Let's Go

[NHI]

BREAKING NEWS: BERNIE SANDERS ANNOUNCE BID FOR DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION

Bernie Sanders, from Burlington, VT announces Bid for the Democratic Nomination. June 2011.

"The American people are sick and tired of the establishment politics driving our political system today and they are crying out for real change! You cannot fix a broken democracy, when big corporation are funneling money buying elections and hurting the entire process. To fix a broken system, we need a political revolution that comes directly from you, the people. This is a campaign not about Bernie Sanders, it is not about the political establishment, it is not about the Republicans, it is not about President Obama, it's about about you and will be for you."

Democratic Primary Poll: June 2011

President Barack Obama: 69%

Senator Bernie Sanders: 9%
Other/Undecided: 22%

Jeff Weaver: Are you ready for this?

Bernie Sanders: Yep.

Jeff Weaver: We're taking on an incumbent President--

Bernie Sanders: Incumbent yes, that is correct Jeff, but we've discussed this from the start. This is good for the country and for the Democratic party. The people are hungry. Obama let them down.

Jeff Weaver: Alright.

Bernie Sanders: Let's go.

[NHI]

Sanders: Obama "Not a true Progressive"

The Independent Senator from Vermont, who calls himself a Democratic-Socialist sat down with Politico to discuss his insurgent campaign for the Democratic nomination against the incumbent President, Barack Obama. Sanders, who caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate says his campaign is not a personal one against the president, but is based on the issues.

"I think extending the Bush Tax-Cuts was a grave mistake, a huge one," Sanders said. "The middle class has been forgotten about by this Administration and Congress and I think that needs to change."

Sanders is staking his campaign on a platform of income inequality and progressive causes, many he feels President Obama has dropped the ball on. "President Obama is a decent guy. I know he was handled a lot, but he is not a progressive. What he campaign on and how he's governed are two very different things and that's why I'm running."

Sanders insists he is not running as a protest candidate, but with the full intention of winning the Democratic nomination. Current polls put Sanders far behind President Obama. Running on very little funds, Sanders is relying on grassroots efforts and while he is receiving no support from any in the Democratic Party, he is focusing his campaign efforts on the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary.

However, voter discontent, a Republican controlled Congress and a struggling economy has not helped President Obama. The President currently sits on a 37 percent approval rating. Current polls in Iowa and New Hampshire put the President with a commanding lead, though Sanders has seen his numbers grow in both states.

Sanders has called for debates against the President, but those calls have gone unanswered by the Obama Campaign.

Public Policy Polling: July 2011

Barack Obama: 65%

Bernie Sanders: 11%
Undecided/Other: 24%

Des Moines Register: Poll

Barack Obama: 64%

Bernie Sanders: 13%
Undecided: 25%

WMUR Poll:

Barack Obama: 62%
Bernie Sanders: 14%
Undecided: 24%

The Republican Primary:

Rudy Giuliani hopes round II goes better than four years ago.

Many conservatives are betting it all on Texas Governor Rick Perry

Former UT Governor and China Ambassador under Obama, Jon Huntsman throws his hat into the ring.

Former NM Governor Gary Johnson hopes to pickup the libertarian vote from Ron Paul's absence in the race.

Tim Pawlenty, former MN Governor announces he's running to fix America.

The Wildcards

Alaska Governor, 2008 VP candidate and conservative starlet Sarah Palin flirts with her own bid for President.

Donald Trump continues to hint at a potential 2012 bid, jabbing the President and the current GOP field.

Fox News Poll: July 2011

Rudy Giuliani: 16%
Rick Perry: 14%
Tim Pawlenty: 8%
Jon Huntsman: 3%
Gary Johnson: 1%
Undecided/Other: 57%

Rasmussen Poll: July 2011 (Trial Heats)

Barack Obama: 44%

Rudy Giuliani: 44%

Barack Obama: 45% (+1)

Rick Perry: 44%

Barack Obama: 46% (+5)

Tim Pawlenty: 41%

Barack Obama: 48% (+11)

Gary Johnson: 37%

Barack Obama: 47% (+6)

Sarah Palin: 41%

Donald Trump: 44% (+1)

Barack Obama: 43%

[An American Tail: Fubart Goes West]

I doubt Sanders will go anywhere, but this will be fun to watch, especially on the Republican side.

[NHI]

Trump is Running for President

"Our country is being ripped off. We are being run by incompetent people. Our country is falling apart. We don't win anymore. We are the laughing stock of the world. That must change. We have immigrants pouring across broken border. China is ripping us off left and right. We make deals that are lopsided. I know how to make deals, The Art of the Deal, the number one book spells out the importance on how to make deals. I know, okay, I know. I've build a great company. I've built businesses all over the world. I've worked with world leaders. I've dealt with these politicians and I can tell you there have no moxy. They have no drive. They don't know how to win. I know how to win. I can get the job done, I'll get the job done. I'll put our country back on top.
It's time to Make America Great Again!"

Fox New Poll: August 2011

Rudy Giuliani: 15%
Rick Perry: 14%
Donald Trump: 12%
Tim Pawlenty: 7%
Jon Huntsman: 3%
Gary Johnson: 1%
Undecided: 48%

Palin Continues to flirt with a White House Run

"I'm watching the race closely and if I think there's an opening, if I think there is room for my voice, I think I can win then yes I'll run."

Hypothetical Fox New Poll: With Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin: 23%
Rudy Giuliani: 15%
Donald Trump: 11%
Rick Perry: 10%
Tim Pawlenty: 6%
Jon Huntsman: 2%
Gary Johnson: 1%
Undecided: 32%

[Mike Thick]

Very nice, NHI! Your timelines are always very well put together and interesting.

[NHI]

Very nice, NHI! Your timelines are always very well put together and interesting.

Thank you!

[NHI]

Sarahcuda: She's In!

"...America is at a crossroads. We cannot go back. We can go only forward. Today, in Washington we have three parties: The Democrats, the RINOS and the good guys. Guess who we are? We're the gun-clinging, bible hugging God-fearing, America loving patriots who are ready to roll up our sleeves and take back our great country! I have a message for Barack Obama and the Washington Establishment, enough is enough. We want our country back and we're not quitting until we take it back.  So let's get going!"

Palin on Newsweek: I'm Ready and I can Win!

Palin has rocketed to the head of the GOP pack, taking aim at Republicans and Pres. Obama.

Fox News Poll: September 2011 (Palin +13)

Sarah Palin: 27%

Rudy Giuliani: 14%
Donald Trump: 14%
Rick Perry: 9%
Tim Pawlenty: 5%
Jon Huntsman: 3%
Gary Johnson: 1%
Undecided: 30%

Giuliani: To Defeat Obama We Must Have an Electable Republican

Running second most polls Rudy Giuliani is seen by many to be taking shots at conservative front runner Sarah Palin over her electability. "I can beat Obama."

Trump Brings Illegal Immigration to the Forefront

Trump: "Mexico is not sending the best and brightest. They're sending rapist, drug dealers, thugs, criminals. These are the people Barack Obama wants to give legal status to. Unbelievable."

Huntsman Tries to Stand Out

"We're not going to win by denying science, by taking extreme positions after another. We win by making big contrasts, but by also presenting a bright and optimistic future on how to dig our country out of the mess we're in. Heaping blame and stirring up resentment will not help our cause."

The Shrinking Rick Perry

Rick Perry hoped to enter the Republican race for President as the Conservative choice. Without a clear frontrunner for the nomination and with 2008 runner up, Mitt Romney taking a pass, Perry thought he could unite both the conservative and moderate wings of the party, but in a field dominated by Sarah Palin and now Donald Trump, the Texas Governor struggles to remain relevant in a race, many believed was his to lose.

CNN/ORC Poll: Iowa Caucuses Sept. 2011 (Palin +8)

Sarah Palin: 26%
Donald Trump: 18%
Rick Perry: 10%
Tim Pawlenty: 7%
Rudy Giuliani: 4%
Gary Johnson: 2%
Jon Huntsman: 1%
Undecided: 38%

WMUR Poll: New Hampshire Primary Sept. 2011 (Giuliani/Trump: Tied)

Rudy Giuliani: 17%
Donald Trump: 17%
Sarah Palin: 14%
Rick Perry: 7%
Gary Johnson: 4%
Tim Pawlenty: 3%
Jon Huntsman: 2%
Undecided: 36%

Sanders Continues to Make his Case

Speaking to a crowd over 1,000 people in Concord, NH Bernie Sanders continues to make the case why he should be the Democratic nominee. The Independent, self-described socialist calls for a political revolution in America, replacing "top down economics with middle class economics". He continues to challenge the President to a debate, but his campaign has yet to respond to Sanders' requests. National and state polls put Sanders behind Obama. The latest Public Policy Poll has Obama up 64 percent to Sanders' 16 percent. However, the growing crowd sizes for Sanders in both New Hampshire and Iowa has caused some concern for the Obama Campaign, who are starting to realize Sanders may be more than an irritation, but a problem the campaign may need to address sooner rather than later.

PPP: Iowa Democratic Caucuses

Barack Obama: 61%
Bernie Sanders: 18%
Undecided: 21%

WMUR Poll: New Hampshire Democratic Primary

Barack Obama: 60%
Bernie Sanders: 20%
Undecided: 20%

[YPestis25]

This is great!

[Pragmatic Conservative]

Very nice timeline, Are their any major Endorsements made in either primary?

[NHI]

The Face of the GOP

Sarah Palin. Donald Trump. One of them could be President. The 2008 Vice Presidential candidate and the Business mogul are riding to the top of the polls in the race for the GOP nomination. Palin, the Alaska Governor is garnering support largely from self-described Tea Party members and social conservatives, while Trump appears to be doing well with moderate Republicans, as well as disaffected Republicans, or Reagan Democrats.

No one is quite sure how the dynamic of Palin and Trump will turn out as the race unfolds, but so far their presence has diminished the other candidates. Rudy Giuliani, who ran in 2008 has dropped to single digits. While he hoped to claim the so-called establishment mantle, the title is being split between the former NYC Mayor and Jon Huntsman, the former Governor of Utah and China Ambassador. On the conservative side, Texas Governor Rick Perry's campaign has all-but collapsed in the wake of Palin and Trump.

Self described Libertarian, Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is staying out of the fray, instead putting all his efforts in New Hampshire, where he has seen his poll numbers rise, passing Huntsman, another candidate staking his bid on the first in the nation primary.

Giuliani has been on the forefront of attacking Palin and Trump, dismissing them as unelectable candidates in a general election against President Obama. Huntsman has tried to make the same argument, though has done so on the sidelines. Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty who struggled to maintain relevance in the race, dropped out in early September after a poor showing in the Iowa Straw poll, which Palin won with an astonishing 38 percent.

A single vote has yet to be cast, but Trump and Palin are sucking up all the oxygen in the race. Trump has set the tone on the immigration debate, while Palin has been critical in taking on the Republican establishment, i.e the GOP controlled Congress for caving to Obama on taxes, spending and healthcare.

Palin continues to lead national polls and the early states of Iowa and South Carolina, but perhaps the most surprising finding is Donald Trump's continued surge, toppling Rudy Giuliani for second place in national polls and jumping to a commanding lead in New Hampshire. Trump has cut Palin's lead in the latest Fox News Poll from 13 points down to five points. Polls in Florida have him tied with the Alaska Governor 25 percent to 25 percent.

In general election match ups against Obama, Palin loses to the President by four points, while Trump defeats Obama by 2 points. Giuliani continues to make the argument he is the most electable candidate, but that argument has been cut short by the latest Fox News Poll which finds the President and the Former Mayor in a tie.

Fox News Poll: Oct. 2011 (Palin +5)

Sarah Palin: 27% (-)
Donald Trump: 22% (+8)
Rudy Giuliani: 8% (-7)
Rick Perry: 5% (-4)
Gary Johnson: 3% (+2)
Jon Huntsman: 2% (+1)
Undecided: 33%

CNN/ORC Poll: Iowa Caucuses Palin +6

Sarah Palin: 29% (+3)
Donald Trump: 23% (+5)
Rick Perry: 7% (-3)
Rudy Giuliani: 4% (-0)
Gary Johnson: 4% (+2)
Jon Huntsman: 1% (-)
Undecided: 32%

WMUR Poll Poll: New Hampshire Primary

Donald Trump: 28% (+11)
Sarah Palin: 19% (+5)
Rudy Giuliani: 10% (-7)
Rick Perry: 6% (-1)
Gary Johnson: 7% (+3)
Jon Huntsman: 3% (+1)
Undecided: 27%

General Election Fox News Poll:

Donald Trump: 45% (+2)

Barack Obama: 43%

Barack Obama: 46% (+4)

Sarah Palin: 42%

Barack Obama: 46% (+3)

Rick Perry: 43%

Barack Obama: 47% (+7)

Jon Huntsman: 40%

Rudy Giuliani: 45%

Barack Obama: 45%

Barack Obama: 49% (+8)

Gary Johnson: 41%

[NHI]

Feel The Bern

Bernie Sanders continues to see an uptick in support against President Barack Obama. The latest poll has President Obama leading with 61 percent of support, with Sanders holding 24 percent. The Vermont Senator has increasingly hammered the President, not personally, but his economic policy, the disappearing middle class and his willingness to capitulate to the Republican Congress. "Our campaign is a political revolution, beholden not to Wall Street or lobbyist, but to the people of this country. I answer to you and will only answer to you. I'm campaign, not as a protester, but as an agent of change, who is ready with your help to put our country on a fundamentally path than where we've been these past few years."

Political pundits doubt the longevity of Sanders' campaign, but the Vermont Senator is posing a strong fight against the incumbent President, having already raised over $18 million dollars in campaign contributions, from small donors. Sanders is also building up his campaign infrastructure in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

FOX NEWS POLL: IOWA

BARACK OBAMA: 61%
BERNIE SANDERS: 21%

CNN/WMUR POLL: NEW HAMPSHIRE

BARACK OBAMA: 59%
BERNIE SANDERS: 26%

Obama Hits the Campaign in New Hampshire

Pres. Obama rallies supports in Manchester, NH where Sanders is gaining ground. "New Hampshire don't let me down."

Palin Losing Ground in Iowa

Sarah Palin leads the Republican field with 26 percent, but Donald Trump is closing in on the Alaska Governor in Iowa. Palin has been under criticism in recent weeks over her experience and, past drama still lingering from the McCain campaign. Trump has been stressing the need to tackle illegal immigration and addressing the perceived weakness of the GOP candidates. "Politicians are all talk and no action."

In New Hampshire, Trump is dominating, leading the pack with 33 percent of the vote.

CNN/ORC Poll: Iowa Caucuses

Sarah Palin: 27%

Donald Trump: 26%
Rick Perry: 7%
Gary Johnson: 5%
Rudy Giuliani: 4%
Jon Huntsman: 1%
Undecided: 30%

CNN/WMUR POLL: NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY

Donald Trump: 33%
Sarah Palin: 20%
Rudy Giuliani: 9%
Rick Perry: 5%
Gary Johnson: 5%
Jon Huntsman: 4%
Undecided: 24%

[NHI]

IOWA CAUCUSES

Donald Trump leads the GOP field heading into Iowa. After running an unconventional campaign, trumpeting a pledge to "Make America Great Again", the Caucus will illustrate whether Trump Mania is Real or a flash in the pan.

What Happened to Sarah Palin?

Sarah Palin entered the presidential primary with a commanding lead in the polls, strong conservative support and with a weak establishment bench looked to have a lock on the Republican nomination. However, the entrance and emergence as Donald Trump as a strong contender for the GOP nod has turned the conventional wisdom of the 2012 race on its head. There is frustration on the Democratic side, which has fueled the rise of Bernie Sanders, that same frustration exists on the Republican side and is fueling Donald Trump's rise to the top of packs. In a race many expected to come down between Rudy Giuliani and Palin is now a battle between Palin and Trump. Conservative starlet versus conservative outsider.

Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Poll: Trump +1

Donald Trump: 33%
Sarah Palin: 32%
Rick Perry: 10%
Gary Johnson: 7%
Rudy Giuliani: 5%
Jon Huntsman: 2%
Undecided: 11%

The Democrat and the Socialist

Bernie Sanders' extreme left policies and positions have forced President Obama to move closer to his base, something which has taken the campaign by surprise. "It's really a debate about who's more socialist." -- Unnamed Obama 2012 campaign adviser.

Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Poll: Obama +18

Barack Obama: 57%
Bernie Sanders: 39%
Undecided: 4%

Skipping Iowa, Huntsman looks to Make up Ground in New Hampshire

"The grass is much greener here in the Granite State! I like our chances in this state." Huntsman is now tied for fifth place in New Hampshire, with Former NM Governor Gary Johnson.

IOWA: REPUBLICANS

PROJECTION: PERRY DROPS OUT; TO FINISH FOURTH

Texas Governor Rick Perry finished in fourth place with a disappointing 6 percent, ending his bid for the White House. "We fought and we lost."

GARY JOHNSON TO FINISH THIRD BEHIND FRONTRUNNERS PALIN & TRUMP

IOWA: CLOSE RACE BETWEEN PALIN AND TRUMP FOR 1st PLACE

Trump: 32.3%  ----    Palin: 31.3%

PROJECTION: Donald Trump Wins Iowa Caucus

The Billionaire Businessman defies political odds and defeats Sarah Palin to win the first contests of the 2012 cycle.

Iowa Caucus: Republicans (Final Results) Trump +1.1

Donald Trump: 36.9%
Sarah Palin: 35.8%
Gary Johnson: 11.5%
Rick Perry: 9.4%
Rudy Giuliani: 3.2%
Jon Huntsman: 1.7%
Other: 1.5%

PROJECTION: OBAMA WINS IOWA, BUT BERNIE FINISHES STRONGER

The President defeated Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in the first of the 2012 nominating contests, but Sanders's strong showing in the Caucus is any indication the race for the Democratic nomination is far from over. All polls heading into Iowa showed Obama ahead of Sanders by hefty margins, but when the votes were finally tallied Obama under performed

IOWA CAUCUS: Democrats (Final Result) Obama +12.1

Barack Obama: 56.0%
Bernie Sanders: 43.9%
Uncommitted: 0.1%

Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!

"You can't call this a little protest campaign anymore!" -- Bernie Sanders after his better-than-expected showing in Iowa.

WMUR POLL: New Hampshire Primary (Democrats) Post Iowa (Obama +9)

Barack Obama: 50%
Bernie Sanders: 41%
Undecided: 9%

[Maxwell]

Impressive Gary Johnson performance. But I have to say, LET'S MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

[NHI]

TRUMP SURGING IN NH

After winning in Iowa, Donald Trump appears to be the man to beat. The billionaire businessman and personality is riding high on top of a new poll in New Hampshire which finds the GOP front runner leading the field with 29 percent of vote. His closest competitor is second place finisher in Iowa, Sarah Palin with 15 percent. The next closest rival is Gary Johnson with 14 percent

GARY JOHNSON SHOWING SIGNS OF STRENGTH IN NH

In a state priding itself on the motto, "Live Free or Die" Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson may be appeal to the libertarian streak in the NH vote and perform better than expected in the primary. He finished third in Iowa, defying all expectations. "Our message is popular, because it is about freedom and freedom is popular."

OBAMA AND NH FEELING THE BERN

Bernie Sanders and his campaign are pulling out all the stops in New Hampshire, knowing full well the campaign's future lies on their success in New Hampshire. Sanders performed better than expected in Iowa, but he knows full well he needs a win to remain viable. "There is a lot riding on New Hampshire. We've spent a lot of time here so we'll see what happens." Sanders has been drawing huge crowds at different events around the state, giving the Obama campaign concern. The President lost the state to Hillary Clinton four years earlier, so the team is well vested in the struggles of the New Hampshire primary. In the state Obama's approval rating sits at 44 percent. 

The latest New Hampshire poll shows the President's lead shrinking with only 49 percent backing Obmaa and Sanders garnering 43 percent. 

Biden Stumps for Obama in NH

In his usual charm and wit, the Vice President, while campaigning on behalf of the President in NH blasted Bernie Sanders. "Hey I know Bernie, I like Bernie, but his ideas aren't practical."

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY: 2012

BREAKING NEWS: TRUMP AND JOHNSON IN TIGHT RACE IN NH

TRUMP: 29%    JOHNSON: 24%    PALIN: 16%

BREAKING NEWS: CLOSE RACE BETWEEN OBAMA & SANDERS; TOO CLOSE TO CALL

OBAMA: 49.1%    SANDERS: 46.0%

[YPestis25]

This is a fantastic tl!

[NHI]

Bernie Declares Victory in NH: "This Campaign has just begun!"

In one of the most stunning political setbacks -- of all time, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described socialist and now candidate for the Democratic nomination -- defeated President Barack Obama in the New Hampshire primary, defying expectations and changing the face of the Democratic primary race going forward. The results were finalized a little after midnight, eastern standard time. Throughout the evening the numbers showed a closer than expected race between Sanders and Obama. Sanders' credits his victory to a larger-than-expected turnout, something hindered in Iowa by a blizzard. Sanders also credits his message, which he says, "transcends party and political identity. Our message and campaign is about people, not corporations."

New Hampshire Primary: Results (Democrats) Sanders +1.13

Bernie Sanders: 48.79%

Barack Obama: 47.66%
Other: 3.55%

IN NH: The Donald Remains "Number One Again"

True to his blustery form, which has defined his Presidential bid, Donald Trump proclaimed "the greatest victory of the campaign," after his win in New Hampshire. The GOP front runner faced stiffer competition, not from his chief rival Sarah Palin, but former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson who finished a stronger-than-expected second place -- ahead of Palin. Nevertheless, the Donald declared himself the big winner of the night, dismissing his rivals as "white noise" and focusing his entire victory speech on President Obama and -- Bernie Sanders. On Sanders, Trump equated a lot of similarities with his own campaign. "We're both angry and we're both going after the establishment, because the people are fed up!"

Trump's win in New Hampshire defies political convention. New Hampshire is notorious for stopping Iowa winners with any momentum, though as he has throughout the entire primary, Donald Trump is anything but conventional.

Bidding farewell after New Hampshire was Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who finished, behind Jon Huntsman, who underperformed in a state he put so much effort into winning. "Giuliani congratulated Trump on his victory and surprised his audience by saying, "it is clear who the people prefer and therefore he should be our candidate." The Trump campaign is taking Giuliani's words an veiled endorsement for the front runner. Though, perhaps the other bigger headline of the night was Gary Johnson who finished second. He credited his win to his libertarian message and "people who are turned off by an autocrat." Johnson says his campaign will go to South Carolina, where he expects to do well.

New Hampshire Primary: (Republicans) Trump +3.76

Donald Trump: 31.01%

Gary Johnson: 27.25%

Sarah Palin: 19.69%
Jon Huntsman: 10.01%
Rudy Giuliani: 7.21%
Other: 3.83%

Nevada Caucus Poll: Democrats (Contest: Jan. 21, 2012) Obama +3

Barack Obama: 49%
Bernie Sanders: 46%

South Carolina Poll: Republicans (Contest: Jan. 21, 2012) Trump +13

Donald Trump: 35%
Sarah Palin: 28%
Gary Johnson: 15%
Jon Huntsman: 6%
Undecided: 16%

[NHI]

Palin Hopes to Rise Again in South Carolina

Sarah Palin, lagging behind in the polls takes to South Carolina where she hopes to make a come back. She attacked the GOP front runner, Donald Trump's conservatism, calling him "a pretender". In a single debate three days before the primary, Palin criticized Trump for what she called "New York Values" and that he was outside "the conservative base". Trump lambasted Palin on her "New York Values" comment, receiving a thunderous response from the audience. "The people of New York are tough," Trump said, "the people of New York are fighters and what Sarah Palin just said was a slap in the face to the wonderful, brave and compassionate people of New York. Shame on you, Sarah, seriously."

BREAKING NEWS: SANDERS 'trumps' OBAMA in NEVADA CAUCUS

Bernie Sanders, riding on a wave of support from New Hampshire, came into the Nevada Caucuses and routed President Obama is a second straight defeat, setting the President's campaign back on its heels again. Sanders won the Caucuses with 51 percent of the vote, compared to Obama's 48 percent. 1 percent was uncommitted. Obama hardly contested the caucuses, (and never attended an event) but his campaign believed his victory was assured given their organizational strength.

Trump: "Three for Three, We're Going to Win The Nomination!"

Donald Trump has defied political convention throughout the entire process and has succeed in doing something no other non-incumbent has ever accomplished: winning  the three first contests; Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Sarah Palin hoped to make a come back in South Carolina, playing to the Evangelical support in the state, but it was not to be for the Alaska Governor. Most polls showed Palin closing the gap with Trump, leading up to the primary, but late deciders broke heavily for Trump, many crediting his strong debate performance where he rebuffed Palin's attack on New York values. Trump won the primary in a blowout, seemingly ending any hope for a comeback by Palin
Trump's momentum is growing and seems to be unstoppable. Donald Trump now looks to Florida, where he has been leading, with the hope of finishing off the rest of his primary rivals.

South Carolina Primary: Republicans (Results) Trump +13.1

Donald Trump: 42.1%

Sarah Palin: 29.0%
Gary Johnson: 17.2%
Jon Huntsman: 10.6%
Other: 1.1%

Huntsman Betting his bid onFlorida

The only remaining 'establishment' candidate in the Republican Primary, Jon Huntsman, who wrote off South Carolina after coming up short in New Hampshire is now staking his bid on Florida, where establishment Republicans are hoping Huntsman can run close to Donald Trump, though many in the GOP elites are slowly accepted the reality of a Donald Trump nomination. "It's better than Palin," a GOP strategist said off the record. Polls show Trump leading in Florida with 39 percent. Huntsman is polling in last place with 9 percent.

Obama In Trouble? President looks for reset in South Carolina

"We've got to get our act together."

South Carolina Primary Poll (Democrats)

Barack Obama: 56%
Bernie Sanders: 40%
Undecided: 8%

Florida Primary Poll: (Democrats)

Barack Obama: 52%
Bernie Sanders: 42%
Undecided: 6%

OBAMA WINS SOUTH CAROLINA, BUT THE RESULTS ARE CLOSER THAN EXPECTED

Barack Obama scored his first win since Iowa, winning the South Carolina primary with 53 percent of the vote. Aided by a strong African-American turnout Obama won the primary, but Sanders finished strong coming in with almost 47 percent of the vote.

[NHI]

Improbable? Yes. Impossible? No. Donald Trump has defied political expectations since he launched his bid for the Presidency. The billionaire businessman best know for his hair and ego has dominated the political landscape and upended the conventional wisdom. Trump shocked the political establishment, not by only running, but by winning. He swept the early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Sarah Palin, the Alaskan Governor the once-suspected conservative star in the race, faded quickly following the rise of Trump. She bowed out before Florida, throwing her support to Trump.
Trump went into Florida, facing a tough fight from Jon Huntsman, the remaining moderate and credible challenge to Trump, but the former Utah Governor could not stop the Donald. Trump scored 55 percent of the vote in Florida, while Huntsman finished second with 35 percent. The rest was history. Huntsman limped on for a few more contests, but was out before Super Tuesday, leaving only Gary Johnson who proved a pathetic challenger to Trump.
So goes Florida and so goes the nomination. Donald Trump, the once thought improbable candidate is now the presumptive nominee for the Republican Nominee  for President of the United States.

Democrats are Feeling the Bern

Barack Obama won the Florida primary with 51 percent of the vote and Bernie Sanders won the Minnesota Caucuses with 57 percent of the vote. Something is wrong. Democrats are souring on Barack Obama, or so it would seem as the President continues to lose ground to his challenger. Sanders is running a populist campaign, taking aim at Wall Street, corporations and money in politics. At the center of Sanders' campaign is a battle for the heart and soul of the Democrat Party. The true contest took place on Super Tuesday, with Sanders showing a stronger performance than expected or anticipated.

Obama Struggles On

National Polls show Obama leading 46 percent to Sanders' 40 percent.

Democratic Contests: Super Tuesday - March 31st

Oklahoma:

Bernie Sanders: 51.1%
Barack Obama: 48.3%

Massachusetts:

Barack Obama: 52.6%
Bernie Sanders: 46.9%

Colorado:

Bernie Sanders: 49.9%
Barack Obama: 49.1%

Ohio:

Barack Obama: 53.5%
Bernie Sanders: 46.1%

Tennessee:

Barack Obama: 59.9%
Bernie Sanders: 38.8%

Georgia:

Barack Obama: 63.0%
Bernie Sanders: 35.6%

Virginia:

Barack Obama: 59.1%

Bernie Sanders: 39.9%

Vermont:

Bernie Sanders: 73.4%

Barack Obama: 26.6%

March 13 Contests:

Alabama:

Barack Obama: 65.9%
Bernie Sanders: 32.8%

Mississippi:

Barack Obama: 66.9%
Bernie Sanders: 32.9%

Utah:

Bernie Sanders: 50.1%
Barack Obama: 49.9%

March 20th: Contest

Illinois:

Barack Obama: 72.9%
Bernie Sanders: 25.8%

March 24th: Contest

Louisiana:

Barack Obama: 60.9%
Bernie Sanders: 39.1%

March 31st: Contest

Arizona:

Barack Obama: 57.9%
Bernie Sanders: 42.1%

Bloomberg: If Sanders Wins the Democratic Nod I'm Running

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is strongly considering a bid for President, putting up a fight against "The extremes".

CNN/ORC POLL: GENERAL ELECTION

Donald Trump: 46% (+3)

Barack Obama: 43%

Donald Trump: 48% (+4)

Bernie Sanders: 44%

Donald Trump: 32% (+4)

Michael Bloomberg: 28%

Bernie Sanders: 26%

Huntsman on Bloomberg: "Go For It Even Without Sanders"

Angered by the presumptive nomination of Trump, Huntsman is all for a Bloomberg run.

Gary Johnson Goes Third Party

Gary Johnson, runner up in the GOP primary, is going third party, running on the Libertarian ticket.

[This account no longer in use.]

I'd pay to see Sanders vs. Bloomberg vs. Trump, just to see what would happen to this nation.

[NHI]

Democratic Primary Map: Results (Thus Far)

Total Delegates Required: 2778

Barack Obama: 1160 (Needs 1,618)

Bernie Sanders: 999 (Needs 1,779)

The Battle of the Democrat and the Socialist

Coming off a trio of wins (Wisconsin, Maryland and Washington, DC) Bernie Sanders heads into Pennsylvania where polls show him running ahead with President Barack Obama.  50 percent for Sanders and 46 percent for Obama.

Obama Plays up The Socialist Card

Pres. Obama and his campaign are attacking Senator Sanders for his socialist views, calling him "unelectable in a general election." Campaigning in Pennsylvania President Obama went after Sanders saying, "The Republicans have been calling me a socialist for years, and I'm not one. Imagine what they'll do to a real one!"

BREAKING NEWS: SANDERS WIN PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY

Bernie Sanders: "This campaign is going all the way!"

Pennsylvania Primary: Results

Bernie Sanders: 52.9%

Barack Obama: 46.8%

NBC/WSJ Poll: Democratic Primary (Sanders +2)

Bernie Sanders: 48%
Barack Obama: 46%

CNN/ORC Poll: Democratic Primary (Sanders +1)

Bernie Sanders: 48%
Barack Obama: 47%

PPP: Democratic Primary (Sanders +3)

Bernie Sanders: 48%
Barack Obama: 45%

ABC/Wash Post Poll: Democratic Primary (Obama +2)

Barack Obama: 48%
Bernie Sanders: 46%

New York Primary Poll: Obama +3

Barack Obama: 48%
Bernie Sanders: 45%

CNN EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP ON DEM RACE

Blitzer: Who would be the toughest opponent for you?

Trump: I'm not really sure. Both I think would be easy to beat. I mean probably Bernie, because he's a total and complete whack job. All his ideas are crazy and I think I'd have an easy time against him. The President, just for the sake he is the President, you know because of the office and all that, but then again, he's getting beaten pretty badly by Bernie so even if he does make it through the primary, which who knows if he does or not, I think I could do well against him. Actually, I'll tell you, whoever they nominate, I'll beat them and beat them handily. Look at the polls I'm leading both of them, and it's by a lot.

Blitzer: What about Michael Bloomberg? He said if you're the nominee and Sanders is the Democratic nominee he'll run third party.

Trump: Well, I know Mike, I thought we were friends, I guess we're not if he's going to run against me. Regardless, I think I'll beat him no problem, because he's been a so-so Mayor. He has money, not as much as me, but he's weak on the important issues like trade and China and immigration. Frankly, I hope he runs and I'll beat him too.

Blitzer: Donald, you're running ahead in the polls, they are likely to tighten once the Democratic ends with a nominee, how will you win over the undecided and rally the Republican party?

Trump: I'll do it, by doing what I'm doing now. Talking tough. Talking about strength. I will win the undecideds, no problem. Look at the crowds we're drawing record numbers by the thousands...

CNN/ORC POLL: General Election (Trump polling over 50 percent)

Donald Trump: 50% (+8)
Barack Obama: 42%

Donald Trump: 48% (+6)

Bernie Sanders: 42%

[tmthforu94]

Spot-on impression of Trump! Can't imagine how either Democrat can win after such a divided primary.

[Kingpoleon]

Johnson/Huntsman!

[NHI]

Bernie Sanders: "We're Sick and Tired of Establishment Politics!"

Coming into Texas with the wind at his back after narrowly winning the New York primary (52.1 percent to 47.4 percent) over President Obama, Bernie Sanders is the man with the "Big Mo". He is drawing tremendous crowds, his out raising the President and racking up the delegates. As President Obama's approval rating hits an all time low of 35 percent, many Democrats are wondering if the President is wise to stay in the race for the nomination, given the beating he has taken from Sanders after his upset win in New Hampshire.

"The campaign made the serious mistake of underestimating Bernie Sanders from the start," Chris Matthews of MSNBC said following the New York victory for Sanders. "They saw him as a protest candidate. The Democratic wing of the Democratic party expressing their frustrations. No one from Axelrod to the intern never imagined this self-described socialist could go this far -- and beat them and guess what he did and he is."

Most analyst believe unless Sanders drops out (which he insists will not happen) the race for the nomination will be headed for a brokered convention as there are not enough delegates remaining for either candidate to successfully win the nomination.

"If we go to the convention, so be it," Sanders said. "I am not bowing to the party establishment. I have supporters and a movement behind me that will not silenced. Period."

PPP: DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY POLL (Sanders +7)

Bernie Sanders: 50%
Barack Obama: 43%

Democratic Primary Map: Results (Thus Far)

Total Delegates Required: 2778

Barack Obama: 1,410 (Needs 1,368)

Bernie Sanders: 1,349 (Needs 1,429)

The Battle of the Democrat and the Socialist Rages On

Obama trails Sanders in Texas, 51 to 42 percent. New national polls show Obama losing ground to Trump. The billionaire businessman leads the President 49 percent to 42 percent. Sanders runs closer to Trump, but still loses 48 to 43 percent.

Bloomberg 2012; "I'm in"

Michael Bloomberg announced he's running for President, citing the "collapse of the Democratic party and the pending nomination of Trump means the American people deserve an alternative!" Bloomberg expressed no concerns about running a campaign and was confident he would be on the ballot in all fifty states.

NBC/WSJ Poll: General Election April 2012

Trump vs. Obama vs. Bloomberg : (Trump +9)

Trump: 32%

Obama: 23%

Bloomberg: 15%

Trump vs. Sanders vs. Bloomberg : (Trump +6)

Trump: 31%

Bloomberg: 25%

Sanders: 22%

Trump vs. Obama vs. Bloomberg vs. Johnson : (Trump +6)

Trump: 30%

Obama: 24%

Bloomberg: 15%

Johnson: 0.5%

Trump vs. Sanders vs. Bloomberg : (Trump +6)

Trump: 31%

Bloomberg: 25%

Sanders: 22%

Johnson: 0.5%

Huntsman: I'm voting Bloomberg

Former Republican Presidential candidate Jon Huntsman threw his support behind Michael Bloomberg's candidacy, becoming the first prominent backing of the NYC Mayor's independent campaign. "He has the resources, the talent and the drive to win the presidency and save us from the extremist in both parties." Huntsman has blasted the nomination of Trump and the potential nomination of Sanders, saying both parties have gone too far and the moderate is being forgotten.

[NHI]

The Swansong

Barack Obama -- the 44th President of the United States, the first African American President goes down in defeat for renomination in the Democratic Primary. The critical and final California primary was a crushing defeat for the President who lost 59 to 40 percent to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Perhaps what brought him down further was a leaked audio recording of the President disparaging both Bernie Sanders and his supporters. Coupled with a crumbling economy, the leaked comments seemed to mark the end of Barack Obama's political career...

Democrats are Feeling The Bern

Fueled by populism. Emboldened by a weakened President. Bernie Sanders. An Independent. A self-described socialist. The frontrunner for the Democratic nominee. He's taking America by storm. He's disrupted the Democratic Party. Like Donald Trump he is leading a revolution to change American politics -- for good.

Trump: I'll Beat Whoever The Hell They Nominate

Donald Trump is looking ahead to the General Election, taking aim at the Democratic Party. In an interview with CNN, the presumptive Republican nominee talked about his possible opponents, "I think the Democratic party is at total mess. I mean they have totally destroyed themselves. I'll beat whoever the hell nominate, whether it's the President or the socialist. I mean really, really easy candidates to beat."

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

Honestly, I feel like blacks would leave the Democratic Party enmasse if the first black President was defeated for denomination for no discernible reason by angry old Jewish guy from Vermont.