This is Excellent news!!! For HILLARY!!!!!

Posted at July 24, 2008 5:54 PM in response to Poll: Obama Leads In Pennsylvania, Cracks 50%

the Florida motion passed unanimously actually, without Katz (FL) or the co-chairs voting.

Eric: the 2/3 vote mentioned during the proceedings was the putative threshold necessary to end debate. But the chairs moved without objection to end debate, so no vote was taken.

Posted at May 31, 2008 7:43 PM in response to In Blow To Hillary, DNC Agrees To Seat Florida And Michigan Delegations At Half-Votes

Dodd has said he's going to retire in 2010:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Dodd#cite_ref-14
although that can obviously change. But with two young daughters, he is probably winding down his Senate career. To me, that mitigates against a Majority Leader position, although I think he's the best choice. But it also bodes well for him in a VP slot. See my Doddmania VP post further down in this thread.

Posted at May 28, 2008 3:57 PM in response to Veepstakes Open Thread

absolutely correct, but I have assumed Gore has unconditionally ruled himself out of consideration. I believe he would consider it for the sake of serving his country, but I think he would make the rational case to Obama that he is not needed, that Obama can win handily with one of the other top choices. It would really be great to hear who Gore himself would recommend.

Posted at May 28, 2008 2:58 PM in response to Veepstakes Open Thread

dammit. sorry about that. pls delete if you like, and I can repost.

Posted at May 28, 2008 2:38 PM in response to Veepstakes Open Thread

I believe it's imperative that first and foremost, Obama choose a President. Not a VP candidate--a President. A known, vetted figure who will instantly be recognized as being ready to ascend to the highest office in an instant.

To me, that means the short list is limited to:
Edwards
Webb
Dodd
Clark
Biden
Richardson
Clinton

My order of preference:
1. Edwards
2. Webb

For lots of the various reasons we have all read about in the last few weeks. Although I'm cooling a bit on Webb, after having read the arguments of Kathy G and Ezra.

If Edwards or Webb are ruled out or rule themselves out, then my number 3 choice-which is actually my fave--is:

3. Christopher Dodd.

Upsides: Uber-competent, Irish Catholic, trustworthy, laser-sharp fast-talker, virtually gaffe-free. Great chemistry. Top-shelf attack dog. Fluent in Spanish. Champion of the Constitution. Brings necessary metabolism and urgency; his generally sharp, sometimes fiery mien complements Obama's cool reserve perfectly, but with none of Webb's awkwardness. But sense of humor leavens all that easily, and he and Obama really seem to get along well. Like Clinton, recites policy in his sleep. Like Biden or Clinton, eminently ready on Day One. Will likely solidify MA and NH support. Has two young daughters similar in age to Malia and Sasha.

Downsides: Senator; loss of CT Senate seat; no potential for continued leadership post-Obama.

I see Dodd as an anti-Cheney: he can go in with the explicit portfolio of restoring the Constitution, and destroying the structural framework of the unitary executive. Given his institutional knowledge and respect, he can completely realign the lines of power and communication among each branch of government, and with a great AG help rebuild the necessary walls between politics, policy, and prosecution. In essence, he and Obama will reassemble what John Dean rightfully calls our "Broken Government."

I think he also could be a one-term VP: help the Party win a historic election, fix the government, head into retirement (and continued joyful fatherhood) on the highest note possible. Give the President a chance to choose a new potential leader for the next generation.

re his Senate seat: he is fairly firm that he is resigning in 2010 anyway. So if he's the choice, I say he resigns his seat upon accepting his place on the ticket. This would allow Gov. Rell to appoint a temporary replacement, but just for a few months--the special election would be on the next CT General Election day: Nov. 4. I think Ned Lamont would have no trouble ramping up a new Senate run within 30 days of Dodd's resignation, and his numbers against any CT Republican other than Rell would be very strong. The risk is that Rell resigns and has Fedele, her Lt. Gov., appoint her to the seat. A Lamont-Rell race would be tough, but perhaps with Obama/Dodd coattails, it would be easier this year than in 2010.

Posted at May 28, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Veepstakes Open Thread

yes, but it could be returned, and then at least the deadender Clintonites could re-donate it to pay down the debt.

Posted at May 7, 2008 10:26 AM in response to Breaking: Hillary Spokesperson Confirms She Lent Her Campaign Millions In The Past Month

I think they lie in press releases, and she and Bill lie on the stump. but in person I think her top aides are very canny and usually avoid language and statements that are outright lies.

I may be wrong about the money, but I bet we'll see the 6.4 mil loan with a date of 4/21. That too could turn out to be a lie, but it would be traceable through the FEC and the specific bank the transfer came from.

Posted at May 7, 2008 10:18 AM in response to Breaking: Hillary Spokesperson Confirms She Lent Her Campaign Millions In The Past Month

oh and you know when that 6.4mill probably happened? April 21, minutes after the reporting deadline.

Posted at May 7, 2008 9:52 AM in response to Breaking: Hillary Spokesperson Confirms She Lent Her Campaign Millions In The Past Month

I really don't believe that could be true. Because it would require nearly all her top people to have lied point blank to everyone they spoke to, by email and in person. In particular, I don't think Peter Daou would have done that. I think they got $10 from supporters in 24 hours, but that most of it came from high rollers who normally just wrote actual checks, but this time the campaign insisted they must donate via the web form. I bet the 6.4 loan even came before PA voted. A bridge to the big victory they knew was coming.

And I think all of it--16.4, and everything raised after the 10 mil--is gone now.

Posted at May 7, 2008 9:50 AM in response to Breaking: Hillary Spokesperson Confirms She Lent Her Campaign Millions In The Past Month