44 - Politics and Policy in Obama's Washington - December 30, 2007

The Facebook Primary

No one knew exactly how all this YouTubing, MySpacing and Facebooking -- especially among young voters -- would affect the presidential race. --Jose Antonio Vargas

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 8:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Fact Checking the N.H. Debates in Real Time

Fact-checking the debates in real time.

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 7:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Debates
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Romney's Early Voting Victory -- in Wyoming

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney scored a victory tonight in an early-voting state, Wyoming, by picking up eight out of the state's 14 available delegates. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 7:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton, Obama Tied in NH; McCain Leads GOP Field

The first CNN-University of New Hampshire-WMUR poll taken after the Iowa caucuses shows Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton still in a tight battle for the Democratic primary, while on the Republican side, Arizona Sen. John McCain has taken his first lead since April. McCain holds a narrow, six percentage point, lead over the GOP field, supported by 33 percent of likely primary voters in the new poll to 27 percent for former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. --Jon Cohen

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 7:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, The Pollster
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Everybody Loves a Change

"Change" is so popular that even candidates who represent stasis, inertia, and hidebound ideology are embracing it. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 6:47 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Joel's New Hampshire Diary
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Sununu to the Rescue

Sen. John Sununu gives journalist Al Hunt the Heimlich Maneuver in Manchester. --Amy Argetsinger

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 5:58 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Angling for a Little of That 2000 Magic

John McCain held his 100th town hall meeting of his New Hampshire campaign in Peterborough on Saturday. McCain recorded the same milestone in Peterborough during the 2000 campaign, during his march to winning the New Hampshire primary, and Mark Salter, a top aide, said, "We're superstitious." McCain's return visit at lunchtime drew so many that dozens of voters and reporters were left out in the cold, blocked by the fire marshal in order to prevent overcrowding. --Juliet Eilperin

By Post Editor | January 5, 2008; 4:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)

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An N.H. Pocket of Progressivism

Lebanon, N.H., is so progressive it's practically Vermont -- to the point that Vermonters were all over the event today. --Joel Achenbach

By Post Editor | January 5, 2008; 4:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Joel's New Hampshire Diary
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How to Assure an SRO Event? Shrink the Gym.

A New Hampshire voter arriving to see Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday morning at a local high school might well have assumed that the event was overwhelmed by a stunningly high turnout, an impression that the candidate herself did her best to encourage. But the impression of overcrowding was misleading. Concord fire department officials said later that there was room in the gym for many more people than had arrived. --Alec MacGillis

By Post Editor | January 5, 2008; 3:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Showing N.H. Voters More Than Faith

As he competes in New Hampshire, Mike Huckabee's campaign is trying to show another side of the man it promoted in Iowa as a "Christian leader." Now the emphasis is on a fun-loving guitar-playing man who really likes Chuck Norris. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Post Editor | January 5, 2008; 3:37 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Romney's New Role: Agent of Change

As he seeks to recover from his Iowa defeat, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has completely reinvented his stump speech, turning throw-away lines from his speeches of the past month into the central theme of his candidacy.--Michael D. Shear

By Washington Post editors | January 5, 2008; 1:58 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Doug Wilder Endorses Obama

By Anita Kumar, Virginia Politics L. Douglas Wilder, Richmond's mayor and former Virginia governor, announced...

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 12:04 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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In NH, Edwards Fights to Stay in the Mix

Edwards is one of the most ferocious campaigners ever seen on the trail. He campaigned 36 hours non-stop in Iowa at one point. He had the earliest event Friday morning (6:15 a.m. on the schedule) and will stump all day today with hardly a break to prepare for tonight's crucial debate. There is no margin of error for Edwards, no backup plan: He has to find a way to stay at the center of the primary narrative despite the almost reflexive tendency of the news media to frame the race as Front-runner and Challenger. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 11:47 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: B_Blog, Joel's New Hampshire Diary
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Clinton Reaches Out to Younger Voters

On Saturday, Clinton made a last-minute addition to her schedule: a conversation with young undecided voters in New Hampshire. That's significant because the event eats into her preparation time before tonight's make-or-break debate. And it also indicates that the Clinton camp is beginning to fully digest the full extent of the demographic worries that arose for them in Iowa. --Anne E. Kornblut

By Web Politics Editor | January 5, 2008; 10:11 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A Punchy McCain Mocks the Media

John McCain campaigned in N.H. today. (Getty Images). By Juliet Eilperin NASHUA, N.H. --...

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 7:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Weekend Reading: The Caucuses in Review

By Garance Franke-Ruta As you reflect on the results of the Iowa caucuses and look...

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 7:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton Seeks to Box Obama into Cultural Corner

As Hillary Clinton looks to rebound in New Hampshire, it appears one part of her strategy will be to cast Barack Obama as the favorite of yuppie elites who aren't looking for experienced leadership so much as they are wanting to ride a trend or indulge a sentiment. --Alec MacGillis

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 6:39 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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With Huckabee and the Band

By Joel Achenbach HENNEKER, NH, 5:45 p.m. -- Mike Huckabee rocks! Some presidential candidates, such...

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 6:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Joel's New Hampshire Diary
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Hsu Ordered to Prison

California Superior Court Judge Stephen Hall affirmed the sentence that Hsu had initially agreed to serve in 1992. Before going to jail, Hsu jumped bail and fled the country. Hall rejected a motion Hsu had made arguing that his right to a speedy trial had been breeched because no one pursued him during his years as a fugitive. --Matthew Mosk

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 3:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Listening to the Next President?

How many hard-bitten journalists standing in back, encrusted with decades of skepticism, nonetheless began to suspect that they were listening to the next president of the United States as Obama's speaking?--Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 3:51 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Barack Obama, Joel's New Hampshire Diary, The Democrats
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Obama Draws a Crowd

This is the big Obama event of the day, and the gym at Concord High is packed to the rafters. Actually, now that I think about it, there is definitely some unused space up there in which I might set up the laptop and blog. --Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 1:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (35)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Joel's New Hampshire Diary, The Democrats
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Will N.H. Be Obama Territory, Too?

The reality is, N.H. is the state that always set up best for Obama, even when he was struggling here.

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 1:13 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take
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'Thank You, Iowa'

Video of the candidate speeches after the Iowa caucuses.

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 11:03 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton's Two Questions

Hillary's holding forth in the hangar, and she's running on electability! Goodbye, Inevitability, hello, Electability.--Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 10:49 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joel's New Hampshire Diary, The Democrats
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Ron Paul Hits Huckabee on Taxes

It seems there's only room in the New Hampshire race for one candidate who wants to abolish the IRS.--Matthew Mosk

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 10:35 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Waiting For Clinton in Nashua

At a Clinton event, not all friendly faces. --Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 9:41 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joel's New Hampshire Diary, The Democrats
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It's Cold, Yes, But At Least Someone Voted Already

Dispatches from the Granite State: the post-Iowa campaign begins.--Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 8:16 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Joel's New Hampshire Diary
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Edwards: 'The People's Candidate'

John Edwards rolled into New Hampshire hoping that his anti-corporate populist message will triumph over the money and celebrity appeal of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.--Dan Balz

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 7:42 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (92)

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In Search of Romney's Silver Lining

Romney team must figure out what to say after a very costly trouncing.--Michael D. Shear

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 7:31 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Huckabee, Savoring Win and Looking Ahead

Flying on a 737 airplane the campaign could not have afforded two months ago, the Huckabees couldn't stop talking, even as they all professed how tired they were on a post-midnight trip from Des Moines to Manchester. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 7:17 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton Team Retools For N.H.

As news of thier candidate's stinging third-place loss in the Iowa caucuses sank in, Clinton advisers adopted a defiantly upbeat tone and began planning their recovery.--Anne E. Kornblut

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 7:03 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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An Earthquake in the Midwest

Eight years after Iowa voters did the conventional -- sending George W. Bush and Al Gore on to meet in the election of 2000, they shook up the status quo in both parties as never before.--David Broder

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 7:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (137)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, David Broder, Mike Huckabee, The Democrats, The GOP
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Obama Cites Turnout in His 'Good Night'

"We had a good night," Obama said on the press plane from Iowa to New Hampshire.--Shailagh Murray

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 6:51 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)

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In N.H., Edwards Supporters' Spirits Flag

At John Edwards's campaign headquarters in New Hampshire, the disappointment was palpable. Edwards built up a strong organization here in hopes that he would be able to capitalize on any momentum coming from Iowa in a way he wasn't able to in 2004, when his campaign faded in New Hampshire. --Alec MacGillis

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 1:07 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Biden and Dodd Leave the Race

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) (AP).; Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) (AP.) By Shailagh Murray DES...

By Web Politics Editor | January 4, 2008; 1:01 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Disappointed Romney Supporters Note 'Reagan Lost Iowa'

They packed into Mitt Romney's victory party, and were quickly disappointed. But the boisterous crowd was anything but defeated.--Michael D. Shear

By Washington Post editors | January 4, 2008; 12:03 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A Prognosticator Who Got it Right

By Dan Balz DES MOINES -- Give Gordon Fischer the credit he deserves. The former...

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 11:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Obama's Moment

One day, Obama said, the American people will look back on the 2008 Iowa caucuses and say, "this is the moment when it all began."

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 11:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Change Trumps Experience in Iowa

The Iowa caucuses are typically low-turnout affairs that are notoriously hard to predict, but this year, pre-election polls accurately captured the underlying dynamics of both party's contests. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama appealed to a change-oriented Democratic electorate, while former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee won the GOP race in large by picking up significant support among evangelicals. --Jon Cohen and Jennifer Agiesta

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 11:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, The Pollster
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County By County Caucus Results

Iowa caucus results by county.

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 10:52 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Jubilant Huckabee Thanks Iowa Supporters

"Tonight what we have seen is a new day in American politics," Huckabee told a cheering crowd at his victory address.--Perry Bacon Jr.

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 10:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Edwards Team Sees Three-Way Race

The Edwards camp was counting on a stronger showing, but campaign manager David Bonior told a cheering crowd, "Change won!"

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 10:36 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton Campaign Looks Toward N.H.

"Our campaign was built for a marathon and we have the resources to run a national race in the weeks ahead," said campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle.

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 10:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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In Call, Clinton Concedes to Obama

Just before 10 p.m. est, Sen. Hillary Clinton called Sen. Barack Obama to concede the race in Iowa. --Anne E. Kornblut

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 9:57 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Obama Camp Credits Youth Turnout

"Younger voters participated in far greater numbers than ever before," said Obama senior adviser David Axelrod as he studied the screen of his Blackberry, still appearing somewhat stunned at the returns. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 9:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Romney Concedes Iowa to Huckabee

Former governor Mitt Romney (Mass.) conceded the Iowa caucuses to former governor Mike Huckabee even as his campaign sought to pivot its focus to the upcmoning New Hamphsire primary. --Chris Cillizza

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 9:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Turnout Off the Charts

With 97.2 percent of the precincts reporting, the Iowa Democratic Party reported a record turnout of 232,000 caucus attendees.

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 9:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Inside Precinct 211

Caucus-goes arrive at the Jackson County Iowa Democratic Precinct 2 caucus at Kalmes, a...

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 9:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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What Happens if It's Too Close to Call?

Would anyone have to stop the presses?

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 8:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Huckabee Airs Anti-Romney Ad After All

The saga of Mike Huckabee's now infamous attack ad against Mitt Romney lives on. It turns out that the TV ad attacking Romney as "dishonest" -- which Huckabee vowed not to air -- actually ran three times in Iowa on New Year's Eve. --John Solomon

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 7:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Edwards's 5-Year Iowa Campaign Draws to a Close

John Edwards awaits Iowa's verdict. (Getty Images). By Peter Slevin DES MOINES -- Unable...

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 7:50 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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No Second Shot at V.P. For Lieberman

Appearing with McCain in New Hampshire, Lieberman says he's not seeking the number two spot on the ticket.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 7:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Huckabee: Run Will Continue Even Without Iowa Win

Mike Huckabee says he's in the presidential race for the long haul, even if he doesn't win in Iowa tonight.--Perry Bacon Jr.

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 7:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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N.H. Senate Leader Endorses McCain

By Juliet Eilperin DERRY, N.H. -- New Hampshire Senate GOP leader Ted Gatsas endorsed Arizona...

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 6:36 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The View from New Hampshire

As the campaigns' Iowa organizations go into full gear to get their voters to caucus, their counterparts in New Hampshire are preparing for their own final assault, with only five days left until the primary on Tuesday. On the Democratic side, the battle on the ground here is shaping up as every bit as competitive as it is in Iowa, if slightly less intense. --Alec MacGillis

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 6:05 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Caucusing For Clinton, Refreshments Included

One small snag on the way to the caucus.--Jose Antonio Vargas

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 5:46 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Hoarse but Confident, Obama Draws a Crowd

Obama was thronged, as usual, in a Des Moines stop today. (Getty Images). By...

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 5:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A Tiny Iowa Paper and One Very Big Name: Obama

By Peter Slevin CARROLL, Iowa -- Douglas Burns, a columnist for the Daily Times Herald,...

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 5:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Caucus Day Viewing

The week in video from the Washington Post.

By Ed O'Keefe | January 3, 2008; 3:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Primaries
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Door-to-Door for Clinton

Caucus day is all about details -- and, in many instances, luck.--Jose Antonio Vargas

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 3:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Skipping Early States All Part of Giuliani's Plan

Rudy Giuliani defends his strategy of skipping Iowa and looking forward to Florida and the Feb. 5 primary states.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 2:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Romney Harnesses Anti-McCain Voices

New ads from Mitt Romney and John McCain.--Howard Kurtz

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 2:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Ad Watch, The GOP
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On All Sides, Stakes Couldn't Be Higher

The Clinton team will take any kind of win possible - clean or narrow - and scamper out of Iowa feeling lucky. But it is the prospect of a possible Clinton defeat - particularly to Barack Obama -- that would radically reshape the Democratic nomination. --Dan Balz

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 2:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Dan Balz's Take
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Looking For Answers:
What Iowa Could Change

Key questions the campaign could answer.--Dan Balz

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 1:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Relaxed Romney Gets a Punch Line In

Don't count Mitt Romney out of the punch line primary yet.--Michael D. Shear

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 12:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)

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Huckabee's Sprint to the Finish

For Mike Huckabee, his first event on the day of the Iowa caucuses revealed the challenges to a win here: a lack of strong organization and money.--Perry Bacon Jr.

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 12:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (16)

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A Biden-Obama Deal?

Sen. Joseph Biden wants to beat New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson tonight. And Sen. Barack Obama could help him do that.

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 12:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (60)

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Home For Recess, And in Time to Caucus

By Rachel Dry The early January cold shouldn't bother Iowa's congressional delegation as much as...

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 11:54 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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'A Perfect Day For Caucusing'

A Clinton precinct captain is optimistic at the start of this caucus day.--Jose Antonio Vargas

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 10:42 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)

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Giuliani's Lessons From Lincoln--and the 1980s Too

When it comes to picking role models for his future defense and foreign policy advisers, GOP presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani sounds nostalgic for the 1980s.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 10:32 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Rudy Giuliani, The GOP
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No Tea Leaf Reading for Harkin, 'But What a Campaign!'

By Jose Antonio Vargas DES MOINES -- Tom Harkin, the Hawkeye State's junior senator, knows...

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 10:16 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Rewriting the Rulebook

Starting tonight, the Rulebook of American Politics gets thrown out, or at least seriously rewritten. --Peter Baker

By Washington Post editors | January 3, 2008; 10:08 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: B_Blog, Morning Cheat Sheet
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About That Independent Turnout

Questions about the validity of entrance polls.

By Web Politics Editor | January 3, 2008; 9:01 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Primaries, The Pollster
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Accusations of Dirty Tricks Fly on Final Pre-Caucus Day

A bogus press release emerged Wednesday in Iowa claiming the group was withdrawing an endorsement of Huckabee, the FairTax leaders quickly sprang into action with a press release decrying a "last minute dirty campaign trick." --John Solomon

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 8:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (22)
Categories: The Hidden Campaign
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Romney's Attack Dog

Mailer from Mitt Romney for President sent to Iowan little dog owner. Obtained by...

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 7:52 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, The Hidden Campaign
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Obama Appeals for Calm in Kenya

Sen. Barack Obama took a break from campaigning today to appeal for calm in Kenya, where more than 300 people have died in the violent uprising that followed a controversial presidential election on Sunday. Obama's late father was from Kenya, and he often cites his ties to Africa as one of the factors that informs his world view. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 6:47 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Barack Obama
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Sweets and Pops on a Press Plane

Candy from candidates? --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 6:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Mitt Romney
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The Crowd Size Primary

Here in Coralville, near the University of Iowa campus, around 1,450 Iowans packed into hotel ballroom this afternoon for Barack Obama, with 100 and counting filling an overflow room. Joe Biden drew 350 at an Ames library a few days ago and 550 in Des Moines on New Year's Day. Bill Richardson counted 350 in Ames yesterday and 500 in Des Moines on New Year's Eve. John Edwards is drawing similar numbers during his final 36-hour blitz around the state. Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton appear to be drawing the biggest crowds. As Obama spoke in Coralville, Clinton wooed 1,000 in nearby Cedar Rapids. Obama hit 1,000 twice on New Year's Day, in Council Bluffs and Des Moines. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 6:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Clinton Joins the Girls on the Bus

In a noble attempt to warm up reporters on caucus eve, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton made a surprise jaunt onto the press bus on Wednesday morning. --Anne E. Kornblut

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 4:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (42)
Categories: B_Blog, Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Turnout Time

Clinton advisers believe there are anywhere from 6 percent (as reported in the latest Des Moines Register poll) to 21 percent of uncommitted voters out there for the taking. --Anne E. Kornblut

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 4:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: B_Blog, Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Romney Contemplates the Race Beyond Iowa

With one day left before the Iowa caucus is over, Mitt Romney has already started looking past the state to his next big challenge: John McCain. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 4:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: John McCain, Mitt Romney
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Defining Expectations in N.H. with McCain

By Lois Romano PEMBROKE, N.H. -- As his GOP competitors tripped over each other in...

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 4:02 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: John McCain
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Joe Lieberman's Return to N.H. -- for McCain

While Arizona Sen. John McCain is leaving the Granite State this afternoon to do some last-minute campaigning in Iowa, he joked to reporters here he was better off letting his wife Cindy and Senate colleague Joseph I. Lieberman deliver his message to voters. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 3:23 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: John McCain
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Chelsea Clinton's Electoral Ambitions

By Anne E. Kornblut DES MOINES -- Chelsea Clinton has joined her mother on the...

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 2:38 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Hillary Rodham Clinton
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New Tension with Bloggers for Obama

Markos Moulitsas of Daiky Kos, the influential and widely read blog, says he no longer plans to vote for Obama. -- Jose Antonio Vargas

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 2:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (32)
Categories: Barack Obama
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Giuliani: Double Troops in Afghanistan

Rudy Giuliani, trying to reframe the campaign debate on terrorism, today called for doubling the number of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. --Howard Kurtz

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 1:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Rudy Giuliani
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Courting Free Media an Art for Huckabee

By Perry Bacon Jr. DES MOINES -- Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will spend the...

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 12:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Mike Huckabee
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Huckabee's Big Test

Mike Huckabee and Chuck Norris rock out at the Val Air Ballroom in Des...

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 11:56 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (79)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take, Mike Huckabee
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Who Will Win: One Man's (Semi-Educated) Guess

One man's take on how the caucus and primary will play out.--Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 11:24 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Joel's Two Cents
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Immigration, Change and Fighting the Ron Paul Fight

News from Iowa with one day to go before the caucus.

By Washington Post editors | January 2, 2008; 10:30 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Today at The Post
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Midnight Runner Edwards Campaigns All Night

Your trusty Trailer set out for the midnight event in Atlantic, Iowa, wondering who would show up at a farmhouse down an unpaved road in a rural area an hour and half from Des Moines in the middle of a bitterly cold night. (Minus ten with the wind chill.) It turns out about 100 people, nearly half of them reporters. --Libby Copeland

By Web Politics Editor | January 2, 2008; 9:01 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Madeline Stowe Gets Out the Vote for Edwards

Madeline Stowe gets out the vote for John Edwards in Iowa. --Sridhar Pappu

By Web Politics Editor | January 1, 2008; 10:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: John Edwards
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Kucinich Throws His Support to Obama

The Ohio congressman is encouraging his Iowa supporters to caucus for Obama if he fails to crack the viability threshold of 15 percent on Thursday. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 1, 2008; 5:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (39)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Dennis Kucinich
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The Final Spectacle

By Dan Balz AMES, Iowa - The New Year began with a rush here in...

By Web Politics Editor | January 1, 2008; 4:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take
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Huckabee Takes the Stage

Perhaps reflecting the campaign's low level of staffing and thin formal organization, the messages were mixed in Cedar Rapids, and not just about the music. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Web Politics Editor | January 1, 2008; 4:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (59)
Categories: A_Blog, Mike Huckabee
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A New Year with the Candidates in Des Moines

It was a rather muted New Year's Eve in this capital city, the political hotspot of the moment. -- Jose Antonio Vargas

By Web Politics Editor | January 1, 2008; 2:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, Candidates
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All About the Early States

Joel Achenbach compares the cultures of Iowa and New Hampshire. Dan Balz and Shailagh Murray...

By Web Politics Editor | January 1, 2008; 11:45 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: A_Blog, Today at The Post
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Obama, Huckabee Lead Register Poll

Among Democrats, Barack Obama holds a 7-point lead over Hillary Clinton and an 8-point advantage over John Edwards -- outside the margin of sampling error for the first time in this poll. On the GOP side, Mike Huckabee is up six points over Mitt Romney, 32 percent to 26 percent, with John McCain well back in third place at 13 percent. A month ago, Huckabee stood at 29 percent, Romney at 24 percent. --Jon Cohen

By Web Politics Editor | January 1, 2008; 10:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (70)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Barack Obama, Mike Huckabee, The Pollster
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McCain's Movie Tells of a Mission in Life

--Alec MacGillis

By Web Politics Editor | December 31, 2007; 6:37 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: A_Blog, John McCain
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Huckabee in for a Trim

Huckabee gets a haircut. --Libby Copeland

By Web Politics Editor | December 31, 2007; 6:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: A_Blog, Mike Huckabee
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Biden Contemplates Offers to Cut a Deal

Bored with the Democratic front-runners? Another interesting battle in Iowa is for fourth place. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | December 31, 2007; 6:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (22)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Joe Biden
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An Old Earmark of McCain's Surfaces

McCain may not have always been so averse to earmarks. --John Solomon

By Web Politics Editor | December 31, 2007; 4:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: A_Blog, John McCain
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Executive Compensation an Issue for Edwards

Edwards' populist message has been undermined by his work at Fortress, which he said in an interview earlier this year that he chose as a place of employment because he wanted to learn more about capital markets and their relationship with poverty. --Alec MacGillis

By Web Politics Editor | December 31, 2007; 4:11 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: A_Blog, John Edwards
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Huckabee's Televised Turnabout

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee gathered scores of reporters in a room to unveil an attack ad against rival Mitt Romney, then suddenly changed course and renounced the ad he had produced -- but not before playing it for the dozens of television cameras. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | December 31, 2007; 2:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (114)
Categories: A_Blog, B_Blog, Mike Huckabee
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Network News

44: December 30, 2007 - January 5, 2008