Election Central Morning Roundup
Obama's Big Berlin Speech Today
Today is the big day of Barack Obama's tour through Europe, with him set to address a crowd in Berlin that is expected to be simply massive. Speaking to reporters on the campaign plane, Obama tried to play down the big expectations that have been set: "I doubt we're going to have a million screaming Germans -- let's tamp down expectations here."
McCain To Discuss Cancer With Lance Armstrong
John McCain is stopping tonight in Columbus, Ohio, where he'll be holding a town hall meeting on cancer issues with Lance Armstrong. The famous athlete has remained publicly neutral in the campaign all this cycle, with the goal of lobbying all the candidates on health care issues relating to cancer research and treatment.
Schumer: Sixty Seats "Not Out Of The Question"
During a pen and pad briefing with reporters yesterday in his capacity as head of the DSCC, Senator Chuck Schumer didn't rule out the possibility of the Dems reaching a filibuster-proof 60-seat majority this fall. "It's very difficult, but it's not out of the question," Schumer said.
WaPo: Obama's Israel Trip Focused On Jewish Vote
The Washington Post reports that the Israel leg of Barack Obama's trip was the most meticulously planned part of the overseas tour -- with the big issue being an effort to woo Jewish voters back home. "In the end, I think he's going to do as well as any Democratic nominee with the Jewish community, but people still have to feel more comfortable with him," said Congressman Henry Waxman.
NYT: McCain Putting In Extra Effort For Home State
The New York Times reports that John McCain has stepped up his number of campaign appearances in his home state of Arizona, a sign that the campaign isn't taking the place for granted as Democrats have gained strength locally. One problem is the enthusiasm gap between the two candidates, and that many local conservative activists have long dislike McCain for his stances on campaign finance and immigration.
Report: Lieberman Not Bringing In Cash For McCain
The Hill reports that in the time since John McCain won the Republican nomination, only two donations have come into the McCain campaign from Joe Lieberman supporters. In his defense, Lieberman noted that he's attended several fundraising events for McCain: "I hope my presence there has helped."















Obviously MCain is going to announce that Lance Armstrong will be his VP running mate.
July 24, 2008 9:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
Halperin is playing the role of Novak this morning, attempting to create a distraction with pointless VP speculation.
July 24, 2008 9:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
i dont even think that would get the headlines over obama
does anybody know what time this speech will be airing here in america?
Video of Meghan McCain and media get together at McCains house
July 24, 2008 9:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
never mind the speech is going to air at 1:30
July 24, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
The last year and a half have shown pretty clearly that Democratic Senators do not have the unity required to turn theory into practice. Significant numbers of them side with the Republicans on a wide variety of issues.
Perhaps things would be different if they had the theoretical level needed - perhaps then they really would stick together. But unfortunately, I wouldn't count on it.
July 24, 2008 9:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
If it's all the same to you, let's do everything we can to make sure that Barack Obama gets elected with the strongest congressional majority possible, ok? You can fret about it all you want; I'll take my chances with 60 seats filled with Dems who may or may not have more of a spine when they're working with an Democratic Administration and the motivation of passing Obama's legislation. (I did not intentionally make that internal rhyme scheme there. It just came out that way...)
July 24, 2008 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Anyone watch the news this morning? Normally excellent Chuck Todd continues pounding his idea that this election is a "referendum" on Barack Obama.
That's a highly frustrating position for the news to put themselves in, excusing them from giving scrutiny to John McCain or his record in supporting our existing administration.
Sigh - even the good ones don't get it.
http://strategy08.wordpress.com
July 24, 2008 9:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's because in that NBC poll this morning twice as many said McCain was the lesser of 2 evils, than said they were excited about voting for him. This election is Obama vs. (insert other guy here).
July 24, 2008 9:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
But those aren't swing voters, those are whacko Republicans who are pissed at McCain over immigration and acknowledging global warming.
The same case can be made that this election is a referendum on McCain with swing voters deciding whether he offers a vision distinct from that of Bush.
July 24, 2008 9:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
das,
First, this is bad news for John McCain. Go to MSNBC and read the PDF of the poll. one of the questions asked "As you think about the presidential race do you find yourself focusing more on what kind of president Barack Obama would be or John McCain
51% said the kind of president Barack Obama would be.
27% said the kind of president John McCain would be.
That means that the race is going to be about Obama.
Other good news fo Obama: 44% of Obama voters are excited about voting for him compared to only 14% for John McCain.
add to that this: 13 percent in the poll believe that the country is headed in the right direction.
THIS really is GOOD NEWS for Obama!!
July 24, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/ich_bin_ein_beginner/
Too funny.
and Barack Obama agrees with the punchline:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BnLozS-TnM
July 24, 2008 9:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, Obama went to DC and discovered that the people running the show were a bunch of hacks and morons. What's your point?
July 24, 2008 9:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
That he agrees that he doesn't have the experience needed to be President in 2008...he said it himself...before he got "power drunk" in DC.
July 24, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
By the looks of this international trip, it sure looks like he knows what he's doing now. It must suck to nominate an old, dying horse and find out the young guy in his 40's is 10x the statesman... LOL!
July 24, 2008 10:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Looks like Obama's starting to outraise McCain...in Arizona!
Check it out:
http://strategy08.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/obama-outraises-mccain-in-arizona/
July 24, 2008 9:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
i can't wait to watch obama's speech in Berlin that sound be fun, poor mccain not gonna get no love today so i guess he will make another hateful statement to try to get attention...........
July 24, 2008 9:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
They'll be attacking about how Obama is playing to "furr-en-ers" abroad, and not caring about the needs of the American people at home. It's what I would do if I were a Republican.
Thankfully I'm not.
July 24, 2008 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's because there are only two Joe Lieberman supporters.
July 24, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
I didn't realize Lieberman's parents were still alive.
July 24, 2008 10:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
:-D
middlenamesareseriousbusiness, you are a guaranteed LOL each day. Thank you for posting!
July 24, 2008 10:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's not so much a flaw as a characteristic of the Democratic party -- a wider diversity of views than their counterparts. Pull the lens back and we see it is a strength, not a weakness, making the party more flexible and resilient and able to cover more territory, ideologically, demographically and geographically. Lockstepitis has killed off more GOP office holders than any other political malady.
July 24, 2008 10:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Does anyone know whether Armstrong and McCain will also swap stories about leaving their children and first wives for younger, richer, more famous gals?
L O S E R S . . .
July 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
1) Polls are largely irrelevant at this stage.
2) Most of the available polls only partially take into account the impact of this very significant week.
3) National polls mean significantly less than state polls since we apportion electoral college votes on a state-by-state basis.
4) Any focus on national polling data as being even remotely definitive in terms of who wins elections is thus transparent, horse-race journalism. Chuck Todd knows that. I've heard him discuss that fact with Keith Olbermann on a number of occassions. Why people have such an aversion to reality and nuance when they're guests on Morning Joe is beyond me... Or maybe it's just a factor of the regulars on Morning Joe... Jo(ke) Scarbra, Bobblehead Mika, BARNACLE, Pat BuKKKanon, Tiki Barbarawalters, Harold FoundOnRoadDead, Jr... That show is only the least awful thing on in the morning.
July 24, 2008 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Lance Armstrong...another person not covered under McCain's health "care less" plan.
July 25, 2008 2:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP is leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security – the most pressing domestic issues facing our nation. Common sense solutions are needed, and everyone – individuals, businesses and government – has a role and a responsibility in ensuring health and financial security for all. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.
July 25, 2008 10:21 AM | Reply | Permalink