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Daily Roundtable: McCain Shops for No. 2
April 03, 2008 12:19 PM
McCain started talking veepstakes, saying he has a list of about 20 possible running mates. The GOP nominee-to-be also said he hopes to pick early and have his choice settled prior to the Republican convention in early September.
You can read Bret Hovell's report by clicking here.
And watch McCain's remarks by clicking here.
Who do you think McCain will pick as his VP? And who do you think McCain should pick? What combination presents the strongest ticket for the GOP? What should McCain's strategy be in selecting his running mate? Talk about it in today's Daily Roundtable discussion.
If you'd like to join the discussion about George's reporting on Hillary Clinton saying Obama "can't win," click here.
April 3, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (30)
Daily Roundtable: Should She or Shouldn't She?
March 28, 2008 6:46 PM
As the Democratic race drags on, some high-profile supporters are growing restless.
Today, it was Senator Pat Leahy, a Vermont Democrat and Obama supporter, who challenged Clinton.
"There is no way Senator Clinton is going to get enough delegates to win the nomination. She ought to withdraw and she ought to be backing Senator Obama," Leahy declared.
ABC News' Jake Tapper blogs about Leahy's remarks.
Bver at Time Magazine, Mark Halperin and Jay Carney cover Clinton's "in it to win it" strategy.
"But not only does Clinton intend to stay in, she and her advisers are crafting a strategy that they think can swing the nomination her way," Halperin and Carney write.
What do you think? Does Clinton still have a chance at the nomination despite Obama's delegate league? Should the people have their say before the politicians encourage her to drop out? Share your thoughts in our comments section.
March 28, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (104)
Daily Roundtable: The Ferraro Fallout
March 12, 2008 5:54 PM
The Democratic nomination race has been tackling issues of race and gender for more than a year, and now former congresswoman and Democratic vice-presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro is in the fray.
Ferraro told The Daily Breeze, a small California newspaper, “If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman of any color, he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”
Ferraro insists that her comments were not racist and were taken out of context and said on Good Morning America that she is "absolutely not" sorry. But today, Ferraro stepped down from as a member of the Clinton campaign finance committee.
Obama said he didn't think she intended her comments to be racist, but added, "I think they were wrong-headed. I think they're not borne out of our history or by the facts."
Ferraro said that had she been “Gerard Ferraro instead of Geraldine Ferraro” she would not have been her party’s VP nominee.
You can watch Ferraro's interview on Good Morning America by clicking here, and Obama's response to the remarks by clicking here.
What do you think? Were Ferraro comments out of line? Does her experience as a minority candidate on a presidential ticket give her analysis credibility? Should she have stepped down from the Clinton campaign? Share your thoughts in today's Daily Roundtable discussion.
March 12, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (76)
Daily Roundtable: In the meantime...
March 10, 2008 11:53 AM
With a six week slog until Pennsylvania, what can the Democrats do in the meantime?
According to Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, it's not about what to do, it's about what to do-over. In the Wall Street Journal, Nelson said he asked DNC Chair Howard Dean for the Democratic Party to pay for a Florida primary re-vote, but Dean "suggested the state party could raise the funds."
"Either way, it's imperative that the Democratic Party at both the national and state levels participate in finding a solution. Otherwise the Democratic Party unfortunately appears headed for a political train wreck that could involve a floor fight at the convention over recognizing Florida's delegates," Nelson writes.
On Sunday, Howard Dean seemed optimistic, "I would prefer that their delegates are seated in some way, but that way has to be within the rules that everybody agreed to...And I think they will."
You can watch Howard Dean's appearance on this week here, and Michigan Sen. Levin and Florida Gov. Crist tackle the topic here.
What do you think? Should Michigan and Florida get do-overs? Who should pay for it? Could this decide the Democratic race? Share your thoughts in our comments section.
March 10, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (25)
Daily Roundtable: President's Day Politics
February 18, 2008 12:27 PM
With another primary battle set for tomorrow, Sens. Clinton and Obama are busy trading barbs in Wisconsin. The latest accusation from the campaign trail is that Obama is pilfering his prose from a friend - Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts.
But, according to political history junkie Dan McGinn, all politics is pilfering...
"On this President's Day holiday, it is helpful to look back to George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's time for perspective. The top concerns Washington faced in 1789 were war, the economy and epidemic health issues. The top concerns confronting Lincoln in 1861 were a looming civil war, creating an economy that would benefit the entire country, slavery and promoting an ethical government. Do some of these issues sound familiar?"
For today's Daily Roundtable discussion, it's time to talk President's Day. What do you think about McGinn's hypothesis that the issues don't change much? Which past presidents do you think today's candidates are most similar to? If you could pick any past president to come back today, who would it be? Join the discussion in the comments section.
February 18, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (36)
Daily Roundtable: Romney Out
February 07, 2008 1:10 PM
Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney suspended his presidential campaign today.
"If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention... I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it easier for Senator Clinton or Obama to win. Frankly in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror," Romney said in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, DC. "This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose."
Over at "The Page" Mark Halperin writes about "Ten Things Mitt Romney Could Have Done Differently."
Romney's exit leaves Sen. John McCain, former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee and Rep. Ron Paul fighting for the Republican nomination, with McCain miles ahead in the delegate count.
Do you think this was the right time for Romney to leave the race? Could he have done anything differently? Share your thoughts in our comments section.
February 7, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (12)
Daily Roundtable: Two Days 'Til Tuesday
February 03, 2008 9:43 AM
On this Sunday's show, just two days before Super Tuesday, George spoke with Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney about their chances as they head into the biggest day of voting yet. (If you missed the interviews or our Roundtable, you can see them again on our website - www.abcnews.com/thisweek.)
The latest ABC News/Washington Post poll shows Clinton barely ahead of rival Barack Obama, and John McCain taking over the Republican field.
Who do you think will still be standing when Tuesday's polls close? Is Romney still in it? Can Obama overcome Clinton? Share your thoughts in today's Daily Roundtable discussion.
February 3, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (27)
Daily Roundtable: An Economy Election?
January 23, 2008 5:09 PM
After months of debate over Iraq and health care, the 2008 election has taken a sharp turn toward the economy.
At Salon.com, Robert Reich says, "A possible economic meltdown is worrisome enough, but a possible meltdown in an election year is downright frightening."
ABC News' Teddy Davis covers the candidates' responses, saying, "The new emphasis on economic issues was acutely on display Tuesday amid fears of a U.S. recession and a worldwide stock sell-off."
This Week's Jonathan Greenberger says the economy is the top campaign issue "for the moment."
"But," he added, "six months ago everyone said Iraq would be the dominant issue… While the economy is the top issue right now, who knows where we'll be in November."
Where do you think we'll be in November? Will the economy be the top election issue? Which candidate do you think is the strongest on economic issues? Talk about it in today's "Daily Roundtable" discussion.
January 23, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (11)
Daily Roundtable: Frontrunner Free GOP
January 16, 2008 3:48 PM
And then there were... eight?
Four primary contests into the GOP nominating process and yes -- eight candidates remain. Three of them have won a primary or caucus, and two of them still think they might. The result: A frontrunner free contest.
In The Note, ABC's Rick Klein writes, "Stick around long enough in the Republican race and you too can be a winner."
I spoke with ABC's Deputy Political Director Teddy Davis about the Michigan results and where the GOP race now stands.
"Coming out of New Hampshire, McCain had an opportunity to establish himself as the frontrunner, but it would have taken him winning Michigan," Davis said. "Now that [Romney's] won Michigan, you have a situation where you have three key contests, and three winners."
As for when and how a frontrunner might emerge?
"It's possible for a frontrunner to emerge before February 5. But, it will require one of the candidate who has already won a state to win Florida's January 29 primary as well as one of the two states -- South Carolina or Nevada -- which vote on Saturday," Davis said.
Which Republican candidate do you think will rise above the rest? Will the battle for the nomination be good or bad for the GOP? Do you think there is time for Rudy Giuliani or Fred Thompson to get in the mix? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
January 16, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (3)
Daily Roundtable: Kerry is Back... For Obama
January 10, 2008 3:23 PM
Bill Richardson is out of the race, and John Kerry is in it -- for Obama, that is.
The '04 nominee endorsed Obama today in South Carolina.
In an email to supporters, John Kerry wrote, "I want to share with you my conviction that in a field of fine Democratic candidates, the next President of the United States can be, should be, and will be Barack Obama. Each of our candidates would make a fine President, and we are blessed with a strong field. But for this moment, at this time in our nation's history, Barack Obama is the right choice."
ABC's Rick Klein says the endorsement "gives Obama a chance to change the campaign storyline during a crucial period. It also gives Obama access to new sources of campaign cash, particularly through the 3 million-strong e-mail list Kerry has maintained after his failed 2004 bid for the presidency."
The AP's Glen Johnson calls the endorsement "a slap at Edwards" and "a jab at Clinton."
The Edwards campaign responded with a written statement saying, "Our country and our Party are stronger because of John’s service, and I respect his decision. When we were running against each other and on the same ticket, John and I agreed on many issues. I continue to believe that this election is about the future, not the past, and that the country needs a President who will fight aggressively to end the status quo and change the Washington system and to give voice to all of those whose voices are ignored in the corridors of power."
What do you think of Kerry's endorsement? Does he have the ability to boost the Obama campaign? How big of a blow is this to the Edwards and Clinton campaigns? We'll be talking about the endorsement on the This Week All Week webcast later today, and you can join the discussion here in our comments section.
January 10, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (19)
Daily Roundtable: Iowa, Iowa, Iowa
January 02, 2008 12:40 PM
Today, New Hampshire likely feels like the Jan to Iowa's Marcia.
All eyes are on the Heartland and it's Iowa, Iowa, Iowa for the next 36 hours.
The Des Moines Register has the latest updates on their caucus page.
ABC's Jennifer Parker provides a caucus primer.
And in ABC's "The Note," Rick Klein describes the "weary dash" to the finish.
For today's "Daily Roundtable," it's prediction time! Who will win? By how much? Will the winner get an "Iowa Bounce" into New Hampshire?
And speaking of New Hampshire... the "This Week" Bunch is heading north to broadcast LIVE from Manchester this Sunday morning. Check back here for updates on the show.
January 2, 2008 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (5)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Daily Roundtable: Iraq to the Backburner?
November 30, 2007 11:03 AM
Time to take on the role of George Will or Donna Brazile with our Daily Roundtable.
Today's topic: Are voters turning their attention away from Iraq?
According to The Politico, the answer is yes. One congressman says his constituents didn't ask him about Iraq even once during the Thanksgiving recess. The reason? Rep. Steny Hoyer speculates that it's decreasing violence and media coverage -- not good policy, but others point to the positive news.
Do you consider the war a top voting issue? If voters are less focused on Iraq, what does this mean for Democrats? Or for anti-war Republican Ron Paul? Does it help the other Republicans?
November 30, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (1)
Daily Roundtable: Republicans Face the YouTube Public
November 29, 2007 1:53 PM
Ever thought you should be on the This Week Roundtable? Here's your chance to prove it!
The top political story this morning: Republicans take on YouTube.
The New York Times tells the full story here.
In ABC's The Note, Rick Klein says Huckabee is up and Giuliani is down.
On the HorseRaceBlog, RealClearPolitics tracks "the hits."
The Politico covers the question from the retired general with Clinton ties.
And the internet polls are going to Ron Paul.
Who do you think won? Did the debate change your opinion about any of the candidates? Are debates bringing anything new to light? Should the Republicans stay focused on their differences, or differences with Democrats?
Talk about it in the comments section.
November 29, 2007 in Daily Roundtable | Permalink | User Comments (0)
