Politics Today USa's blog

What You Talking About Hillary?

2008-03-10T20:34:23-05:00

It appears as though Hillary Clinton is trying to leave the door open for Barack Obama to be her Vice President. Perhaps she has not checked the polls at all over the last 3 or so months because it is indeed Obama who leads in both pledged delegates and the popular vote. Obama made it clear he didn't run for President to give up while in the lead saying ""With all due respect. I won twice as many states as Sen. Clinton. I've won more of the popular vote than Sen. Clinton. I have more delegates than Sen. Clinton. So, I don't know how somebody who's in second place is offering vice presidency to the person who's in first place." I would have to say it would be a better strategy for Clinton to instead focus on actually winning the nomination before she starts making VP assumptions. In fact, Clinton's statement was so hilarious that I found myself laughing right after hearing it. However, I am willing to bet that somewhere out there a certain Senator from Illinois found himself laughing just a bit harder. With the way things are looking right now, it may be a good idea for her to stay on Obama's good side as well. Realistically, what kind of answer did she expect to receive from Obama? I like both Democratic candidates but it appears to me Clinton didn't really think this one through. Both candidates are in it to win it and any outcome less than the Presidency is a disappointment. Granted, if either Obama or Clinton become VP, they will have a strong chance of winning the Democratic nomination in 8 years. While an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket is viewed as a dream ticket by many Democrats, as this struggle drags out, it appears less and less likely. By the time we reach the Democratic Convention over the summer, these two are going to be so sick of one another, they are both going to be hostile towards the idea of potentially spending the next 8 years together.

Spouses In Depth: Bill Clinton

2008-03-09T18:06:37-05:00

The first in our three part Spouses In Depth series, Bill Clinton is the perfect starting point. Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, proves to be a strong part of Hillary's campaign thus far. Bill has held rallies and spoke all over the country in support of his wife's bid for the Presidency. Serving as President from 1993 until 2001, Bill Clinton is a very popular political figure. Thus far in the campaign, he has been widely criticized for his harsh remarks toward Senator Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton's Democratic competition. Under Bill Clinton's administration, the economy soared and unemployment rates drastically decreased. For the most part, life was pretty good during his presidency. Clinton left the White House in 2001 with an impressive 65% approval rating, the greatest such rating since the conclusion of World War II. What is even more impressive is the rating remained high despite Clinton's whole affair ordeal. Bill provides Hillary with a strong partner to attack the campaign trails with. Both are impressive public speakers and have White House experience. Another advantage for Hillary would be having her husband with her in the White House should she be elected President. Bill Clinton served in the same position for 8 years and has dealt with his share of issues over the years. There is no question, Bill Clinton is the biggest asset to his spouse as she continues her campaign for President.

Does Experience Matter?

2008-03-07T14:35:03-06:00

Experience has always been something associated with the presidency. We as a country have had very experienced individuals elected to the Presidency and on occasion we have also had those that lack "experience". In my opinion, no matter how much experience you say you have or what your credentials state, the Presidency is a position like no other in the country. Character and personal traits are taken more into consideration when judging how well a candidate is suited for the Presidency, as experience is a transparent benefit. Americans can relate to character, much more appropriately than they can relate to political experience. In the 2008 election, opponents of Senator Barack Obama downplay his own political experience. I recall watching an episode of the Daily Show in which John Stewart replied something to this effect in response to Obama's supposed inexperience "What happened the last time an inexperienced Senator from Illinois was elected president?" Of course, he was referring to the legendary Abraham Lincoln, the President credited with ending slavery and closing the darkest chapter in American history. Lincoln, who succeeded James Buchanan to become President, was also considered mildly inexperienced. Buchanan, on the other hand, is considered to be one of the most experienced Presidents ever elected to office. We all know, it was the "inexperienced" Lincoln who cleaned up the mess the "experienced" Buchanan Presidency left behind. The same goes for Dwight D. Eisenhower, the least experienced President ever elected into office. With absolutely no political experience, just his military generalship, the Eisenhower Presidency goes down in history as perhaps one of the most successful in US history. So, as Barack Obama faces people who question his experience today, just remember that experience has failed us before and character has yet to let us down.

Potential Vice President Candidates: John McCain

2008-03-06T17:21:14-06:00

As election day is approaching and John McCain has all but sealed the Republican Nomination, it is time to take a look at who he potentially may choose to balance his ticket. McCain lacks with the conservative base and needs to select a candidate that appeals to conservative voters and independents alike. Several leading candidates for the nomination include:

Joe Lieberman: Does Joe Lieberman really have a chance to be named VP? If McCain plans on winning, probably not. The independent buddy of McCain, Lieberman has a history of strong foreign policy appeal. However, being a left winged independent, a Lieberman selection will not please conservative Republican voters. With that in mind, it appears McCain's best buddy will remain off the ticket.

Mike Huckabee: I had to throw Huckabee's name into the mix here. Huckabee should be applauded for his "comeback kid" mentality, however he has to know when enough is enough. While a Huckabee oval office seems pretty unlikely, Huckabee may still have a chance to appear on the Republican ticket, as John McCain's running mate. Huckabee has adequate support among conservatives and tremendous support among Evangelicals. However, many conservatives who dislike him, also dislike McCain. While Huckabee may be a good choice for VP, he doesn't quite balance the ticket.

Marsha Blackburn: Quite the intrigueing pick, Blackburn hails from Tennessee and carries quite a bit of conservative support with her. Like Rice, Blackburn has the opportunity to steal some of the overall momentum the Democrats could have going into the election. Republicans view her as a "rising star" and she is definitely someone to watch come nomination time.

Rudy Giuliani: The former Republican front runner may get some consideration from McCain but personally I feel he carries too much baggage to get the nod. Giuliani will become a tool that the Democrats will pick apart if he is indeed selected. I have the feeling that "America's Mayor" won't become America's Vice President, at least for another four years.

Condoleezza Rice: The current Secretary of State poses to make the 2008 election even more interesting. Imagine the possibility of a white male presidential candidate and an African American female pitted against an African American male and a white female (or vice versus). Rice has the experience, serving under both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. However, her connection to Bush proves to be her biggest downfall.

Tim Pawlenty: The youthful governor of Minnesota, Pawlenty has adequate conservative support and could potentially help McCain win the state of Minnesota come election time. His support for McCain at a very early stage in his candidacy could potentially help him gain consideration. Overall Pawlenty stands a fair chance at getting the nomination.

Another notables include:
Jim Demint
Colin Powell
Mitt Romney
Mike Pence

Politics Today

2008-03-06T16:47:32-06:00

Our blog is dedicated to discussing all things politics. We center around the upcoming 2008 Election as well as discuss US politics in general. We have writers from all sides of the political spectrum to offer you a balanced, well rounded read. The blog is located at www.politicstodayusa.blogspot.com