New Hampshire. And he isn't the frontrunner in South Carolina.
But nationally, Giuliani is still ahead in most polls. His campaign has focused on the later states with the larger populations, while Huckabee, Romney and McCain have been spending their time and money in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post takes a look at the Republican field- noting that someone has to win. "Rudy Giuliani isn't positioned to win a single state before Florida's Jan. 29 primary," he writes.
On his list, Giuliani comes in second to Romney. But what do you think?
Can the Giuliani campaign win it all without winning Iowa or New Hampshire? Talk about it in our Daily Roundtable discussion.
December 21, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (7)
Dear This Week: The Roundtable
December 19, 2007 6:57 PM
Every week our viewers email us with compliments, complaints and questions. I know this because I read those letters. When I can, I answer them. And since many questions seem to fall into the "FAQ" category, I thought I would start answering them here as well.
For the first installment of "Dear This Week" I'm going to answer everyone who said "I can't find the Roundtable video on the website!"
You were right. You couldn't. But now -- you can! We recently made some changes that will allow us to post this popular part of the show. Check out the latest installment of the Roundtable here, and if you miss the show -- catch up with the video segments on our website. You can also listen to the whole show with our weekly podcast.
If you have a question, you can always email us at thisweek@abc.com.
December 19, 2007 in Dear This Week | Permalink | User Comments (25)
Daily Roundtable: McCain Endorsement Streak
December 17, 2007 12:07 PM
Senator John McCain might not be leading in the polls, but in the race for endorsements he seems to be the frontrunner.
First, the New Hampshire Union Leader called him "the man to lead America."
Over the weekend, the Des Moines Register and Boston Globe gave him their support.
Then today, a former Democratic vice presidential candidate joined Team McCain.
Also getting endorsements: Clinton from the Des Moines Register and Obama from the Boston Globe.
Ron Paul earned an endorsement of the monetary sort -- in a one day "Money Bomb" event, the Paul campaign reports raising more than $6 million.
And other endorsements, like Iowa Rep. Steve King for Thompson, keep coming.
Do you think these endorsements will boost McCain in the polls? What do you think is a bigger endorsement- a local paper, or a surge of campaign donations? Do endorsements from newspapers and politicians influence your decisions? Join our Daily Roundtable discussion!
December 17, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (6)
Daily Roundtable: Clinton v. Obama
December 14, 2007 11:45 AM
The Clinton-Obama tension is rising on the campaign trail, with the Clinton camp still trying to spin the Bill Shaheen flap.
You can read about Clinton's apology to Obama here.
The New York Times' Caucus blog explains the escalating situation.
And ABC's Rick Klein tells a tale of two Clinton strategies.
In other campaign news, Elizabeth Edwards is out and about, and Chelsea Clinton goes commercial.
Finally, I am delighted to tell you that according to RonPaulBlimp.com, the blimp is in the air! ABC's Z. Byron Wolf details the drama. Now I really must end this post, because they are promising live blimp feeds, and I have priorities.
As for your Daily Roundtable discussion topics- let's go with Clinton v. Obama: Who is winning the current battle? Will it matter in the ultimate campaign war? Is Clinton vulnerable? Discuss. Also, please feel free (and encouraged) to discuss any and all blimp-related topics.
December 14, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (9)
GOP Debate: Top Ten Moments
December 12, 2007 6:08 PM
"This Week" researcher Mary Bruce brings us the best moments from today's GOP debate:
Top Ten Moments From The Des Moines Register GOP Debate
10) Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney spar over taxes: Taking a jab at Romney, Thompson said he wished he could be where Romney was in terms of his taxes. The icing on the cake? He went on to "compliment" Romney saying he's "becoming quite the actor."
9) Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani getting a few laughs for his response on transparency: Giuliani laughed about how New Yorkers knew EVERYTHING about him and what he did when he was Mayor. "I can't think of a public figure who's been more transparent," he said.
8) Fred Thompson's self-defeating goal for his first year in office: With his primary aim "to establish my credibility," we're not sure he'll ever get the chance to prove it.
7) The ensuing smack-down over first year promises: Romney shot down Thompson's response, saying "I want to do more then just talk," and went on to list his priorities. But his moment at the top was short-lived… Huckabee trumped Romney, explaining "I like the laundry list, but none of that's going to happen..."
6) Huckabee's response when asked about his resolution for the other candidates: That they all be a bit more careful, "because everything gets amplified"…looks like the newly crowned front-runner has been having a tough time with all the media scrutiny.
5) The free for alls: While the free statements offered by all the candidates where generally a bit of a bore, Romney took the opportunity to thank Iowans for all their hospitality and to remind them to get out and caucus (…and perhaps to make his appeal for the Des Moines Register nomination?).
4) Huckabee's one-liners: Speaking on education, the former Governor called for "weapons of mass instruction." Zing!
3) Alan - did you know he was a candidate? - Keyes: Need I say more. While he definitely added some curveballs to the debate, he also put forth the most comprehensive answer on global warming. According to Ambassador Keyes, the factor most contributing to global warming is "the hot air in the Republican field."
2) Keyes, a little late to the game, goes after Romney on abortion: When asked if he would like to respond to Keyes' comments on Romney's abortion stance, Romney simply stated "I'm not sure…" He then went on to explain his shift in view… again.
1) And hands-down (pun-intended) the best moment from the debate: The Thompson-lead mutiny against the hand raise. When asked for a show of hands from the candidates on global warming, Thompson took over the moderating and launched a rebellion refusing to participate in any hand-raising activities.
December 12, 2007 in Politics | Permalink | User Comments (0)
Voices: Cusack's Recommended Reading
December 12, 2007 2:26 PM
On Sunday our "Voice" was actor John Cusack. He stars in a new movie called "Grace is Gone" about a family dealing with the effects of war.
Cusack shared with us his top suggestions for reading on the war in Iraq, as well as his recommendations for war films.
"Top two books about Iraq that I think are important are 'The Shock Doctrine' by Naomi Klein, which is more about the neocons and neoliberals, and 'Blackwater,' which is about the Blackwater mercenary movement that's happened.
"And top war movies -- I would put 'Paths of Glory' right there at the top. That's a pretty great film, a Kubrick film. Of course, 'Apocalypse Now.'"
December 12, 2007 in Voices | Permalink | User Comments (0)
Daily Roundtable: Last Chance Debate
December 12, 2007 12:14 PM
The Republicans debate today for the last time before the Iowa Caucuses. The Des Moines Register is hosting the GOP candidates at 2PM EST, and tomorrow the Democrats take the stage.
The Des Moines Register says their debate could have a "seismic impact" in Iowa.
The stakes are especially high for Mike Huckabee, who in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll is closing in on Giuliani nationally.
And the heat is on the Clinton campaign following rumors of a staff shake-up. The campaign calls the news "ludicrous."
ABC's Rick Klein has the latest in "The Note."
What issues do you think the candidates need to address in their last chance meeting? Have you picked a candidate? If not, what will decide your vote? If so, is there anything that could change your mind? Join the Daily Roundtable discussion in our comments section.
December 12, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (2)
Daily Roundtable: Republicans Take Turn on Univision
December 10, 2007 12:34 PM
Last night the Republicans took their turn addressing a Spanish-speaking audience in the televised Univision debate. Much of the night focused on immigration, and this morning all reports indicate this debate did not sound quite like the others.
"It was a forum starkly different from previous Republican encounters, most notably marked by non-engagement between the participants..." ABC News reported.
The New York Times says the normally strident rhetoric on immigration was seriously softened.
And The Politico says the gloves went back on, for a change.
Do you think it was appropriate for the candidates to strike a softer tone in this debate? How big of a role do you think immigration will play in this election? You can join the Daily Roundtable discussion in our comments section.
December 10, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (0)
Live Blogging Oprah and Obama in Iowa
December 08, 2007 4:19 PM
5:22PM: Obama urges the crowd to "stand up" and, of course, to caucus. "Thank you Iowa, I love you," he concludes. And that brings us to the end of our live blog! Thanks for reading and please share your own thoughts with us.
5:18PM: Jabbing at Hillary Clinton, Obama says he will be disclosing all his kindergarten papers tomorrow. The Clinton campaign earlier pointed to Obama's presidential ambitions as a kindergartner as proof that Obama had been running for president for a very long time. The Clinton campaign later said it was a joke.
5:17PM: The senator promised to bring the troops home in 16 months and close Guantanamo.
5:10PM: Something happened in the audience... Obama is coaching a paramedic through the crowd, but he gets right back to the speech.
5:08PM: The crowd just suggested Obama get Oprah as his VP. Obama says "that would be a demotion."
5:07PM: Obama is stumping with Oprah and Michelle Obama as the backdrop.
5:00PM: Obama spent a fair amount of timing praising Iowans as good people. As an Iowa native, I must inject a little opinion here and agree with that point.
4:58PM: "For her to take the risk of stepping out of her comfort zone is extraordinary," Obama says, asking for applause for Oprah.
4:54PM: Oprah says Obama is "the one" and there he is. "You know you've got a pretty good show when I'm the third best speaker," Obama says. He started by talking about his wife, not his high profile guest.
4:49PM: "These are dangerous times, I know you know it- you're all watching American Idol trying to forget about it..." Mixing her television world into the speech.
4:47PM: After some safe issues- health care and education, Oprah hit on Iraq- saying Obama had the clarity and conviction to stand up against the war. As my co-worker Susie points out, she's taking this new political track pretty far.
4:46PM: Oprah just joked about those lost little girls from earlier in the event when talking about good parenting. She's earned a lot of laughs and several rounds of applause thus far. I think we've learned an important lesson today: People like Oprah.
4:43PM: She's talking health care. Iowa aside: Hy-Vee Hall, home to this event, gets it's funny name from the local grocery chain.
4:41PM: Oprah just admitted that she's a little out of her realm and it makes her nervous.
4:37PM: "For the very first time in my life, I feel compelled to stand up and to speak out for the man who I believe has a new vision for America." Oprah says she isn't there to tell anyone what to think, but she hopes people will think... a nice tie-back to her intro theme music.
4:34PM: Oprah hits the stage to Aretha Franklin's "Think." The crowd in Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines looks like it's spilling out the door. Her first word "Iowa!"
4:31PM: Michelle Obama is on stage. She joked that Oprah and Barack couldn't make it. A very prompt start for the event.
4:28PM: The event is scheduled to start any minute, but so far all we see is a podium and a "Change We Can Believe In" sign. The crowd is noisily milling about. Seems the show is delayed because of two missing girls... but they found them! All is good again in Iowa.
4:19PM: Check back here at 4:30PM EST (3:30 CST) when I will be live blogging the Oprah-Obama event in Des Moines. You will be able to watch the streaming video on ABCNews.com.
Full disclosure: I'm sitting at my desk in DC, far away from the action, but getting the same view that everyone outside of Iowa will have.
Some background:
The Des Moines Register says Iowa has 40,000 Oprah viewers daily.
The paper also reports that 23,000 tickets have been distributed for today’s event.
I know at least four of those won’t be getting any use. My Uncle Brad, who runs a t-shirt shop across from the Obama office on the East side of Des Moines and says he is going to caucus for Kucinich, was given tickets twice this week, but he can't find anyone to take them.
One reason might be all the hype. According to this blogger’s grandfather (a long-time Iowa Caucus voter and frequent campaign event attendee), "I'm not going because it's too big of a crowd."
But certainly thousands of Iowans will be there, and you can come talk about it here.
December 8, 2007 in Vote 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (0)
Daily Roundtable: It's Oprah Time!
December 08, 2007 12:12 PM
In the news today...
Oprah, Obama and the whole Clinton clan barnstorm Iowa.
Meanwhile, the CIA continues to take heat over the destruction of interrogation videos.
And Sec. Gates joins the post-NIE rhetoric, saying Gulf Nations need to tell Iran to "come clean."
The "This Week" staff is hard at work, spending this rainy sunny Saturday prepping for the Sunday show.
Tomorrow we have a "Classic Roundtable" with Sam Donaldson, Cokie Roberts and George Will in the studio to discuss the week's news.
Do you think Oprah will boost Obama's numbers in Iowa? Check back here for my live blog of the Oprah event (4:30PM Eastern). You can also watch the streaming video on our website and the ABC News Politics page.
December 8, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (2)
This Sunday: Biden and Gingrich
December 07, 2007 7:14 PM
This Sunday, you'll see Sen. Joe Biden and former Speaker Newt Gingrich on our show.
The Roundtable is "classic" with Sam Donaldson, Cokie Roberts and George Will.
And our "Voice" is actor John Cusak, star of "Grace is Gone," a film about one family coping with the war.
Click here to find out what time "This Week" airs in your town.
December 7, 2007 in Coming Up | Permalink | User Comments (1)
Daily Roundtable: Paul Goes Big Blimpin'
December 07, 2007 1:13 PM
Oprah's on the trail, the Romney speech spin goes on, but let's get to the real news...
The Internet's favorite candidate (via a company not technically affiliated with the campaign, as commenter tjestus points out) plans to take his message from the trail to the air.
And in other Paul news...
The cash flow continues.
You can bet on the success of the next money bomb.
And in DC, Paul struggles to get 300 signatures.
Are we crazy, or is this blimp the best campaign tactic ever? What are Paul's chances in Iowa and New Hampshire? Join the Daily Roundtable discussion in our comments section. (If enough people respond, maybe I can convince my boss to get us a blimp!)
December 7, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (6)
Daily Roundtable: Romney on Religion
December 06, 2007 11:57 AM
Romney attempted to channel JFK today as he finally tackled the topic of his religion.
Rick Klein covers the buzz in ABC's The Note.
ABC News' Matt Stuart was there.
Bob Novak calls it a "risky venture."
Andrew Sullivan thought he heard a flip-flop.
And Joe Klein says he doubts it will change any minds.
Take our poll and tell us whether you consider religion when deciding who will get your vote.
Then join the Daily Roundtable discussion in the comments section: How important was this speech for the Romney campaign? Did he hit it out of the park? Will it change any minds? Did the speech affect your vote?
December 6, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (2)
Daily Roundtable: Iran Downgrade?
December 05, 2007 11:27 AM
A new National Intelligence Estimate says Iran might not be so nuclear after all, and (nearly) everyone reacts.
The president says he will stay the course.
The papers suggest he reconsider.
The candidates pile-on Hillary.
And Mike Huckabee just doesn't know what to say.
Do you think the U.S. should change its policy toward Iran? Will Iran be an important issue in this election? Will you consider a candidate's views on Iran when deciding who gets your vote?
December 5, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (5)
Daily Roundtable: Falling Frontrunners, Changing Tactics?
December 04, 2007 10:38 AM
With new leaders in Iowa, and the old ones losing some steam nationally, it's time to talk '08.
A USA Today/Gallup poll shows Clinton and Giuliani ahead, but down.
In The Note, ABC's Rick Klein says Obama and Clinton are swapping roles.
The Clinton campaign cites dirty tricks.
The Obama campaign tracks the attacks.
And the Romney campaign gets ready to confront religion.
Watch George Stephanopoulos talk about the latest news in the race for the White House, and tell us what you think.
Are you following the race? Which campaign tactics seem to be working? Is this a turning point for the frontrunners in both parties -- will they lose in Iowa? Join the discussion in our comments section.
December 4, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (2)
Daily Roundtable: The Climate in Bali
December 03, 2007 11:03 AM
Mondays at "This Week" tend to be rather quiet, but you don't have to be. Join our Daily Roundtable discussion.
Today's topic comes from Eric, a reader who commented here about the Bali conference on climate change. The conference opens this week with more than 190 nations in attendance. Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore will also attend.
The New York Times explains that little is expected to come from this meeting. But, CQ Politics says a group of U.S. senators plan to get in the mix, despite not acting as official attendees.
What do you think the U.S. policy should be regarding climate change? Should the United States sign the Kyoto Protocol? Is climate change an important 2008 campaign issue?
December 3, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (2)
Sunday Summary: Watch Huckabee, the Green Room and Extended Voices
December 02, 2007 2:41 PM
If you missed something Mike Huckabee said, you can see it again here.
If you want to hear what our Roundtable guests said after they left the set, watch the Green Room.
And to learn more about how Steven Van Zandt wants to bring rock to schools, see Extended Voices.
December 2, 2007 in Green Room | Permalink | User Comments (5)
Voices: Van Zandt Picks His Favorite Albums
December 02, 2007 9:59 AM
Our "Voice" this week was Steven Van Zandt, also known as Silvio Dante from "The Sopranos."
After he told us about his new music education program -- Little Steven's Rock and Roll High School -- we asked the legendary E Street Band guitarist about his favorite albums. Here's what he said:
Oh, my god, okay. First, we got to go with the Rolling Stones' "London Sessions." It was a three-record set. I don't know if it's three CDs or not. All the singles, the first 10 years or so.
I feel like cheating doing all "best of" compilations here, but it might be the easiest thing.
The Beatles first or second album, either "Please Please Me" or "With the Beatles."
The Who's first album, called "The Who Sings My Generation."
The Kinks, I don't know, maybe the third album, "The Kink Kontroversy."
Yardbirds, let's just go with "The Best of the Yardbirds."
"Best of the Animals." I'm sticking to the British invasion, in case you didn't notice.
The Byrds, go "The Best of the Byrds." The American Byrds, there's two Byrds, Byrds with a "y."
Bob Dylan, any of his first seven albums. Go with "Blonde on Blonde," I guess, or "Highway 61."
There's a whole lot of '50s stuff that we can't fit in the top 10. But... you know, best of the early Elvis Presley and Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry and Little Richard.
That'll get you started. That's sort of a good place to start.
December 2, 2007 in Voices | Permalink | User Comments (53)
Daily Roundtable: Your Top Topics
December 01, 2007 11:33 AM
After a Friday hostage crisis, the campaigning continues…
Unless of course you're a candidate trying to travel around Iowa in the middle of a winter storm.
Here at "This Week," we're busy prepping for the show. And tomorrow, we'll bring you a Sunday Roundtable with Katrina vanden Heuvel, Peggy Noonan, Elisabeth Bumiller and George Will.
So for today's Daily Roundtable, let's talk about tomorrow's televised Roundtable.
What were the biggest political stories this week? What would you want to hear our Roundtable guests discuss?
Reminder -- you can talk to us through the comment section right there at the bottom of the post. It's easy, free and could be fun?
December 1, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (9)
