Whip It Out Wednesday: Barack Obama

On this, the first ever Whip it out Wednesday, I'm proud to feature our new President, Barack Obama.

Our new President will be a great leader...because he is all the things other people claim to be. He doesn't have to tell the world he's a good father...he simply is. He doesn't have to tell the world he's an intelligent man...he simply is.

Barack Obama symbolizes so many things to so many people, both here and around the world: this country (such as we know it; we could have a very lengthy discussion about the legitimacy of our occupation of the Native American lands, but for purposes of this conversation we'll simply accept that we're Americans) brought Africans here in chains, denied them the right to vote until 150 years ago, and still -- to this day -- has Ku Klux Klan members squealing about "white power." With Obama's election, we finally took the first step to putting all these embarrassing people on the road to extinction. In the eyes of the world, the United States has finally grown up. And though that may not mean anything to the wife-beating, cross-burning racists currently living in this country, in their double-wide trailers, I take comfort in knowing that they're a dying breed and a very small minority of the population.

To Michael Moore, Barack Obama symbolizes the triumph of intelligence. (Yeah, imagine that: a President who went to an Ivy League school...ON HIS OWN INTELLIGENCE, NOT ON HIS DADDY'S COAT-TAILS. A President who graduated said school in the TOP five percent of his class...NOT FIFTH FROM THE BOTTOM. Hell, a President who can actually SAY "nuclear" and "strategy" and won't hold My Pet Goat upside down while reading to kids!)

"Today, we celebrate this triumph of decency over personal attack, of peace over war, of intelligence over a belief that Adam and Eve rode around on dinosaurs just 6,000 years ago," said Moore. "What will it be like to have a smart president? Science, banished for eight years, will return. Imagine supporting our country's greatest minds as they seek to cure illness, discover new forms of energy, and work to save the planet."

Moses Avalon, the respected music industry mogul, thinks that the election of Barack Obama signals the rebirth of the impossible dream. "Forget all the opinion polls of the last four years, skewed and spun for a nation hemorrhaging in so many ways. This is the only poll that matters. The People have spoken. "Enough" is the word. "Get out" is the word," said Avalon. "Tomorrow we will wake up in a world with a new kind of President. One who beat the odds and beat the prejudice. It gives me pause to think what will be possible in the coming years. No idea will be too crazy or too idealistic. We will need to be careful, but as of tomorrow we once again live in the world of dreams."


For me, the election of Barack Obama is a lot like the ending of Return of the Jedi: a small, understated group of rebels, with nothing to back them but their belief in the goodness of people and the wrongness of their quasi-fascist war machine and all its evil constructs (including its evil leader (Cheney) and his patsy (Bush)), toppled a seemingly-limitless regime. Hell, even the celebrations in the streets were remarkably similar (and judging from the feedback on sci-fi boards, I'm not the only one who thinks so).

Clip below:


Regardless of who you voted for -- and though I voted for Obama, I have to say that McCain gave a truly classy concession speech (would it be that his supporters showed that same dignity. The Obama supporters CHEERED McCain, while the McCain supporters BOOED Obama. Even McCain, for all that he ran a dirty campaign, seemed embarrassed by, and for, them) -- you have to admit this was truly a monumental, historic moment. And that, alone, makes Barack Obama worthy of today's ogling.

Obama Owes It All to Diddy

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER: a personality disorder defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic classification system used in the United States, as "a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy."

The narcissist is described as turning inward for gratification rather than depending on others and as being excessively preoccupied with issues of personal adequacy, power and prestige.

SEE SYNONYMS AT: P. DIDDY

Millions of Americans today will be voting for Barack Obama, but if he wins today, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs feels he'll owe it all to him, because he cast his vote today in his home state of New York (a solidly blue state for years).

"I felt like my vote was the vote that put him into office. It was down to one vote, and that was going to be my vote. And that may not be true, but that's how much power it felt like I had," the hip-hop mogul said.

Diddy said he believed he was potentially making history by voting for the first black president in U.S. history, and also felt the weight of the past in the voting booth.

"I'm not trying to be dramatic, but I just felt like, Martin Luther King, and I felt the whole civil rights movement, I felt all that energy, and I felt my kids," he said. "It was all there at one time. It was a joyous moment."

Angling for a position in the Cabinet, are we?

Don't Believe The Polls!

Our friends at the Weekly World News report that in a shocking reversal, the Alien has switched his endorsement from Barack Obama to John McCain.

With major implications for the U.S. presidential election, political kingmaker the Alien has changed his endorsement amid furor. Both political camps are buzzing about the implications, as the Alien has correctly predicted the winning president in every election for the past 28 years.


Ongoing investigation points to Cindy McCain as being the cause for this historic shift in allegiances.

Uncovered photos suggest that in a last ditch effort to help her husband’s failing campaign, Cindy McCain seduced and then blackmailed the Alien for his endorsement.
(photo and more here)

Manic Monday: Election Edition

This is Shirley Nagel, a FIRED teacher from Michigan, and a RNC delegate. Ms. Nagel makes my Manic Monday list today because, quite simply, she's a nasty excuse for a human being and paints every decent, non-judgmental, intelligent Republican (yes, they're out there) in a bad light. Coming from an ol'blue New York Democrat, this is saying quite a bit.

You see, on Halloween, Ms. Nagel decided not to give candy to children whose parents were Obama supporters, using the same tired lines that the entire mean-spirited Republican campaign has been using in this, the Rovian era (i.e., scary Muslim, unqualified socialist, and so on), which has made me, nearly every Democrat, and several moderate Republicans ashamed of the country we live in.

This post, however, is not about political or religious beliefs. This post is about the mean-spirited-ness of this woman who, of course, paints herself as a righteous Christian, in line with the Republican ideals. It's one thing to believe what you like -- far be it from me to tell you otherwise. It's one thing to educate children about the political process, and explain your reasoning in an AGE APPROPRIATE manner (a five year old kid doesn't understand about the politics of mud-slinging, folks. My five year old nephew thinks he should vote for Obama because his younger brother, my other nephew, looks like Obama. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was right. Never mind that, at 5 years old, he doesn't understand that he CAN'T vote, bless his heart...).

It's another thing entirely to deny CHILDREN -- who wield NO political influence, and probably, like my nephew, have such a small understanding of the world to begin with (he doesn't think we should vote for McCain because, like his grandfather [my father], McCain is 72 years old, "and he has to take his medicine, and when he takes his medicine, he doesn't feel very well." Do you think he, for all his intelligence, understands "privatizing Social Security" or "no pull-out timetable for the Iraqi war"?!) -- equal rights to HALLOWEEN CANDY (because, y'know, spreading the chocolate wealth around is SO Socialist...) because you don't agree with their parents' politics.

The sad part is, before the Republicans began catering to the racist Dixiecrats and the fringe Religious Right, it WAS known as the party of fairness and reason. If Barack Obama becomes President tomorrow, in a very real way, it is because of a Republican's efforts over 150 years ago (Lincoln) that was the first in a progressive process of civil rights and equality. Even John McCain -- for all that he sold his soul to the Lee Atawater School of Slander -- was, not so long ago, a true maverick who was unafraid to reach across the aisle to the most liberal of Senators (Feingold and Kennedy -- who both prove that Obama is quite MODERATE in his voting record) to pass truly fair and balanced legislation.

Unfortunately, for every McCain-Feingold Act, there's a Shirley Nagel. I truly hope that, whoever wins tomorrow (the writing's on the wall, but let's be elusive so the networks can get their ratings...), they will have the decency and the courage to reach across the aisle and be truly non-partisan in their rule, and render idiots like Shirley Nagel completely obsolete.

Pop Culture Politics

So...what a weird weekend it's been in American politics.

Though the Euro and the Yen bounced back this morning on the strength of various bailouts in the U.K. and the E.U., there are still serious questions being raised about the amount of pork-barrel spending and lack of accountability in the recently-approved $700 billion bailout bill. Electoral-vote.com has more information on this...it's well worth checking out.

The next presidential debate is scheduled to take place on October 15th at my graduate alma mater, Hofstra University, and I plan to be there photographing the event. It should prove to be interesting, because while New York is historically a so-called "blue state," Hofstra University is located on Long Island, which tends to lean Republican thanks to the affluence of its inhabitants.

But McCain has other things to worry about besides the debates (Barack Obama, according to the BBC, was the clear winner in both prior debates, and he's expected to make a strong showing this time around as well). First, there's that pesky Rolling Stone article by Tim Dickinson that, while untouched by the mainstream American media, has caught a fire that just won't die.

In the well-researched article, McCain is illustrated as having a short temper, an entitled child of privilege who coasted on the prominence of his grandfather and father into a career that was mediocre at best (sound familiar?), a political flip-flopper (as his recent Tancredo Republican alliance against his own immigration bill has proven) who uses political opportunity for his own personal gain, and a less-than-admirable family man who frequently cheated on his first wife and married his second wife -- the Vicodin-addicted "Budweiser Barbie" -- to gain access to her family's extensive funds (much needed after that Keating scandal -- even the Reagans, inexplicably held up as the paragon of Republican values, distanced themselves from the McCains after the Cindy McCain/Keating scandal one-two punch).

Then there's an increasing concern about McCain's political strategy amongst his purported supporters. The Associated Press reports that many of the Republican parties' most notable members have expressed concerns about McCain's increasingly disastrous strategy in this election. (Let's just say that when Newt Gingrich thinks you're messing up, it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate...)

Finally, there's Sarah Palin. She may have come out of the gate with all guns blazing, comparing herself to a "pitbull with lipstick" (way to perpetuate a breed stereotype AND insult dogs everywhere, Sarah)...but, as my beloved grandmother used to say, you can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig.

On Friday, an Alaska legislative committee found Gov. Sarah Palin’s dismissal of the state Public Safety Commissioner to be a violation of state ethics law (though don't tell that to her -- all of her public statements are contrary to the legislative committee's findings, leading me to believe she's either stupider than she looks and sounds, or thinks we the people are stupid enough to simply swallow her statements whole, without question). This was, of course, after she winked her way through that joke of a vice-presidential debate (if Sarah Palin is a feminist, then I'm Pia de Solenni -- feminists are NOT such simply by virtue of the fact that they're female, and NO feminist would be caught DEAD winking her way through a debate while doing Matrix-style bullet dodging). And finally, during an appearance this week at a Philadelphia Flyers’ home game, Palin actually dropped the ceremonial first puck...and was booed viciously.

Perhaps the American public is finally seeing what the U.K. already seems to know: despite her milquetoast appearance and down-home folkie accent, Palin is little more than a gun-totin', war-mongering, anti-abortion creationist who will be an environmental stormbringer if she actually does ascend to the vice-presidency (which is becoming less and less likely), who will not fight against oppression of women, children, and/or minorities (her teenage daughter's 1950's-style shotgun wedding is perfect evidence of that -- I seriously wonder how the media would handle it if Chelsea Clinton turned up unwed and pregnant at 17, or -- more pointedly -- if one of Barack Obama's daughters turned up unwed and pregnant at 17. Somehow, I doubt Obama's daughter -- were she to turn up pregnant and unwed at 17 -- would be upheld as a role model for how teenage girls should act, unlike Bristol Palin).

Republican's Have No Heart

Whether you like her or not, Sarah Palin has saturated the news. So much so that Ann and Nancy Wilson are being overlooked by the GOP.

The Heart women wrote a cease and desist letter to the McCain/Palin campaign to stop using their music, that the Republican's have completely ignored.

The Wilson's are particularly mad that the GOP is using their classic "Barracuda" as a theme-song for Palin. Ann sat watching as she heard her music being played while Palin was touted.

Heart issued a statement saying: "The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission.

"We have asked the Republican campaign publicly not to use our music. We hope our wishes will be honored."

The GOP wrapped up McCain's speech last night with "Barracuda" as Palin stood with him on the stage.

Duke It Out as Presidential Hopefuls

Fans of Mortal Kombat, rejoice! You no longer have to learn about the “issues” in order to determine who you want to vote for in the Presidential Election this November, you can have them duke it out at Atom.com’s Kung-Fu Election: Wives

That’s right, Atom.com has created a brand new addition to the Kung-Fu Election series that allows you to battle as Barack and Michelle Obama, John and Cindy McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, John Edwards and even Hillary herself!

This way, the only reason your favorite doesn’t make the grade is because you didn’t learn the right moves. There’s no “hanging chads” to mess up the results, no “voter disqualifications”. With Kung-Fu Election, only sick ninja moves matter.

Game Website

BET Award winners

The BET Awards were held at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium Tuesday night and, while Senator Barack Obama did not attend, he was a big topic of conversation.

"If we all register and vote, we will have the first black president in the history of America," Sean "Diddy" Combs said, prior to leading the crowd in a chant of "Obama or Die."

In her acceptance speech for best female R&B performance, Alicia Keys said: "Together we can do anything. Obama y'all!"

Actress and comedienne Kim Whitley wore a purple shirt that read "Barack Obama 08" in sparkly black letters.

"I don't know him, and he doesn't know me," she said. "But we're gonna make eye contact one day."

The award show, hosted by actor and comedian D.L. Hughley, was kicked off by Usher's performance of his hit song, "Love in this Club." It also featured performances by T-Pain, Keys, Lil Wayne, Flo Rida and others.

Artists Jill Scott and Maxwell presented a Lifetime Achivement Award to (Reverend) Al Green, who performed his hits "Let's Stay Together" and "Love and Happiness."

"I'm sorry I didn't sing as well as I could," Green, 62, said backsage. "I got scared."

Quincy Jones was honored with the Humanitarian Award, and Queen Latifah introduced him as "an international artist, an innovator... and a leader."

"He showed us black entertainment is more than just a hustle," she said. "It's more than just selling albums. It's about inspiration."

Jones, 75, said he was inspired to help people in need due to his upbringing on Chicago's South Side.

"My piece of bread only belongs to me if everybody has a piece to eat," he said. He called receiving the award "one of the very treasured moments of my life... and I always hope to live up to this honor."

Full list of 2008 BET Award winners, courtesy of The Associated Press:

Female R&B artist: Alicia Keys
Male R&B artist: Chris Brown
Group: UGK
Gospel artist: Marvin Sapp
Female hip-hop artist: Missy Elliott
Male hip-hop artist: Kanye West
New artist: The-Dream
Collaboration: Kanye West f/T-Pain, "Good Life"
Video director: Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto
Video of the Year: UGK f/Outkast, "International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)"
Actress: Halle Berry
Actor: Denzel Washington
Female athlete: Candace Parker
Male athlete: Kobe Bryant
BET J Award: Raheem DeVaughn
Viewers' choice: Lil Wayne, "Lollipop"
Lifetime Achievement Award: Al Green
Humanitarian Award: Quincy Jones

Tim Russert remembered, honored

NBC journalist Tim Russert's life and legacy was celebrated on The Today Show.

Colleagues and politicians have also expressed their sorrow and gave tribute to the newscaster.

"Tim had become an important part of our political process. He will be especially missed in this historic presidential election year," Dan Rather said. "Tim Russert was a beacon of quality journalism. At a time when quality journalism is in increasingly short supply, Tim Russert was a leader for what is best in American journalism. He was tough but fair, pulled no punches, played no favorites. As an interviewer, he had few, if any, peers."

Katie Couric called Russert a "big teddy bear of a guy" and a "pit bull of an interviewer."

"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Russert. Those of us who knew and worked with Tim, his many friends, and the millions of Americans who loyally followed his career on the air will all miss him," said President George W. Bush. "As the longest-serving host of the longest-running program in the history of television, he was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades."

Both candidates for Election 2008 also paid their respects.

"I am very saddened by Tim Russert's sudden death," Senator John McCain said. "Cindy and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the Russert family as they cope with this shocking loss and remember the life and legacy of a loving father, husband and the preeminent political journalist of his generation."

Senator Barack Obama said he first met Russert at the 2004 convention.

"He’s somebody who, over time, I came to consider not only a journalist but a friend," he added. "There wasn’t a better interviewer in TV, not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics, and he was also one of the finest men I knew."

Clinton suspends presidential bid

"Well, this isn't exactly the party I planned, but I sure like the company," Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton said at the start of her 28-minute concession speech Saturday, amid tears and cheers from her supporters. The marked end of her bid was held in the National Building Museum in Washington D.C., not far from the White House.

Former First Lady Clinton suspended her historical campaign and called for unity in the Democratic party, asking her supporters to use "our energy, our passion, our strength" to elect Barack Obama the next commander-in-chief.

"I endorse him and throw my full support behind him," she said, noting the cultural and political milestones both she and Obama represent. "Children today will grow up taking for granted that an African-American or a woman can, yes, become the president of the United States," she said.

Indeed, the vie for the Democratic nomination was a historical moment. For Clinton, it marked the closest a woman had come to securing a nomination. For Obama, it is the first time a transracial individual earned the nod. Clinton emphasized these points, particularly the new ground her candidacy paved for women.

"Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it has about 18 million cracks in it and the light is shining through like never before," she said in her speech.

However, she also set about trying to divide the rift that developed among democrats during the primary.

"The way to continue our fight now to accomplish the goals for which we stand is to take our energy, our passion, our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama, the next president of the United States," she said.

"Today as I suspend my campaign, I congratulate him on the victory he has won and the extraordinary race he has run. I endorse him and throw my full support behind him and I ask of you to join me in working as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me," she added amid boos and loud applause.

Obama released a statement from Chicago saying he watched Clinton's speech via computer and called her afterwards. He said he was "thrilled and honored" to receive his former opponent's support.

"I honor her today for the valiant and historic campaign she has run," he said in his statement. "She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams. And she inspired millions with her strength, courage and unyielding commitment to the cause of working Americans."

Following her speech, nearly 300 leaders in the Democratic party released statements saying they now back Obama, rather than Clinton.

In suspending her bid, Clinton may retain her delegates to the nomination convention this summer, continue to raise money and reopen her campaign if circumstances change prior to the Denver convention.

According to NBC political director Chuck Todd, Clinton staked her claim as the United States' top female political figure in her speech.

John King, chief national correspondent at CNN, said that if Clinton had campaigned and communicated throughout her entire bid like she did during her concession speech, the results may have been different.

"In endorsing Barack Obama and in saying how many times how together they want to do things, it sounded very much like she was auditioning [for the vice presidency], saying 'Take a look at this Sen. Obama. Look at my people, look at my message. I could help you if you put me on the Democratic ticket,'" he said. "Sounded very much like a farewell and an audition all wrapped up in one speech."

Obama declines Clinton challenge

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama declined a challenge from Hillary Rodham Clinton to debate without a moderator prior to the May 6 primaries in North Carolina and Indiana.

"I'm not ducking. We've had 21 [debates]," Obama told Fox News Sunday.

"For two weeks, two big states, we want to make sure we're talking to as many voters on the ground, taking questions from voters," he added. "We're not going to have debates between now and Indiana."

Clinton, who is trailing in delegates and the popular vote, has been pressuring Obama to increase the number of debates before the upcoming primaries. She spent Sunday campaigning in North Carolina while Obama took a break from the campaign trail and returned to his Chicago home.


In other political news, a new Democratic Party ad opposing Republican candidate John McCain will be released Monday. It depicts the Arizona senator as a future president who will keep troops in Iraq for 100 years, and is part of a half-million dollar, three-week national cable television campaign that attempts to link McCain's policies to those of President George W. Bush.

McCain also derided Obama for opposing his idea a summer "gas-tax holiday," which McCain believes will help low-income people save on fuel costs.

"I noticed again today that Senator Obama repeated his opposition to giving low-income Americans a tax break, a little bit of relief so they can travel a little further and a little longer, and maybe have a little bit of money left over to enjoy some other things in their lives," McCain said. "Obviously Senator Obama does not understand that this would be a nice thing for Americans, and the special interests should not be dictating this policy."

Hillary Clinton Gets Her Drink On

Looks like Clinton isn't a complete Stepford. Who would have guessed it? She's actually a real person, and she has the pizza and beer to prove it.



The video was originally aired on Fox News, and can also be found on Perez Hilton's blog. In the footage, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton can be seen doing shots like a pro and drinking beer with the press.



This video could do wonders for her campaign. Well, unless people perceived this to mean that she has an unpublicized drinking problem.

Clinton versus Obama

The debate last night between Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Barack Obama was not the make or break showdown for Clinton as predicted. Although Clinton was ineffectual in achieving her goal of discrediting Obama's qualifications and challenging him on his inexperience, she at least avoided a repeat of her recent meltdown.

Unfortunately the outlook does not look positive for Clinton, and even by the admission of her own husband, if Hillary loses Ohio or Texas her campaign will have officially run its course. In order for Clinton to survive as a candidate she somehow has to gain momentum, whereas it seems that all Obama has to do is hold a steady course and avoid future missteps.

Mitt Romney Withdraws from Republican Presidential Primary

Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, announced this afternoon at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference that he is dropping out of the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Romney, who views himself as the “true conservative choice,” previously had vowed to continue running even after the disastrous results of the Super Tuesday primary contests.

He claimed that he withdrew in order to unify the Republican Party and stated that “Because I love America, in this time of war, I feel I have to stand aside for our party and our country.”

With Romney out of the running, Arizona Senator John McCain will likely win the Republican candidacy. McCain’s only opponent left is Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, and while Huckabee is an articulate and affable candidate--winning six Southern states on Super Tuesday--he has a lack of experience in foreign affairs and a lack of funds which will probably prove detrimental to his campaign.

Giuliani, Edwards drop out of race

Today was a big day in politics as contenders in both parties dropped out of the presidential race.

Republican Rudy Giuliani told Florida supporters this morning that he is leaving the race and backing his longtime friend, Republican John McCain. His announcement comes after his third place finish (to McCain and Mitt Romney) in Tuesday's primary in Florida.

In a speech following Tuesday's results, Giuliani implied he would pull out. "I'm proud that we chose to stay positive and to run a campaign of ideas in an era of personal attacks, negative ads and cynical spin," Giuliani said. "You don't always win, but you can always try to do it right, and you did."

Giuliana's adviser, Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican, said he believes the former New York mayor will become "fairly involved" in McCain's campaign.

As of today, McCain said he has not yet spoken to Giuliani; however, he did mention him in his victory speech on Tuesday: "I want to thank my dear friend, my dear friend Rudy Giuliani, who invested his heart and soul in this primary and who conducted himself with all the qualities of the exceptional American leader he truly is."

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate John Edwards also dropped out of contention today, reportedly "so that history can blaze its path" with Barack Obama or Hillary Rodham Clinton heading to the White House.

Edwards said Obama and Clinton will uphold his campaign-long interest in ending the "two Americas" - one for the rich and powerful and the other for everyone else - and both pledged "they will make ending poverty central to their campaign for the presidency."

The former North Carolina senator has not formally endorsed either of the other Democratic candidates, but both Clinton and Obama had words of praise for him.

"John Edwards ended his campaign today in the same way he started it — by standing with the people who are too often left behind and nearly always left out of our national debate," Clinton said of Edwards' speech to pull out of race in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans.

"While his campaign may have ended, this cause lives on for all of us who still believe that we can achieve that dream of one America," Obama said at a rally in Denver.

Although Edwards said he was suspending his campaign, aides said it is legal terminology that will allow him to continue to receive federal matching funds for his campaign donations, despite the fact that he is no longer in contention.

Edwards also ran for president in 2004, but after losing the bid to John Kerry, he became his running mate and the vice presidential hopeful.

Pretty Big News For Obama: Kennedys Love Him

Two generations of Kennedys - the Democratic Party's best known political family - endorsed OBAMA for president on Monday, with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy calling him a "man with extraordinary gifts of leadership and character."



Ted Kennedy made his comments at a crowded campaign rally, Obama sat smiling as he heard the praise from the Caroline and Ted Kennedy. Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late president, said Obama "offers that same sense of hope and inspiration" as did her father. A great compliment! Rep. Patrick Kennedy also endorsed Obama from the stage before a boisterous crowd at American University.

"Today isn't just about politics for me. It's personal," Obama, 46, said when it came time for him to speak. "I was too young to remember John Kennedy and I was just a child when Robert Kennedy ran for president. But in the stories I heard growing up, I saw how my grandparents and mother spoke about them, and about that period in our nation's life - as a time of great hope and achievement."

Check out this video of Caroline and Ted Kennedy speaking about Obama, who also won the primary in South Carolina over the weekend, by the way.

The Presidential Race Heads to Florida

The Republicans have headed down to The Sunshine State to battle it out for the GOP nominations! This video above is of hopeful candidate Rudy Guiliani asking for votes from Florida natives. With Florida being the next state in the nomination fight, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney wasted no time angling for the upper-hand. More of the Republican presidential candidates are set to travel through Florida as the January 29th primary date approaches.

So far, recent polls have named McCain, Giuliani, Romney and Mike Huckabee (who won Iowa) together in the fight for the lead in Florida.

Who do you want to win the GOP nomination?
-Rudy Giuliani
-Mike Huckabee
-John McCain
-Ron Paul
-Mitt Romney
-Fred Thompson

Clinton/Obama Attacks

The New York Times writes, “After staying on the sidelines in the first year of the campaign, race and to a lesser extent gender have burst into the forefront of the Democratic presidential contest, thrusting Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton into the middle of a sharp-edged social and political debate that transcends their candidacies.”

The New York Daily News: "Hoping to fend off deterioration in a key pillar of her base, Clinton spent another day trying to deflect criticism from her suggestion President Lyndon Johnson played as big a role in the civil rights movement as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr."

Read a blurb about what the Washington Post newspaper had to say about Hillary Clinton's recent comments about Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Washington Post: “Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton defended her recent remarks on civil rights Sunday, as Sen. Barack Obama weighed in on the controversy for the first time, describing Clinton's earlier comments about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. as ‘unfortunate’ and ‘ill-advised.’”

.. & the New Hampshire Winners are...

While Huckabee and Obama were victorious in Iowa, Hillary Clinton and John McCain won Tuesday night in New Hampshire.




The public was pretty surprised that Hillary pulled ahead and beat Obama in New Hampshire since she wasn't doing too well after he stunned her with a loss in Iowa. Here's a video of what Sen. John McCain had to say about the victory to keep you filled in :

Hillary tears up...

Hillary shows a bit of emotion in this video, this is a rarity for Hillary who is usually very composed and stone-faced. She beat Obama in yesterday's New Hampshire primary.