Flag City Politico

Around the Country - Iowa

5 days until the Iowa Caucus...

KCCI
3-Way Democratic Tie, 2 GOP Leaders
An exclusive copyrighted KCCI-TV poll released Friday shows a three way tie for Democrats and two Republican front-runners retaining their lead. >>

WHOtv
Candidates Tread Warily In Iowa
Heated? For sure. Intense? Of course. Yet the Iowa caucus campaign nearly now coming to a close has been a surprisingly civilized affair, four years after caucus-goers appeared to punish two presidential hopefuls for playing too rough. >>

RadioIowa
Giuliani says he's "going to do fine" in Iowa Caucuses
Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani is stressing "attitude" in the closing days of the campaign here in Iowa. >>

Des Moines Register
Romney: I'm not a 'one-hit wonder'
Mitt Romney pitched himself to audiences today as more than “just a one-hit wonder” as he campaigned through central Iowa, tangling with several GOP rivals without mentioning them by name. >>

Times-Republican
Obama calls on Iowans to stand for change at caucus
Saying he is the best chance for the Democrats in November, Barack Obama brought a message of hope to Marshalltown during a campaign stop Thursday. >>

The Messenger
As the clock ticks down to caucus day, candidates for both parties are making a final Iowa blitz
Like a football coach crafting a game plan, Rudy Giuliani likes to talk about offense. Instead of quarterbacks and running backs, the Republican presidential candidate talks about keeping an entire nation on offense against whatever might threaten it. >>

Sunday morning talk show line-up

• ABC: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)
• CBS: former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC)
• CNN: Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), former Sen. Sam Nunn (D-GA) and former Defense Secretary William Cohen
• FOX: former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN)
• NBC: former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL)

-RSKnopfJr

Politicizing Death

You knew it was going to happen sooner or later; the political candidates exploiting the untimely death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto for political gain, and the media coverage of the candidates doing so.

The Politico: Bhutto death makes McCain man of the moment
John McCain, older than dirt and with more scars than Frankenstein as he likes to say, suddenly wasn’t looking so bad. >>

Newsweek: From the Department of Silver Linings
"Bad for Bhutto. Good for me."

If there's one line that sums up how yesterday's assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto is "playing" in the U.S. presidential race, that's it. >>

CNN: Conversation shifts from condolences to campaign issue
After expressing condolences and outrage over events in Pakistan, presidential candidates turned their discussion toward whose foreign policy credentials were better. >>

USAToday: Bhutto assassination roils WH race
The assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto pushed terrorism back to the forefront and highlighted the candidacies of presidential hopefuls with long records on national security. >>


You have to wonder if Rudy Giuliani (Mr. 9/11), John McCain (tested in war) and Hillary Clinton (look, another woman took on the world, I can as well) were secretly grateful for this issue playing out so close to the Iowa Caucuses. I am not suggesting that they are happy about the assassination - it's just that the timing of this plays into their perceived strengths while highlighting perceived weaknesses of the leaders (namely, foreign policy experience).

In the next week, as Pakistan works through this problem and tries to uncover what actually happened (and who was responsible), you can bet that this will be the new topic in Iowa (and New Hampshire); let's see if this single event starts a chain of events that leads to wins for Clinton and McCain, not only in Iowa, but beyond.

-RSKnopfJr

White House Holiday Traditions

Season's Greetings
"Written on White House stationary in his own hand in 1927, President Calvin Coolidge issued the first official Christmas message to the American people. As a response to numerous requests for the President to send a holiday greeting, President Coolidge asked newspapers across the United States to publish his holiday greeting to the American people. Although he didn't speak, he participated in the first ceremonial tree lighting for the event now known as the Pageant of Peace."
more info

White House Tree
"The tradition of a placing a decorated tree in the White House began in 1889 on Christmas morning during the Presidency of Benjamin Harrison. The President's grandchildren, young Benjamin and Mary McKee, led the Harrison household into the second floor Oval Room to take a look at the first White House Christmas tree, which was lit with candles. Filled stockings hung from the mantel, and presents, candy and nuts were distributed to family and staff. President Harrison gave turkeys and gloves to his employees, and he received a silver-dollar-shaped picture holder from his daughter, Mame Harrison McKee.

What began as a family gathering has become a national tradition. Over the years, the White House Christmas tree has reflected both the times and the tastes of the First Family. First Lady Frances Cleveland created a "technology savvy" tree in 1895 when she hung electric lights on the White House tree. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas Tree themes when she decorated the 1961 Christmas tree in toy trimmings from the Nutcracker Suite ballet by Tchaikovsky."
more info

National Christmas Tree
"Sixty years ago, the holiday season in Washington, D.C. was overshadowed by a horrible event on December 7, the attack on Pearl Harbor. Increased security at the White House and the awareness of America's new war, however, could not dampen the spirit of the season.

President Roosevelt welcomed a crowd of thousands for the annual Christmas Eve lighting of the National Christmas Tree. Americans across the nation listening by radio heard the President's radiant voice speak words of comfort.

"Against enemies who preach the principles of hate and practice them, we set our faith in human love and in God's care for us all men everywhere," said President Roosevelt.

Then the crowd and radio listeners heard another distinctive voice-the voice of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, whose last visit to the United States was forty years earlier. The Prime Minister's surprise appearance boosted the crowd's enthusiasm.

Churchill said, "Let the children have their night of fun and laughter. Let the gifts of Father Christmas delight their play. Let us grown-ups share to the full in their unstinted pleasures before we turn again to the stern task and formidable years that lie before us, resolved that, by our sacrifice and daring, these same children shall not be robbed of their inheritance or denied the right to live in a free and decent world."

The two leaders of the Allied Forces then joined the crowd in singing carols and each nation's national anthem."
more info

Menorah Lighting
"Celebrating the holidays with light is a custom common to people of faith. Many Presidents have participated in lighting ceremonies marking Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights.

President Jimmy Carter walked to Lafayette Park in 1979 and lit one candle or shammash (the candle used to light other candles) in the 30-foot electric silver menorah."
more info

Mrs. Bush's Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
6 T. Unsweetened cocoa
6 T. Sugar
Pinch of Salt
2 1/2 cup Milk
2 1/2 cup Light Cream
1/2 t. Vanilla (or more)
Pinch of Cinnamon Powder (optional)
Whipped Cream
Orange Zest

Directions
Mix cocoa, salt, and sugar.

Add milk. Heat to dissolve.

Add light cream, cinnamon, vanilla. Heat to just under boiling.

Mix very well and pour into warm mug.

Top with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and fine orange zest.


Happy Holidays!

-RSKnopfJr

Where in the world is Santa?

Growing up, I remember watching the television closely on Christmas Eve to see if the news had any reports of Santa flying around the globe. Every now and then, there would be some mention of it, and my parents would remind me that if I did not get to bed on time, he may not visit Findlay.

When I had children, I looked forward to helping them find this same information on Christmas Eve. At first, there was a toll-free number to call to find out his location, but I imagine that there were millions of children doing the same thing because you were lucky to ever get through.

A few years later, I came across the NORAD website that was designed to track Santa's travels. With the proliferation (no pun intended) of newer technologies, it has become much easier to find out where he is. Checking it a few minutes ago, I know that he is on his way, and I am sure he is going to make it to Findlay.

To my kids and nieces/nephews, be sure to get to bed tonight! And remember, Santa prefers oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate - I know he has always eaten them at our home!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

-RSKnopfJr

Latest Numbers - Iowa

Only 12 days until the Iowa Caucuses...

The candidates are taking a brief break for the Christmas holiday (or at least they planning on it), so this is a nice opportunity to see the latest numbers coming out of Iowa.

First, the Democrats -

Clinton - Obama...Obama - Clinton. It keeps going back and forth, just enough to allow Edwards (who is keeping it close) an opportunity to come right through the middle. Since this is a caucus, two things are important: 1) the organization to get caucusers where they need to be, and 2) who is the second choice of the voters.

Since caucus goers can be convinced by others to join their side, being second choice is a good indicator (advantage Edwards who leads in this category). As for getting the people out Edwards and Clinton (through her husband) have been through this before, so you need to give them an advantage.

To see how tight things have been, and for how long, take a look at this graph -

Now, the Republicans -

Has Huckabee peaked and is now coming back to the flock (no pun intended considering the religious undertones of his campaign)?  Certainly, being in the spotlight now, and the target of everyone looking to unseat the leader, Huckabee has been hit by his fellow GOPers and pundits.

However, Huckabee may be the next Teflon candidate, because little has been sticking. Perhaps it is his folksy demeanor, or maybe there is really nothing of importance. No matter what happens in Iowa, a Huckabee victory probably will not translate into success in New Hampshire...but may assist him in Michigan, South Carolina and beyond.

To see the meteoric rise of the former Arkansas governor, take a look at this graph.

Until next time, keep smilin'!  :-)

-RSKnopfJr

Thanks to Real Clear Politics for the graphs and latest poll numbers.

If you could select how the federal government had to spend extra tax revenue, what would it be?

poll conducted November 26 - December 22, 2007

-RSKnopfJr

Around the Country

Only 12 days until the Iowa Caucuses...

Huckabee: My campaign proves it's not about the money
"Mike Huckabee promised Iowa voters Saturday that they can maintain their influence as the leading caucus state by supporting him for president." >>>
Paula Lagigne
The Des Moines Register

Mormonism an issue for Romney in S.C.
"Something about Mitt Romney just isn’t right with Bill Burdette. And something about Mike Huckabee is." >>>
David Lightman
McClatchy Newspapers via The State

Tancredo backed Romney to buck Huckabee
"Tom Tancredo said he bowed out just two weeks before the Iowa presidential caucuses because he is determined to advance his cause of halting illegal immigration, but the religion question hanging over the Republican primaries may prove larger than his signature issue." >>>
Chuck Plunkett
The Denver Post

'Straight Talk Express' picks up speed
"It was Dec. 7, and Sen. John McCain was on his campaign bus, sitting where any cool kid would: in the very back." >>>
Jim Devine
New Hampshire Union Leader

Paul camp marches to own beat
"On the day that Ron Paul, the feisty Republican presidential candidate, reportedly exceeded his audacious quarterly fundraising goal of $12 million by more than $6 million, his supporters marched through downtown Las Vegas, hurled tea bags at the IRS and denounced money. They demanded a return to the gold standard and sneered at the unsupported dollar, calling it 'fiat currency.'" >>>
Brendan Buhler
Las Vegas Sun

Hillary Clinton Embraces Husband's Legacy
"After months of discussion within her campaign over how heavily she should draw on her husband's legacy, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is closing out her Iowa and New Hampshire campaigns in a tight embrace of Bill Clinton's record, helping fuel a debate about the 1990s with Sen. Barack Obama that she thinks she can win." >>>
Anne E. Kornblut & Alec MacGillis
Washington Post via CBS News

And on the Sunday morning talk shows
ABC: former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani (R)
CBS: Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), former governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR)
CNN: Best interviews of 2007
FOX: Army Gen. David Petraeus
NBC: Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX)

Keep smilin'!  :-)

-RSKnopfJr

Latest Numbers - Republicans in Iowa

On the GOP side, the race is still wide open. Despite Huckabee's recent surge, Giuliani is still the national leader (although his margin is narrowing), Romney gave his 'religion' speech today, Paul is gearing up for another money bomb, McCain has been through this before, and Thompson...well, I'm still not sure what Thompson's strategy is.

-RSKnopfJr

Latest Numbers - Democrats in Iowa

It all starts with Iowa. Expectations are sometimes more important than results; you can't really 'win' in Iowa, but there is plenty to lose.

Let's face it, the Democratic side is really down to three...so let's see how they have been doing. Here are their results from the last five major polls to come out of Iowa:

-RSKnopfJr

Around the Country

Ritter urges Dems to "speak with one voice" at the 2008 Denver DNC
Touting Democratic gains in Intermountain Western states, Gov. Bill Ritter challenged national party members to “link arms” and “speak with one voice” when they gather in Denver for the 2008 Democratic National Convention and the party’s nomination of its presidential nominee. >>
Chuck Plunkett
The Denver Post

Huckabee spreads his message
It began as just another day on the busy New Hampshire campaign trail when Mike Huckabee told a business group the vast majority of Americans don't care about political party or ideology as long as their leaders take practical steps to address health care, immigration, education and energy independence. >>
John Distaso
New Hampshire Union Leader

It takes a certain type to run a caucus
When you need to find 1,754 Nevadans to lead caucus meetings come January, it’s a good idea to start with someone who was at the head of the high school marching band, organized freshman orientation at college, and brims with civic enthusiasm when the jury summons arrives. >>
David McGrath Schwartz
Las Vegas Sun

Giuliani, Clinton slip in SC polls
New Yorkers Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton are beginning to lose ground in South Carolina, according to a Clemson University Palmetto Poll released Wednesday. >>
John O'Connor
The State

Crowd boos Clinton over immigration reform
The people got more microphone time than the politicians. >>
Jennifer Jacobs
The Des Moines Register

Ron Paul on track to be biggest fundraiser
Ron Paul may not win his party’s primary, but he is on track to capture another big title: top Republican fundraiser for the final quarter of the money-obsessed 2008 presidential primary. >>
Jeanne Cummings
The Politico

-RSKnopfJr