The Next Four Years

[NHI]

CNN BREAKING NEWS: LIVE FROM PORTSMOUTH, NH

ROMNEY ANNOUNCES AYOTTE FOR VICE PRESIDENT

"I am honored to serve on the ticket with the man who will be the next President of the United States, Mitt Romney. Our country is in trouble and we need a man with turnaround experience and the business forte to get the economy going again...America needs Mitt!"

Romney and Ayotte hit the trail.

"Certainly a surprise pick by Governor Romney, when the consensus was leading towards Senator Portman of Ohio, the question that I'm sure will arise over the next few days is over her experience and if she's qualified to be President."

"Wolf, those questions are circulating as we speak, with many wondering if Sen. Ayotte is Sarah Palin 2.0. Now when we spoke to the Romney campaign earlier for a statement their response was that Ms. Ayotte is vetted and extremely qualified to be President. The campaign crafted a list of a qualification and attributes for the candidates they vetted and Ms. Ayotte not only passed the qualifications portion, but has the right chemistry with the Governor..."

Tracking Poll: August 20, 2012:

Obama/Biden: 47%

Romney/Ayotte: 45%

[NHI]

Gee, I wonder how this is gonna end up..

You'll see, I have a few surprises in store.

[NHI]

Romney and Ayotte sit down with Sean Hannity.

"Fellow delegates to this convention, with deep gratitude and great hope for the future I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States...Mitt Romney is the man for the job. With unemployment above eight percent since the start of President Obama's administration. With millions of Americans out of work. With dashed dreams and talk of American Decline. My fellow citizens it is time for a change, and Mitt Romney is the agent of change America needs. So join with us as we work to fight for American and to bring this country back!"

The Republican Super Star

Tracking Poll: August 29, 2012:

Obama/Biden: 47%

Romney/Ayotte: 47%

[NHI]

"I will just say I think Governor Romney made an error in picking Sen. Ayotte and it's not because she's a woman or Sarah Palin-lite. It's on the basic principle that she does not have the experience to be President. It was a political calculation, not a presidential one."

"But some will argue President Obama had very little experience when he ran for the office four years ago, so the argument your side is making is null and void?"

"Yes, but one Barack, President Obama selected me as his running mate to counterbalance the inexperience argument, but also you learn on your feet. There is on the job training, no one walks in ready to be President on day one."

"I'll let Sen. Ayotte speak for herself, but what Vice President Biden said is not funny. The idea of having on the job training is the reason we are in the position we're in today. Sen. Ayotte was Attorney General of the State of New Hampshire and has served in the United States Senate. She is ready, otherwise I would not have selected her. Now my suggestion would be to the Vice President is that he and the President start focusing on the economy, rather than these silly sideshow antics."

"I can't wait to debate Joe Biden, because the contrasts are going to be so evident. From the vision Governor Romney is presenting for America, and the vision or lack thereof President Obama is presenting for America."

Tracking Poll: September 4, 2012

Romney/Ayotte: 48%

Obama/Biden: 46%

[NHI]

"The polls continue to tighten in the race for the White House between President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney.

"This is a horserace, especially in the close states which will decide this election. Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, Florida to name a few. Now states colored in solid red are secure for the President, and the same for Governor Romney with the states in blue. States in lighter red or blue slightly favor Obama and Romney respectively and states in yellow are too close to call."

"Even with Sen. Ayotte on the ticket, New Hampshire is still too close."

Obama: 246

Romney: 206

"So John, show our viewers some the scenarios we might see on November 6 for either candidate's victory."

"For President Obama every electoral prediction or calculation we've seen from the campaign shows them winning the states like Colorado and New Mexico which are trending in his favor, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. This map occurs the President just squeaks by with a narrow victory of 273 to 265.

"Now for the Obama campaign that a worse case scenario, but they think they'll be able to take Ohio, Nevada and Iowa which gives him a comfortable victory of 303 to 235.

"For the Romney campaign their maps consist of carrying Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, New Hampshire. If Romney does that he gets to 270 and only 270. Now the map is tougher for Governor Romney, but the campaign thinks they can pickup Wisconsin, Iowa and possibly Nevada, but for now Wolf all this is political parlor games. Nothing will matter until November 6th."

Romney and Ayotte campaign in New Hampshire.

Obama hits the trail in Ohio, chastising Romney's record at Bain.

Tracking Poll: September 28, 2012:

Obama/Biden: 48%

Romney/Ayotte: 47%

Tracking Poll: Ohio

Obama/Biden: 48%

Romney/Ayotte: 48%

Tracking Poll: New Hampshire

Romney/Ayotte: 47%

Obama/Biden: 46%

Tracking Poll: Virginia

Romney/Ayotte: 49%

Obama/Biden: 48%

Tracking Poll: Wisconsin

Obama/Biden: 50%

Romney/Ayotte: 47%

Tracking Poll: Nevada

Obama/Biden: 49%

Romney/Ayotte: 47%

Tracking Poll: Iowa

Obama/Biden: 48%

Romney/Ayotte: 48%

Tracking Poll: Florida

Romney/Ayotte: 50%

Obama/Biden: 48%

[NHI]

CNN ELECTION NIGHT

"I'm Wolf Blitzer and welcome to CNN's Election Night coverage. The Poll have closed in a number of states, but we can make a few projections in the race so far.

"CNN now projects that President Obama is the winner in the state of Vermont.

Vermont: 1%

Obama: 61%

Romney: 37%

"And we project that Governor Romney is the winner in the state of South Carolina."

South Carolina: 2%

Romney: 57%

Obama: 41%

Romney/Ayotte: 9

Obama/Biden: 3

"And we can project that Governor Romney is the winner in the state of Kentucky, another Republican stronghold."

Kentucky: 4%

Romney: 59%

Obama: 39%

[NHI]

"...And CNN can now project that President Obama is the winner in the state of Wisconsin."

Wisconsin: 48%

Obama: 52%

Romney: 46%

"The Obama campaign played for that state, despite a strong presence by the Romney campaign and it stays in the Democrat's column.

Obama/Biden: 169

Romney/Ayotte: 169

"There is still a race in the battleground states of New Hampshire, Ohio, Florida and Virginia."

"Governor Romney is going to need those state if he is to win this election."

"And we project now that President Obama has carried Colorado."

Colorado: 52%

Obama: 53%

Romney: 45%

Ohio: 57%

Obama: 49.5%

Romney: 47.7%

New Hampshire: 71%

Obama: 49.4%

Romney: 49.0%

Virginia: 57%

Obama: 49.1%

Romney: 48.6%

10:21

Obama/Biden: 184

Romney/Ayotte: 179

Iowa: 19%

Obama: 51%

Romney: 47%

"So goes Iowa for President Obama. Another state Governor Romney fails to capture. The question now remains can he close the deal?"

"There are enough states to seal a victory, but it's difficult to say. The longer the projection the better it might be for Romney, but it could be for Obama?"

"Well The Romney campaign can breathe a sigh of relief, Florida will go for Governor Romney."

Florida: 55%

Romney: 50%

Obama: 48%

"And it appears we can now project that state of Nevada for President Obama."

Nevada: 11%

Obama: 51%

Romney: 46%

Romney/Ayotte: 208

Obama/Biden: 190

"Certainly at this hour the Romney campaign is holding their collective breath, is this election over?"

"Governor Romney needs Virginia, Ohio and New Hampshire at least to win the White House and those states get him to exactly 270. Of those three states President Obama needs only one and he'll be able to reach the threshold of 270."

"That is assuming that he carries states like Washington, California and Oregon."

"Yes and by all assumptions the Presidents should win those states easily."

Montana: 30%

Romney: 53%

Obama: 45%

South Dakota: 38%

Romney: 56%

Obama: 43%

Arizona: 39%

Romney: 51%

Obama: 47%

11:41

"And we have a projection to make..."

[NHI]

CNN PROJECTION: OBAMA REELECTED

"With a win in the state of New Hampshire CNN can now project that President Obama has been reelected, putting him just over the finish line with 272 electoral votes."

Obama/Biden: 272

Romney/Ayotte: 232

"Ironically it's the state of New Hampshire that puts the President over the top. Despite having Kelly Ayotte, the Senator from the state, Governor Romney could not carry the state. It goes for Obama with a little under 50% of the vote."

"And the states of Virginia and Ohio still remain unclear at this time."

"With the majority of the vote counted in Ohio it is trending the President's way, but Virginia is too close to call. The candidates have been trading back and forth all night."

"Any word when we'll hear from Governor Romney tonight?"

"Word is coming that Governor Romney will speak at at around midnight eastern standard time, he has reportedly called the President to concede the election, despite rumblings from within the campaign that they were not going to concede because of the narrowness of Obama's victory both in New Hampshire and the uncertainty with Virginia and Ohio, but it appears that tune has changed and they probably have more insight then us and realize now it's over."

CNN: Live from Boston, ROMNEY CONCEDES TO OBAMA. "THE PATH IS CLEARED NOW."

"...And I especially want to thank Sen. Kelly Ayotte. She was a terrific running mate and has a bright future with our party again I thank her for her outstanding dedication and hard work on the campaign...While we weren't successful as I had hoped, I do not want you to blame yourselves, I am the candidate, I gave it my all and in the end the hill was too steep for us to climb, but life goes on. We're Americans, we love this country and we rally together despite our differences because of one common thread, we believe in America."


"Governor Romney has just concede to President Obama, from his Boston headquarters. Certainly a tough night for the former Governor of Massachusetts, but that ends the campaign and now begins phase two, the next four years of the Barack Obama Presidency. But before we dive into what will be facing the President, what went from for Mitt Romney?"

"You know a thought that was recurring from within the Republican and on the trail, he never laid out a plan of what exactly he would do as President. He simply attacked Obama for the economy, but never applied specifics and it hurt him."

"This was a winnable election and the Republicans know it and I'm sure right now people are saying we should have went with Santorum or something equivalent, but the fact is Governor Romney despite all his baggage did give the President a run for his money. He returned Indiana, North Carolina and Florida and probably Virginia into the Republican column. He just couldn't close the deal."

"Look unemployment stands at 8.0%, the Republicans should have won this election, but it came down to Romney's lack of specifics and the ability of the Obama campaign to do what the Bush campaign did to Kerry. They made Romney seem like an unacceptable alternative. Now Obama has difficulties, the country is still divided, the economy is tanking. He has a big job ahead of him, and by no means should he or the Democrats take tonight as a mandate, whatever the final result is, this is a close election and if the trend continues a state could have made the difference."

"And CNN is now projecting that Governor Romney will carry Virginia."

"There you go, four states back for the GOP."

"Where does the party go from here?"

"The party has to reevaluate itself. The consensus from the right wing like Limbaugh and Hannity is that the candidates need to go farther right and that someone like Santorum or Gingrich should have been the nominee. That's the mistake, the farther right this party goes, that way madness lies."

"Look under normal circumstances Governor Romney should have beaten the President. With his business record, the Olympics and his tenure in Massachusetts as Governor. Under that scenario if Romney could have run on his full record he would have beaten him. The Republican Party has gone so far to the right that Romney had to ignore his entire record of elected office and that's sad."

"The Party will have to move back towards the center if it intends to win anymore Presidential elections, because divisive issues like birth control, abortion and even gay marriage are not going to help them."

"It's more than that. The Party has to connect with middle America, the youth. It cannot be a minority party, built on wins in the south. In the words of Ronald Reagan, they have to become a big tent party, once again."

"And they cannot enact a purity test with their candidates."

"So essentially, the Tea Party?"

"The Tea Party is why Mitt Romney is not President tonight, in my humble view. Despite all his baggage and missteps, Romney is poised to close tonight with at least 248 electoral votes, possibly 266 if he gets Ohio. So Romney is not John McCain tonight, like Kerry he narrowly lost to a weak incumbent. The Tea Party presence made Romney go so far to the right on women's rights issue, education, abortion, immigration that he boxed himself in. He could not reintroduce himself, because the Obama campaign already characterized him to the public as an unacceptable president."

"Despite the campaign's push on Bain it did not hurt Romney like some think. Romney lost because Obama painted him like George Bush did to John Kerry, and asked the question without saying it: Do you really want him as President."

9:18 AM, November 7th, 2012

Obama Squeaks By...

Four More Years, Romney Concedes, Democrats Retain Senate, Republicans House

Obama/Biden: 272 49.08%

Romney/Ayotte: 266 49.26%

More to Come. Let the Games begins...

[NHI]

What are the congressional numbers?

Senate:
Democrats: 50
Republicans: 48
Independents: 2

House:
Republicans: 240
Democrats: 195

[NHI]

Narrowest of narrow victories for Romney in Ohio and Virginia.

Ohio:
Romney: 49.38%
Obama: 49.21%

Virginia:
Romney: 49.59%
Obama: 49.08%

I also wanted to give a scenario where Romney would win the popular vote, but lose the electoral vote.

[NHI]

OBAMA SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM: "New Era Begins Today."

"...The battles of the last four years are over, together both parties Democrats and Republicans must work together, united and for the good of the people. For that is what they deserve. A country worthy of the works of the founders... Let us strive towards that idealistic vision of a more perfect union. That is my pledge and I intend to carry it out. Thank you, God Bless you and God Bless The United States of America."   

"We intend to see that this President's agenda is stalled."

"I've got a two-fold problem. I have to ensure that we can actually govern with the President, and keep my caucus in line."

"For middle class families your taxes will not be going up. Those who make $250,000 and up will be asked to pay a little more. Now I don't call that socialism or redistributive welfare, like my critics charge, I call it fairness."

CNN BREAKING NEWS:

"And we are getting word of Republican turmoil within the party leadership. The fight is reportedly starting from a disagreement between Senate Minority and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Harry Ried and House Speaker John Boehner."

"No confirmation yet, but there are rumblings that following a meeting with the President today, Speaker Boehner was ready to agree on a deal with the President that would allow for taxes to go up on those making $250,000 a year, with spending cuts in unspecified areas. From what we are told Mitch McConnell left the meeting and would not accept the deal. We are are also hearing that talk of this proposed deal is causing a rift within the Republican Caucus on the House side, with some members such as Allen West calling for Boehner to step aside as Speaker."

"Speaker Boehner does not understand what our role is in the House and therefore he should step aside as Speaker."

[NHI]

CNN: Boehner to remain as Speaker; Deal Breaks Down with Pres. Obama

"It saddens me that my Republicans colleagues want continue with the same old games that we battled over for the last four years. I mean to be blunt, the election is over. Now is the time for governing. Unless the Republican Party wants to be the minority party forever or just collapse entirely now is there is chance to take a stand for once and show leadership."

"The President wants to talk about leadership, how is raising taxes on Americans the answer?"

"He is the most divisive, outlandish, destructive president and I think we'll have no economy left by 2017."

"The Republican Party is shooting itself in the foot. It seems the party is setting itself up for failure in 2014 and probably 2016. They obviously didn't learn the lesson from 2012, well some on the right maybe ready to work, but the hardcore right is ready to thrown down the gauntlet and is all in a tizzy over Barack Obama."

CNN PROJECTION: JANUARY UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS: 7.7%

"The unemployment rate sees it's biggest drop in months. President Obama's reelection hinged on this and managed to pull it off with an unemployment at 8.0%. November saw unemployment state at 8.0%, but December saw unemployment fall to 7.9%."

Obama Approval Rating:

Approve: 50%

Disapprove: 39%

[NHI]

Next update coming either Wednesday or Thursday

[NHI]

CNN: Speaker Boehner makes a deal with Pres.

"A deal has been reached that Speaker John Boehner will bring before the House. It is quite a breakdown from the original Republican intent. It appear that the deal includes tax hikes, coupled with spending cuts in defense."

"Speaker Boehner needs to rebuke this idea at once, otherwise he destroys everything the Republican Party stands for and what it means to be a conservative." -- Rep. Michelle Bachman.  

Obama-Boehner Deal Killed by the House

"This is to be an expected defeat for the President, but an even bigger humiliation for Speaker Boehner."

CNN: House Calls on Boehner to resign as Speaker

CNN:Boehner to Resigns as Speaker, Cantor poised to become Speaker

Obama Approval Rating:

Approve: 54%

Disapprove: 37%

"The current political environment has become too unstable and I feel that in order to be responsible to my speakership and to the party I will be stepping down as Speaker of the House and will continue to serve as a representative from Ohio's eighth district through the end of this legislative cycle..."

[NHI]

I've put up a poll to get your thoughts for the next Speaker of the House. Next update in a few days.

[NHI]

"George, I tell you I am deeply troubled by what I see going on in Washington. The vitriolic language on both sides, the partisanship on both sides, the failure to communicate ideas and the breakdown of trust between representative and the people. We're in a big hole we're only digging it deeper."

"Are you still, or do you consider yourself a Republican?"

"Yes, still am and always will be, but I am an American first. I put the country before label and that the attitude that needs to change if America is to get back on her feet..."

Obama Approval Rating:

Approve: 52%

Disapprove: 38%

CNN BREAKING NEWS: Chris Christie announces run for reelection in NJ

Cory Booker declares his bid to challenge Christie

Christie v. Booker: Matchup

Christie: 51%

Booker: 43%

CNN BREAKING NEWS: PETER KING ELECTED SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

"Peter King will become the next Speaker of the House, beating out Eric Cantor who many believed would succeed Boehner."

"I think King is a wise selection. Cantor was too connected to Boehner and was considered to extreme by Democrats and by those moderate Republicans." -- Chris Christie

"We're going to get down to work. The American people deserve at least that from us. Now there are differences obviously with Democrats and Republicans, but we will work together and that's a promise."

"The cult of the personality with the Republican party is crumbling and we'll be receiving the benefits of this come November 2014. They just can't or I should say they are still not ready for primetime."

November 2013

Virginia Gubernatorial Results:

Bill Bolling: 51.0%

Terry McAuliffe: 47.8%

New Jersey Gubernatorial Election: Too Close to Call

Chris Christie: 49.60%

Cory Booker: 49.51%

"There is great focus on the New Jersey race as Chris Christie is widely expected as a Presidential candidate in 2016 and if he is reelected then he will certainly have the needed momentum to run for the nomination."

"It's early, but 2016 speculation has already begun. Possible GOP contenders include Mike Huckabee, Christie as we've mentioned, Mike Pence of Indiana, Bobby Jindal, Kelly Ayotte, certainly Marco Rubio,  and possibly Rick Santorum, the runner-up to Mitt Romney in 2012."

"And for the Democrats the thought is Joe Biden may mount a bid to succeed President Obama, but there are other contenders with Andrew Cuomo, Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Deval Patrick has made multiple trips to Iowa the last few months, as has Martin O'Malley. Of course the big question is whether or not Hillary Clinton will run. She has not commented on it recently. Now she does a memoir scheduled to come out the first of the year, so we'll see."

"And we do have a projection to make, Cory Booker, repeat Cory Booker has elected Governor of New Jersey. He narrowly defeats incumbent Governor Chris Christie."

New Jersey Gubernatorial Results:

Booker: 49.57%

Christie: 49.49%

[NHI]

Politico: The Christie Defeat: What it Means for 2016?

"The stunning defeat of Chris Christie in the New Jersey Gubernatorial Election has every GOP powerbroker and big-wig talking. "Is the Governor's 2016 bid officially over?" The challenge presented for Christie, by the defeat to Booker is he now must combat a loser image and despite leaving office with a decent approval rating, and a booming New Jersey economy, defeats are difficult, not impossible, to overcome. The question many wonder is Christie's shinning star finally burnt out and will there be a new person to turn to in 2016, because Rick Santorum, despite rumblings of a sequel campaign is not the heir apparent."

GOP Nomination:

Rubio: 17%

Christie: 15%

Ryan: 15%

Jindal: 13%

McDonnell: 11%

Ayotte: 11%

Paul: 9%

Santorum:  6%

Other: 3%

Democratic Nomination:

Clinton 50%

Biden: 20%

Cuomo: 13%

Warren: 8%

Schweitzer: 6%

Other: 3%

My Own Voice
By: Hillary Rodham Clinton

"The release of Hillary Clinton's new memoir detailing her 2008 campaign for President and tenure as Secretary of State is prompting intense speculation that she'll run for President in 2016. She has largely dodged question, but in our sit down interview the former Secretary of State addressed the possibility of a 2016 campaign.

"I am aware that this question has been asked in some many ways, but with the release of your best selling book and a recent poll that indicated you are the Democrat's top preference to be the nominee in 2016, are you going to run for President?"

"Well, I am happy with the success of the book, and flattered by the polls that keep popping up there and to my supporters's efforts, but in terms of a future campaign I do not anticipate to be running for President."

"Vice President Biden has indicated he will likely run for the nomination in 2016, do you think he can not only win the nomination and beat the Republican challenger?"

"Look I don't play politics, if the Vice President wants to run he should, and I'll leave the politicking to the media."

"Not to sound redundant Madame Secretary, but will you run for President? A definitive yes or no answer?"

"Well, I never deal in absolutes, because I never anticipated on becoming Secretary of State, I never anticipated on becoming a Senator from New York, but we have a great party, a party with up and coming leaders, so I don't know if we need to keep relying on us Clinton be the standard bearer. Now to answer your question, I am saying no right now, because I don't think about the future. I am concentrated on the now, but I do not foresee any future campaign in my horizon."

Headline: Clinton Rules out* running for President

Obama Approval Rating:

Approve: 51%

Disapprove: 40%

CNN: Talk of a Government Shutdown Looms Again

[NHI]

Interesting, though Christie's defeat makes me a sad panda

It was difficult for me to write also, but for story purposes it works.

[NHI]

CNN: Government Shut-Down Averted, Tea Party Wings Snaps

"The Republican leadership saddens me greatly. We were sent here to work, and I cannot illustrate my extreme disappointment in the House and the Senate. We need to balance the budget, and cut federal spending, not by a inch, but by a mile."

"This is what separates the men from the boys in this situation. America is at a crossroad. We have an out of control, America bashing President, and a Congress filled with Democrats and Republicans that are no different. I think it's time the Tea Party takes a real stand. A stand to change America!"

"I don't think we need a third party, despite the charges of some. I think the Republican party needs a cleansing. We have to establish or reestablish who we are what we stand for. We went with a moderate in 2012, in 2016 we need to go with a conservative and an unapologetic one. You either stand with us or you're a Democrat."

"The talk coming from people like Rick Santorum, and others is what's wrong with America. We may need a third party after all, but not an ideological one. One that is driven on common sense, and encompassing to all."

2014 Midterms:

Democrats Back on Top

The Democrats return to power in the House, while keeping the Senate as well. Nancy Pelosi returns to Speaker, citing she will not be running for reelection in 2016.

Senate:

Democrats: 50

Republicans: 48

Independents: 2

House:

Democrats: 225

Republicans: 210

The Democrats Return

Major Legislation Passed in early 2015:

The American Job Recovery (Dubbed by Republicans: Stimulus II)

The American Dream Act (Dubbed by Republicans: Amnesty for illegals)

The Fair Taxation Act (A.K.A. The Buffett Rule)

Unemployment Rate: March 2015

7.4%

New York Times: First Signs of 2016

Jeb Bush Considering a Run, will announce in June.

"I will not be running for President in 2016, but will be endorsing a candidate, once the field is established."

Rubio's Out, Santorum's In

Huntsman Joins in, Aims for NH

[NHI]

"America needs a champion for the middle class. President Obama has paved the way for progress an I intend to carry it on!"

Schweitzer, O'Malley Jump into the Race,

VEEP ENTRANCE

"I'm running for President of the United States!"

Democratic Contenders:

Biden: 24%

Warren: 19%

O'Malley: 15%

Schweitzer: 11%

Other: 31%

[NHI]

Enter The Big Guns

"Andrew Cuomo's entrance into the race, certainly shakes up the dynamics."

"The way I see it, this race for the Democrats is Elizabeth Warren and Andrew Cuomo, with Joe Biden barley coming in third. I will be surprised if makes it to Iowa."

"Biden is the establishment vote, and barley. He represents the Administration. Now Democrats, save for Elizabeth Warren are distancing themselves from the Obama Presidency. Cuomo represents a center left, Clinton type approach. I suspect, unless Hillary Clinton makes a rash decision to enter the race, the nomination goes to Cuomo."

"On the Republicans it's difficult to say. Christie was the early favorite, but his fall in 2013 hurts him going into the race if he enters."

"Right now you've got Santorum who's going nowhere. Rand Paul who recently announced, Jon Huntsman and maybe Jeb Bush who are appealing to the independents, disaffected Democrats and moderate Republicans."

Bobby Jindal for President:

"It is time for America to begin anew. To return to the principles of limited government, personal and fiscal responsibility...so I ask you to join with me in a fight to save America!"

Rick Perry endorses Bobby Jindal. "He has the chops to get America workin' again."

Ryan unveils The Blue Print for America, calls Obama and the Democrats "Disastrous"

"I've crafted a plan that I'm going to take around this country, educating the public and presenting my vision for America. It is one of unbounded prosperity, never before seen on this Earth."

Walker Endorses Ryan, calling him "The President America Deserves"

"I will not be running for President and will be endorsing Governor Jon Huntsman for President, on the basis of his campaign premise: Country First. That is the type of leadership America needs and frankly deserves."

Ayotte forges Reelection, Announces Campaign for President

"I bring a new and much needed perspective to the race and will to the White House if elected."

Enter Thune

Republican Nomination:

Jindal: 21%

Ryan: 20%

Ayotte: 15%

Thune: 12%

Huntsman: 11%

Paul: 7%

Santorum: 5%

Christie & Pawlenty still eye possible 2016 campaign

Clinton bows out, sighting family time and age. "It's time for new blood."

[NHI]

Tough Talk

"I'm going to win this nomination! Join with me America! Join with me! Fight! Fight for what we've done! Fight for tomorrow. The America of Tomorrow!"

"The first cycle of fundraising numbers are in and this race has changed dramatically. Andrew Cuomo as expected is leading in the fundraising campaign, taking in $21.2 million last month. Governor O'Malley took in an impressive $17.4 million."

"The Vice President is the surprise one. He really stumbled and took in only $15.0 million. Despite the power of the office he is lagging behind."

"The Party is moving past him."

"Elizabeth Warren surprised me in terms of fundraising. She raised only $9.7 million."

"But add that to her war chest from 2012, and it's around $30 million."

"I think the one to watch is Brian Schweitzer, especially in Iowa."

"Can we expect a late entrance by Tim Kaine, or Mark Warner?"

"I'd doubt it. The only candidate who may enter is Deval Patrick, who has signaled he may enter the race."

"Yes, President Obama has been a failure as a President, but we're not running against him. We're running against a crop of candidates who want to continue the policies of him. The Vice President and Elizabeth Warren proudly say they're Obama Followers. Well I don't want followers leading this country. I want a President who actually knows how and can lead."

Patrick Endorses Warren, calling her a "Champion for the middle class."

Clinton Backs Cuomo.

"He's the forward thinking type of person we need in the White House again. I'm proud to call him a friend. I'm proud to call him my Governor, and I'm proud to call him the next President of The United States."

Democratic Nomination:

Cuomo: 29%

Biden: 20%

Warren: 16%

O'Malley: 16%

Schweitzer: 11%

"Cuomo is running away with the nomination."

"Biden's history. He'll be lucky to make it to Iowa."

Iowa Straw Poll: Paul Wins Straw Poll. Jindal and Ryan Tie for 2nd.

Paul: 29.9%

Jindal: 28.6%

Ryan: 28.6%

Thune: 5.8%

Ayotte: 3.0%

Santorum: 2.2%

Huntsman: 0.9%

Other: 1%

"Once again The Straw Poll proves it's irrelevance."

"Results?"

"Ryan, and Jindal are the top tier candidates and will be the two battling out for the nomination."

CNN BREAKING NEWS: Santorum Leaves the Race

"We're going forward. America is in need of help and Iowa proved we're up to the task."

Iowa Poll: Republicans August 2015

Jindal: 24%

Ryan: 24%

Thune: 19%

Paul: 18%

Ayotte: 10%

Huntsman: 2%

Democrats:

Cuomo: 27%

O'Malley: 25%

Biden: 19%

Schweitzer: 15%

Warren: 9%

New Hampshire: Republicans

Huntsman: 21%

Ayotte: 21%

Ryan: 17%

Paul: 15%

Jindal: 15%

Thune: 7%

Democrats:

Cuomo: 39%

O'Malley: 24%

Biden: 15%

Warren: 12%

Schweitzer: 7%

"Very shocked with the New Hampshire poll with Ayotte. She is the incumbent senator and is tied with Jon Huntsman with one 21% of the vote."

"Whoever wins the Iowa caucuses in my view will be the Republican nominee. New Hampshire is going to be moot this year."

"I don't care about the pundits or the polls. New Hampshire decides election and America we're going to win this nomination and win this election!"

[NHI]

Iowa Results: 2016

Turnout Larger Than Expected on Both Sides, Cuomo favored on Dem., Jindal close with Paul.

Results: Democrats

Cuomo: 27.3%

O'Malley: 24.0%

Schweitzer: 23.9%

Biden: 17.1%

Warren: 5.7%

"We can now project that Elizabeth Warren will finish fifth, and Vice President Biden will finish in fourth."

"We should note that Joe Biden is not even in Iowa tonight, but campaigning in New Hampshire."

"Does the President's endorsement help him?"

"Difficult to say. I think if he had come out strong and early, then yes, but now it's desperation."

Results: Republicans

Jindal: 28.5%

Paul: 25.7%

Thune: 22.9%

Ryan: 14.8%

Ayotte: 5.6%

Huntsman: 1.0%

"A close race between Paul and Jindal."

"The Paul Legion of supporters are enthused tonight and will be demanding Paul's acceptance."

"Ryan is the one who shocks me tonight. He's far behind in fourth, with Thune coming on strong."

"For the record Sen. Ayotte and Gov. Huntsman will finish fourth and fifth respectively, and Paul Ryan will finish third."

CNN BREAKING NEWS: O'MALLEY PASSES CUOMO, RACE TOO CLOSE

Top Tier:

O'Malley: 26.7%

Cuomo: 26.0%

Schweitzer: 25.5%

Ryan Doubles Down, Presses onto NH

Top Tier:

Jindal: 26.7%

Thune: 26.1%

Paul: 23.3%

"Paul has slipped to third, with Thune moving up to second place."

"This going to be a long night."

"2012, all over again"

CNN BREAKING NEWS: O'MALLEY WINS IOWA CAUCUSES

O'Malley: 27.0%

Cuomo: 25.8%

Schweitzer: 25.7%

Biden: 15.3%

Warren: 4.2%

[NHI]

John Thune Wins Iowa Caucuses

Thune: 26.8%

Jindal: 26.5%

Paul: 23.3%

Ryan: 15.0%

Ayotte: 5.5%

Huntsman: 1.0%

"Status of the race going forward?" -- John King

"On the Republican side Thune has the momentum, but it's Ayotte's state. So we'll wait and see." -- Alex Castellanos

"Jindal didn't lose badly, so he can recover, but Paul Ryan needs a game changer, otherwise he's done." -- James Carville

"For the Democrats, O'Malley has the momentum from Iowa and Cuomo is starting to look like Hillary from 2008." -- John  Avalon

"Is Biden done?" -- John King

"He's focused on NH, so he needs a good showing in the state, otherwise he's done."-- James Carville

CNN TALKING HEADS:

"I need your help New Hampshire! I'm the underdog in this race. Have been my whole life, and this race is no exception. So I ask for you to stand with me."

New Hampshire Poll: Democrats

O'Malley: 29%

Cuomo: 23%

Biden: 21%

Schweitzer: 17%

Warren: 8%

"I'd like Mr. Thune to explain his vote for the 2008  Bank Bailout. Is a Conservative, or a rank and file Republican?"

"John Thune has tucked away hundreds of millions in earmarks. He's got some explaining to do. He's Mr. Politics First and Mr. Senator Second."

New Hampshire: Republicans

Ayotte: 27%

Huntsman: 23%

Thune: 16%

Paul: 14%

Ryan: 12%

Jindal: 6%

"Let's get America working and let's start the campaign right here in NH

"Paul Ryan is fighting for his political life in NH, and Bobby Jindal has written off the state to focus on South Carolina." -- John King

"The trouble is Ryan can easily be targeted if he's the nominee for his proposed plan. John Thune has a voting record that is difficult to explain." --- Alex Castellanos

"Thune is the John Kerry of 2016, if he's nominated. The only hope for him is that he's a fresh face and the American people generally don't let one party dominate the White House for more than eight years." -- James Carville

"If Biden wins the nomination, which I still say is doubtful it's going to be O'Malley. Cuomo got dealt a devastating blow in Iowa, even though it was a narrow loss, he was the one who proclaimed Iowa would be the deciding factor. He jumped the gun." -- John Avalon

"Is Huntsman's a factor?" -- John King

"He might win New Hampshire and if he does he'll spin it as giving him the momentum, but I don't see how he wins the nomination when he's at odds with the likes of Hannity and Limbaugh." -- John Avalon

"Then's there's Paul." -- John King

"Like his father Rand Paul is a fringe candidate and will be gone soon."

-- Donna Brazile

"He was arguably the most conservative governor, from the most conservative state, and yet he is given no respect. He's can unite the country."

"People keep spinning The Huntsman candidate and if he wins New Hampshire he's all setup for victory. Some of the party elites like this guy, but look we went with the mormon in 2012 and look how it turned out."

"New Hampshire has a knack for picking President and I'm asking you to send me to the White House!"

[NHI]

My only suggestion - state before each quote who's making a statement. It would make it easier to read.

Other than that, very realistic. I'm going to nitpick, though, as you know I'm not doing this out of hate, as I love your timelines. Why would Ayotte drop out after Iowa, considering she's focusing everything on New Hampshire? It just doesn't make sense to me.

You know originally I wanted to have her out fearing a defeat in NH, but I've amended the timeline. Ayotte remains.