usdemocrats.com political news weblog

October 10, 2008
back to weblog index



Biden bites back
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:42am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biden bites back
Posted: 10:22 PM ET
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri (CNN) — Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden painted himself and Sen. Barack Obama as champions of the middle class Thursday in a speech that attacked the GOP presidential ticket led by Sen. John McCain Thursday as “erratic.”

“These guys are taking a page out of Karl Rove’s book, and they’re planning on taking the low road to the highest office in the land,” Biden said, referring to President Bush’s former political adviser.

Biden cited a “recent independent analysis” of McCain campaign ads that found 100 percent of them were negative. “I guess, when you vote with George W. Bush 90 percent of the time, your best hope is to attack 100 percent of the time because there’s nothing you can say, there’s nothing you can talk about,” Biden said.

Biden, his voice rising in anger, said McCain hadn’t been able to look Democratic presidential candidate Obama in the eye during their debate this week and say those things. “But folks, in my neighborhood, you want to say something about me, look me in the eye and tell me! Say it to me straight up! Say it to me head on!”


Congressional Dems urge Bush to talk economy with G8
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:43am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congressional Dems urge Bush to talk economy with G8
Posted: 09:57 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Congressional leaders Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi urged President Bush Thursday to call an emergency meeting with the G8 to address international financial instability.

Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, and House Speaker Pelosi sent a letter urging Bush to set up the meeting, according to a news statement released by the two Democrats.

The letter comes at a time that Congress passed a $700 billion bailout bill to abate the U.S. economic crisis. After the bill was passed last week, U.S. and international stock markets have continued to plummet.


NSA eavesdrops on Americans abroad, former linguists say
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:44am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSA eavesdrops on Americans abroad, former linguists say
Posted: 07:03 PM ET
From National Security Producer Pam Benson

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Congressional oversight committees said Thursday they are looking into allegations that National Security Agency (NSA) linguists have been eavesdropping on Americans abroad — including military officers in Iraq — when they call friends and family back in the United States.

The allegations were made by two former military intercept operators on a television news report Thursday evening.

A controversial terrorist surveillance program instituted by the Bush administration allows the intelligence community to monitor phone calls between the United States and overseas without a court order — as long as one party to the call is a terror suspect.


Democratic senator testifies on Stevens’ behalf
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:45am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democratic senator testifies on Stevens’ behalf
Posted: 06:19 PM ET
From Paul Courson
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) — U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii testified Thursday that he has never known fellow senator Ted Stevens “to tell a lie” during their 40 years of service together in the Senate.

Inouye was the first witness defense attorneys called on behalf of Stevens, who is fighting a seven-count indictment for lying on mandatory financial disclosure forms. “His word is good, as far as I’m concerned, good enough to take to the bank,” Inouye, a Democrat, told defense attorney Brendan Sullivan.

Before Inouye began his testimony as a character witness, Judge Emmet Sullivan denied a defense motion to acquit Stevens. The Alaska Republican is charged with accepting and failing to report to the Senate more than $250,000 in gifts, including home renovations that primarily came from Veco, an oil-services company.


Paulson ‘actively’ eyes bank investment
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:45am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson ‘actively’ eyes bank investment
Posted: 12:43 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney.com) — The Treasury Department is “actively” looking at buying equity stakes in some of the nation’s banks, according to White House spokesperson Dana Perino.

At a White House briefing on Thursday, Perino confirmed reports that the United States could soon join the United Kingdom, Iceland and Italy in announcing a plan to inject capital directly into their troubled banking systems.

“These capital injections are something that Secretary Paulson is actively considering,” said Perino. She said she couldn’t comment on the timing or extent of such investments.

By Chris Isidore

CNNMoney.com


Official: U.S. has received partial payment from Libya for terrorist victims
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:45am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Official: U.S. has received partial payment from Libya for terrorist victims
Posted: 05:13 PM ET
From Charley Keyes
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The United States has received “a substantial amount of money” from Libya to settle claims by American victims of terrorism, a senior U.S. official announced Thursday.

“We believe that (the) direct deposit of these funds is evidence of Libya’s commitment to fully implementing the claims settlement agreement,” the official said.

Kara Weipz, president of Families of Pan Am 103, called the news “a positive step, but a small step.”
“I’m a little bit cynical,” said Weipz, whose brother died in the 1988 explosion over Lockerbie, Scotland. “It’s a positive step, but what are we going to have to do to see the next step, and how many more months will that take?”


Biden to appear on 'The Tonight Show'
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:50am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biden to appear on 'The Tonight Show'
Posted: 08:00 PM ET
(CNN) — Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden is set to join Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show," Obama-Biden spokesman David Wade tells CNN.

This will be Biden's first late-night talk show appearance since being named to the number two spot on the Democratic ticket. Beau Biden, Biden's son, appeared on the late-night mainstay on September 16.

Sen. Biden, who was recently parodied on "Saturday Night Live" after his debate against Gov. Sarah Palin, will appear on the talk show on October 16.


Watchdog group seeks ethics investigation of McCain
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:50am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Watchdog group seeks ethics investigation of McCain
Posted: 06:50 PM ET

From CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

 

An ethics watchdog group has asked the Senate to investigate whether Sen. McCain failed to disclose gambling winnings.
(CNN) – Ethics watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, commonly referred to as “CREW,” has requested that the Senate Ethics Committee investigate whether Sen. John McCain failed to disclose gambling earnings as required by federal law and the Senate’s own rules.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/200....tion-of-mccain/


Fact Check: Obama's tax plan and small businesses
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:51am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fact Check: Obama's tax plan and small businesses
Posted: 05:37 PM ET
The Statement: In an interview on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes" on Wednesday, October 8, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain repeated his assertion that Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's tax plan "raises taxes on small business income."

Get the facts!

 

The Facts: Obama's tax plans, as stated on his Web site and as discussed by various analysts, would increase individual tax rates for the two highest tax brackets to pre-Bush administration levels of 36 percent and 39.6 percent. That would apply to families with income greater than $250,000 or singles with income greater than $200,000, affecting about 2 percent of taxpayers. That tax increase — or repeal of Bush tax cuts, depending upon one's perspective — would affect a portion of small businesses because many small business owners pay their taxes through personal income tax. The Bush tax cuts are scheduled to expire by 2011. Obama has said he would let them run out for people in the top two brackets, while giving new tax cuts to people making less.

But the number of small businesses and owners that would see a tax increase is hard to pin down because the term "small business" can be used to describe anything from an operation with hundreds of employees, to independent business people with no employees except themselves, to businesses that are little more than income-earning hobbies for their owners who also count income from other sources.

"Technically (the McCain assertion) is correct in that taxes would go up for certain categories of small businesses," said Gerald Prante, senior economist with the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax research group based in Washington. "But it really depends on how you define small business. It's like the very rich — it's only a small percentage of people but they have a lot of money. The same is true of the number of small businesses that would be affected by Obama's highest tax rates — it's a small percentage of the total number of small businesses in the United States."

Prante said the Tax Foundation estimates there are 36 million income-generating operations in the United States that can be classified as small businesses, using the foundation's "very generous" definition. Under current laws, the foundation calculates that small businesses pay $1.08 trillion in taxes annually. With Obama's plan, Prante said, the foundation estimates that "less than a few percent" of those small businesses would be above the $200,000 threshold and face a tax increase.

Obama's tax plan would leave the corporate tax rate at 35 percent and, according to Obama's Web site, taxes would remain the same or be reduced for families with less than $250,000 in income, whether that income came from a small business or wages or other sources.

The Verdict: Misleading. While Obama's plan would increase taxes for an undetermined number of small business owners who pay their taxes through personal income tax and whose incomes exceed $200,000, it would not establish across-the-board tax increases for all small businesses.


Undecided Voters Breaking to Obama
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:52am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undecided Voters Breaking to Obama
A new Ipsos/McClatchy poll of undecided voters who watched Tuesday's second presidential debate indicates that Sen. Barack Obama seems to be picking up momentum among the small number of voters who have not yet decided on a candidate.

Before the debate, these undecided voters leaned toward Sen. John McCain (Obama 45%/McCain 55%) -- but after Tuesday's debate, nearly six in ten lean toward supporting Obama (Obama 57%/McCain 43%).

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....g_to_obama.html


ARG Poll: Obama Leading in West Virginia?
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:53am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARG Poll: Obama Leading in West Virginia?
The American Research Group released a set of new state polls today with an especially odd result: Sen. Barack Obama is ahead in West Virginia by eight points.

Minnesota: Obama 47%, McCain 46%

Missouri: Obama 49%, McCain 46%

Montana: McCain 50%, Obama 45%

New Hampshire: Obama 52%, McCain 43%

Ohio: Obama 48%, McCain 45%

Texas: McCain 57%, Obama 38%

West Virginia: Obama 50%, McCain 42%


PPP Poll: Obama Pulls Ahead in Virginia
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:54am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPP Poll: Obama Pulls Ahead in Virginia
A new Public Policy Polling survey in Virginia shows Sen. Barack Obama expanding his lead over Sen. John McCain, 51% to 43%.

Key findings: "Obama's made tremendous strides with white voters over the last three weeks, cutting a 60-35 gap with them to 52-42. A PPP analysis earlier in the summer showed that Obama would most likely win Virginia if he could capture just 39% of the white vote, and at 42% currently with 6% still undecided it appears at this point he would reach that threshold easily."

Meanwhile, in Virginia's U.S. Senate race Mark Warner (D) continues to hold a commanding 58% to 31% lead over Jim Gilmore (R).

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....n_virginia.html


Strategic Vision: Chambliss Faces Close Re-Election Race
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:54am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strategic Vision: Chambliss Faces Close Re-Election Race
Strategic Vision has the latest in a series of polls that show Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) potentially in trouble. He now barely leads challenger Jim Martin (D) by just three points, 47% to 44%.

In the presidential race, Sen. John McCain is ahead of Sen. Barack Obama in Georgia, 50% to 43%.

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....ction_race.html


McConnell Loss Would Shake Up GOP Leadership
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:55am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McConnell Loss Would Shake Up GOP Leadership
Roll Call: "With polling in Kentucky suddenly showing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) in a dead heat with Democratic upstart Bruce Lunsford, Senate Republicans are privately starting to worry their leader could be knocked off and have begun contemplating what their leadership might look like in his absence."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....leadership.html


Democratic Strategists See Landslide
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:55am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democratic Strategists See Landslide
"Three weeks of historic economic upheaval has done more than just tilt a handful of once-reliably Republican states in Barack Obama's direction," Politico reports. "Democratic strategists are now optimistic that the ongoing crisis could lead to a landslide Obama victory."

"Four large states McCain once seemed well-positioned to win -- Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Florida -- have in recent weeks shifted toward Obama. If Obama were to win those four states -- a scenario that would represent a remarkable turn of events -- he would likely surpass 350 electoral votes."

Important point: "Under almost any feasible scenario, McCain cannot win the presidency if he loses any of those four states."


Forecasting the Electoral Vote
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:58am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forecasting the Electoral Vote
Research by Tom Holbrook and Jay DeSart shows that presidential candidates "generally win states in which they hold a lead in September polls and always win when they lead outside the margin of error."

Based on this work, they project Sen. Barack Obama will beat Sen. John McCain in the Electoral College, 336 to 202. Projecting the national popular vote based on predicted state margins and assumed state-level contributions to the national vote, they expect Obama will get 51.8% of the two-party vote.

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/10/08/forecasting_the_electoral_vote.html


Franken Jumps Into Lead
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 7:58am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franken Jumps Into Lead
Two new MPR/Humphrey Institute polls show Al Franken (D) went from 9 points behind to 4 points ahead of Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) following congressional approval of the Wall Street bailout plan.

Franken now leads 41% to 37% with Independence Party candidate Dean Barkley's support at 14%.

Said pollster Lawrence Jacobs: "Norm Coleman's 9-point lead over Al Franken essentially disappears in the wake of the financial bailout that Congress passed. He is really suffering the consequences."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/10/08/franken_jumps_into_lead.html


Schumer Thinks 60 Seats Possible
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 8:00am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schumer Thinks 60 Seats Possible
Sen Chuck Schumer, head of the Senate Democratic campaign effort, sees Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia as likely pick ups for his party, NBC News reports.

In addition, he sees Maine, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Mississippi within reach.

"Although he refused to guess how many seats the Democrats will pick up, his stats and shrugs indicated that the prospect of the Democrats becoming a filibuster proof 60-vote majority is not outside the realm of possibility. He called the chances of such a scenario 'better than they were two weeks ago.'"

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....s_possible.html


The McCain campaign is on the ropes, and sadly it's no surprise they're responding with attacks and outright lies.
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:41am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The McCain campaign is on the ropes, and sadly it's no surprise they're responding with attacks and outright lies.

I've heard some pretty unspeakable things in the past few days -- deeply offensive smears that we'll hear over and over again until Election Day.

John McCain and Governor Palin are setting a new low in presidential politics with their dishonorable campaign.

Barack and I are out there every day fighting back. But we need your help.

Make a donation of $5 or more right now to show John McCain and Governor Palin that when they attack us with lies and smears, it literally makes our campaign stronger.

After last night's debate, it's clear why John McCain doesn't want to talk about the issues facing ordinary Americans -- especially the economy, which his own advisers admit he can't talk about without losing.

Barack won last night by offering clear plans to rebuild our economy from the bottom up, lower healthcare costs, and end the war in Iraq responsibly.

McCain tried to push more of the same disastrous Bush administration policies -- more tax cuts for the wealthy and giant corporations, deregulating the healthcare industry and taxing employer-based healthcare plans, and continuing to spend $10 billion a month in Iraq.

So what's left for the McCain campaign? Negative attacks and lies.

And it's even worse from some of the well-funded outside groups supporting McCain, whose sole purpose is tearing Barack down with smears.

Instead of focusing on the issues that really matter, our opponents are doing everything they can to encourage this toxic atmosphere.

We cannot stand by and let them get away with it.

We need to increase the cost of these desperate tactics for McCain's campaign. Please make a donation of $5 or more right now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/costofnegativity

Thanks for your support,

Joe


The Fight Americans Can't Afford to Lose
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:42am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fight Americans Can't Afford to Lose
Everyday Americans are in the fight of their lives. Their jobs, their homes, their pensions, their savings, a modest standard of living - all under assault by rising prices, tightened credit, corporate greed, and a Congress that has bailed out Wall Street financial interests at the expense of taxpayers and to the detriment of struggling homeowners.
The fight is far from over, and the ONE Congressman who has been the leader in defending your interests needs your help to continue being your voice in Washington.

Dennis Kucinich has been sounding the alarm for years. He has led the opposition to these obscene giveaways to corrupt interests that have been gambling with your hard-earned dollars. He's been demanding direct assistance to Americans whose lives and futures are at risk - proposing real economic recovery programs that will create millions of jobs and put money in the pockets of working men and women all across the country.
But, as Dennis continues fighting for the interests of everyday Americans, he's also fighting to hold on to his seat in the House of Representatives against a Republican who's raising money, spending money, and aggressively seeking to put Ohio's 10th Congressional District into GOP hands.
The honest, decent, hard-working families of this country can't afford to lose the fight of their lives. And they can't afford to lose Congressman Dennis Kucinich.

Please contribute as generously as you can - $20, $50, $100 or more - so that we continue to be represented by a man with the courage and the vision to always represent our best interests. His voice is crucial to our future. And your support has never been more important.

http://kucinich.us/contribute

Thank You
Re-Elect Congressman Kucinich Committee


Voter registration boom favors Obama
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:44am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voter registration boom favors Obama
The Associated Press
In states where registration is recorded by party, including eight key states that could decide the election, voters have signed up Democratic in the past ...

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g5VqTacUPiPRJS1wBZF5xsE3sjmAD93N5CA80


General Election-Nov. 4, Perkins County Fairgrounds, polls open at ...
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:45am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Election-Nov. 4, Perkins County Fairgrounds, polls open at ...
Grant Tribune Sentinel - Grant,NE,USA
Perkins County Clerk and Election Official, Rita Long, has released information and important dates to keep the voters of Perkins County informed on what to ...

http://www.granttribune.com/c30585.html


Obama Heads To The Buckeye State
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:45am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obama Heads To The Buckeye State
CBS News - New York,NY,USA
However, in the 2006 election, the area swung Democratic for Gov. Ted Strickland and Sen. Sherrod Brown. This shift has boosted the Obama campaign’s ...

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/09/politics/fromtheroad/entry4511575.shtml


C-SPAN Daily Alert
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:46am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C-SPAN Daily Alert
Programming Information for Thurs. 10/9 - Fri. 10/10, 2008
**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:
* White House Press Briefing with Press Secretary Dana Perino (8pm)
* World Bank Pres. Robert Zoellick Press Briefing (8:20pm)
* New Mexico 2nd Congressional District Debate (9pm) - LIVE
* Colorado 4th Congressional District Debate (10pm) - LIVE

Tomorrow:
* U.S. House: Not In Session
* Defense Dept. Year-End Recruiting & Retention Results (10:30am) - LIVE
* NPC Lucheon Address on State of Congressional Races (1pm) - LIVE
* Treasury Sec. Henry Paulson Press Conference on G7 (6:45pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights

Tonight:
* House Education & Labor Cmte. Hearing on Retirement Security (8pm)
* State Department Press Briefing (10:20pm)
* Gen. David Petraeus Speech to the Association of the U.S. Army (10:50pm)

Tomorrow:
* New America Foundation Forum on Post-Bush Era War on Terror (9:15am) - LIVE
* U.S. Senate: Pro Forma (11am) - LIVE
* Close Up Foundation on Importance of U.S. Presidential Debates (7pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN3 Highlights

Tonight:
* Programming TBA - Check Schedule for Updates: http://inside.c-spanarchives.org:8080/cspan/schedule.csp

 

Tomorrow:
* Programming on U.S. Strategy in Iraq (8am)
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Radio Highlights

Tonight:
* New Mexico 2nd Congressional District Debate (9pm) - LIVE

Tomorrow:
* Washington Journal (7am) - Live
* NPC Lucheon Address on State of Congressional Races (1pm) - LIVE
* Treasury Sec. Henry Paulson Press Conference on G7 (6:45pm) - LIVE

 

**********************************************************************
Politics Highlights

* Road to the White House - Sunday on C-SPAN at 6:30pm ET
**********************************************************************
Washington Journal Highlights

* Newspaper Articles & Viewer Calls
* Uri Dadush, World Bank, Economic Dept. Director
* Rob Blackwell, American Banker, Washington Bureau Chief
* James Kitfield, National Journal, Senior Correspondent
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Capitol Spotlight

* Federal prosecutors have rested their case against Sen. Ted Stevens’ following testimony Thursday from a last-minute witness: a construction worker for an oil-services company who allegedly helped manage a major addition to the Alaska Republican’s home in Girdwood, Alaska... - Full Story at www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight/

* What was the first state not of the original 13 to produce a U.S. Supreme Court justice? - Answer at www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight/


US must stand up for democracy
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:47am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US must stand up for democracy
Taipei Times - Taiwan
By Wu Li-Pei…Çå¢Åà The US embodies the ideals of freedom and justice that are the cores of democracy. The power of the democratic idea has evoked some of ...

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2008/10/10/2003425510


Senate ratifies RP-Japan deal
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:48am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate ratifies RP-Japan deal
Inquirer.net - Philippines
By Michael Lim Ubac MANILA, Philippines—No sooner had the Senate voted 16-4 to ratify the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) than ...

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerhea....s-RP-Japan-deal


Senate demands answers from Fed on AIG's spending
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:48am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate demands answers from Fed on AIG's spending
Reuters - USA
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee demanded answers on Thursday from the Federal Reserve about reported lavish spending by ...

http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSTRE49886E20081009


Franken Takes Lead In Minnesota Senate Race
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:49am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franken Takes Lead In Minnesota Senate Race
411mania.com - Sugar Land,TX,USA
Right now, Democrats are in position to add at least four new Senate seats as Democrat Warner will beat Republican incumbent Gilmore in Virginia, ...

http://www.411mania.com/politics/columns....Senate-Race.htm


Liveblog: US Senate debate
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:49am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liveblog: US Senate debate
By BlueOregon.com
At 7 pm, Gordon Smith and Jeff Merkley will debate for the first time. The debate will be aired live on KGW-8, and streamed live at the Oregonian. And here, we'll be live-blogging it. Join in the conversation. ...
BlueOregon - http://www.blueoregon.com/

http://www.blueoregon.com/2008/10/liveblog-us-sen.html


You may already be registered to vote, but you probably know several people who are not.
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:50am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may already be registered to vote, but you probably know several people who are not.

If they're not registered by today, they can't vote in this historic election.

This election is going to hinge on unprecedented voter turnout.

Visit VoteForChange.com, our one-stop voter registration website, and register before the New York deadline.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/m2/55c13a....946819330/VEsH/

Then encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.

Together, we can make history and bring about the change we need.

Thanks,

Barack

P.S. -- Please forward this email to your friends, family, and neighbors and make sure they register today.


Democrats turn out to welcome Biden
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:53am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democrats turn out to welcome Biden
St. Joseph News-Press - St. Joseph,MO,USA
by Ken Newton Democrats turned out in force Thursday morning to welcome their vice presidential candidate, Sen. Joe Biden, to St. Joseph. ...

http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2008/oct/09/democrats-turn-out-welcome-biden/


Democrats see big gain in local registrations
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:54am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democrats see big gain in local registrations
Wayne Independent - Honesdale,PA,USA
By Peter Becker Both Democrats and Republicans grew substantially in number since the May Primary in Wayne County, Pa., although the GOP remains in the lead ...

http://www.wayneindependent.com/news/x17....l-registrations


Christine Pelosi: Democrats Fight Back: Taking On GOP Voter ...
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:55am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christine Pelosi: Democrats Fight Back: Taking On GOP Voter ...
By Christine Pelosi
Fortunately, the Democratic National Committee is fighting back - hard - against GOP voter suppression.. Below is an email from DNC legal eagle Joe Sandler, which he has authorized me to blog. From the email: ...
The Huffington Post Full Blog Feed - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-....i_b_133358.html


House Democrats Meet to Plan for Second Stimulus
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:56am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
House Democrats Meet to Plan for Second Stimulus
CQPolitics.com - Washington,DC,USA
By Molly Hooper, CQ Staff House Democratic leaders will return to the Capitol Monday to hear from economists as they push their case for a second economic ...

http://www.cqpolitics.com/docs/news-2973524


Democrats gaining in San Diego County
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:56am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democrats gaining in San Diego County
By esconded
The article notes that the number of Democrats in the county has increased by 65000, while the GOP has only added about 26000 voters. Currently the partisan breakdown is (as of 10/1) 37.1% GOP, 35.9% Dem, and 23.2% decline to state. ...
MyDD - http://www.mydd.com/section/Diary

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/10/9/21955/5266


Will 2008 election be stolen?
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 10:58am »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Will 2008 election be stolen?
Examiner.com - USA
7, Miller said the following: There is copious, specific evidence … that the Bush regime has been engaging in massive election fraud systematically since ...

http://www.examiner.com/x-928-DC-Politic....ction-be-stolen


US election: Battleground states
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:32pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US election: Battleground states
MWC News - Vancouver,Canada
By Agencies As of early October, national polls and the electoral map are leaning towards Barack Obama. Obama needs to hold all the states John Kerry, ...
See all stories on this topic

http://mwcnews.net/content/view/25825/0/


Citizens can still register to vote on Election Day
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:34pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citizens can still register to vote on Election Day
Idaho Mountain Express and Guide - Ketchum,ID,USA
4 general election is today, Oct. 10. The final deadline is 5 pm To pre-register, contact the county Election Office at 788-5510. However, Idaho does allow ...
See all stories on this topic

http://www.mtexpress.com/vu_breaking_story.php?bid=6025


C-SPAN Weekend Alert
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:36pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C-SPAN Weekend Alert
Programming Information for Fri. 10/10 - Mon. 10/13, 2008
**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Friday:
* Pres. Bush Statement on the Economy (8pm)
* Washington Journal: Rob Blackwell, American Banker Magazine

Saturday:
* America & the Courts: Altria Group, Inc. v. Good & Winter v. NRDC (7pm)
* Minnesota Senate Debate (8pm) - LIVE

Sunday:
* Sen. Biden, Sen. Clinton & Pres. Clinton in Scranton, PA (3:15pm) - LIVE
* Q&A: Lynette Clemetson, Managing Editor, The Root (8pm)

Monday:
* U.S. House: Not In Session
* Treasury Asst. Sec. on Implementing the Economic Stability Act (8am) - LIVE
* Speaker Pelosi, House Democrats & Economic Experts Press Briefing (12:15pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN 2 Highlights

Friday:
* New Hampshire Senate Debate (8pm)
* Ohio 2nd District House Debate (9pm)

Saturday:
* Book TV Airs on C-SPAN2 Every Weekend from 8am Sat. to 8am Mon.
* Check the Book TV Schedule Anytime http://www.booktv.org/ - Updated Daily

Monday:
* U.S. Senate: In Recess. Reconvenes on Nov. 17
* West Virginia Gubernatorial Debate (7pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN 3 Highlights

Friday:
* CBC Broadcast on the Canadian Elections (7:30pm)

Saturday:
* Programming on Amb. Jeane Kirkpatrick & Pres. Reagan's Foreign Policy (8pm)

Sunday:
* Programming on U.S. Strategy in Iraq (8pm)

Monday:
* Programming on Pres. Herbert Hoover (8pm)

**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Radio Highlights

Saturday:
* Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE

Sunday:
* Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE
* Outside the Beltway (10am)

Monday:
* Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE
* Treasury Asst. Sec. on Implementing the Economic Stability Act (8am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
Politics Highlights

* Gov. Sarah Palin Campaign Event in PA - Sat., C-SPAN, 10am ET LIVE
* Minnesota Senate Debate (8pm) - Sat., C-SPAN, 8pm ET LIVE
* Sens. Biden & Clinton & Pres. Clinton in Scranton, PA - Sun., C-SPAN, 3:15pm ET
* Road to the White House - Sunday on C-SPAN at 6:30pm ET
* 3rd Presidential Debate at Hofstra Univ. - Weds., C-SPAN, 9pm ET LIVE
**********************************************************************
Washington Journal Highlights

Saturday:
* Newspaper Articles
* Viewer Calls
* Discussion on the Financial Markets & Retirement Security
* Discussion on Insurance Coverage for Mental Illness

Sunday:
* Newspaper Articles
* Viewer Calls
* Discussion on Truth in Political Campaigning
* Discussion on Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Nationwide Survey

Monday:
* Newspaper Articles
* Viewer Calls
* Discussion on the Global Financial Crisis
* Discussion on the Financial Condition of America

**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Capitol Spotlight

* After four days of political and economic turmoil, the House on Friday reversed itself and cleared a $700 billion financial bailout package that also extends dozens of expiring tax breaks...- Full Story at http://www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight

* In which census did California surpass New York as the nation’s most populous state? - Answer at http://www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight


Gates says U.S. would back peace talks with Taliban
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:39pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gates says U.S. would back peace talks with Taliban
Posted: 05:11 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the United States would be prepared to reconcile with the Taliban if the Afghan government pursued talks to end the seven-year conflict in that country.

Gates made the comments to reporters while at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday and comes as the United States and NATO look for answers to reduce the record violence gripping the country this year.

U.S. commanders in Afghanistan have asked for an additional 15,000 troops, but the call has gone unanswered, with the United States short on troops and NATO countries not interested in contributing more personnel.
– From CNN Pentagon Producer Mike Mount


Fact Check: Would Obama fine businesses that don't offer health care?
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:47pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fact Check: Would Obama fine businesses that don't offer health care?
Posted: 04:32 PM ET

Sen. McCain said Obama's health care plan would fine businesses that don't offer insurance, but how true is that?.
The Statement:
At a campaign event Thursday, October 9, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain criticized Democratic opponent Sen. Barack Obama's health-care plan. "Under his plan, he will fine employers who don't offer health insurance to put their employees in government health care. He'll fine them," McCain said. "You know what that does? That costs jobs. That costs jobs for small business people in America."

Get the facts!

 

The Facts:
Obama's health-care plan, as outlined on his campaign Web site, would require that large employers either "offer meaningful coverage or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees" or else contribute a portion of their payroll to a national fund that would help people who can't afford health care to pay for it.

The plan does not mention any criminal or civil penalties. And, by withholding a percentage of payroll, that portion of the plan seems more in line with a payroll tax than a fine — which would typically be a set dollar amount. In a section of McCain's Web site highlighting his health-care plan and criticizing
Obama's, the money in Obama's plan is referred to as a "tax," not a fine. The McCain campaign did not respond to a CNN e-mail asking for clarification on his use of the term.

McCain's suggestion that Obama's plan would impact small businesses is wrong. "Small businesses will be exempt from this requirement," Obama's Web site says.

The Verdict: False. McCain calling the plan's payment a fine is at odds with his own Web site, which calls it a tax. Obama's campaign says small businesses would be exempt from the plan.


Fact Check: Would McCain's mortgage plan shift burden to taxpayers?
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:49pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fact Check: Would McCain's mortgage plan shift burden to taxpayers?
Posted: 01:30 PM ET

The Obama campaign released an ad taking aim at McCain's mortgage plan, but how truthful is the ad?.
The Statement:
An ad released Thursday, October 9, by Sen. Barack Obama's campaign, titled "Tested," takes aim at Sen. John McCain's mortgage plan. "McCain would shift the burden from lenders to taxpayers, guaranteeing a loss of taxpayer money," the ad's narrator says. "Who wins? The same lenders that caused the crisis in the first place."

Get the facts!

 

The Facts:
The ad refers to a plan McCain announced during a debate Tuesday night in Nashville, Tennessee. "I would order the secretary of the Treasury to immediately buy up the bad home loan mortgages in America and renegotiate at the new value of those homes — at the diminished value of those homes — and let people be able to … make those payments and stay in their homes," McCain said.

On his Web site, McCain calls it "an American Homeownership Resurgence Plan." Under his plan, the government would buy up some troubled mortgages at their full value — meaning the lenders would not take a loss. The government would then renegotiate those mortgages, so that eligible homeowners would be paying rates based on their homes' current, reduced value.

McCain previously supported renegotiating mortgages with lenders, who would take losses. His economic adviser, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, told reporters Wednesday that McCain now believes having the government pay the entire value of the loans is "the only way" to begin stabilizing the housing market "in a timely fashion."

Obama, in his ad, highlights this quote from a CNNMoney.com story: "Much of the burden of paying to keep troubled borrowers in their homes will shift to taxpayers." The McCain campaign acknowledged that point, both on a conference call with Holtz-Eakin on the day after the debate and in a follow-up interview with CNN's Les Christie, writer of the CNNMoney.com story.

The McCain campaign says the plan would cost about $300 billion. "Funds provided by Congress in (the) recent financial market stabilization bill can be used for this purpose; indeed by stabilizing mortgages it will likely be possible to avoid some purposes previously assumed needed in that bill," the campaign Web site says.

McCain's plan puts him at odds with a bill adopted by Congress in July that required lenders to write down mortgage balances to 90 percent of a home's current market value in order to qualify for refinancing insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Neither McCain nor Obama voted on that bill.

While the Obama ad refers to "lenders that caused the crisis in the first place," Obama himself has been using slightly different language on the stump, referring to lenders who "helped create this mess in the first place." But the substance of Obama's attack has not changed.

The Verdict:
True. The McCain campaign acknowledges the plan would shift the burden to taxpayers.


Fox News: Obama Leads By Seven Nationally
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:53pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fox News: Obama Leads By Seven Nationally
Sen. Barack Obama leads Sen. John McCain by 46% to 39%, according to a Fox News poll of registered voters.

Key findings: "Obama's advantage comes mainly from doing better among women, blacks, young voters, those with a college degree, and unmarried voters. He has increased his edge over McCain among women to 16 percentage points, up from a 4-point edge last month."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/10/10/fox_news_obama_leads_by_seven_nationally.html


Most GOP Insiders Think Obama Will Win
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:53pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most GOP Insiders Think Obama Will Win
The National Journal's Political Insiders Poll finds that 80% of Republicans believe there's a high likelihood that Sen. Barack Obama will win the presidential election.

In addition, 67% of Republicans said Obama did more to help himself in the second presidential debate than did Sen. John McCain.

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....a_will_win.html


Democrats Have Registration Edge
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:54pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democrats Have Registration Edge
An Associated Press survey of election officials nationwide "found that as of Oct. 1, the number of registered Democrats had grown by nearly 5 percent since 2004 -- outpacing overall population growth in the 28 states where information on voter registration by party was available for 2004 and 2008. During the same time, the GOP lost more than 2 percent of its registered voters."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....ation_edge.html


Civitas Poll: Obama Opens Up Lead in North Carolina
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:55pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Civitas Poll: Obama Opens Up Lead in North Carolina
A new Civitas Poll shows Sen. Barack Obama with a five point lead over Sen. John McCain, 48% to 43%.

Key finding: "Obama's advantage comes from his increased share of unaffiliated voters where he has now opened up a 9 point lead (49% to 40%). He has also begun to solidify his base Democratic vote, shaving the percentage of Democrats voting for McCain down from 22% two weeks ago to 17% this week."

Said pollster Francis De Luca: "The amount of money Obama is spending on television in North Carolina is finally paying dividends. Obama's ability to capitalize on the financial crisis and to outspend McCain in North Carolina gives him a strong advantage."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....h_carolina.html


Strategic Vision: Obama Leads in Florida, Ohio
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 4:55pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strategic Vision: Obama Leads in Florida, Ohio
Two new Strategic Vision polls in key battleground states show leads for Sen. Barack Obama over Sen. John McCain.

Florida: Obama 52%, McCain 44%

Ohio: Obama 48%, McCain 46%

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....orida_ohio.html


I have three great friends I want to introduce you to. But John, Eric, and Rick aren't just great friends -- they're great leaders. They are honored veterans who will be valuable allies to Barack Obama and Joe Biden in Congress.
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:03pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have three great friends I want to introduce you to. But John, Eric, and Rick aren't just great friends -- they're great leaders. They are honored veterans who will be valuable allies to Barack Obama and Joe Biden in Congress.

John Boccieri from Ohio is a friend and a genuine hero who served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and who will work to bring the troops home. Eric Massa from New York served 24 years on active duty in the Navy, and served in every operational area the Navy sails in. Both John and Eric are running great races and can help us grow our Democratic Majority.

Rick Noriega from Texas joined the Army in 1979, and later served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Texas Army National Guard. After 9/11, he was deployed for fourteen months including one year in Afghanistan. I hope to have Rick alongside me in the Senate.

I know John, Eric, and Rick well. I know they'll provide valuable leadership on national security issues and help us end the war in Iraq responsibly, face new challenges abroad, and restore the reputation tarnished by eight years of George Bush and John McCain-style foreign policy.

That's why I'm happy to introduce them as the next three candidates on HillPAC's 2008 slate, and I hope you will join me in supporting them.

Contribute today to help elect John, Eric, and Rick to Congress on November 4.

http://links.hillpac.com/ctt?kn=1&m=1233....TMwS0&mt=1&rt=0

I know that we'll make Congress more effective and America stronger if we elect more Democratic veterans.

Thank you for everything,

Hillary


John McCain keeps asking this question at his rallies -- then he gives answers that are shockingly false and negative.
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:04pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John McCain keeps asking this question at his rallies -- then he gives answers that are shockingly false and negative.

That's why it's vital that you sign up to volunteer for at least one day during the final days of this election. Voters won't know the truth about Barack unless supporters like you reach out to them.

I also wanted to share a video of personal moments from behind the scenes at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, so you can see Barack and Michelle as they are -- decent, warm, and kind people with a loving family.

Watch the video and get to know the Obamas a little better. Then sign up to volunteer on a crucial day before the Election:

 

 

 

Our opponents try to stir up doubt and fear by questioning who Barack really is -- as if after more than a decade in public office, more than 20 months on the campaign trail, dozens of debates, two books written by him and dozens more about him, people still don't have enough information to decide for themselves who should lead our country.

Millions of Americans have gotten to know Barack Obama as an American who's devoted his life to things bigger than himself -- his community, his country, and ordinary citizens looking for a voice.

Our challenge now is to do the same -- to devote these last weeks to a cause bigger than ourselves.

These tough economic times make our cause more urgent and the stakes even higher. Barack needs your help to win this election and bring the change we need to Washington.

Can you give a day of your time during the last four days of the election?

Watch the video, share it with others, and get involved:

http://my.barackobama.com/4Days

Only 24 days remain until Election Day. Won't you commit at least one to ensure our victory?

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

P.S. -- You can make a difference in a nearby battleground state where the election is neck-and-neck. Find your state page and click Drive for Change.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/m2/55c13a....219218011/VEsC/


Senate Race Rankings: 57+ For Democrats
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:04pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Race Rankings: 57+ For Democrats
The polls close in Kentucky at 6:00 pm ET, so we'll have a pretty good idea pretty early if Democrats will hit 60 Senate seats. They've got 51 now. I predict they'll end up with at least 57.

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/arch....s_their_own.php


Democrats turn out for Biden appearance in Springfield w/ Sen ...
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:06pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democrats turn out for Biden appearance in Springfield w/ Sen ...
Joplin Globe - Joplin,MO,USA
Joe Biden, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, brought the campaign being waged by Sen. Barack Obama and himself deep into traditionally Republican ...

http://www.joplinglobe.com/Campaigns_and....eyword=topstory


Report hits Palin for abuse of power, violating ethics code in trooper case
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:07pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report hits Palin for abuse of power, violating ethics code in trooper case
Posted: 08:58 PM ET
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNN) — Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin abused her power as Alaska’s governor and a violated state ethics law by trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired from the state police, a state investigator’s report concluded Friday.

“Governor Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda,” the report states.

Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan’s refusal to fire State Trooper Mike Wooten from the state police force was “likely a contributing factor” to Monegan’s July dismissal, but Palin had the authority as governor to sack him, the report by former Anchorage prosecutor Stephen Branchflower states. However, it states that her efforts to get Wooten fired broke a state ethics law that bars public officials from pursuing personal interest through official action.


Palin abused power but didn’t break law in trooper
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:08pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Palin abused power but didn’t break law in trooper case
Posted: 08:16 PM ET
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNN) – Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin abused her power as Alaska’s governor in the firing of her former public safety commissioner, but violated no laws, a report for the state Legislature concluded Friday.

Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan’s refusal to fire Palin’s ex-brother-in-law from the state police force was “likely a contributing factor” to Monegan’s July dismissal, but Palin had the authority as governor to dismiss him, the report by former Anchorage prosecutor Stephen Branchflower states.


U.S. to invest in banks, Paulson says
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:09pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. to invest in banks, Paulson says
Posted: 06:49 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Treasury chief Henry Paulson said Friday the United States is working on a plan to purchase mortgage assets and invest in banks.


U.S. looking at Afghan tribal militias, officials say
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:09pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. looking at Afghan tribal militias, officials say
Posted: 06:30 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — As the United States looks for ways to slow the violence and regain control of Afghanistan from the Taliban and al Qaeda elements, a new plan taking shape among U.S. military leaders could support more power for tribal militias and allow scaling back combat operations, according to Pentagon officials.
The plan, being developed under the direction of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, is focused on the idea that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are linked by a common insurgency that stretches along their border, according to a Pentagon official with knowledge of issue.
The official would not go on the record because he did not want to speak about the plan before Mullen introduces it.
With a lack of U.S. forces available to beef up existing troops in Afghanistan, Mullen believes one answer to solving the problem of increasing Afghan violence would be to empower tribal militias that have influence in both Pakistan, where U.S. forces have limited access, and Afghanistan, where the United States is training more Afghan security forces to bolster troop levels.


Ceremony marks U.S.-India pact
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:10pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ceremony marks U.S.-India pact
Posted: 05:50 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Friday that the new nuclear trade deal between the United States and India will unlock a vast potential partnership.

“Our partnership will be limited only by our will and determination … now I believe there is nothing we cannot do,” Rice said at a State Department ceremony in which she signed the agreement.

“Many thought this day would never come. But doubts have been silenced now.”

She blamed decades of mistrust for leaving that potential unfulfilled. “The world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy drawn together by our shared values and increasingly by our many shared interests now stand as equals, closer together than ever before,” Rice said.

She was joined at the signing ceremony by India’s minister of external affairs, Pranab Mukherjee.
–From CNN’s Charley Keyes at the State Department:


InsiderAdvantage: Obama Leads in Ohio
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:26pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
InsiderAdvantage: Obama Leads in Ohio
A new InsiderAdvantage poll in Georgia finds Sen. Barack Obama leading Sen. John McCain, 49% to 44%.

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....ds_in_ohio.html


Newsweek Poll: Obama Way Out In Front
« Thread Started on Oct 10, 2008, 11:27pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsweek Poll: Obama Way Out In Front
The global financial crisis has caused a dramatic shift in the latest Newsweek poll. With four weeks left in the presidential campaign, Sen. Barack Obama now leads Sen. John McCain by double digits, 52% to 41%, among registered voters.

Just a month ago, the same poll showed the race tied.

Key findings: "Underlying Obama's surge in support: An historic boiling over of dissatisfaction with the status quo. An astounding 86% of voters now say they are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States, while a mere 10% say they are satisfied. That's the highest wrong track/right track ratio ever recorded in the Newsweek poll."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/1....t_in_front.html


copyright (c) 2012 usdemocrats.com