Flag City Politico

Pennsylvania Primary Results

After a long, long, looooong six weeks, the winners are...

REPUBLICANS

JOHN McCAIN - 72%
MIKE HUCKABEE - 12%
RON PAUL - 16%


DEMOCRATS

HILLARY CLINTON - 54%
BARACK OBAMA - 46%

75% of precincts reporting - updated 04/22/08 10:30p

Peek at Pennsylvania

The early Pennsylvania exit polls that came out at 5pm...

Obama - 52%
Clinton - 48%

Key demographics...

Men
Obama 53%-47%

Women
Clinton 55%-44%

White
Clinton 60%-40%

Black
Obama 92%-8%

First estimates are that 52% of registered Democrats are making it to the polls (compared to 28% from 2004). It just continues the trend that this election is energizing people.

More from ABC News...

Negative Campaign Tarnishes Clinton, Obama
Despite all the down-to-the-wire campaigning, preliminary exit poll results indicate that nearly eight in 10 Pennsylvania voters made up their minds at least a week ago, and six in 10 decided on their candidate more than a month ago -- a higher number of early deciders than the norm in Democratic primaries to date. >>

The final polls showed Clinton winning PA by 6% (her internals have it at double-digits). We'll start to get an idea in less than an hour.

-RSKnopfJr

A Busy Day

It's difficult to decide on the day's biggest news story...

The day started off with news out of Florida that the Democratic Party decided not to hold any sort of vote. Later in the day, word out of Michigan was that the legislation to have another primary did not have enough support and would not pass. Perhaps the biggest story, however, was the 'race' speech that Barack Obama delivered from Constitution Hall in Philadelphia.

Florida Democrats scrap revote idea
Setting the stage for a contentious fight well into the summer, Florida Democrats gave up Monday on redoing their Jan. 29 presidential primary, leaving it to the national party or rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to hammer out a solution to make the state's delegates count. >>
Miami Herald

Democratic state leader calls repeat primary in Michigan 'unlikely'
A Senate Democratic leader said today "it's highly unlikely" the Legislature will pass a do-over Democratic presidential primary election bill.  >>
Detroit News

Neither result surprised me all that much, and in a certain way, I am happy that this has happened. Not because it may hurt Democrats or teach the two states a lesson about being greedy, but because it takes growing pains sometimes to get to the results we need and deserve.

By going through these problems in 2008, we finally see the pitfalls and ramifications of states jostling for recognition and influence. Hopefully, both parties will see this as a wake-up call and put a plan in motion that will alleviate this problem for the next Presidential election cycle.

Whether there are regional primaries, or a national primary, or the start of some sort of rotation every four years, something needs to be done by 2012 so voters do not feel disenfranchised. In a year where record numbers are turning out, we ought to be finding a way to keep the excitement going and continue the momentum.

While voters in Michigan and Florida were wondering what this all means (or even if they were paying attention), Obama was in Pennsylvania trying to address the issue of race (and more importantly, do some damage control from the relationship with his pastor). In case you missed it, here is the speech (text).

Results from commentators were extremely positive and supportive, and you saw the skill Obama possesses in delivering what some called the most important speech of his political career. If that was the case, this may have been the speech that secured him the nomination.

He has the lead in pledged delegates, is closing in on super-delegates, still holds the advantage in popular vote and states won. With all eyes on him, he gave a speech which shows his command (and the importance) of rhetoric.

In a nation that is tired from a never-ending war, and an economy most certainly in a recession, any sort of hope and relief on the horizon is welcome news, and a theme that may carry Obama to the Presidency.

-RSKnopfJr

Democratic Presidential Debate (New Hampshire)

Continuing on ABC tonight, the top four Democratic contenders will meet. Barack Obama, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and Bill Richardson are now on stage.

After a majority of the new polls show Obama leading in New Hampshire, Clinton needs to do something to get back into the lead.

9:05p

The first question is about nuclear terrorism. Obama says that if Osama Bin Laden is known to be in Pakistan (with hard intelligence), he would go in after him. When Gibson points out that this sounds a lot like the Bush doctrine (will history books now call it this?), Obama points out it is different because of the intelligence we would have.

Quick question (from me to you): with Richardson supposedly making a deal with Obama in Iowa for support on the second-choice situation, is Richardson hedging his bets now thinking that he could be Obama's VP? Think about it, youth and change candidate would do well to have a VP with experience (remind anyone of the current situation we have now?).

9:15p

I know it is early on, but there seems to be no energy in the room. Clinton just went on for four minutes about what she thinks about the hypothetical Pakistan question, and it looked like Obama, Richardson and Edwards were zoning out as much as I was.

9:19p

What would you do the day after a nuclear weapon goes off in the US, and what what should we change to eliminate the threat? Clinton wishes we would have a very high level of commitment to marshaling our resources for better homeland security. All of their responses so far seem vaguely familiar to what we are currently doing (another Bush doctrine?).

9:26p

Gibson points out how voters in Iowa wanted change, and then asks Clinton what questions remain about Obama that need to be answered. Clinton points out that all the Democrats are all for change, and that New Hampshire voters are very independent. She says that Obama flipped on health care issues, and that is relevant when looking for a president we can count on.

Obama says that the AP was quoting Clinton's folks, and that he has never flopped on the health care issue, and very nicely lays out what he has said, and the philosophical differences he has on this topic with Edwards and Clinton. He then goes on to point out that (regarding social security), he (and Edwards) have been specific in their plans, and that a difference in opinion between the two does not mean that he does not have a plan.

Clinton comes back pointing out specific issues where Obama says one thing and has voted another way. He quickly jumps back to the health care issue, and stammers a little as he tries to get off this topic as soon as possible - pulling a Romney and saying that all the Democrats are more alike than different (seems like a Clinton maneuver when she was always attacked).

And Edwards comes to Obama's defense against Clinton, calling her a force of the status quo. I am sure that Obama will be happy joining with Edwards to knock her out.

9:36p

I guess all of this boils down to what your definition of 'change' is.

Richardson - "I've been in hostage negotiations that were more civil than this."

9:39p

Richardson makes a nice point - when did it become a bad thing to have experience and ability to lead to affect change?

Obama tries to wrap it up and go back to how the people really want change and how the government responds to what they want.

9:42p

What do you think now that there are signs that the surge appears to be working? Clinton points out that the surge was designed to give the Iraqi government time to do what they needed to do, and 37 soldiers dying in December was unacceptable. Richardson points out there has been no progress in Iraq, and until we deal with ending the war, we cannot affect change at home.

When questioned by Gibson about the real progress that has been made, Obama is quick to point out that he opposed the war from the start (and opposed the surge), and mentions the $1 trillion that has been spent, not including the loss of life and injury, to just arrive at a point where we were two years ago.

9:48p

Just received a text message from a friend - halftime, Jacksonville Jaguars 21   Pittsburgh Steelers 7

9:50p

Edwards continues on that there has been no political progress in Iraq, and that he would pull 40-50k troops out immediately. He would combat missions, and there would be no occupation.

9:55p

It's commercial time. The first half has ended, and you want to bet that the Clinton campaign already has a list of issues where Obama has changed positions? Besides a few moments where she lost her temper a little, I think that this has been a very civil discussion. You can see how Obama is trying to act like the person in the lead, and adopt Clinton's old tone of challenging the Republican stand on issues instead of attacking each other.

10:00p

Clinton makes a nice point that in 2000, Americans voted for the candidate they would like to have a beer with, and just liking someone more does not necessarily make a candidate better. She points out that she is an agent of change, and that being the first female president could not be more of a change.

10:03p

Obama says that he already knows the Republican play book - we have seen this movie before (referencing the multitude of questions about him that the Republican candidates mentioned in the first debate).

10:09p

In answering where youth should preclude someone from being president, Richardson says no and refers to Kennedy who inspired America (you can see the steam coming out of Clinton's ears because this was a nice compliment to what Obama achieved in Iowa).

10:15p

Clinton - "Words are not action. And as beautifully presented and as passionately felt as they are, they are not action." Anyone think she was talking about Obama?

She then says that others on stage cannot do the job that she could.

10:20p

Obama says that the American people are looking for big, not incremental, change. Says that people are looking for someone to inspire, someone who uses the words to get people elected, someone to get things done, and this is why people are responding in such large numbers.

10:25p

Gibson moves them on to a question about carbon tax. After the last fifteen minutes, this topic is very anti-climatic. The energy has lowered a little - it's as if they were building to that crescendo.

10:35p

What do you wish you could take back from any of the debates you have participated in?

Clinton - nothing

Richardson - favorite Supreme Court? He said Byron 'Whizzer' White before he knew he wasn't for Roe v Wade

Richardson - for teasing Clinton about her jacket

Obama - nothing

10:39p

There probably wasn't a clear winner tonight, but a few things stand out

John Edwards probably did the best of everyone tonight, but it is too little too late. If there were a few more weeks ago, he may have had a chance if he could focus on Obama directly.

Clinton seemed very negative this evening. Almost everything she said was an attack toward Obama, and the manner in which she presented herself was unappealing.

Did you know that Richardson has a nice resume? Any other year, he may be higher in the polls - but he may have a real shot at the VP slot.

Obama was clearly under the gun from Clinton, but seemed to handle himself well, keeping with his themes and his inspiring words (too bad they aren't actions).  ;-)

10:50p

Well, it was clear that all the candidates tonight were very tired. All the candidates have been going full-tilt for the last two weeks (and longer), but the accelerated schedule between Iowa and New Hampshire has ramped everything up; there is not as much time to affect a change, so you campaign longer, and it takes a toll on you physically and mentally.

In case you didn't hear, Mitt Romney won today's Wyoming Caucus, and check out the latest numbers from Iowa to see how McCain and Obama have come from behind and appear to now be leading in New Hampshire.

-RSKnopfJr

Hancock County Democratic Party BBQ

This past Sunday, I was a guest at the Hancock County Democratic Party summer BBQ. The event was held at the AMVETS shelter house on Melrose, and was attended by about 75 people. I was able to take a few pictures of the event, and did my best to record the audio of the event to share with you. The videos include some of the pictures I took (with generic Democratic/American images to give it a little oomph)...the audio is the speech that each candidate gave to the assembled crowd.

Nancy Stephani, the chairperson of the local Dems, introduced a father whose son just returned from Iraq. The young soldier told the assembled group that it is not true what everyone is hearing...that soldiers are in 'favor' of the war. He said it was just the opposite. His colleagues want to come home before any more get injured or killed. 'Support the Troops - Stop the War' signs were available for those wanted them.

Stephani then introduced Findlay city councilman Michael Eier (fifth ward) who spoke about the opportunity presented to the local party this year. He pointed out that the Democratic Party has made great strides on the national and state levels, and it appears that Hancock County could be next. He went on to point out that, win or lose, this was probably going to be his last run at city council. Eier plans on moving on and becoming more active in his church.

After Eier spoke, Stephani told the group that there is a real opportunity for a Democrat to become the next mayor of Findlay. She then introduced candidate Thomas Knopf. Knopf read prepared remarks before taking a few questions from the audience. In his speech, Knopf's theme was 'Putting People First' and most of the language reflected the hope and opportunities he feels are before the community. Knopf told the crowd that they had the opportunity to make a difference and for their voices to be heard by helping elect him.

If you were at the event and would like to add additional comments, please do so. I look forward to hearing what others thought about the afternoon, and if you think the local Democrats have a real opportunity to be elected this November.

-RSKnopfJr

Democratic Presidential Debate (South Carolina)

9:30

Well, this was once again a fun evening. Watching the CNN wrap-up and some of the recaps on-line, the winners vary (and that is to be expected).

As for the big experiment using videos, I was happy with how they were used. I think that the public asking the questions, with their voices and faces, was very effective. The questions, and the manner in which they were asked, was very different from the way the media normally presents the material. Perhaps those running the debates this fall for city council and mayor could incorporate some variation of this.

Overall, I was impressed with the debate. Anderson Cooper did a good job, much better than someone else from his network did in a previous debate. The Citadel was a good venue for this, especially considering how much Iraq remains in the forefront of the news.

As always, I will try to find some video tomorrow to share with you. Have a great night and thanks to everyone who stayed with me this evening.

-RSKnopfJr

9:25

Bailey, the FCPolitico mascot, just came back in the room. When I put my monitor in front of him and asked who won the debate, he put a nose print on Kucinich as well. That's 2-1 against me...what did I miss? then again, what should I expect from a beagle?

9:20

Comments from my wife: "I hate to say this. I like Edwards, but if I had to vote based upon this, I would vote for Kucinich."

9:15

She may be the leader in the polls, and by that nature, she will get a lot of support for doing well tonight. However, I thought that Joseph Biden did the best tonight. He kept coming back to 'telling the truth', and his straight talk is similar to John McCain from previous years. After Biden, I think you can throw Clinton, Obama, Richardson and Edwards into a pot and pick from there.

9:10

The candidates are with their families on stage and shaking hands with each other and the audience. All except one...Bill Clinton is nowhere to be seen.

9:03

Final question about the night goes to all candidates asking them to look at the person on their left and say one thing they like and dislike about them. A lot of joking, and subtle hints that others would be good vice-presidents and secretary of state.

8:56

Anderson is doing his best to try and get through these videos as quickly as possible...another question about bringing change to Washington...a question about what the words 'In God We Trust' mean to the candidates...a question about how secular citizens have gotten snubbed (and could be snubbed in the future).

8:53

Would health care cover illegal immigrants? Dodd - yes. Richardson - yes.

8:48

Health care montage...how to provide universal coverage? Obama says that folks desire it but cannot afford it. He point out there have always been plans, but no one has been willing to fight for this. Edwards says that Obama's plan does not provide for universal coverage. He then talks about his 'Poverty Tour' (I have been waiting for him to bring this up). Clinton calls the lack of universal care a national disgrace.

8:43

Videos are coming rapidly now...two in a row about social security benefits. Raise taxes? Cut benefits? Change the age to receive benefits? The candidates can say anything they want, but is anyone really going to risk modifying the social security/Medicaid/Medicare systems?

8:40

Would the candidate's be willing to be President and work for the minimum wage? It turns into a running joke about how much money they all have...none of them really takes the question seriously. That is too bad, because that could have been a good discussion.

8:39

We come back from the break with a video from Kucinich.

8:35

After a quick question about standardizing election methods (paper trail) and answer by Richardson, we go to break with Biden's campaign video.

8:30

When asked about using nuclear power as a safer, cleaner energy source, Edward would not support because of the waste and the cost. Clinton points out that American technology may come up with a solution for that.

8:26

Global Warring contributes to Global Warming...Kucinich points out how fighting for oil contributes to environmental problems. To encourage people to reduce their use of energy, Gravel would tax on what we spend...not what we earn. Gravel also points out that he was the only candidate to take a train (instead of a jet) to get to the debate.

8:23

Anne asks if candidates have talked to their children about sex using accurate, age-appropriate information? What a timely topic since there was a big story this week about Obama being accused by Romney of wanting to teach sex-ed in to five year-olds.

8:20

Edwards kids go to public schools...Clinton had her daughter go until high school (in Washington)...Obama's go to private...Biden's went to private school (Catholic school)...Kucinich - public...Gravel - public and private...Dodd - public.

8:18

A question about whether 'No Child Left Behind' should be scrapped. When Richardson answers that he would scrap it, my wife almost jumps out of her chair applauding so hard. Anderson points out that everyone on stage who was in Congress at the time voted for it.

8:15

Who is your favorite teacher and why? Gravel tells about a man who taught him how to speak...and then Gravel slams the debate format by pointing out he rarely gets to speak. The rest of the responses are generic.

8:14

Richardson's video brings us back from break.

8:10

We go to break with Gravel's video. Hey, he spoke!!

8:05

Biden with the BEST answer regarding Iraq I have heard in a long time (I'll try to find the video for you tomorrow). So good, my wife was even nodding her head (and with the answers tonight, that is an accomplishment).

BTW - my wife pointed out the uniforms are gray. I still like them.

8:02

Stephen from California asks if they would sit down with Iran, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba with no conditions. Obama says he would. Clinton would promise diplomacy, but would not promise a sit-down (for fear of being used). Edwards would sit down, but wants to make sure that the countries would not use it for propaganda.

8:00

Question from a soldier stationed in Japan asking Clinton how foreign countries would take her seriously since some think of some women as second-class citizens. She points that there are other countries that have female leaders.

7:56

Tony from Ohio asks if women should register with selective service when they turn 18. Dodd says yes (he is getting quite a bit or air time this evening). CNN cameras go to a young female cadet in the audience. Citadel students have nice uniforms (looks like they are my favorite color - blue).

7:53

Question for Gravel...does he defend his comments about American troops dying in vain in Vietnam? He will not flip-flop on his comments, and he points out how this debate is not fair.

7:49

Are Democrats putting politics first? Why hasn't Congress done anything to get the troops out? Clinton answers that there is no support from Republicans, the Iraqi government doesn't care, and Pentagon accused her of being unpatriotic. Kucinich admits that Democrats failed the American people. Dodd says that the political and religious leaders of Iraq will only take things seriously if we set a date to leave.

7:46

How do we pull out of Iraq now? Obama says there is no military option that will get the job done, and we should start a phased withdrawal. Biden says that if we started now, it would take a year to get all the troops out...he points out that he is the only one who has come up with political solution to get this job done.

7:45

45 minutes into the debate, and we finally get around to Iraq. The audience gives a standing ovation to Citadel graduates who have died in Iraq. What a great moment.

7:42

Gravel explains how African nations are afraid of us. Clinton says NATO should institute a no-fly zone, but no American troops on the ground.

7:39

Question about Darfur and what should we do. Richardson says how he has been to the refugee camp that was in the video and personalizes the experience. He says that the answer is about us caring for Africa, not just countries that have oil. He advocates UN forces (assuming American troops would be part of it). Biden jumps all over the question...he has been there as well...he wants us to get troops there now before any more people die.

7:35

As we go to break, Hillary's campaign video. When we come back, John Edwards.

7:32

Why is it still acceptable to use religion as a crutch to deny marriage rights for all when in the past religion was used to support slavery, etc. Edwards gets to (sort of) answer the question....and then we have a surprise guest...the person who asked the question is in the audience and gets to follow-up. Edwards says that he does not support gay marriage. Obama gets asked why gay marriage is different from interracial marriage. Obama says it is up to denominations to 'recognize' marriages, but civil rights should be allowed.

7:29

Mary and Jen from Brooklyn ask if they should be allowed to marry? Kucinich...yes for civil unions. Dodd...yes for civil unions. Richardson...yes for civil unions with marriage right, eliminate don't ask/don't tell, hate crimes legislation.

7:27

Edwards panders to the public by saying that if someone doesn't vote for Obama or Clinton because or their sex/gender, he doesn't want their vote. Who's gonna disagree with that? Did it really need to be said?

7:20

Morgan from Atlanta asks if the Katrina response would have been different if a mostly white city would have been hit? Dodd doesn't answer the question, and just attacks Bush. Richardson finally answers a question and talks about the red tape. What about answering the question...if the hurricane hit Findlay, would the government have responded differently? Granted, we may wait awhile before we have a storm that size coming down the Blanchard River...but still, it is good to plan ahead.

7:16

Should African-Americans get reparations? Edwards...no...and then switches the subject about how Charleston African-Americans pay more for mortgages (skilled). Obama...says reparations should be investment in schools...nice yes/no answer. Kucinich is the only one who says reparations should happen.

7:15

Campaign submitted video by Chris Dodd...it is like a commercial. Nice rabbit!

7:13

Another great question...if they had to pick a Republican running mate, who would it be? Biden selects Hagel...Edwards selects Hagel (interesting since his name keeps popping up as a potential running mate for Bloomberg on an independent ticket).

7:11

Clinton considers herself a progressive instead of liberal. That will be a theme for whomever gets the nomination. Gravel is next, and immediately goes after Obama. Obama refutes Gravel and tells him he does not take money from PACs or corporations.

7:09

Obama doesn't take PAC or lobbyists money? How long until that changes? Super Tuesday?

7:07

Kucinich gets to speak before Clinton or Edwards? What is going on? I am not sure how the rest of the evening is going to go, but I already declare this a success. He answers how he is different from the others, and gets a nice round of applause. Hillary's next and doesn't exactly wow them with her answer.

7:05

First question is pretty good...how are these politicians any different from those that have come before them? Chris Dodd is first out of the gate and no more starts his answer than my wife rolls her eyes. His answer is more of the same rhetoric that we have heard before. Obama gets a nice gift from Anderson who says that his supporters believe he is different, and Obama jumps on the theme.

7:04

Anderson explaining how we got to this point. Only 3000 videos submitted? Out of 300 million+ Americans? You do the math. Anderson is also explaining how they filtered the questions.

7:00p

Here we go...and the first video challenges the candidates to actually answer the questions tonight. Your host, the photogenic Anderson Cooper.

6:58p

Anyone have debate fatigue yet? Is it bad when the only reason anyone may be tuning in this evening is to see how this video experiment goes?

6:55p

I saw the stage, and let me tell you, CNN did not spend any money to upgrade their background. I don't see where they are going to play the videos, unless the background will transform into a giant display. Can't you feel the excitement building....5 minutes to go.

6:52p

Joining me tonight...my wife (ready and willing to offer a comment), and the FCPolitico mascot, Bailey.

6:45p

Good evening. Tonight, the Democrats meet in Charleston, South Carolina for a debate sponsored by CNN and YouTube.

       

YouWho?

Tonight at 7p, the Democratic candidates will be gathering in Charleston, South Carolina for the next episode of 'American Idol' (aka the presidential debates).

In a new twist, the questions for the evening are all coming from the public, submitted via YouTube videos. It has been promoted as an opportunity for the people to speak directly to the candidates...but to some people, they are worried about CNN (partnering with YouTube for this debate) filtering the unique aspects of this endeavor.

"If CNN has total editorial control over what videos are shown to the candidates, it's pulling the rug out from under the so-called 'user-generated content' revolution," writes Joshua Levy at Techpresident.com.

"This stuff is much less fascinating if a third-party gatekeeper comes in and tells us what is interesting and what is fluff. Instead, YouTube and CNN should let YouTube users decide what the best questions are, and then use those questions in the debate."

It will be interesting to see how this experiment plays out, and whether the questions are any more provocative, in-depth or challenging than those normally presented by media outlets. With CNN selecting the videos, however, we may not see any difference.

Join me on-line tonight around 6:45p...I will once again be doing my best to give you a blow-by-blow account of the action. If you have any questions before or during the debate, post them in the comments section or e-mail me at flagcitypolitico@gmail.com.

-RSKnopfJr

Spotlight on...Democratic Presidential Candidates

Rudy. Hillary. Obama. McCain. Mitt. Edwards. And let's not forget Fred Thompson.

Day after day, the media talks about these candidates, and chooses to ignore the other people running. Pretty soon, you are going to start hearing the term "threshold". Groups sponsoring debates will start limiting the candidates they invite unless they are at a certain level in the polls. Before they do, I encourage you to take a moment to see what these other candidates have to offer. They may surprise you.

Today, the spotlight is on...Democratic Presidential Candidates.

Joe Biden

Chris Dodd

Dennis Kucinich

Mike Gravel

Bill Richardson

-RSKnopfJr

What would my opponent ask?

This time tomorrow night, we will be wondering who won the Democratic debate (CNN, 7-9pm). Since I am planning on blogging the festivities, I am going to keep tonight's entry short, but I came across an interesting article that leads into tomorrow night.

Iraq Accountability Act, Revised

She can try and spin it however she wants to, but Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)  just let a lot of Americans down. In the 2006 election, Iraq was the number one reason given by voters for overwhelmingly selecting Democrats to the House and Senate. Now, five months into the 110th Congress, she and her Democratic associates just blinked first in their showdown with President Bush.

Not that they have a lot of support to begin with; with all the attention given to the President’s approval numbers lately (latest Gallup poll - 33%), you may have missed the news that Congressional approval ratings are even lower (Gallup - 29%). Factor in that these were from May 10-13, and I am sure that both groups will be be even lower with this latest news.

Looking at the message boards on the Democratic Party website, Democrats Pass Revised Iraq Accountability Act, there are some unhappy Americans sitting out there:

“As far as the Democrats go, they have again shown that they have no back-bone with regard to dealing with this administration.”   
-Feedup

“I am very disappointed in the Democrats for caving into the Administration's antics. I really believed the Dems in Congress would do what the American people wanted done when we spoke in November.”   
-Dabb

“How pathetic! The Democrats Revised Accountability Act that does not hold Bush accountable...imagine that!”   
-Spotlight

Some free advice to both parties: just get this done and get the troops home as soon as possible. We support the people who defend us, but we went them back as soon as their mission is really accomplished. Stop playing politics with their lives…the emotions of their family & friends…and the passion of the electorate. We have long memories, and will remember this next year and beyond.

-RSKnopfJr

Bill Richardson for President

Governor Bill Richardson (D - New Mexico) formally announced today that he is a candidate for President.

A former US Ambassador to the UN and Secretary of Energy in the Clinton administration, Richardson is looking to use his credentials as a state's executive and his foreign policy experience to make some headway in the polls.

Naturally, he is ahead in the latest New Mexico poll, and he recently moved to the precipice of being a top-tier candidate by garnering 10% of support in the latest Iowa and New Hampshire polls. He has had a steady growth of support over the past few months, and is close to approaching the third-place candidate in a few state polls.

I am impressed by his honesty and willingness to select the correct course of action without regard to how it plays in the polls. When he signed a bill allowing medicinal marijuana in New Mexico, he was questioned whether it would hurt a future presidential candidacy. He said that it didn't matter because "it was the right thing to do". Whether you agree with someone or not, I appreciate the candor instead of trying to gloss over the issue with political gobbledygook.

For more information about Bill Richardson, visit his website at http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/.

-RSKnopfJr