44 - Politics and Policy in Obama's Washington - January 13, 2008

McCain Thanks South Carolina Supporters

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By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 19, 2008; 10:53 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Video Report
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Rebuilding the GOP, McCain Style

A day before his victory here as he spoke with reporters, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) jokingly pointed to his close ally, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and declared, "If I do lose, there stands the reason I will lose." --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 10:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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McCain Savors Victory

Arizona Sen. John McCain declared victory in the South Carolina primary tonight, erasing the painful memory of his loss here eight years ago with a win that he hopes will provide him the momentum to finally capture the Republican presidential nomination. --Michael D. Shear and Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 10:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Huckabee's Upbeat Concession Speech

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By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 19, 2008; 10:21 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Video Report
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Mike Huckabee Concedes S.C.

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee conceded to rival Sen. John McCain after coming in second in the South Carolina Republican primary Saturday, but urged his supporters not to give up on a campaign that he said will continue onto Florida and the primary states beyond. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 10:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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New Clarity, for Both Parties

The New Hampshire verdicts were reinforced Saturday in Nevada and South Carolina, bringing a degree of clarity to both parties' nomination fights.--David S. Broder

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 9:57 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, David Broder, Fred Thompson, Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Edwards, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Primaries, Rudy Giuliani, The Democrats
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Thompson, Trailing in S.C., Gives Speech

Former Tennessee senator Fred Dalton Thompson, who was locked in a battle for a disappointing third place in South Carolina's primary, gave an impassioned and reflective speech to supporters in Columbia, even before the votes were tallied, but did not quite say that he was ready to drop out of the race. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 9:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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McCain Supporters Exuberant, Confident

McCain campaigned yesterday in Sumter, S.C. (The Washington Post). By Juliet Eilperin CHARLESTON, S.C....

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 9:18 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A Tale of Two Electorates

Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee are in a close race for the top spot in South Carolina, with McCain winning moderate and liberal GOP voters and Huckabee excelling among religious conservatives, according to preliminary network exit poll data. --Jon Cohen and Jennifer Agiesta

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 8:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Pollster
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Using Delegate Math, Obama Pushes Back Against Clinton Win

The Nevada Democratic caucus has turned into a kids' soccer game: everybody is a winner. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the declared winner of the Nevada caucuses. But Sen. Barack Obama walked away with more delegates. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 8:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton Addresses Supporters in Las Vegas

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By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 19, 2008; 7:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Video Report
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Duncan Hunter Leaves GOP Field

California Rep. Duncan Hunter dropped out of the Republican presidential race after placing near the bottom of the pack in Nevada's voting and even before the polls closed in South Carolina's primary. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 6:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Obama, Edwards React to Nevada Outcome

Hillary Clinton's rivals issued statements Saturday offering her congratulations for her victory but vowing to go on. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 6:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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S.C. Conservatives Look for Their Man

The Newberry, S.C., courthouse. (The Washington Post). By Joel Achenbach The worst thing you...

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 6:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Joel's S.C. Diary
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Romney Acknowledges Nevada Win

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By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 19, 2008; 5:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Mitt Romney, Video Report
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Casino Executives Split Support

Barack Obama had the backing of the biggest union in Las Vegas -- the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 -- and Hillary Rodham Clinton had the backing of female voters in Nevada. But the chief executives of the casinos that hosted nine caucus precincts along the city's "Strip" divided their support mostly among other presidential candidates, not the two largest vote getters in the casino caucus sites. --Paul Kane

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 5:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Overall Turnout High for Nev. Caucuses

With 88 percent of the precincts reporting, the Nevada Democratic Party said in a statement that it's "seeing record turnout with more than 114,000 caucus attendees." --Garance Franke-Ruta

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 5:19 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Bill Clinton a Boon, After All

Hillary Rodham Clinton cheers with hotel workers at the Mandalay Bay Hotel on caucus...

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 4:51 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Gender Gap Benefits Clinton

In her Nevada caucus win today, Hillary Rodham Clinton benefited from a sizable gender gap and big turnout from mainline Democrats. According to the network's entrance poll , women made up 59 percent of all caucusgoers, and went for Clinton over Illinois senator Barack Obama by a wide margin (51 percent to 38 percent). --Jon Cohen

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 4:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Primaries, The Democrats, The Pollster
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Clinton Wins Nevada Caucuses

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton beat Sen. Barack Obama in the Nevada Democratic caucuses today, while former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney prevailed earlier in the Nevada Republican caucuses. --Chris Cillizza

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 4:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Low Turnout on the Strip

Hillary Rodham Clinton chats with hotel workers during a campaign stop at the Mandalay...

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 4:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton Wins the Wynn Caucus

By Karl Vick LAS VEGAS -- The final attendee count at the Wynn, Las Vegas,...

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 4:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Inside the Bellagio Caucus

Updated 3:58 p.m. By Shailagh Murray LAS VEGAS -- The scene inside the Bellagio's cavernous...

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 3:52 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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From Death Valley to Vegas: Nevada Results

County-by-County Results Follow the Nevada caucus results as they come in using the interactive...

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 3:21 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Political Geography 101
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Obama Rallies Casino Workers

Sen. Barack Obama toured the "back of the house" at the Mirage casino this morning to rally members of the Culinary Workers Union, the organizing powerhouse he is counting on to push him to victory in the Nevada caucuses today. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 3:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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S.C., From Upcountry to Beach

MAP: Political geography of S.C. Want to learn more about where the top five...

By Web Politics Editor | January 19, 2008; 2:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Political Geography 101
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Mormons, Party Regulars Fuel Romney Success

A quarter of GOP caucusgoers were Mormon, according to the network's poll, and they broke overwhelmingly for Romney, himself a Mormon.--Jon Cohen

By Washington Post editors | January 19, 2008; 2:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: B_Blog, Mitt Romney, Primaries, The GOP, The Pollster
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Nevada Win in Cards for Romney

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has apparently won the lightly-contested Nevada caucus Saturday, winning his third presidential primary victory even as he watched Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee battle for first place in South Carolina.--Michael D. Shear

By Washington Post editors | January 19, 2008; 1:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Bible Study and Politics in S.C.

Members of a weekly Bible Study session at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, S.C. share their political opinions ahead of the South Carolina primaries.

By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 19, 2008; 1:39 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Video Report
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McCain's Off to the Movies

When reporters outnumber voters, you wonder why candidates even bother to show up at polling stations on primary day.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | January 19, 2008; 1:04 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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No Love Fest, But No Fistfight Either

The press may love negative campaigns, but with no clear targets this year, the campaigns are more love fest than fist fight.--Dan Balz

By Washington Post editors | January 19, 2008; 12:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take
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McCain's Closing Argument

Standing on the deck of a decommissioned aircraft carrier docked in the Port of Charleston, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tonight made the closing sales pitch for his close friend, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). On Saturday South Carolinians have the "awesome responsibility" of choosing "the military leader of the country," Graham said, and one candidate was best qualified to lead American troops stationed abroad. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 7:50 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Obama Camp Pushes Back On 'Rookie' Ad

Obama spokesperson says Magic Johnson's basketball history is incomplete.

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 7:11 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Taking a Chance on McCain

John McCain considers a new theme song -- from a 1970s Swedish disco group. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 7:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Huckabee Reacts to Bush Stimulus Plans

Mike Huckabee weighs in on the nation's economic problems from Greenville Technical College in Greenville, S.C.

By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 18, 2008; 6:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Video Report
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For McCain, Views on Abortion Come to the Fore

When Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was courting New Hampshire voters, the issue of abortion rarely came up in his town-hall meetings or stump speeches. But now, he mentions it on nearly every stop. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 5:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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For Both Clinton and Obama, Nuclear Donors

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are both hip-deep in contributions from the nuclear energy industry. --Matthew Mosk

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 4:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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In Nevada, Obama Tries Tough New Tack

Sen. Barack Obama has added some tough new lines to his campaign speech that call into question Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's candor and authenticity, while adding a dash of humor to disguise the sting. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 4:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Trying to Heal a Rift in New Hampshire

By Alec MacGillis Three New Hampshire Democratic leaders who signed a letter two days before...

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 4:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (50)

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Obama as a Reagan-Like Figure

If the confused but nevertheless spirited reaction in the blogosphere, left and right, is any indication, Sen. Barack Obama is going to have plenty of explaining to do regarding his comments to the Reno Gazette-Journal editorial board in the days ahead. --Jose Antonio Vargas

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 3:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Debate Rages On...
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Presidential Candidates Court S.C. Black Newspaper

By Krissah Williams COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Black newspapers have a long history of advocacy, dating...

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 3:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)

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McCain and the Disaffected GOP Base

John McCain returns a salute to veterans at a campaign event in Florence, S.C....

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 1:39 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take
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Obama's Labor Backers Planning TV Campaign

Yesterday, the radio ad launched by UNITE HERE's local chapter in Nevada sparked sharp exchanges between the campaigns of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. Today, they'll have a television commercial to argue about. --Matthew Mosk

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 12:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (19)

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Back to School for Huck and Chuck

In a lively atmosphere rivaling a rock concert, Mike Huckabee and Chuck Norris went to Clemson University Thursday to encourage students to vote for Huckabee in Saturday's primary election. (Video by Jonathan Forsythe/washingtonpost.com).

By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 18, 2008; 11:52 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Video Report
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Romney to Appear on Tonight Show

While his rivals courted voters in South Carolina, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney barnstormed across Nevada as he sought a victory on Saturday to provide momentum before Florida's contest at the end of the month. Friday afternoon, he planned to jet to Los Angeles to tape an appearance on the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 11:40 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Lobbyist Backing McCain Reaches Out

One of John McCain's senior advisers made a sympathy call last night to one of Mitt Romney's senior advisers, a fellow lobbyist. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 18, 2008; 10:54 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (26)
Categories: John McCain, Mitt Romney, Primaries, The GOP
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McCain's Economic Strategy: Bring in Greenspan

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) unveiled a new economic strategy in South Carolina today with a truly revolutionary aspect: Alan Greenspan, dead or alive.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | January 17, 2008; 9:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (14)

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Obama's Reagan Comparison Sparks Debate

They've argued health care, free trade, immigration reform. Yucca Mountain? Been there, done that. But here's a debate no one saw coming in the Democratic primary: the legacy of Ronald Reagan. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 8:39 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (176)

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New Bloomberg Moves Raise Political Eyebrows

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg continues to insist he is not a candidate for president, but these days his every word, his moves and his travel schedule are being dissected and parsed like a Talmudic text. --Keith B. Richburg

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 7:46 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Pro-Obama Labor Group Blasts Clinton in Nevada Radio Ad

While labor unions have played a heavy role supporting Hillary Clinton and John Edwards during the early state contests this month, Barack Obama has largely had to fend for himself. No longer. The group UNITE HERE, which represents 440,000 textile and hotel and restaurant workers, gave Obama his first national labor endorsement last week. And this morning, the group filed reports with the Federal Election Commission that disclosed it was producing more than $34,000 in radio ads to air in Nevada in advance of the caucus there. --Matthew Mosk

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 7:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (22)
Categories: Barack Obama, The Hidden Campaign
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Kucinich Asks for Supreme Court Review of Texas Case

Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich yesterday asked the Supreme Court to prohibit the Texas Democratic Party from keeping him off the March 4 primary ballot because he refused to sign a loyalty oath. --Bob Barnes

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 7:04 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (13)

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Clinton Supporter Apologizes to Obama

Black Entertainment Television founder Bob Johnson took to CNN this afternoon to make public his apology to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama over remarks Johnson had made Sunday in Columbia, S.C., that were widely interpreted as a none-too-subtle attempt to make sport of Obama's teenage drug use. "Sometimes in campaigns you get carried away in your zeal to support your candidate. And you say things that are inappropriate and not proper for a campaign that should be based on the issues," said Johnson in a phone interview with Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room." "And that is why I issued this personal apology to Senator Obama, I know Senator Obama. I have a great deal of respect for him. And I'm glad that his campaign has responded and accepted the apology." --Garance Franke-Ruta

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 6:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (20)

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Fred Thompson Gets Mad

Ever more from SC.

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 5:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: Joel's S.C. Diary
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S.C. Establishment Stands With McCain

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By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 17, 2008; 4:58 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Candidates, David Broder, Primaries, Republican Party, The GOP, Video Report
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Huckabee Says Flying Confederate Flag a State Issue

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is taking a different position from his rival, Arizona Sen. John McCain on a controversial issue: the display of the Confederate flag. Huckabee, in speeches in Myrtle Beach and Florence as he started a seven-city tour of South Carolina today, said it was a state issue. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 4:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (90)

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Online, Obama Starts to Beat Ron Paul

Online, Sen. Barack Obama has been dubbed the "Barocket" -- and for good reason. Throughout last year, he was the most popular Democratic candidate on the Internet, with more friends on MySpace (now 215,000), supporters on Facebook (numbering north of 200,000) and channel views on YouTube (11 million) than any other presidential candidate. And it looks like that support is continuing. --Jose Antonio Vargas

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 4:13 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (41)

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Huckabee and McCain Playing it Polite in S.C.

FLORENCE, S.C. -- In South Carolina, an increasingly bizarre GOP race has created another strange result: a muted campaign in the Palmetto State. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 4:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (19)

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The McCains Talk Family Values in S.C.

In a state where social conservatives represent roughly half the GOP electorate, McCain's campaign is retooling its message. While McCain and his supporters still speak of his commitment to national security and the war in Iraq, they are also talking more about his family values and his concern for the economy. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 3:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)

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Court: Casino Caucuses Allowed

A federal judge in Las Vegas brushed aside a lawsuit trying to shut down nine casino precinct sites for the Nevada Democratic caucuses, handing an important victory to Sen. Barack Obama's bid in the Silver State Saturday. --Paul Kane

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 3:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (44)

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Picking Citrus and Presidents in Florida

For years, the key contest in determining the Republican nomination battle has come here in South Carolina, not in snowy New Hampshire. But that may not be the case any longer this year. Florida, not South Carolina, may be the most important contest this year. --Dan Balz

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 2:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take
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A GOP Focus on Defense, Not Deficit

And now, South Carolina.

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 1:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Joel's S.C. Diary, Mike Huckabee
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Romney Homes In on Nevada

Mitt Romney headed to Las Vegas after briefly meeting with reporters in South Carolina, where aides said the campaign has not given up on making a decent showing. The former Massachusetts governor skipped out on the final day of campaigning in South Carolina, preferring to spend Friday as the only GOP candidate competing in the Nevada caucus. --Michael D. Shear

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 12:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (20)

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In Florida, Giuliani Hits Romney in New Ad

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been left out of the campaign for much of the last few weeks, but a new ad his campaign is running in Florida seems certain to put him back in the mix. --Chris Cillizza

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 12:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Ad Watch
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Leahy Endorses Obama

Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), a 33-year veteran of the Senate who chairs the Judiciary Committee, endorsed the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama as the Illinois senator tries to demonstrate his support among his party's elder statesmen in advance of the Feb. 5 Super Tuesday. --Paul Kane

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 11:58 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (36)

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Bill Clinton Takes On Reporter Over Vegas Caucuses

By Garance Franke-Ruta One subject the chatterers are chattering about on the political blogs is...

By Web Politics Editor | January 17, 2008; 11:44 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Making the Rounds
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Welcome to Hil Force One

Team Clinton unveiled a new campaign plane on Wednesday -- and with it, an honorary member of the flight crew. "My name is Hillary, and I'm so pleased to have most of you on board," Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton announced over the public address system of the 737 aircraft before it took off on its maiden voyage, from Las Vegas to Reno, shortly after 2 p.m. pacific standard time. --Anne E. Kornblut

By Web Politics Editor | January 16, 2008; 6:23 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (43)
Categories: Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Huckabee Voters: Will They Show?

Will Mike Huckabee have a problem even among his base, the faithful, in South Carolina? --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Web Politics Editor | January 16, 2008; 6:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (14)

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S.C. as Romney Country?

Romney, courting the "real conservative" vote in South Carolina.--Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | January 16, 2008; 5:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (35)

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The Super Tuesday Starting Line: Indonesia

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) might be said to hold the hometown advantage in Indonesia, where the first Democratic primary ballots will be cast on the mega-primary day of Feb. 5.--Keith B. Richburg

By Washington Post editors | January 16, 2008; 3:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (20)

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Romney's Delegate Strategy -- and the GOP's Embarrassment of Riches

Mitt Romney, appearing upbeat after his Michigan primary win last night, told reporters today he was confident he could secure the GOP nomination by focusing on states where he holds a strategic advantage over his rivals. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 16, 2008; 3:19 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (54)

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In South Carolina, Talk About History

Talking with voters in South Carolina. --Krissah Williams

By Web Politics Editor | January 16, 2008; 2:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)

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Obama Touts War Opposition, Lobby Reform

New Nevada ads highlight Obama's opposition to the war in Iraq and his experience.--Howard Kurtz

By Washington Post editors | January 16, 2008; 2:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (25)
Categories: Ad Watch
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McCain Team Critiques Romney Record

The morning after John McCain lost the Michigan primary to Mitt Romney, his team rolled out a new attack on the former Massachusetts governor, even likening him to John Kerry as a flip-flopper.--Howard Kurtz

By Washington Post editors | January 16, 2008; 1:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (63)

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Big Game Hunters for Giuliani

Giuliani fans among North Florida big game hunters like the former mayor's position on guns, small government and taxes.--Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | January 16, 2008; 11:29 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Joel's Florida Diary
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Only One Bush on Romney's List of Heroes

When former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney paid tribute to his presidential heroes during his victory speech last night, he left out one prominent Republican: President Bush.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | January 16, 2008; 10:37 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)

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Richard Viguerie Goes Online for Paul

Ron Paul picks up a new backer. --Jose Antonio Vargas

By Washington Post Editor | January 16, 2008; 5:29 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (40)

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Distinctions With a Difference in Nevada

The top three Democrats managed to be both civil and pointed in a two-hour discussion that proved meatier and more accessible than many of the public forums that preceded it. Seated around a table, rather than standing, the principal survivors of Iowa and New Hampshire were determined to give no ground. --Peter Slevin

By Web Politics Editor | January 16, 2008; 12:26 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (29)
Categories: Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Edwards, Primaries, The Debates, The Democrats
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About That S.C. Memo

Barack Obama says he regrets a memo from his S.C. press secretary.

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 11:56 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (60)

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Conceding Michigan, McCain Rallies Troops in S.C.

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By washingtonpost.com Editors | January 15, 2008; 11:38 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Primaries
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Independent Group Attacks McCain's Time as POW

By Perry Bacon Arizona Sen. John McCain's campaign responded forcefully today to a group called...

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 11:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (11)

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Candidates Differ on Energy Policy

Prompted to discuss energy policy and nuclear power -- key issues to a range of political constituencies -- the three Democratic candidates took different tacks. --Peter Slevin

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 11:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: The Debates
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At Romney Rally, Everybody Loves a Winner

Even a Democrat found himself swayed at the Mitt Romney victory party. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 10:57 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Mitt Romney, Primaries, The GOP
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County-by-County Results

Explore the electoral map to see how each candidate performed across Michigan's 83 counties...

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 10:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Primaries, The GOP
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Obama Addresses E-Mail Lies

Before turning to questions about the economy, NBC anchor Brian Williams asked Illinois Sen. Barack Obama about several virally circulating e-mails that falsely asserted that Obama is secretly a Muslim, took the oath of office on a Koran instead of a Bible, and refuses to say the pledge of allegiance. --Peter Slevin

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 10:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (31)
Categories: The Debates
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Michigan: Romney's Victory Speech

For more than a week, Mitt Romney has been trying to lead crowds in a call-and-response routine in which they are meant to express outrage as he chronicles federal inaction on issues including immigration, health care and taxes. Tonight, with his victory in the Michigan primary, they finally got it. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 10:05 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Mitt Romney, Primaries, The GOP
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Race Returns as Topic in Nevada Debate

By Peter Slevin LAS VEGAS -- Outside among the palm trees, the chanting is more...

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 9:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Debates
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Mitt Romney Wins Michigan

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has won the Republican primary contest in Michigan today. --Garance Franke-Ruta

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 9:15 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: B_Blog, Primaries
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The Fact Checker, Live

Michael Dobbs, Glenn Kessler, and Alice Crites will be fact checking the Democratic presidential primary...

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 8:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Debates
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Court: Anti-Hillary Movie's a Political Ad

A conservative political group cannot broadcast its anti-Hillary Clinton movie or advertise for the film without disclosing the names of its donors, a three judge panel at the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. ruled today. --Matthew Mosk

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 7:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Peace Through Strength, the Giuliani Doctrine

Rudy Giuliani speaks to parents of Iraq War casualties about the future of the military. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 6:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: Joel's Florida Diary, Rudy Giuliani
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Obama Decries Farrakhan Statements

Sen. Barack Obama's campaign moved quickly today to quell another race-related flap today, this one involving the controversial Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 6:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (138)

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An Intense Florida Focus for Giuliani

Joal Achenbach continues his travels with Rudy Giuliani in Florida.

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 5:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Joel's Florida Diary
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A Clinton Playbook That Doesn't Fit Their Opponent

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama called for a cease-fire Monday in their acrimonious and racially tinged war of words, but there is little likelihood it will hold indefinitely.--Dan Balz

By Washington Post editors | January 15, 2008; 2:02 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (46)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take
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A Brokered Convention? Consider the Possibilities

Yes, yes, we know. Every four years, the political class, including wise-acre journalists, gets all caught up in breathless speculation about the prospect of a brokered convention. After all, no presidential nomination has required more than a single ballot since 1952 and the prospect of actual drama seems like such a refreshing thought at conventions that in recent times have been sucked dry of any suspense whatsoever. And then every four years, the notion evaporates as modern political reality takes hold again. In fact, there's still every reason to think the same will happen this year, that both parties will shuffle through their choices and effectively coalesce around a nominee by the time spring arrives. And yet, and yet -- it's hard not to ponder the possibilities, particularly on the Republican side, where the race is as unsettled as any in decades. --Peter Baker

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 12:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (38)
Categories: Morning Cheat Sheet, Primaries, The GOP
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A McCain-Thompson Alliance?

Could Fred Thompson be Mike Huckabee's Kryptonite and allow his old friend John McCain to emerge as Superman in the GOP nomination process? Ed Rollins, Huckabee's campaign chairman, said in an interview yesterday it was his "sense" Thompson was continuing his campaign into South Carolina to pull votes of social conservatives from Huckabee and help McCain win in South Carolina. "If he loses this week, he will quickly endorse McCain," Rollins said. --Perry Bacon Jr. and Paul Kane

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 12:09 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (20)

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Romney Hopes for Home-Field Advantage

Speaking in an office furniture warehouse here this morning, Mitt Romney told roughly 100 supporters he was counting on Michigan voters like themselves to help jump-start his presidential campaign.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | January 15, 2008; 11:19 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)

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Rudy All Across Florida

Rudy Giuliani continues to make his way across Florida.--Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | January 15, 2008; 10:31 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Joel's Florida Diary, Rudy Giuliani
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A Last-Minute Pitch on the Romney Bus

For a campaign like Mitt Romney's, get-out-the vote efforts start right within your own camp. It doesn't always guarantee success, though.--Juliet Eilperin

By Washington Post editors | January 15, 2008; 10:20 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)

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Obama, in Nevada, Talks Electability

Voters in Nevada press Barack Obama on whether he believes the country is ready to elect a black man president. --Peter Slevin

By Washington Post Editor | January 15, 2008; 6:20 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (38)

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An Outbreak of Goodwill in Nevada

At a time when the Democratic candidates have not been showing each other much neighborly goodwill, Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) called a press conference Monday afternoon in Reno, Nevada, to say kind things about Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and her husband Bill. The Clintons, he said, "have historically and consistently been on the right side of civil rights issues." Eighty-two minutes later, the Clinton campaign followed suit. --Peter Slevin

By Web Politics Editor | January 14, 2008; 11:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (47)

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Obama and 'the Race Card'

A round-up of what commentators are saying about the Obama-Clinton fracas over race in the Democratic primary.

By Web Politics Editor | January 14, 2008; 8:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Debate Rages On...
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Obama's Christian Appeal

The Illinois senator is reaching out to religious voters in South Carolina with a new brochure.

By Web Politics Editor | January 14, 2008; 8:33 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (7)

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Democrats for Romney

New viral video.

By Web Politics Editor | January 14, 2008; 7:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Making the Rounds
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Shouting For Votes at Mel's Diner

Waiting--to almost no avail--for Rudy in Florida.--Joel Achenbach

By Washington Post editors | January 14, 2008; 6:33 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Joel's Florida Diary
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Presidential Campaigning with the Top Down

FORT MYERS, Fla., 1:45 p.m. -- Sixty-eight degrees, a dry breeze from the Gulf, nothing but sunshine, the palm trees waving like old friends. We're not in the Frozen North anymore, the camera guys are in shorts and tees, and the golf carts putter down the fairway at Fred Thompson speed. Now we know why Rudy's been campaigning here! Such a very pleasant place to talk about terrorism and 9/11 and what a dump New York used to be. This is presidential campaigning with the top down. --Joel Achenbach

By Web Politics Editor | January 14, 2008; 2:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Joel's Florida Diary, Rudy Giuliani
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Romney Invokes Game Show Before Teens

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney invoked a decades-old game show today to urge a group of teenagers here to stay in school and avoid having children before marriage. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 14, 2008; 2:33 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)

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A Negative Turn in a Dangerous Game for Clinton, Obama

The stakes for both candidates are high as the Democratic presidential campaign took a sharply negative turn over the weekend.--Dan Balz

By Washington Post editors | January 14, 2008; 1:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dan Balz's Take
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Now Replaying: Michigan Independents For McCain?

Could John McCain lose big among Michigan Republicans on Tuesday and still emerge a winner?--Michael D. Shear

By Washington Post editors | January 14, 2008; 12:57 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Rudy Defying Central Dogma

Joel heads to Florida.

By Web Politics Editor | January 14, 2008; 10:54 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Joel's Florida Diary
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No Obamamania from Michigan GOP Chair

Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis has a new nickname for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.): "pet rock." --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 13, 2008; 7:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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With Talk of Cars, Romney Courts Michigan Voters

During a rally this afternoon before several hundred supporters at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Romney told the crowd that unlike policy makers who have ignored Michigan's economic plight, he could help "build a brighter, prosperous future" here by championing the auto industry. --Juliet Eilperin

By Web Politics Editor | January 13, 2008; 7:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton, Obama Campaigns Spar Over Remarks

Continuing what has become an escalating fight between the two camps over black voters in South Carolina, billionaire mogul Bob Johnson, one of Sen. Hillary Clinton's most prominent African American supporters, mocked Senator Barack Obama's hopeful rhetoric and suggested Obama was "doing something in the neighborhood" at a time when Clinton and her husband Bill were working on civil rights issues. --Perry Bacon Jr.

By Web Politics Editor | January 13, 2008; 6:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Edwards, Obama Join Fray Over Clinton MLK Comments

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, embroiled in an intense dispute over comments about civil rights leaders, on Sunday accused the Obama campaign of "deliberately distorting" her words to inflame the debate. In his toughest response yet, Sen. Barack Obama quickly fired back that Clinton had made an "unfortunate remark" when she said that Rev. Martin Luther King had depended on Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson to get civil rights legislation passed. And for the first time, former Sen. John Edwards weighed in on a war of words that is rapidly consuming the dialogue between the top three Democratic presidential candidates in the most diverse campaign in history. --Anne E. Kornblut

By Web Politics Editor | January 13, 2008; 2:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Clinton Says Obama Playing Racial Politics

By Zachary A. Goldfarb, The Talk Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton accused Sen. Barack Obama's presidential...

By Post Editor | January 13, 2008; 2:09 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Edwards, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Sunday Talkies
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Clinton Takes Pride in Obama in S.C.

An hour after slamming Senator Barack Obama's voting record on national television, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton went positive and declared herself "proud" of him. After appearing on Meet the Press from Columbia, she spoke at Northminster Presbyterian Church here, a small African-American congregation -- part of her ongoing effort to court a group of voters who have to choose between Clinton, a politician they like and admire, and Obama, who would be the country's first black president. --Perry Bacon

By Web Politics Editor | January 13, 2008; 1:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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At Daughter's Urging, McCaskill Backs Obama

Sen. Barack Obama won the endorsement of Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), an up-and-coming freshman who scored one of the biggest Senate upsets of the 2006 midterm election cycle, in what is now a vital Feb. 5 battleground. --Shailagh Murray

By Web Politics Editor | January 13, 2008; 11:01 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Network News

44: January 13, 2008 - January 19, 2008