2008 Campaign Roundup for Feb 17th, 2008
By Thomas JeffreyArticle Posted: Sunday February 17, 2008
In this edition of the Leftwing Nutjob campaign 2008 round-up, the twists and turns of the past few weeks may not have brought us any closer to either a Democratic or Republican presidential nominee, but they sure have been entertaining.
Take former Massachusetts’ governor Mitt Romney, whose announcement before the ultra-rightwing Conservative Political Action Committee on February 7 that he would be withdrawing from the race not only guaranteed that there would not be any Mormon magic underwear in the White House next year, but also guaranteed that due to the high level of pandering and self-effacing B.S. in his speech, that Mr. Romney will almost certainly survive to run for president another day.
Which brings me to one of the most intriguing theories that I have heard being bantered about everywhere lately from the Sunday talk shows to the online pundits; high-level Republican operatives have apparently come to the conclusion that this presidential election will be such a landslide victory for the Democrats, that no self-respecting politician who values his career will be caught dead anywhere near the GOP’s ticket come November 4. Could that be the real reason why Romney withdrew from the race — to preserve his cache amongst the GOP base and to not be saddled with the “loser” label? It’s definitely something to thing about.
And speaking about Mitt Romeny, Senator Hillary Clinton, this Leftwing Nutjob’s least favorite potential Democratic Presidential nominee, was revealed to have taken a page for the Mittster’s political playbook by writing a $5 million check to her own campaign to help cover expenses. Clinton staffers have since stated that her war chest has rebounded, but rumors persist that the lack of a weekly paycheck for some top staffers may have played a much larger role in the resignation of two of Mrs. Clinton’s top aides than has been previously eluded to.
Mike Huckabee continues to be a thorn in John McCain’s side, even though the two men continue to run an admirably clean campaign, reserving their criticisms for the Democrats rather than each other. This Leftwing Nutjob also has a bit of admiration for the former Arkansas governor’s campaign — at least for the stated purpose as why he is still in the race; namely that he is still running so that those who have not yet voted can still have a voice in who will be the GOP’s nominee. Then again, that could all be a good ‘o southern shuck and jive from Mr. Huckabee, intended to quiet the critics as he awaits a possible McCain macaca moment…
Which brings me to Barack Obama, the man who continues to run the table all across the country, with 10 unanswered primary and caucus wins since Super Tuesday. And while a good portion of those victories could by chalked up to many things — including the Illinois Senator’s message and “rock star” appeal — I believe the real story that will be analyzed when the dust settles after the Democratic convention is how Obama effectively out-campaigned the Clinton juggernaut.
Beginning as far back as Iowa and New Hampshire, the seeds of HIllary Clinton’s eventual undoing were sown. Pouring millions of dollars into both of those states and banking on the arrogant belief that no one would be able to mount an effective challenge against her, that misguided strategy has effectively crippling her campaign ever since.
Now, by having to actually run a race for the nomination instead of having it handed to her on a silver DNC platter, Mrs. Clinton’s war chest has been depleted and her campaign has been left flat-footed in several states. The Obama campaign, by comparison, has pursued a state-by-state strategy since the very beginning, hallmarked by early organization in every state he has won handily over the past few weeks. That, fed by an almost continuous flow of campaign contributions that have far exceed the Clinton campaign, have move Barack Obama within reach of becoming the 2008 Democratic nominee.
No wonder the Big Dog is grumpy.
Clinton Makes 11th-Hour Bid to Compete in Wisconsin, Ad Wars Drag On — Fox News
Clinton, Obama poised to pour attention into Texas — Austin American-Statesman
Romney’s Withdrawal Speech — Real Clear Politics
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Podcast #117
By Thomas JeffreyArticle Posted: Tuesday April 15, 2008
Leftwing Nutjob Podcast, Episode 117, for Sunday, April 13, 2008
Penn hits the bricks, Iran in the spotlight again, the Obama money machine, al Qaeda’s rising star and more!