Print Page - Rudy, Hillary and All The Rest

Breaking News:

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"After eight years of a downright failure of a president, perhaps an accidental presidency. The fact is America is trending in a direction that is detrimental to the future generations and we as a nation have a real choice in this election. We can either continue on ignoring the challenges, or we can confront them and beat them. November 4, 2008 will be the day we as nation decide in unison whether or not we will continue to believe in the promise of freedom and justice and whether or not America will continue to be a great and prosperous society. So it is today that I throw my hat into the ring, and enter the race to become the next President of the United States.

Al Gore Enters The Democratic Nomination Race

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"I welcome Former Vice President Gore into the race. I look forward to an exchanging of ideas and presenting our cases to the Democratic voters who will decide the nominee of our party. I wish him well." -- Sen. Hillary Clinton, Statement on Al Gore's entrance into the race.

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"Washington is buzzing today as Al Gore, the former Vice President to President Bill Clinton, husband of Senator Hillary Clinton, frontrunner for the Democratic Nomination, entered the race today. This certainly changes the dynamics instantly and the question now everyone is asking: What is going to happen? Will Hillary remain the frontrunner and crush Gore, or will Gore topple Clinton and claim the Presidency that many believe was stolen from him in 2000."

Democratic Nomination:

Clinton: 34%

Gore: 27%

Edwards: 10%

Biden: 7%

Kucinich: 4%

Undecided: 18%

Clinton & Gore Raise $25M+ each in the first Three Months, Edwards Raises $12M

Romney & Giuliani Lead in the Race for Money: Both Raise over $20M, McCain Lags

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"With the Primaries just months away, Florida you are going to help us and we'll win this election and defeat either Gore or Clinton, both Clintons!"

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"Mayor Giuliani maybe a terrific candidate, but that doesn't make him the best person to present the conservative case to the American people. We cannot have similarities with either Al Gore or Hillary Clinton. We must present a stark contrast and I believe I am the candidate that our party is looking for, and that I'm the best person to champion the conservative message in 2008."

Clinton Continues to Lead, Despite Attacks on Iraq Vote by Gore

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"I unlike Al Gore can admit when I made a mistake. I can admit that I'm human, that I'm imperfect. Sure, yes, I did support the Iraq Resolution in 2003, and I can say then I thought it was the right thing to do, because I believed our President, a president who deceived us all on a lie. It was a mistake. I regret it and regret it ever since, but I'll admit when I am wrong and frankly I call on the former Vice President to do the same as well."

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"...Senator Clinton needs to answer for her vote and justify how that makes her qualified to be President, because frankly we don't need a retreat of the last eight years. Not again."

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"Senator, you have cited your thirty five years of experience, service in the Senate and as First Lady as the reasons you are ready to be President. How are you more experienced than the former Vice President Al Gore, the man who served with your husband?"

"Well Wolf, Al Gore served as Vice President, but we to remember that was eight years ago, and while I do not discredit his service, I have had a different kind of service for the last eight years. I've been dealing with the issues directly facing the American people, while he has remained on the sidelines as an activist and observer. Now to break it down this is a campaign of personalities and I think it will play a larger role in deciding the nominee of our party."

New Hampshire:

Clinton: 42%

Gore: 32%

Edwards: 10%

Biden: 7%

Kucinich: 3%

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"Governor Romney seems like a nice man, but he's trying to be something he's not. Look I make no shaky statements over my record and positions. Governor Romney is a moderate to liberal Republican, and there's nothing wrong with that, but he's parading himself as a conservative's conservatives and it's just not the case."

Latest Republican Nomination Poll:
Giuliani: 32%
Romney: 25%
Huckabee: 19%
McCain: 14%
Paul: 6%

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"It's all easy for the former Vice President to go around and attack Hillary for voting on the Iraq Resolution. Now he can make the argument that he wouldn't vote for it, but he wasn't there. Frankly, all he's done in the last eight years is profit off his climate change documentary, hardly has he been fighting in the trenches."

Iowa Democratic Poll:
Clinton: 34%
Gore: 32%
Edwards: 20%
Kucinich: 8%

Iowa Republican Poll:
Giuliani: 29%
Romney: 26%
Huckabee: 25%
McCain: 12%
Paul: 6%

New Hampshire Democratic Poll:

Clinton: 40%
Gore: 31%
Edwards: 16%
Kucinich: 6%

New Hampshire Republican Poll:
Giuliani: 29%
Romney: 27%
McCain: 22%
Huckabee: 14%
Huckabee: 6%

McCain Keeps Hope Alive

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Obama Endorses Clinton

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"At this critical time, Senator Clinton is the candidate we need. She is the candidate of change for America!"

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"We say endorsements don't matter, but then you get one like this and it changes the whole race completely. I don't think anyone thought Obama would endorse Hillary Clinton, the conventional wisdom was he was going to go with Gore, but with this endorsement I think Obama is playing politics as well. She has been the establishment favorite, in part because no matter how it's cut it, Gore didn't become President in 2001. Now he may have the support of the liberal base, but I think this will hurt him, especially going into New Hampshire and Iowa.

Iowa Caucuses:

It's Huckabee!

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"Iowa has spoken. They want a real conservative for our party to defeat the liberal idols of either Al Gore or Hillary Clinton."

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"Thank you Iowa. We fought hard, and we got the silver this time, but we're going to go into New Hampshire and win there."

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"Third, not bad. Would have loved to have gotten first, but luckily this is a marathon, not a sprint. So it's onto New Hampshire, Florida, Michigan, Nevada and all across this country."

Iowa Caucuses:

Huckabee: 34.36%

Romney: 26.19%
Giuliani: 21.0%
McCain: 9.0%
Paul: 7.45%

Democratic Race Too Close to Call!

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GORE TRUMPS CLINTON(s)

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Well, we’re going to take this enthusiasm and go right to New Hampshire tonight. This is a great night for Democrats. We have seen an unprecedented turnout here in Iowa. And that is good news, because today we’re sending a clear message: that we are going to have change, and that change will be a Democratic president in the White House in 2009.

(APPLAUSE)

I am so proud to have run with such exceptional candidates. I congratulate Former Vice President Gore, Senator Edwards, and Congressman Kucinich. Together, we have presented the case for change and have made it absolutely clear that America needs a new beginning.

And I am as ready as I can be, after having had this incredible experience here in Iowa, starting out a long time ago, and making this journey with so many people who have become my friends and who I am so grateful for, their hard work and support, those from Iowa, those who have come from around the country. And the people who were there exceeding anybody’s expectations about what it would mean to have the caucuses this year, I thank you. I thank each and every one of you for coming out and standing up for a Democrat.

What is most important now is that, as we go on with this contest, that we keep focused on the two big issues, that we answer correctly the questions that each of us has posed. How will we win in November 2008, by nominating a candidate who will be able to go the distance? And who will be the best president on day one? I am ready for that contest.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, you know, we have always planned to run a national campaign all the way through the early contests, because I want the people of America, and particularly Democrats, and like-minded independents... (LAUGHTER) ... and Republicans who have seen the light... (APPLAUSE) ... to understand, number one, that the stakes are huge, that the job is enormous, but that I believe we’re going to make the right decision.

There will be a lot of people who will get involved, as they have here in Iowa, of all ages. That is what we want, because we’re not just trying to elect a president; we’re trying to change our country. That is what I am committed to doing.

I have set big goals for our country. I want to rebuild a strong and prosperous middle class. And to me, that is the most important job the next president will have here at home, because if we don’t begin to pay attention to the people who do the work, and raise the families, and make this country great, we will not recognize America in a few years.

And I want to make it absolutely clear I intend to restore America’s leadership and our moral authority in the world. And we’re going to tackle all of the problems that are going to be inherited because of the current administration, including ending the war in Iraq, and bringing our troops home, and then giving them the support that they need.

And we’re going to reform our government. We’re going to make sure that it is not the government of the few, by the few, and for the few, but it actually works for every American again.

And we’re going to reclaim the future for our children. I have done this work for 35 years. It is the work of my lifetime. I have done -- I have been involved in making it possible for young people to have a better education and for people of all ages to have health care, and that transforming work is what we desperately need in our country again. I am so ready for the rest of this campaign, and I am so ready to lead.

So if you’re concerned about whether or not we can have quality, affordable health care for every American, then I’m your candidate. And if you’re concerned about whether we can have an energy policy that will break the shackles of our dependence on foreign oil and set forth a new set of goals for us to meet together, then I’m your candidate. And if you are worried about once and for all taking on global warming, making it clear that we will end the unfunded mandate known as No Child Left Behind, that we will make college affordable again, that we will be once again the country of values and ideals that we cherish so much, then, please, join me in this campaign.

We have a long way to go, but I am confident and optimistic, both about the campaign, but maybe more importantly about our country. This country deserves everything we can give to it. You know, there were a lot of people who couldn’t caucus tonight, despite the very large turnout. There are a lot of Iowans who are in the military. They are in Iraq or Afghanistan or somewhere else serving our country, and they need a commander-in-chief who respects them and who understands that force should be only used as a last resort, not a first resort.

(APPLAUSE)

And there are a lot of people who work at night, people who are on their feet, people who are taking care of patients in a hospital, or waiting on a table in a restaurant, or maybe in a patrol car keeping our streets safe. And they need a president who’s going to care about them and their families.

You know, I wrote a book some years ago called ”It Takes a Village to Raise a Child,” and in it I have a chapter that I titled ”Every Child Needs a Champion.” Well, I think that the American people need a president who is their champion, and that is what I intend to be.

(APPLAUSE)

So I want to thank all the people who have been part of this campaign so far. I especially want to thank all of my friends here in Iowa who have worked so hard. I want to thank those who have come from across America. I want to thank all of the unions, the more than 6 million union members who support my candidacy.

And I know that we’re going to get up tomorrow and keep pushing as hard as we can to get the message out about what is at stake in this election, because we know that it is literally the future of our country.

So thank you all so very much for caring enough to be involved in politics, for giving of your time and your resources, for understanding that this great democracy of ours deserves to have all of our best efforts. And I promise you this campaign that I am running will certainly have mine and I ask for yours, as well. Thank you all very, very much. God bless you.

Iowa Caucuses:

Gore: 32.7%

Clinton: 30.0%

Edwards: 29.8%
Kucinich: 3.8%

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Clinton Enters NH Beaten, but not defeated

NH DEMOCRATIC POLL POLL: January 4, 2008

Clinton: 37%

Gore: 36%

Edwards: 18%

Kucinich: 6%

NH REPUBLICAN POLL: January 4, 2008

Giuliani: 27%

Romney: 27%

Huckabee: 18%

McCain: 14%

Paul: 9%

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"These two polls tells us two things. One that Clinton is slipping and slipping fast in New Hampshire, and on the Republican side it's a race between Giuliani, Romney and Huckabee. I mean John McCain is now in fourth place, a state he won overwhelmingly over George Bush in 2000, now he's just above fourteen percent. I don't think he makes it out this state."

"What about Rudy Giuliani? Is this the state where he has to make a comeback? -- Joe Scarborough

"No. He still has Florida, Michigan and other states with Super Tuesday."

"But the real question is about Hillary Clinton. Her campaign says she's in the for the long run." -- Mark Halperin.

"Clinton has gone from being the frontrunner to almost being irrelevant. Now of course she has the money to stay the distance, but there is a growing sense that Al Gore had the presidency stolen from him by George Bush. He is seen as the heir apparent and though the Democrats like Hillary and they love Bill Clinton, they seem to be drawn to the idea of nominating the guy who should have been president."

"Well that's just it Chris. You say like Hillary and love Bill Clinton. If that is so then she's sunk. Hillary has to find a way to break through the likability gap, but I have to tell you Chris, Al Gore isn't too popular with the American public. He maybe likable with the Democratic base, but put him up against Giuliani, McCain, even Romney I think he'll have a tough time." -- Joe Scarborough

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"It’s not easy, and I couldn’t do it if I didn’t passionately believe it was the right thing to do. You know, I have so many opportunities from this country just don’t want to see us fall backwards, You know, this is very personal for me. It’s not just political it’s not just public. I see what’s happening, and we have to reverse it. Some people think elections are a game, lot’s of who’s up or who’s down, [but] it’s about our country , it’s about our kids’ futures, and it’s really about all of us together, You know, some of us put ourselves out there and do this against some pretty difficult odds, and we do it, each one of us because we care about our country but some of us are right and some of us are wrong, some of us are ready and some of us are not, some of us know what we will do on day one and some of us haven’t thought that through enough, And so when we look at the array of problems we have and the potential for it really spinning out of control, this is one of the most important elections American has ever faced."

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"Senator Clinton is on her way out. A campaign that is in trouble and the fact is she is not ready for the big leagues."

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Romney makes the final push for NH. "We're going to win this state."

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McCain campaigns in Peterborough to a small crowd.

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"Let's win this one New Hampshire! I need your help and together we can see that America is secure and prosperous."

New Hampshire Republican Poll: January 7, 2008

Romney: 28%

Giuliani: 27%

Huckabee: 19%

McCain: 14%

Paul: 9%

New Hampshire Democratic Poll: January 7, 2008

Gore: 38%

Clinton: 36%

Edwards: 17%

Kucinich: 6%

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"The Vice President, someone I use to respect has sunk to a new level attacking Hillary. This whole thing about him being the Anti-War candidate is the biggest fairy tale. This is the guy who voted in 1991, breaking from the Democrats to vote for the Gulf War. Now he tries to parade himself as the liberal's liberal, but the fact is he's been pro-war, and on the big issues him and Hillary differ completely. His healthcare plan isn't universal. He doesn't want to end No Child Left Behind. Then he makes an off the cuff remark about how I didn't get Osama Bin Laden. Give me a break, this is the guy we want to nominate to go up against the Republican machine. The Vice President had his time in the spotlight and failed, it's time to move on."

New Hampshire Primary: January 8, 2008

McCain Projected to Finish Fourth in NH Primary

Race Too Close To Call

New Hampshire Primary: Republican

Romney: 27%

Giuliani: 26%

Huckabee: 20%

McCain: 15%

Paul: 8%

New Hampshire Primary: Democrat

Race Too Close To Call

Romney Declared Winner in NH Primary

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Republican Governor from neighboring state of Massachusetts won a crucial victory in the Republican New Hampshire Primary, defeating longtime frontrunner Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, who finished fourth. Romney declared with his victory that "momentum is building and it'll carrying him to the nomination of his party."

New Hampshire Primary

Romney: 29.7%

Giuliani: 26.0%

Huckabee: 20.5%

McCain: 14.9%

Paul: 8.6%

Clinton Strikes Back

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"Because of you New Hampshire I found my own voice, and tonight this campaign is reenergized and ready to go..."

New Hampshire Primary

Clinton: 35.2%

Gore: 33.6%

Edwards: 22.4%

Kucinich: 6.9%

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"In case Al Gore forgot, he got a reminder tonight that you never count the Clinton's out. They'll always comeback. Hillary Clinton proved that tonight and I think tonight she finally broke free of Bill Clinton's shadow. This is the Hillary Clinton we all knew she could be. We'll see if she's able to carry on and regain her place, but things certainly look better tonight, then they did following Iowa."

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Gore Campaigns in South Carolina, continuing to hammer Clinton on Iraq. "She won't end this war, I will."

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"Either one or two things are happening. Either the Vice President's memory is slipping or his campaign is getting desperate. I have repeatedly said if George Bush doesn't end this war by next January, from the moment I'm sworn in I will begin the drawdown of US troops in Iraq and end this war for good."

Michigan Republican Poll:

Romney: 46%

Giuliani: 20%

Huckabee: 18%

McCain: 11%

Paul: 4%

McCain Suspends Campaign, Doesn't Back a Candidate

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Michigan Primary: Republicans

Romney: 47.0%

Giuliani: 27.5%

Huckabee: 19.1%

Paul: 5.2%

Michigan Primary: Democrats

Clinton: 54.7%

Uncommitted: 45.3%

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Romney: 43

Huckabee: 16

Giuliani: 21

~~McCain: 1~~

Paul: 0

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Clinton: 27

Gore: 37

Edwards: 3

Kucinich: 0

Kucinich Bows Out, Clinton and Gore Slug it Out.

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Romney Wins Big in Nevada, Finishes Second in South Carolina

Nevada: Republican

Romney: 51.1%

Paul: 13.7%

Giuliani: 12.7%

Huckabee: 8.0%

South Carolina: Republican

Huckabee: 43.2%

Romney: 37.9%

Giuliani: 9.6%

Paul: 6.2%

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Huckabee Wins the Republican Stronghold

"...it should be noted tonight that every winner of the South Carolina primary since Ronald Reagan in 1980 has gone onto win the Republican nomination, and tonight we've continued that tradition..."

"Huckabee bounced back tonight, after fair performances in New Hampshire and Michigan, he came back with a big win in a state that's critical to Republican primary winners and tonight he's only 13 delegates behind Romney. With a win like this, the money may start to come in and he maybe able to draw even with Romney." -- Chris Matthews.

"We should mention Rudy Giuliani tonight. He wrote off this state, spending tonight in Florida, where he hopes to turn around his campaign and pull out a comeback. The money is drying up, and his firewall may not last." -- Keith Olbermann

"It's a gamble. It may pay off, but it's risky. The fact is people's concerns are growing, not necessarily about Iraq in Republican circles, but about the economy and the question of whether or not we're in or entering a recession. Romney trumpets himself as an economics guy, so this maybe his opportunity to break from the pack." -- Chris Matthews.

"And we can now project that Senator Clinton is the winner in the Nevada Caucuses."

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Clinton: 51.9%

Gore: 45.0%

Edwards: 2.1%

January 26, 2008: South Carolina: Democratic Primary

Clinton: 49.0%

Gore: 36.4%

Edwards: 13.6%

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Edwards Ends Campaign, Clinton and Gore Press On
"Florida and Michigan's Delegates will be seated at the convention." -- Clinton

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"The fact is Mitt, conservatives just can't trust you, and that is a problem."

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"We're not to give in. We're is going to win this state, and give the biggest comeback this election cycle."

Candidates Line up for the Crist Endorsement

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"I have no intention of making an endorsement yet."

Florida: Republican Poll

Romney: 33%

Giuliani: 32%

Huckabee: 30%

Paul: 4%

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Crist Backs Giuliani. "He's the leader America deserves!"

Florida: Democratic Race

Clinton: 52.5%

Gore: 45.5%

Florida: Republican Race

Too Close to Call

Democratic Delegate Count: January 29, 2008 *Michigan and Florida, non-committed

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Clinton: 115

Gore: 97

~~Edwards: 37~~

~~Kucinich: 0~~

Romney Takes the Silver

"This campaign is not over. We're going to go into Super Tuesday and we're going to win there!"

Giuliani's Comeback: "They counted us out, but we don't quit, just like America."

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Giuliani: 34.3%

Romney: 34.1%

Edwards: 28.0%
Paul: 2.6%

Republican Delegate Count: January 29, 2008

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Giuliani: 78

Romney: 48

Huckabee: 35

~~McCain: 3~~

Paul: 0

Democratic Nomination Poll:

Clinton: 52%

Gore: 45%

Republican Nomination Poll:

Giuliani: 33%

Romney: 32%

Huckabee: 29%

Paul: 4%

Matchup:

Romney v. Clinton:

Clinton: 46%

Romney: 43%

Romney v. Gore:

Romney: 45%

Gore: 43%

Giuliani v. Clinton:

Clinton: 46%

Giuliani: 42%

Giuliani v. Gore:

Gore: 46%

Giuliani: 43%

Huckabee v. Clinton:

Clinton: 49%

Huckabee: 40%

Huckabee v. Gore:

Gore: 48%

Huckabee: 40%

Maine Caucuses: Republican

Romney: 37.7%

Giuliani: 31.8%

Paul: 17.5%

Huckabee: 12.0%

Maine Caucuses: Democrat

Gore: 49.6%

Clinton: 49.0%

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McCain Endorses Romney

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Huckabee attacks Romney for his Massachusetts Healthcare Plan. "Mandates are mandates Mitt. Don't try and sugarcoat it."

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"Let me finish tonight with the state of the race for the Democratic Nomination. Both candidates have gone to the limits with attacking one another. From criticizing Iraq Votes, to qualifications for the Presidency. The race has turned ugly and ugly fast. The question remain, can these two figures come together and unify the party, when of course one of them wins then nomination, because at this point the only candidate being helped is the eventual Republican nominee..."

Super Tuesday:

Alabama:

Huckabee: 43.3%

Romney: 35.1%

Giuliani: 17.8%

Paul: 2.7%

Clinton: 56.0%

Gore: 41.1%

Alaska:

Romney: 43.7%

Huckabee: 21.9%

Paul: 17.2%

Giuliani: 15.6%

Clinton: 75.2%

Gore: 24.7%

American Samoa:

Romney: 95.5%

Giuliani: 2.2%

Huckabee: 1.0%

Paul: 0.4%

Clinton: 57.2%

Gore: 42.5%

Arizona:

Romney: 40.2%

Huckabee: 28.7%

Giuliani: 22.8%

Paul: 7.3%

Clinton: 55.5%

Gore: 44.0%

Arkansas:

Huckabee: 61.1%

Romney: 20.4%

Giuliani: 14.2%

Paul: 3.3%

Clinton: 69.9%

69.7%

Gore: 26.6%

California:

Romney: 42.2%

Giuliani: 34.6%

Huckabee: 11.6%

Paul: 4.4%

Clinton: 50.0%

Gore: 49.7%

Colorado:

Romney: 60.1%

Huckabee: 18.4%

Giuliani: 12.8%

Paul: 8.4%

Gore: 52.2%

Clinton: 46.5%

Connecticut:

Romney: 52.0%

Giuliani: 32.9%

Huckabee: 7.0%

Paul: 4.1%

Clinton: 51.1%

Gore: 47.8%

Delaware:

Giuliani: 42.2%

Romney: 41.9%

Huckabee: 12.3%

Paul: 2.9%

Clinton: 53.1%

Gore: 45.5%

Georgia:

Huckabee: 33.9%

Romney: 31.6%

Giuliani: 30.2%

Paul: 2.9%

Gore: 50.6%

Clinton: 48.2%

Idaho:

Gore: 52.2%

Clinton: 46.8%

Illinois:

Romney: 47.6%

Giuliani: 28.9%

Huckabee: 16.5%

Paul: 5.0%

Clinton: 65.5%

Gore: 33.1%

Kansas:

Gore: 58.8%

Clinton: 40.2%

Massachusetts:

Romney: 79.9%

Giuliani: 14.4%

Huckabee: 3.0%

Paul: 2.6%

Gore: 56.2%

Clinton: 42.8%

Minnesota:

Romney: 41.4%

Giuliani: 22.0%

Huckabee: 19.9%

Paul: 15.7%

Gore: 66.4%

Clinton: 32.2%

Missouri:

Huckabee: 36.0%

Romney: 31.1%

Giuliani: 26.3%

Paul: 4.5%

Gore: 49.9%

Clinton: 49.7%

Montana:

Romney: 52.4%

Huckabee: 41.2%

Paul: 4.4%

Giuliani: 1.0%

New Jersey:

Giuliani: 44.4%

Romney: 42.2%

Huckabee: 12.2%

Paul: 0.2%

Clinton: 56.2%

Gore: 42.8%

New Mexico:

Gore: 50.0%

Clinton: 49.4%

New York:

Giuliani: 44.0%

Romney: 37.8%

Huckabee: 10.4%

Paul: 6.8%

Clinton: 74.4%

Gore: 24.6%

North Dakota:

Romney: 35.8%

Huckabee: 31.0%

Paul: 20.7%

Giuliani: 11.5%

Gore: 52.2%

Clinton: 46.9%

Oklahoma:

Huckabee: 58.8%

Romney: 30.0%

Giuliani: 7.7%

Paul: 2.5%

Clinton: 51.1%

Gore: 47.7%

Tennessee:

Huckabee: 39.5%

Romney: 32.2%

Giuliani: 22.5%

Paul: 4.8%

Gore:

53.3%

Clinton: 45.0%

Utah:

Romney: 90.0%

Huckabee: 6.8%

Paul: 2.2%

Giuliani: 0.8%

Clinton: 50.6%

Gore: 48.8%

West Virginia:

Romney: 47.5%

Huckabee: 45.5%

Giuliani: 4.9%

Paul: 2.0%

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Romney: 569

Huckabee: 269

Giuliani: 184

~~McCain: 3~~

Paul: 5

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Romney Asserts himself as The Frontrunner, following his wins on Tuesday.

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Low on campaign cash, Giuliani looks to reassess his campaign after Super Tuesday.

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Clinton: 1,024

Gore: 876

~~Edwards: 37~~

~~Kucinich: 0~~

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Clinton Proclaims Victory, Gore Vows to Fight On

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"This morning we have a clearer picture than yesterday morning. First, Hillary Clinton dominated last night. Taking away important states that Al Gore needed, and now she has the lead in delegates, support and money. I think she's unstoppable at this point. Now, second. Mitt Romney. Yesterday everyone was thinking just maybe Rudy Giuliani might complete his comeback following his narrow win in Florida, but it wasn't the case. He won three states last nights, one of which is his home state. I think Giuliani is done and will be out by the end of the week. This is now a Huckabee v. Romney race going forward, but I give the edge to Romney. He has the staying power to outlast Huckabee."

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Clinton Begins to Consolidate her support, and shifts focus to Romney."Governor Romney is a retread of George Bush and Dick Cheney. Does America want to return down that road, for four more, agonizing years, after eight painful years?"

February 9th/12th Contests:

Kansas: Republicans

Huckabee: 48.7%

Romney: 45.4%

Paul: 4.9%

Louisiana:

Huckabee: 50.0%

Romney: 47.7%

Paul: 1.2

Clinton: 52.2%

Gore: 46.8%

Nebraska:

Clinton: 59.9%

Gore: 39.6%

US Virgin Islands:

Clinton: 70.0%

Gore: 27.7%

Washington:

Romney: 51.4%

Huckabee: 34.9%

Paul: 12.7%

Gore: 50.2%

Clinton: 49.6%

District of Columbia:

Clinton: 78.8%

Gore: 20.2%

Romney: 69.2%

Huckabee: 23.8%

Paul: 5.0%

Maryland:

Romney: 68.5%

Huckabee: 25.5%

Paul: 5.0%

Clinton: 67.7%

Gore: 31.3%

Virginia:

Romney: 49.2%

Huckabee: 45.5%

Paul: 4.3%

Clinton: 59.9%

Gore: 39.2%

February 19:

Wisconsin:

Romney: 57.7%

Huckabee: 37.7%

Paul: 3.6%

Clinton: 60.0%

Gore: 38.8%

Hawaii:

Gore: 52.2%

Clinton: 46.5%

Puerto Rico:

Romney: 95.5%

Huckabee: 2.2%

Paul: 1.3%

American Samoa:

Romney: 100%

()

Romney all but declares victory.

()

Rick Perry endorses Romney ahead of the Texas Primary

()

"I'm going to stay in this race until we have a nominee."

March 4th Primaries:

Ohio:

Romney: 59.6%

Huckabee: 33.1%

Paul: 6.3%

Ohio:

Clinton: 56.0%

Gore: 42.8%

Rhode Island:

Romney: 89.8%

Paul: 4.9%

Huckabee: 4.3%

Clinton: 57.7%

Gore: 41.5%

Vermont:

Romney: 79.5%

Paul: 15.9%

Huckabee: 3.6%

Gore: 55.5%

Clinton: 44.2%

Texas:

Huckabee: 47.6%

Romney: 40.3%

Paul: 11.1%

Clinton: 54.4%

Gore: 45.8%

()

"I know people in the Romney campaign are scratching their heads this morning. Texas was supposed to go their way. The polls said. They had Rick Perry on board and then crafty old Mike Huckabee comes back and takes the wind out of Mitt's sails."

"It was a shocker. I don't think it changes everything dramatically. Romney will still be the nominee, because the math favors him He needs exactly 307 delegates and he's the Republican Nominee, unlike Huckabee who needs 763. Now if this stretched out, we could see a brokered convention, but I think if anything last night was a shout out from the base, saying to the Romney campaign. 'Don't take us for granted. We have not been won over yet." -- Mark Halperin.

(

)

Romney: 884

Huckabee: 428

~~Giuliani: 184~~

~~McCain: 3~~

Paul: 5

March 8th Primaries:

Mississippi:

Huckabee: 51.1%

Romney: 45.9%

Paul: 2.0%

Clinton: 61.1%

Gore: 37.5%

Wyoming:

Clinton: 60.0%

Gore: 38.8%

Guam:

Romney: 100%

Delegates:

Romney: 886

Huckabee: 464

(

)

Clinton: 1,517

Gore: 1,263

~~Edwards:37~~

~~Kucinich: 0~~

()

"In an economy that is certainly anemic as our's is, I think it helps to have someone in the White House who actually understands the economy and knows how to create jobs. With respect to the remaining candidates in our race and on the Democratic side, there is no candidate with the private sector experience that I think is critical for the next President in leading this economy."

"Do you believe the US is in a recession, most Americans generally believe the United States either is or is entering one?"

"It certainly getting very frightening out there, and for middle class families as they start to worry about their homes, and getting their kids through college, these are scary times. I haven't looked at all the data on hand to state yes this is a recession by definition standards, or officially in one per say but just from an onlooker I would say yes, we in serious economic times and that's why I believe the nominee of our party and the next President needs to be someone who understands the economy and can lead America through uncertain days ahead."

"When you entered the race you were seen as the "Anyone but McCain' candidate. Now that you are the frontrunner, your record as Governor has come under attack, particularly from the right, by Governor Huckabee who says you're not conservative enough. How do you answer that?"

"Look. I'm proud of my record in Massachusetts. Unlike him I came into a state that was two to one Democrat. So I learned that I needed to work with both sides, otherwise we weren't going to get anything done. Look, William F. Buckley, the great conservative thinker famously said, and I'm paraphrasing him now, but he said, "nominate the candidate who is conservative enough to win. I am a proud conservative Republican and I can win. I can go toe-to-toe with Senator Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee and defeat her, because unlike her I've run enterprises. She wants to run the largest enterprise in the world and she's never run a business or a corner store for that matter. I have a record that I'm proud of. A turn-around-guy. I can help America and get our economy going and lead us into the next decade."

US Virgin Island: Republican

Romney: 96.9%

Paul: 2.8%

Huckabee: 0.2%

()

"This is a big night for two reasons with Pennsylvania. One it is the last stand for two candidates. Al Gore needs to win this state, or keep Clinton from getting a solid victory, otherwise his campaign is finished. If she wins and wins big here he's done. If he can hold her under 50%, or just slightly over, he can treat tonight as drawing on par with her. The second component is Mike Huckabee. The majority of the party is behind Romney. He has the money and the infrastructure to win. Huckabee has said he'll stay in until their is a nominee. Now there is no way he can amass the needed delegates with the primaries left. His goal is to stop Romney from clinching the nomination and pulling a Reagan v. Ford in '76. He's tried to paint Romney as a flip flopper, and as a moderate and yes, he's made some in roads, but certainly he doesn't have the war chest to do so. It'll will be interesting tonight to see how it goes. Romney has the backing of the state GOP, including extremist senator Rick Santorum, so we'll see what happens." -- Chris Matthews.

Pennsylvania:

Clinton:

Gore:

()

"...Senator Clinton will win the all important Pennsylvania primary tonight. The question remains on how big the margin will be, and whether or not this derails the Gore campaign.

"74 delegates at stake on the GOP side tonight. We cannot project a winner, but Mitt Romney is ahead, in fact way ahead of Mike Huckabee at this time, but with only two percent reporting we're waiting this one out to see if Huckabee can pull a comeback or if this is in fact the next step in the coronation of Mitt Romney as the Republican Nominee." -- Chris Matthews.

Romney: 59.0%

Huckabee: 35.5%

Paul: 4.5%

"One of the interesting things tonight on the Republican side is how this race changed. John McCain, the guy who finished second to Bush in 2000 got completely over shadowed by the over candidates in the race. The Party which usually nominates the next guy in line, going all the way back to Reagan in 1980 after his loss to Ford in 1976, appears to have finally broken." -- Chris Matthews

()

Mitt Romney Projected to Win The Pennsylvania Primary

Romney: 60.6%

Huckabee: 34.4%

Paul: 4.0%

Clinton: 66.0%

Gore: 33.8%

Democratic Delegate Tracker:

Clinton: 1,621

Gore: 1,298

()

Gore Addresses Supporters: Will Stay in until May 6th Primaries

(

)

Romney: 969

Huckabee: 464

~~Giuliani: 184~~

~~McCain: 3~~

Paul: 5

()

"We're on our way to the convention, to the election and to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in January!"

May 6th Primaries:

()

Romney Hopes to Cement his lead with double wins in: NC and IN.

North Carolina:

Clinton: 68.5%

Gore: 31.3%

Indiana:

Clinton: 71.4%

Gore: 28.4%

Clinton: 1,760

Gore: 1,346

()

Gore ends his campaign. "Tonight I end my campaign for the bigger cause, which is to win the election and put a Democrat back in the White House in January."

Indiana:

Romney: 66.8%

Huckabee: 27.5%

Paul: 4.7%

North Carolina:

Romney: 59.9%

Huckabee: 34.9%

Paul: 4.4%

(

)

Romney: 1,038

Huckabee: 486

~~Giuliani: 184~~

~~McCain: 3~~

Paul: 7

()

Gore Endorses Clinton in Unity, NH. "We as a party must come together, so we can win, not only a victory for a party, but for the American people!" -- HRC

()

Huckabee refuses calls to dropout out of race.

()

"He should dropout, because he's only hurting Governor Romney and the Republicans in the Fall. Governor Romney needs to focus on the general election, not worrying about GOP primaries. We're going up against the Clinton machine and we need to be ready to fight and fight back."

May 13th: Romney Wins WV Primary

Romney: 1,065

Huckabee: 486

May 18th: Romney Wins Hawaii

Romney: 1,082

Huckabee: 486

May 20th: Romney Wins Oregon & Kentucky

Romney: 1,151

Huckabee: 486

May 27th: Romney Wins Idaho

Romney: 1,178

Huckabee: 486

June 3rd: Romney Wins South Dakota & New Mexico

Romney: 1,231

Huckabee: 486

Mitt Romney Officially The Republican Nominee

()

The day after Romney officially became the presumptive Republican Nominee, the Clinton campaign launched an ad, attacking Romney's business record at Bain Capital.

()

"Today, the Clinton campaign unleashed an ad attacking Romney's business record. You can tell they've been waiting for this, the day after he secures the nomination they begin airing ads in the states of Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania in an attempt to define Mitt Romney. David Corn are these attacks fair and will they work?"

"Of course they're fair. Mr. Romney has built his campaign on running on his business record, it's fair game. It's always worthy of note that Senator Clinton is aiming these ads in the rust belt. They think they can define Mitt Romney before he can define himself."

()

The Romney Campaign responded by releasing an ad trumpeting Romney's success with the 2002 Winter Olympics, illustrating his skills as a turn-around-guy, and being the perfect person to deal with America's economy.

()

"Let's clear some things up, because Senator Clinton is running rampant with falsehoods about my business career at Bain Capital. They charge they I am responsible for closing down a steel plant and that my company out sourced jobs overseas. First, I did not close down the steel plant. I left Bain Capital in 1999, the plant closed after my tenure ended. Second, under my stewardship at Bain, we outsourced zero jobs overseas. I can't speak for what happened after I left Bain, but under my watch we outsourced zero."

()

"Governor Romney call himself, and this is a direct quote 'the perfect person' to deal with America's economy. Sure, he's the perfect person if you like more of the Bush tax cuts, and shouldering the burden for the middle class. The middle class doesn't need spending cuts the affect them the most, they need a fighter in the White House, and in this race I'm your girl!"

(

)

Clinton: 252

Romney: 196

()

"The projected map with battlegrounds states paints an uphill climb for Governor Romney. If Senator Clinton is able to hold all the Kerry states and flip Ohio she will reach the finish line with 272 electoral votes, and that's not counting states like Arkansas, Nevada, Colorado, Virginia, West Virginia and Florida where Clinton appears to be very competitive. The Romney campaign has a lot of ground to cover, so this map should be send up a red flag, and cause them to worry."

Clinton v. Romney:

Clinton: 48%

Romney: 43%

()

"We're pleased where the numbers stand at this time. It's still early, Governor Romney just finished up a long, and at points contentious nomination race. As we move into the summer and towards the conventions those numbers will change and will draw even or even being leading Senator Clinton. We're the underdog in the race and that's where we like it for the time being."

"We have a prospective shortlist for Vice Presidential candidate for Senator Clinton. We cannot confirm whether this is the actual list, or merely assumptions:

Senator Barack Obama, IL
Senator Evan Bayh, IN
Senator Joe Biden, DE
Senator Tom Daschle, SD
Governor Tom Vislack, IA
Governor Deval Patrick, MA
Governor Mark Warner, VA
Governor Brian Schweitzer, MT
Governor John Lynch, NH
Governor Bill Richardson, NM
General Wesley Clark

()

"I take great pride today in announcing the person I have selected as my running mate, and the next Vice President of the United States, Governor..."

"Governor Brian Schweitzer, from the Great State of Montana."

()

"...Thank you Senator Clinton, and let me say she is going to be a fantastic President for this country. [Applause] I am proud and excited to join this ticket, because the choice is so clear in this election. We either elect Mitt Romney and the Republican bandwagon, and continue the same economic policies which are hurting our country, or we can elected Hillary Clinton and myself to turn-around this economy and put the middle class first for a change! [Applause] Governor Romney calls himself the Mr. Fix-It, well then why didn't many of the companies he supposedly fixed shut their doors, while he collected profit? Is he is Mr. Fix-It, why was Massachusetts 47th in the nation in job creation? Mr. Romney is what we in Montana call dreamers. Actually, in Montana we've always been dreamers, but unlike Mr. Romney his dreams are nightmare. Tax cuts for the rich, building up the military, and following the same Bush/Cheney playbook. Can American take four more years of this? No! Does America want change? Yes! Then stand with me as Senator Clinton makes the case for change, and leads us to victory in November! Thank you and God Bless you all."

"Senator Clinton certainly went with a bold pick, by the selection of Brian Schweitzer. He's unknown to most of the country, and therefore that can be either really good or really bad, depending on what happens." -- Chris Matthews.

"The conventional wisdom was that she would either select a candidate of experience or one of electoral connection. Most assumed it was either Bill Richardson of New Mexico or Senator Joe Biden of Delaware. She's gone with Schweitzer which shows at least to me that Senator Clinton wants to play for the west, taking states like Nevada, Colorado, the site of the DNC, so I'll be interested to see what kind of effect he has, and what Mitt Romney's selection will be." -- Rachel Maddow

"We are getting a few possible names for running mates for Mitt Romney and it includes some familiar names, but also some rising stars in the party." -- Chuck Todd.

Senator John Thune, SD
Senator Judd Gregg, NH
Senator Rick Santorum, PA
Governor Mike Huckabee, AR
Governor Charlie Crist, FL
Governor Tim Pawlenty, MN
Governor Jeb Bush, FL
Governor Mitch Daniels, IN
Governor Bobby Jindal, LA
Congressman Paul Ryan, WI

Clinton v. Romney: August 2008

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49%

Romney/____: 43%

"From what we're hearing within Republican circles is that Mitt Romney needs a game changer. In the latest poll she's up six over Romney, that's following the Schweitzer pick, and in some cases she's up over fifty percent. Now everything Mitt Romney has done up to this point has been cautious and methodical, so I wouldn't expect him to pick someone out of left field. He'll pick someone he's comfortable with, someone who can do the job, and someone who is a safe pick. The downside in the pick of Schweitzer for Clinton is he's unknown, which can be a positive or a negative. The RNC is already attacking him, on some of the pardons he's made while Governor, the problem is he cannot be attacked so easily like John Kerry was in 2004, he just doesn't have the baggage, and I think that's why Senator Clinton selected him, because he doesn't come with the problems that a Biden or a Richardson might bring, or even an Obama who many thought would be the VP, creating the so-called Dream Ticket." -- Chuck Todd

DNC: August 25-28th

()

Pres. Bill Clinton wows the Audience with his speech, supporting Hillary, calling her: "The person American deserves for a comeback!"

"I'll admit it, when I became President in 1993, I didn't have half the experience Hillary's had. She is the best qualified person in this race, and that's why she'll beat Governor Romney and put this country back on a course for economic sanity, leading to prosperity."

()

Sen. Ted Kennedy addressed the convention on the second night, and evoked an aura of the Kennedy Legacy around the ticket for President.

"I feel a change in the air. A breeze that will sweep across this country, from the rocky cost of Maine, to Red Sox Nation, to the sunny beaches of Florida, to the Plain of Texas, to the Rocky Mountains and the west coast. The breeze of change will carry throughout this country, giving hope to millions of people and reassuring them all that the promise of America will be kept, and the people who will keep that promise secure are none other than the next President and Vice President of the United States: Hilary Clinton and Brian Schweitzer."

()

Schweitzer accept the VP nomination, and blasts Romney.

"...Does America want four more years of the same? [No] Does America want more tax breaks for the rich? [No] Does America want more wars like Iraq? [No] Does America want four more years of George Bush? [No] Then America surely does not want Mitt!"

()

Clinton speech sets record: 40.0M tune into see her accept the nomination.

"...I haven't spent the last thirty-five years in the trenches to see America's promise be dashed and forgotten. So, no way, no how, no Mitt Romney. There is too much at stake, and I believe all Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike feel this way. We want America to be right again. We want to believe in our country and in ourselves. I am ready to lead this country, I am ready to fight America...I proudly accept this nomination for President, and give you my promise that I will work tireless to see that this country's best days lie ahead."

Clinton v. Romney:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 50%

Romney/_____: 42%

(

)

Clinton/Schweitzer: 266

Romney/____: 180

"The Romney campaign should be nervous seeing this map. There are still tossup, but now Montana is in play and so is North Dakota, certainly not good for the GOP." -- Chuck Todd.

Montana:

Romney/____: 46%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 44%

Ohio:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 47%

Romney/____: 44%

Arkansas:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 46%

Romney/Schweitzer: 44%

New Hampshire:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49%

Romney/_____: 45%

Missouri:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 47%

Romney/____: 45%

Florida:

Romney/_____: 46%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 45%

Virginia:

Romney/_____: 47%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 45%

West Virginia:

Romney/_____: 48%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 46%

Iowa:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 46%

Romney/____: 44%

New Mexico:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 48%

Romney/____: 44%

Colorado:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49%

Romney/____: 46%

"We can confirm that Romney has chosen his running mate. We cannot confirm the selection, but the rollout is occurring in the state of New Hampshire at St. Anselm's College in Manchester. Some sources indicated that it's Judd Gregg, the Senator from the state. He is expected to be on site this morning, but we cannot confirm whether he's the pick." -- Chuck Todd.

()

Crowd Est. 3,500

"I'm proud to make the announcement of my running mate, and the next Vice President of the United States, Governor Tim Pawlenty!

()

"Thank you Governor Romney, and thank you to the people of New Hampshire. This is a great crowd today. First let me say the man next to me is going to be the next President of the United States! [Applause] I'm happy to join ticket and work with a man of integrity, character, experience and steadiness. At a critical time in our nation's history it is crucial we turn to people with vision and leadership skills. No other candidate in this race exemplifies those skills more than Governor Romney. [Applause] The Democrats call themselves the candidate of change, and that may attract a lot of voters, but if you look at their policies they have no plan for the economy. They have no plan to put the blue collar, middle class people back to work. The woman at the top ticket, sure it's historic, but she doesn't have the experience to run the country. She's never been a governor, she's never been an executive. At this time we need Mitt Romney!" [Applause]

()

The Republican Ticket: Romney/Pawlenty

()

"Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty, certainly a surprise pick by Mitt Romney. Possibly a play towards Minnesota, given it's the convention site, and possibly a play towards blue collar workers, a voting section that went strongly for Clinton in the primary."

"It's a play for them for sure. Pawlenty calls himself a 'Sam's Club Republican' and this is a voting block, middle class, blue collar workers who feel forgotten. Pawlenty can connect with these voters in a way that Romney cannot, and hopefully for the Romney campaign humanize as something other than a corporate raider, which is what the Clinton campaign has been success at defining him as so far." -- Mark Halperin.

Clinton v. Romney

Clinton/Schweitzer: 50% +0

Romney/Pawlenty: 43% +1

()

The Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin delivers the keynote speech, evoking a response similar to Barack Obama's in 2004. "This woman is going place for sure."

"...People ask me if I'm excited and proud to see the first woman leading a major party ticket for President of the United States, and my response is sure, of course. This is a historic candidacy, but that's where the excitement ends. The policies she is pursuing do not make me excited or proud. The policies that want to grow government, continue our addiction to foreign energy sources, raise our taxes and weaken our strength but at home and internationally. For all those plan I say thanks, but no thanks. As a proud hockey mom from the great state of Alaska, I'm standing two men who represent America's future: Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty, the next President and Vice President of the United States."

()

"...The Democratic Ticket believes that success comes from government. That it is only government that solve our problems. Now our beef is not to undo government entirely, but to make it work. To shrink its size and make it more manageable. To cut unnecessary spending, to lower taxes and ensure more freedom and liberty for the people of this country. We need strong leadership at critical times and I believe Mitt Romney is the man for the job. In the state of Massachusetts, with a Legislature that is two to one Democrat, he worked across party lines, bringing both parties together to bring about solutions for the people of that state. He did it in Massachusetts, and he'll do it Washington, because unlike Senator Clinton Mitt Romney has a record of getting the job done and getting it done right. So the choice is clear, rhetoric and lofty ideas from the Democrats, or solutions and hope from our ticket...Thank you, God Bless you and God Bless The United States."

()

"My fellow delegates of this convention and my fellow citizens of this great country, with a deep awareness of what lies ahead, and profound gratitude I accept your nomination for the Presidency of the United States of America. [Applause] ...I find it funny that my opponent wants to run the largest enterprise in the world, and yet she's never run a corner store, she's never run a business, she's never governed a state, and she call herself the most qualified candidate in the race. I don't think so. [Applause] I stand ready to lead this country. This is not a time for waffling, this is a time for leadership and I will lead this country, because I have the skills, I have the experience and the readiness to bring this country back. [Applause] I've tackled tough challenges all my life. I've successes and I've had failures. I understand how the economy works, because I have lived in it. I'm not a career politician, I am business man, a turn-around-guy, and I know I fix this economy and turn our country around. To know how to creates it helps to have had one in the real economy. Senator Clinton doesn't understand a free market economy. You don't bury businesses with taxes, you liberate them. You reduce unneeded regulations, you bring capital back into the game and allows jobs to be created. You don't more entitlement that can't be paid for. [Applause]...I will focus on the economy with all my concentration and might, and ensure that the our great middle class is rebuilt and is stronger than ever! [Applause]...My father never graduated from college, he worked his way from being a laff and plaster man to being the head of a car company, and finally to the governorship of Michigan. He never took a handout from government, sure he struggled, but he believed in America. He believed that through hard work and determination he could do anything. My father had dreams. We all have dreams. This is a land of dreams and opportunity. I believe in America, and I believe that under new leadership this county's best days will lie ahead!"

Clinton v. Romney: September 2008

Clinton/Schweitzer: 48% -2

Romney/Pawlenty: 44% +1

(

)

Clinton/Schweitzer: 266

Romney/Pawlenty: 193

()

Romney begins a bustour through the rustbelt. "Clinton doesn't understand how the economy works. I do."

()

Clinton campaigns in New Hampshire. "Governor Romney is a corporation's best friend, and follows the path laid out by George Bush for the last eight years. Is that change?"

()

"The Clinton campaign unveiled an ad, attacking Romney's character and painted him as a flip flopper."

()

"It's no a question of whether or not he's a nice guy, it's whether you can trust him. I don't see how a guy who's been on every side of the abortion issue can be trusted with anything, let alone the US economy."

()

"Do we need change or do we need experience? Actually, we need both. Senator Clinton may paint herself as the candidate of change, but she lacks the experience needed to be President. She claims she's ready to lead on Day one, I have the judgement and skills to be ready to lead on day one!"

()

"The voters are focused on three main issues in my view. First, it's the Iraq War, and bringing about a conclusion about it. Second, is the unpopularity of George Bush, and what they see as the failure of his policies and that of the Republicans, and third is the economy. Many voters put it as their top priority, so I have to wonder after listing those points is this race Clinton's to lose?"

"I think Clinton has the advantage. She's painted herself as the candidate of change, the very nature of her candidacy is historic and represents change, and with George Bush's popularity sinking daily, the GOP brand has to be taking a hit. So I don't see how Mitt Romney pulls this one out." -- Howard Fineman.

()

The Nightmare Begins...

()

"Bailing out Wall Street is not the approach I would take. The idea of having banks too big to fail needs to stop. As our economy is in free fall, now is not the time for more government. We need action, but not a big bandaid, one size fits all. The banks made the decisions, they took the risks. That is capitalism."

()

"Until we have a handle on how big a crisis this is, I am suspending my campaign and returning to Washington to deal with the financial fallout. Until further notice I do not plan to attend the upcoming Presidential debate with Governor Romney. This is a time to put aside politics and work together, not for the good a party, but for the good of the country."

Pre-Financial Collapse:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 48%

Romney/Pawlenty: 44%

()

"Obviously, I'm very apprehensions. These are uncertain times and many of us are unsure of whether this action is the right course, but we have to do something. Our economy is in free fall, and while I don't alway agree with President Bush, I do agree with his statement that we as a governing body must do something, we can't just sit on our hands and hope the problem clears up."

()

"We're in a recession, we have been arguably for a long time, and we're seeing it come to ahead now. We've seen big bangs hold Washington hostage, and that's got to change. The notion of too big to fail. I know there is the unknown, and in part we are all panicking as a result of this crisis, but now is not the time to buckle, now is the time to have a legitimate conversation about the size of government. Capitalism is a system which allows businesses to succeed and fail, and in this crisis we are seeing that government intervention may provide temporarily relief, it will not and it cannot correct the problem.

HOUSE REJECTS BILL, DOW DROPS 777 points

()

"Congress is reconfiguring a second bill which will come up for a vote in the coming days, but tonight Senator Clinton, who after originally postponing a debate, will meet with Governor Romney in the first of three Presidential debates, with the one tonight focusing entirely on the economic crisis."

"...Should Congress pass the $700 billion bailout package, that was already defeated once in the House, to combat the economic crisis?" -- Jim Lehrer

()

"Yes. America is in a crisis, and this is not a time to sit back and wait. Now while Governor Romney likes to follow the old Reagan line of government being problem, this is the time where government is and must be the solution."[/center]

()

"Look, we need to craft some kind of package, but I'm not sure that taking $700 billion dollars of the tax payers money and using it to prop up these banks is the right courses. I mean, right now we're following a path of government intervention which is contrary to our free market nature. Americans are hurting, Americans are scared, but now is not the time to say I'm here from the government and I'd like to help. Government is part created the mess we're in. Banks have become this size because of a flawed governmental system. The solution in my own view is to do this, break up the big companies, allow competition to flourish and allow jobs to be created."

"If I may interject. Governor Romney puts his entire faith in the market system in hoping that it will just magically remove our problems. The market system is a cycle. There are ups and downs." -- Sen. Hillary Clinton.

"Exactly Senator. Capitalism is about success and failures. Sometimes businesses rise, sometimes they fall. We need to push the phrase small enough to fail, for no business should be able to hold the country hostage like this. If a business is going to fail, let it fail, that is the free market, it's capitalism. We've advanced as a society not because we put our faith in government to guide our economy, but by free people and a capitalistic system." -- Gov. Romney

"Governor Romney, I know you're an advocate of free markets and a believer in government being the enemy, but you're following the same path laid out by George Bush." -- Sen. Hillary Clinton

"Senator, I'm not President Bush. I know you'd like to paint me as a clone, but I'm not George Bush. I'm not looking to spend more money, I'm not looking to continue the too big to fail mentality. I'm looking to reform Washington and make America beacon of economic freedom and opportunity." -- Gov. Romney

()

"I don't think tonight changes anything in terms of the polls. Both candidates largely stuck to their talking points, which is what you expect at this stage of the game. I think Hillary Clinton came through as more concerned about the crisis and willing to take government action in stepping up to address the crisis, but I wouldn't count out Romney. He's able to articulate a message about the economy that may appeal to a segment of voters. Enough to swing the election? I don't know."

Clinton/Schweitzer: 48%

Romney/Pawlenty: 46%

()

The Clinton campaign continues to attack Romney's character and record at Bain, hoping to paint him in the eyes of the voters as what is wrong with the American economy.

()

Romney campaigns in Portsmouth, NH. His denounces the Clinton campaign attacks on his character. "The Clinton campaign is getting desperate. They'll do anything they can to sway this election, because their candidate doesn't have a plan to turn-around America's economy, and what they're doing now, by attacking success will not work."

Clinton/Schweitzer: 48%

Romney/Pawlenty: 47%

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The VPs go on the attack. "Mitt Romney is a corporate raider, the likes of which have brought our country into the condition its in today."

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"Unlike Senator Clinton, Governor Romney has actually worked in the economy. He knows how jobs come and why they go. At this critical time, America needs a man with a plan, a man who has turned around failing enterprises into successes. This is the man we need for America!"

HOUSE NARROWLY PASSES BAILOUT PACKAGE,
SENATE PASSES IT, BUSH SIGNS IT.

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"Has to be done."

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The campaign heads into the final stretch.

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Romney campaigns in Michigan, drawing from his own father's governorship.

Romney v. Clinton: The Final Debate

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"I'm running on a lifetime of experience and I will bring that to the White House, if I'm elected. I think this is an election not only where America needs new leadership, but we need change, change in party, change in ideas, and I think I'm the best one to do it, otherwise I wouldn't be here tonight."

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"Well, having change for the sake of change seems to be a rather risky maneuver. Senator Clinton, I have tremendous respect for you, but in terms of experience I don't see how you're argument adds up. I've spent my life fixing things, turning around failing companies, sometimes we were success, sometime not, but we took risk. That's capitalism, like it or not."

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"Governor Romney, if you call draining companies solely for profit is success, then sure it's success."

()

"When is it going to stop Senator? These continuous attacks on me are really quite sad, but that's fine I can take it. It's the American people that cannot. They need solutions, they need hope, not politics as usual. This is why Washington is broken, these types of tricks. I'm a Washington outsider, I'm running to change Washington and fix it, not keep playing the same old games."

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"As we go into the final stretch, what with three weeks or so until Election Day, everyone's eyes are glued to the battlegrounds of Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Arkansas and so on. The map looks good for Clinton. Romney's certainly made some stride, but he still is trailing in the projected count and that has to make the campaign worry." -- Joe Scarborough

"If he isn't able to close the deal, despite a strong final debate performance then he's more than likely finished." -- Mika Brezezinski.

"The electoral predictions are 50-50, but I think we're all just missing the mark. Hillary's going to win, the question remains by how much." -- Joe Scarborough.

The Big Day

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Hillary Clinton casts her votes, speaking only briefly by saying: "America will win tonight."

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Romney puts on a brave face, with the latest poll putting him behind Clinton, 48%-45%

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"We're going to be here along time tonight, looking at the polls. Some show Senator Clinton with a narrow lead over Governor Romney, some show them dead even." -- Chris Matthews.

"America saw a turnout of around fifty-four percent in 2004, tonight we are expected to see record turnout. People are enthused, people are excited and that can go either way for the candidates." -- Keith Olbermann

"As we await the results we should remark just how extraordinary this election has been. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic frontrunner is now the nominee on the ticket, the first woman in history to be on a major party ticket and maybe the first female President of the United States. Then you have Mitt Romney. He was seen as the dark horse in this race, many expected John McCain or Giuliani to be the nominee, but he managed to beat them and secure his place at the top of the ticket." -- Chris Matthews.

"And he is the first Mormon to be on a major party ticket. He did give that speech back last winter on religion in America. I won't go as far to call it like Kennedy's famous speech, but it did hit on the same themes and points and we'll see if he makes history tonight." -- Keith Olbermann.

"We are now projecting that Senator Clinton is the winner in the state of Vermont, a solidly Democratic state, and it remains so tonight."

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Clinton: 0%
Romney: 0%

"And we can project that the Republican stronghold of South Carolina has gone for Mr. Romney tonight. Governor Romney has won the state of South Carolina."

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Romney: 57%
Clinton: 41%

"We cannot project winners in the states of Georgia or Indiana at this time, but both are leaning in Governor Romney's favor."

"We should also note tonight that with the Presidential Election there are also contested Senate and House races tonight.The Democrats control both houses of Congress, and are expected to remain in Democratic hands tonight, which means if Mitt Romney is elected President he will have to contend with a divided government." -- Chris Matthews

"And at this point it is safe to say that Kentucky, another Republican state has gone for Governor Romney this evening, bringing his electoral total to sixteen, to Senator Clinton's three." -- Chuck Todd

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Romney: 56%
Clinton: 42%

"It is Governor Romney with an early lead this evening, but the night is young and there are many more bigger and frankly important states at play. From here it's only going to get interesting." -- Chris Matthews.

8:41

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)

Clinton/Schweitzer: 78

Romney/Pawlenty: 75

"It is Senator Clinton with a narrow lead over Governor Romney in the electoral count, with states still undecided at this hour: Florida, New Hampshire, Virginia, West Virginia and -- " Chris Matthews.

"Sorry to interject, but we are now calling Pennsylvania for Senator Clinton."

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Clinton: 53%
Romney: 45%

Arkansas: Too Close to Call

Clinton/Schweitzer: 50.9%

Romney/Pawlenty: 48.5%

Florida: Too Close to Call

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.7%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.1%

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Clinton/Schweitzer: 50.0%

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.1%

New Hampshire: Too Close to Call

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.5%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.5%

Virginia: Too Close to Call

Romney/Pawlenty: 50.1

Clinton/Schweitzer: 48.6%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.6%

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.3%

"North Carolina goes for Governor Romney."

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Romney: 54%
Clinton: 45%

9:46

...and here stands the map at 9:46 this election evening." -- Chris Matthews.

[center(

)[/center]

Clinton/Schweitzer: 172

Romney/Pawlenty: 146

"And we can now project that Senator Clinton has won the state of New Hampshire."

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.8%

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.4%

"The Romney campaign can breathe a sigh of relief, Missouri is staying Republican again this evening, as is the state of Virginia."

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)

Clinton/Schweitzer: 176

Romney/Pawlenty: 170

"With both candidates essentially dead even in the electoral college, all eyes shift to Florida, and Ohio, the states that hold the answer as to who will be the next President of the United States. Governor Romney and Senator Clinton both devoted an extraordinary amount of time, money and manpower to those states and right now the polls show them about dead even." -- Chris Matthews.

"It's interesting. Many of us assumed tonight Hillary Clinton was going to walk away with this election and while Governor Romney is not even close to wrapping this up, it is a remarkable turn of events for the Governor that he was in fact able to go from being behind in the polls to be neck-and-neck with Senator Clinton tonight." -- Keith Olbermann.

"I think despite the fact that we've had eight years of George Bush, despite the economic crisis which looks to be getting worse not better, this is still a center right country and you're seeing that play out tonight." -- Chuck Todd.

"In terms of the Senate races we've been watching in New Hampshire, former Governor Jeanne Shaheen has unseated incumbent Senator John Sununu in a close race of: 49%-48%. With that pickup it looks like the Democrats will in fact retain control of the Senate and may strengthen their numbers tonight."

"So, if it's Romney he's looking at divided government, which is not uncommon for this town, but certainly difficult to govern in terms of an agenda." -- Chris Matthews.

"And MSNBC is now projecting the state of West Virginia for Senator Clinton, Senator Clinton has won the state of West Virginia."

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)

Clinton/Schweitzer: 181

Romney/Pawlenty: 170

Florida: Too Close to Call

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.8%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.4%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.5%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.5%

Wisconsin: Too Close to Call

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.5%

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.4%

10:20

"...the state of Florida will go to Governor Romney tonight."

Florida:

Romney/Pawlenty: 49.8%

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.0%

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)

Romney/Pawlenty: 206

Clinton/Schweitzer: 191

"It looks like this election is all coming down to Ohio, the continual battleground state." -- Chris Matthews.

"The Romney has to a fill a little more confident. They've surprised a lot of people tonight with a strong comeback from what many expected to be a Clinton blowout tonight. Of course Ohio, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona are still outstanding, all four states won by President Bush in 2004, and right now they're " -- Chuck Todd

"Here are the numbers from 2004 in the state:

Bush: 50.81% (2,859,768)

Kerry: 48.71% (2,741,167)

"Here are the numbers for tonight in the race between Senator Clinton and Governor Romney." -- Chris Matthews.

Romney: 49.41% (2,885,614)

Clinton: (48.45%) (2,702,201)

"...We project that Governor Romney has won the state of Colorado, the host of the Democratic Convention, this night may have a few more surprises in store yet..."

11:43 PM

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She Did It!

Montana:

Clinton/Schweitzer: 49.6%

Romney/Pawlenty: 48.9%

"Montana puts the Senator over the top tonight..."

Epilogue:

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Clinton/Schweitzer: 283 (50.0%)

Romney/Pawlenty: 255 (48.8%)

And Four Years Later:

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Clinton/Schweitzer: 374 (55.8%)

Perry/Daniels: 164 (43.6%)

Talk Elections

Presidential Elections - Analysis and Discussion => Election What-ifs? => Topic started by: NHI on August 15, 2012, 09:43:36 PM