The mood in California is almost unprecedented right now – you can’t watch most TV programs without seeing half a dozen campaign ads, you can’t listen to the radio without hearing several campaign ads, you can’t travel around for very long without seeing groups of people on street corners waving signs and banners ... one might ask – “when did this state turn into New Hampshire?” It’s been a LONG time since California voters figured so prominently in the choice of Democratic and Republican Presidential nominees – and it shows ... and I, for one, am ecstatic about it ...
from Friday night’s AC360°:
Political Update: Candy Crowley reported on an Obama mailer attacking Hillary Clinton’s healthcare plan – reminiscent of a Republican-backed ad in 1994 attacking the then-Clinton health care proposal.
Anderson talked with David Gergen, Amy Holmes and Donna Brazile about the mailer and other current issues in the Democratic campaign.
John King reported on Mitt Romney’s “Plan C” – reassessing what he anticipates needs to happen tomorrow to salvage his campaign. John then joined the previous panel for further “McCain vs. Romney” discussion.
Michelle Obama interview: Soledad O’Brien conducted an extensive interview with Michelle Obama. Not your typical ‘political wife’ and not your typical answers ... for example, it’s almost refreshing to hear someone in her position say “there is nothing rational about politics” – not just in the interview, but regularly in her stump speech.
It was clear in Soledad’s post-interview discussion with Anderson that she enjoyed the opportunity to speak with Michelle Obama and found her to be a forthright and engaging interviewee!
Latino voting power: An interesting report from Thelma Gutierrez, noting that the reason Hillary Clinton has a commanding lead over Barack Obama among Latinos in California is because the Clintons are a “known commodity”. Another example of Hillary benefitting from Bill’s legacy – while still claiming that this is her campaign and that it will be her Presidency.
Oil company profits: Joe Johns had a report on ExxonMobil’s record $40.6 billion 2007 profit. The company declined to be interviewed, but included in a statement it released that it pays “$2.50 in taxes for every $1.00 it earns.” I’m not sure who is overseeing ExxonMobil’s financial strategy – but that doesn’t make much sense. Perhaps it’s a matter of linguistic semantics? The bottom line from Ali Velshi? All oil companies will continue to make the maximum profit available from an in-demand commodity.
Anderson Cooper in the kitchen: Erica gave AC a bit of a hard time over his cooking ability (or lack thereof) as demonstrated on “Regis & Kelly” earlier on Friday. Can’t say that I blame her – it’s too good an opportunity to pass up!
Other news and notes:
Reminder – Bill Maher on Larry King Live tonight! Bill is also giving talk at Loyola Marymount University this Wednesday (yes, a Jesuit school ...) to celebrate their “First Amendment Week” observance. Click on this link to read a pre-appearance interview entitled “11 Burning Questions with Bill Maher”!
More CNN debates on the horizon
LOS ANGELES (CNN) – CNN announced Thursday (1/31/08) that it will partner with the Ohio Democratic Party and the Ohio Republican Party for back-to-back presidential debates at the end of February.
With the race for each party nomination likely to extend beyond the February 5 Super Tuesday contests, it’s increasingly possible the critical battleground state of Ohio – which holds its presidential primary March 4, along with three other states — could very well determine the 2008 Democratic and Republican nominees.
"Ohio will once again decide who wins the White House,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern. “The Ohio Democratic debate is important because it will allow the next President of the United States to address the issues most important to Ohioans."
Republican Party Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine also highlighted the state’s potential kingmaker status. "No Republican has ever won the White House without winning Ohio,” said DeWine. “It's a critical battleground state in November that could play a deciding role on March 4. We're proud to partner with CNN on this debate in advance of what could be a decisive primary election in the Buckeye State."
The Democratic debate will take place Wednesday, February 27, while the Republican debate will follow on Thursday, February 28. The network said further details will be released soon.
Obama expands lead on Clinton in California
Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama opened narrow leads on Hillary Clinton in California and Missouri one day before crucial "Super Tuesday" nominating contests in 24 states, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released on Monday.
National Super Tuesday poll shows dramatic Democratic shift
Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton is losing ground to Sen. Barack Obama in a national CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released on the eve of critical Super Tuesday presidential primaries and caucuses.
No endorsement from Richardson for now
Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson isn't making an endorsement in the presidential race for now, and he won't indicate when he'll make a decision.
I can’t wait for tomorrow!!!!! Thanks for visiting – updates posted as needed – have a terrific ‘Super Tuesday Eve’!! Oh yeah – and congrats to the Giants – I tend to root for the underdogs – well done!!
And a fantastic note to end on - from Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas – posted on YouTube – “Yes, We Can” – inspired by Barack Obama’s New Hampshire speech ...
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