Archive
Barack Obama
The Pre-Spin from West Virginia
The Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama campaigns argue the meaning of tonight's likely Clinton win. --Eli Saslow
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 06:08 PM ET | Comments (51)
MoveOn Targets McCain Aides
The liberal online advocacy group MoveOn.Org Political Action has sent out a new e-mail that seizes on the weekend purging by Sen. John McCain of two advisers who had registered as lobbyists for the repressive regime of Burma. --Matthew Mosk
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 05:51 PM ET | Comments (10)
Clinton, Obama Get Cordial Senate Welcomes
There was no tension or spectacle in the chamber as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama both returned to the Senate for an energy bill vote. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 04:16 PM ET | Comments (27)
Rockefeller Reflects on W.Va. Voters, Obama's Chances
Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV cautioned not to read too much into Sen. Barack Obama's expected loss in West Virginia today. To make the point, he recounted his own political career. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM ET | Comments (40)
Obama Targets Michigan
Barack Obama pivots to general election mode with a trip to Michigan on Tuesday. --Peter Slevin
Posted on May 12, 2008 at 01:42 PM ET | Comments (72)
Obama's Independent-Minded Oregon Supporters
Obama finds support among white-collar independents in Oregon. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on May 11, 2008 at 11:21 AM ET | Comments (85)
Obama Passes Clinton in Superdelegate Count
By Alec MacGillis BEND, Ore. -- Barack Obama was "east of the mountains" in central...
Posted on May 10, 2008 at 08:14 PM ET | Comments (102)
Obama Extends an Olive Branch Toward Clinton
Barack Obama says he's open to discussions with Hillary Clinton about doing whatever is necessary to unify the party. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on May 9, 2008 at 06:20 PM ET | Comments (236)
Talking Taboo with Obama at 30,000 Feet
Does playing a word game with Sen. Barack Obama on his campaign plane signal a new era in his press relations? --Alec MacGillis
Posted on May 9, 2008 at 10:05 AM ET | Comments (19)
Union, 3 Superdelegates Endorse Obama
Obama picks up endorsement from AFGE and the superdelegate support of its president and two Democratic lawmakers. But John Edwards stays neutral.
Posted on May 9, 2008 at 09:42 AM ET | Comments (169)
Obama Picks Up Bonior Endorsement
Labor-friendly former Michigan congressman comes out for Illinois senator. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on May 8, 2008 at 02:38 PM ET | Comments (101)
Clinton Argues She Has the Broader Coalition
In West Virginia, Hillary Clinton argues that her ability to attract "hardworking Americans" gives her greater general election viability than Barack Obama. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on May 8, 2008 at 01:47 PM ET | Comments (107)
Obama Hits the House Floor
Sen. Barack Obama was mobbed on the House floor this morning as he hunted for superdelegates to lock up the Democratic nomination. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on May 8, 2008 at 01:03 PM ET | Comments (247)
Obama Manager: 'We Can See the Finish Line'
Sen. Barack Obama is expecting a net gain of 13 delegates from Tuesday's primaries, campaign manager David Plouffe announced. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on May 7, 2008 at 02:35 PM ET | Comments (29)
Gary, Ind., Calls It A Night (Almost)
Local law enforcement defends slow ballot counting in Gary, Ind. --Peter Slevin
Posted on May 7, 2008 at 02:47 AM ET | Comments (82)
Obama Campaign Points Finger at Rush
Before either North Carolina or Indiana were called, Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton blasted out a transcript from Rush Limbaugh bragging about his self-declared Operation Chaos, an on-going effort to encourage Republicans to vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton. --Jonathan Weisman
Posted on May 6, 2008 at 09:24 PM ET | Comments (137)
Win Met with Silence at Obama N.C. HQ
Obama N.C. HQ is deserted when earlier-than-anticipated call comes in that he's won the state. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on May 6, 2008 at 07:58 PM ET | Comments (30)
Voter ID Law Consequences Mild in Ind.
Beyond the case of a dozen nuns turned away by a fellow sister at a convent for lack of photo ID, Indiana's strict voter-ID law was not reported to have caused many problems today. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on May 6, 2008 at 06:59 PM ET | Comments (35)
A Familiar Demographic Story in N.C.
A day following a local reporter in a small N.C. town reveals votes that break down along predictable demographic lines. --Krissah Williams
Posted on May 6, 2008 at 06:50 PM ET | Comments (5)
An Obama Tilt at Granger, Ind., Poll
Pre-election polls showed Sen. Hillary Clinton edging Obama in Indiana, but such voters were not much in evidence at the Harris Township fire station here, where an economically diverse array of white Democrats and Republicans favored Obama over his New York rival. --Peter Slevin
Posted on May 6, 2008 at 05:53 PM ET | Comments (43)
Obama's Lean and Hungry Voter Outreach
INDIANAPOLIS -- Sen. Barack Obama is still short of the 2,025 delegates he needs to win the Democratic nomination, but his daily calorie intake is getting there. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on May 6, 2008 at 01:35 PM ET | Comments (52)
A Test for the Clinton Campaign
For Clinton, time to shine may be now or never. --Dan Balz
Posted on May 6, 2008 at 12:03 PM ET | Comments (378)
Obama Holds Primary Eve Rally in Indianapolis
As Indiana residents prepared to head to the polls for Tuesday's primary vote, Barack Obama held a 'Get Out the Vote' rally at the American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis.
Posted on May 6, 2008 at 08:49 AM ET | Comments (15)
Obama Nets Maryland Superdelegates
Sen. Barack Obama picked up two new superdelegates from Maryland, including the chairman of the state Democratic Party, on the eve of key presidential primaries in North Carolina and Indiana. --John Wagner
Posted on May 5, 2008 at 07:15 PM ET | Comments (28)
For Clinton, It's the Economy, Stupid, from N.C. to Indiana
HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Campaigning in two cities in North Carolina before heading to the Hoosier State for three events, Hillary Clinton continued her intense focus on the economy. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on May 5, 2008 at 07:07 PM ET | Comments (46)
GOP Takes Anti-Obama Message to Mississippi in New Ad
Republicans are looking to a special election in Mississippi as a test case for the down-ballot power of an anti-Obama message. --Paul Kane
Posted on May 5, 2008 at 05:52 PM ET | Comments (11)
Clinton, Obama Stress Unity in Indianapolis
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton addressed Indiana Democrats at the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on Sunday night in Indianapolis.
Posted on May 5, 2008 at 07:10 AM ET | Comments (57)
Sunday in the Park With Barack
Almost 40 years to the day after Robert F. Kennedy came to Elkhart, Obama goes door-to-door.
Posted on May 4, 2008 at 05:50 PM ET | Comments (95)
On the Barack Bus to Indiana from Chicago's West Side
INDIANAPOLIS -- Race was very much on the minds of the mostly African American group that piled onto a West Side bus in Chicago Saturday morning to campaign for Sen. Barack Obama in Indianapolis three days before the state's Democratic presidential primary. So, too, was history. --Kari Lydersen
Posted on May 4, 2008 at 01:08 PM ET | Comments (32)
Obama Courts the Working Class
Obama denounces Clinton's gas tax holiday while trying to woo working class voters.
Posted on May 3, 2008 at 02:54 PM ET | Comments (70)
Battling the "Elitist Pointy-Headed Intellectual" Tag
By Peter Slevin MUNSTER, Ind. - By emphasizing his personal story this week, Sen. Barack...
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 11:18 PM ET | Comments (72)
Contested Video Spreads Like Wildfire Online
A provocative video clip alleging to show a longtime friend of Hillary Clinton using a racial slur to describe the citizens of Indiana was sent to political reporters this morning by an independent public relations consultant who favors Barack Obama. Both the filmmaker and the subject of the film excerpt are calling the clip a fraud. --Jonathan Weisman
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 01:22 PM ET | Comments (117)
Under Fire, Obama Returns to Basics
INDIANAPOLIS -- Entering the final weekend before polls open in Indiana and North Carolina on Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama explained his recent back-to-basics approach as he works to recover from what he called "a couple of rough weeks." --Peter Slevin
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 11:40 AM ET | Comments (250)
Obama's Hoosier Hoop Dreams: The Lessons of P-I-G
UNION MILLS, Ind. - Farm talk gave way to hoop dreams on a driveway in rural Indiana as Sen. Barack Obama dueled a 14-year-old in a game of P-I-G last night. --Peter Slevin
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 10:52 AM ET | Comments (26)
Clyburn Blasts Wright for 'Knee-Capping' Obama
For a Democratic superdelegate who is officially still unaligned, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (S.C.) is sounding more and more like a Barack Obama fan. --Jonathan Weisman
Posted on May 1, 2008 at 05:17 PM ET | Comments (471)
A Tipping Point for Obama -- or Just a Dip?
After Obama's rough patch, the Clinton campaign says the tide is turning her way. But is it? --Dan Balz
Posted on May 1, 2008 at 02:53 PM ET | Comments (595)
Joe Andrew Jumps from Clinton to Obama
Former Democratic Party leader Joe Andrew announced he is switching sides in the primary battle, from longtime ally Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to Sen. Barack Obama. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on May 1, 2008 at 11:52 AM ET | Comments (236)
The Two Obamas
One Obama is somber in talking about recent controversies. The other is still fired up, ready to go. --Peter Slevin
Posted on April 30, 2008 at 02:26 PM ET | Comments (79)
The Candidates on Iran
The Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based nonpartisan research organization, today released the candidates' responses on whether they would demand that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment program. --Glenn Kessler
Posted on April 29, 2008 at 07:41 PM ET | Comments (34)
Independent Groups Ramp Up Ads
Independent groups continued to pour money into the presidential contest this week, with two new negative ads emerging today focused on a topic compelling to voters this year: health care. --Matthew Mosk
Posted on April 29, 2008 at 06:52 PM ET | Comments (7)
Candidates Court Trade Skeptics
Both Democratic presidential candidates have been quietly trolling for superdelegate support among trade skeptics. --Jonathan Weisman
Posted on April 29, 2008 at 05:50 PM ET | Comments (13)
Obama Strikes Back, Denouncing Wright
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Sen. Barack Obama today strongly criticized the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his former pastor, saying that Wright's comments about the United States in recent days have been "appalling" and "outrageous." --Peter Slevin
Posted on April 29, 2008 at 04:25 PM ET | Comments (1409)
Obama on Rev. Wright: "He Does Not Speak for Me"
WILSON, N.C. -- Sen. Barack Obama wants everyone to know that he is not the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and that the talkative Wright does not speak for him. --Peter Slevin
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 08:19 PM ET | Comments (493)
Clinton Joins McCain in Criticizing Obama on Gas Tax
GRAHAM, N.C. -- In the latest example of Sen. Barack Obama facing two opponents, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton today joined Arizona Sen. John McCain in criticizing Obama for not supporting a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax. --Perry Bacon Jr. and Peter Slevin
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 07:36 PM ET | Comments (41)
N.C. Gov. Easley to Endorse Clinton
North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley will endorse Hillary Clinton at a rally tomorrow in Raleigh, according to Clinton campaign sources. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 06:01 PM ET | Comments (45)
Indiana, a Different Kind of Midwestern State
Quirks in the state's political landscape make Indiana a toss-up. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 05:00 PM ET | Comments (31)
With Bingaman Endorsement, Obama Takes Senate Support Lead
Sen. Barack Obama officially pulled ahead today in the scramble for endorsements from colleagues in the U.S. Senate, thanks to Sen. Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. --Jonathan Weisman
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 04:01 PM ET | Comments (458)
A Tale of Two Wrights
Two Jeremiah Wrights showed up at the National Press Club this morning: the nationally recognized preacher and the bombastic firebrand. The first version of Wright delivered a reflective speech on African American church culture. The second did his most famous congregant no favors. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 01:06 PM ET | Comments (24)
Mississippi Republican Runs Ad Against Obama
Another Republican congressional candidate thinks he can get electoral mileage out of linking his Democratic opponent to the presidential candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and the controversies around his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. --Paul Kane
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 12:43 PM ET | Comments (91)
Rev. Wright: 'Different Does Not Mean Deficient'
Sen. Barack Obama's former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, concluded a weekend back in the media spotlight Sunday evening with a nationally televised address to the NAACP's Detroit branch that was at turns defiant and inviting. --Shailagh Murray and Scott Butterworth
Posted on April 27, 2008 at 11:16 PM ET | Comments (280)
Obama Stumps in Indiana
ANDERSON, Ind. -- When Barack Obama headed to Indiana and North Carolina after his loss in Pennsylvania, the question loomed: would he continue to ramp up the tough tone against Hillary Clinton that he flashed in the final days before the April 22 vote? Judging from several days on the trail in Indiana, the answer so far appears to be no. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 26, 2008 at 04:48 PM ET | Comments (137)
Clinton Tries a Different Debate Debate
Clinton challenges Obama to a Lincoln-Douglas-style debate with no moderators. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 26, 2008 at 04:14 PM ET | Comments (701)
Obama's Hoops Victory in Indiana
Obama plays basketball in Indiana. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM ET | Comments (68)
Clyburn Warns Democratic Party: African Americans Matter
South Carolina Democratic Rep. James Clyburn warned today that if the heated Clinton-Obama contest continues on its present course it could have dire consequences on African American support for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, should she win the Democratic nomination, and on African American faith in the Democratic Party, even if she does not. --Jonathan Weisman
Posted on April 25, 2008 at 06:50 PM ET | Comments (639)
Obama's Five Suit Strategy
INDIANAPOLIS -- Every armchair political strategist and his sister have been telling Barack Obama that he needs to find a way to connect more with middle Americans who, even if they are open to voting for the first viable black presidential candidate, may be left cool by Obama's oratorical flair and urbane look. Today, Obama offered on of his most expansive riff in that direction, even as he noted dryly that it seemed ironic for him to have to prove his "street cred." --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 25, 2008 at 04:26 PM ET | Comments (58)
Obama Plans May General Election Organizing Launch
Pivoting to general election mode, Sen. Barack Obama's campaign announced a 50-state voter registration drive that will kick off four days after the May 6 primaries in North Carolina and Indiana. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 25, 2008 at 03:17 PM ET | Comments (373)
Obama Takes Questions on Sean Bell, Clyburn and Wright
Sen. Barack Obama weighed in today on the acquittals of New York City police detectives charged in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black Queens man, Sean Bell, as well as recent remarks by Rep. James Clyburn and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 25, 2008 at 02:42 PM ET | Comments (133)
Rev. Wright, in PBS Interview, Defends Sermons and Calls Coverage 'Unfair'
Sen. Barack Obama's former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, told PBS host Bill Moyers that inflammatory statements from his sermons were taken out of context, but he said he didn't begrudge the Democratic candidate for denouncing them. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 24, 2008 at 07:26 PM ET | Comments (936)
Obama and the Critical Indiana Primary
Is Indiana a must-win state for Barack Obama? --Dan Balz
Posted on April 24, 2008 at 04:25 PM ET | Comments (352)
Fox & Friends
After repeatedly trying to book Barack Obama, "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace last month started running an "Obama Watch" clock on his show. Last Sunday the clock read 765 days, 13 hours and 54 minutes -- the time elapsed since Obama, at a Gridiron dinner, promised Wallace an interview. The clock will stop with the Illinois senator's appearance this Sunday. --Howard Kurtz
Posted on April 24, 2008 at 03:42 PM ET | Comments (78)
Why Endorse? Bayh Asks Hoosier Reps
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., tours Allison Transmission, Inc., in Indianapolis on...
Posted on April 23, 2008 at 07:28 PM ET | Comments (369)
And Now, Indiana
NEW ALBANY, Ind. - It's all about Indiana. Even Barack Obama says as much. "Now it's up to you, Indiana," Obama told a crowd in Evansville. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 23, 2008 at 07:15 PM ET | Comments (60)
Down-Ticket GOP Candidates Find a Foil in Obama
Republican party committees and candidates have launched a series of ads this week linking Democratic candidates for lower offices to controversies surrounding Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, signaling that a racially tinged campaign may lie ahead should the senator from Illinois secure the Democratic nomination. --Paul Kane
Posted on April 23, 2008 at 07:07 PM ET | Comments (84)
No Novelty to Obama's Weakness with Blue-Collar Pa. Dems
Will Barack Obama be able to win back the blue-collar Democrats that Hillary Clinton has won by wide margins in key Rust Belt states? --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 23, 2008 at 04:19 PM ET | Comments (135)
Obama Aides Deny They Will Use White House Controversies Against Clinton
Barack Obama's campaign pushed back hard against suggestions from a Democratic strategist, made in today's Washington Post, that the Illinois senator's campaign may dredge up controversies from the Clinton White House years in the run-up to the May 6 Indiana and North Carolina primaries. --Jonathan Weisman
Posted on April 23, 2008 at 12:30 PM ET | Comments (194)
Obama Supporters Boo Clinton Win
In Evansville, Ind., Obama's supporters boo when he mentions Clinton's name. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 11:18 PM ET | Comments (379)
The Spin from Obamaland
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Sen. Barack Obama was en route from Philadelphia to Evansville, Ind., when the race was called, but the candidate and his advisers were all smiles when they boarded the plane, relieved that the dreaded blow out had not occurred. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 09:53 PM ET | Comments (53)
Suburban Party-Switchers at the Polls
Debbie McCarter, right, Ward 1 democratic leader, sips on her coffee as folks walk by...
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 02:48 PM ET | Comments (29)
Is McCain a Different Kind of Republican?
McCain is a different kind of Republican. But he will carry the burden of a damaged GOP brand all the way through to November. --Dan Balz
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 02:05 PM ET | Comments (121)
Bill Clinton: Obama Campaign 'Played the Race Card on Me'
Bill Clinton accuses the Obama campaign of "playing the race card." --Anne E. Kornblut
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 01:34 PM ET | Comments (64)
Obama Predicts a Race Through June
PITTSBURGH -- Girding for defeat in the Keystone State today, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) predicted the primary campaign would last through June and suggested that no knockout blow of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) would be forthcoming. --Paul Kane
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 01:05 PM ET | Comments (52)
At Polling Station, Voters Torn Between Two Candidates
A 20-minute drive outside of Philadelphia in vote rich Montgomery County, the town of Glenside (population 8,000) is a window into the critical battleground of Philadelphia's suburbs today. --Krissah Williams
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 11:33 AM ET | Comments (13)
The Pa. Expectations Game
It is zero hour in Pennsylvania, and another opportunity to test the mettle of pollsters taking last minute reads of Democratic primary voters. --Jon Cohen
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 10:54 AM ET | Comments (22)
Obama Rallies Voters on Eve of Pa. Primary
Sen. Barack Obama crossed Pennsylvania Monday in a final attempt to reach voters before the state's primary election Tuesday.
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 08:40 AM ET | Comments (6)
North Carolina Democratic Debate a No Go
Hillary Clinton had accepted a CBS offer to debate in North Carolina this Sunday, after "60 Minutes," but Barack Obama has turned down the offer and the session was officially called off today. --Howard Kurtz
Posted on April 21, 2008 at 05:09 PM ET | Comments (75)
Clinton Challenges Obama's Readiness
Osama bin Laden has made his first appearance in a Democratic primary ad, released today by the Hillary Clinton campaign. --Howard Kurtz
Posted on April 21, 2008 at 01:55 PM ET | Comments (101)
Beyond Pa., a Weakened Clinton
On the eve of the Pennsylvania primary, Hillary Clinton is a more weakened candidate than she was on the eve of the Ohio and Texas primaries. --Dan Balz
Posted on April 21, 2008 at 12:40 PM ET | Comments (670)
Obama Comments an Issue in Pa. House Race
PHILADELPHIA -- In a sign of the fall campaign they hope to run against Democrats, a Republican candidate today unveiled a web advertisement linking an undeclared House freshman to Sen. Barack Obama's comment that many small town Americans "cling" to gun rights and religion. --Paul Kane
Posted on April 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM ET | Comments (79)
Obama Makes 'Closing Argument' in Clinton Country
SCRANTON, Pa. -- Sen. Barack Obama campaigned through the heart of Clinton country Sunday, courting the working-class voters of Reading and Scranton in an effort to close the gap with his Democratic opponent in the Pennsylvania primary on Tuesday. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 20, 2008 at 09:29 PM ET | Comments (77)
Clinton Says McCain No Better Than Bush
Keeping up her end of their long-distance dialogue, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized Sen. Barack Obama on Sunday for praising Sen. John McCain on the campaign trail.--By Anne E. Kornblut
Posted on April 20, 2008 at 06:17 PM ET | Comments (106)
Clinton Chides Obama for Going 'So Negative'
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton hit Sen. Barack Obama for being "so negative" on the campaign trail on Sunday -- and accused him of acting like a Republican in his criticism of her universal health care proposal. --Anne E. Kornblut
Posted on April 20, 2008 at 03:09 PM ET | Comments (283)
McCain Blasts Obama Over William Ayers
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) questioned Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) affiliation with a sixties radical today, foreshadowing the kind of cultural divide that will likely dominate any contest between the two parties during the general election. --Juliet Eilperin
Posted on April 20, 2008 at 02:46 PM ET | Comments (129)
Clinton Critical of Attacks on Her Health Care Plan
Hillary Clinton is critical of Barack Obama's attacks on her health care policies and her character. The Post's Perry Bacon reports.
Posted on April 20, 2008 at 11:08 AM ET | Comments (22)
From Scripted to Spontaneous on the Obama Train
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Barack Obama wrapped up his whistle-stop train tour with a final rally here tonight, ending a day of striking visuals and stark rhetoric in advance of Tuesday's primary. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 19, 2008 at 09:30 PM ET | Comments (61)
Obama's GOP Shadow
PAOLI, Pa. -- Sen. Barack Obama's whistle-stop train tour is being covered live -- by the Republican National Committee and Sen. John McCain's campaign. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 19, 2008 at 04:25 PM ET | Comments (187)
Obama Express Heading for Harrisburg
WYNNEWOOD, Pa. -- Sen. Barack Obama sounded the horn and called out across the platform, "Everybody get on board now." And the "On Track for Change" express rolled out of Philadelphia's 30th St. station for a whistlestop tour across southeastern Pennsylvania. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 19, 2008 at 01:59 PM ET | Comments (30)
Clinton Blames MoveOn for Caucus Losses
Hillary Clinton blamed her defeats by Barack Obama in caucuses around the country in part on MoveOn.org, the liberal activist group that was founded in 1998 to tell Congress to "move on" from its push to impeach Clinton's husband. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 19, 2008 at 11:23 AM ET | Comments (168)
Crowd Breaks Obama Record in Philly
By Shailagh Murray PHILADELPHIA -- Sen. Barack Obama drew 35,000 people at a downtown rally tonight in Independence Park, local security officials told the campaign, making the crowd at this evening's event his largest ever.
Posted on April 18, 2008 at 10:52 PM ET | Comments (180)
Obama: "We Like Beer"
Obama visits the Erie Bolt Co. and the Erie Beer Co. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 18, 2008 at 05:59 PM ET | Comments (30)
Obama Picks Up Support from Nunn and Boren
Former Sens. Sam Nunn (Ga.) and David Boren (Okla.) also will serve as national security advisers to Obama, lending their expertise as well as their considerable establishment credentials. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 18, 2008 at 02:07 PM ET | Comments (30)
Obama Debate Complaints Greeted by Clinton Mockery
RADNOR TOWNSHIP, Pa.-- A day after Barack Obama complained about the questions he was asked at a Democratic presidential primary debate this week, Hillary Clinton mocked him. By Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 18, 2008 at 12:50 PM ET | Comments (274)
Pin Question Sticks It to Obama
Nash McCabe, the woman who asked Sen. Barack Obama why he does not wear a flag pin at Wednesday's ABC debate, had doubts about the candidate previously revealed in the New York Times. --Howard Kurtz
Posted on April 18, 2008 at 12:31 PM ET | Comments (50)
Bill Ayers Has a Blog -- and Regrets
Former Weather Underground member Bill Ayers takes to his blog in self-defense. --Garance Franke-Ruta
Posted on April 17, 2008 at 08:18 PM ET | Comments (82)
The Candidates as Media Critics
In recent years, Republicans have made an industry of bashing the media for what they describe as its liberal bias. But in 2008, the picture has flipped: John McCain has invited reporters to his Arizona home and proposed a media shield law, while Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have frequently acted as sharp critics of the press. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 17, 2008 at 07:05 PM ET | Comments (10)
Obama, Post-Debate, Decries "Gotcha Games"
Barack Obama mocks and criticizes the tenor of the Philadelphia debate. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 17, 2008 at 04:30 PM ET | Comments (188)
SEIU Joins the Pa. Fray
SEIU releases a new pro-Obama spot in Pa.
Posted on April 17, 2008 at 11:52 AM ET | Comments (3)
Recapping the Philadelphia Debate
Chris Cillizza and Anne Kornblut recap the Clinton-Obama debate at the National Constitutional Center in Philadelphia, Pa.
Posted on April 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM ET | Comments (26)
Teamsters for Obama: Truckin' but not Registerin'
Could Barack Obama and the Teamsters have done a better job in goading Pennsylvanian supporters to register as Democrats by the March 24 deadline? --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 16, 2008 at 05:07 PM ET | Comments (31)
Bruce Springsteen Backs Obama
This time around Bruce Springsteen hopes he can deliver the Democratic presidential nominee to the "Promised Land." --Paul Kane
Posted on April 16, 2008 at 11:54 AM ET | Comments (146)
British Prime Minister to Meet with McCain, Clinton, and Obama
The British prime minister is visiting Washington this week, and for the first time in seven years his most important meeting may not occur in the Oval Office: Gordon Brown is planning to meet Thursday with each of the three U.S. presidential candidates, an effort to obtain a first-hand judgment of how U.S. policies -- and the relationship between Britain and the United States -- may change come January. --Michael Abramowitz and Kevin Sullivan
Posted on April 15, 2008 at 06:40 PM ET | Comments (23)
Clinton Avoids 'Bitter' Talk at Newspaper Conference
"Bitter" got a breather when Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed a newspaper conference this afternoon. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 15, 2008 at 04:36 PM ET | Comments (73)
On Cable, Obama Deluges Pa. with Ads
As the Democratic candidates for president close in on Pennsylvania primary day, Sen. Barack Obama continues to vastly outspend Sen. Hillary Clinton on television advertising in the state, an imbalance that is allowing him to pursue voters on such specialty channels as ESPN and MTV, where Clinton has no presence. --Matthew Mosk
Posted on April 15, 2008 at 12:39 PM ET | Comments (162)
When It Comes to Controversy, Obama Tries to Power Through
Obama tries to turn bitter remarks into broader argument. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 15, 2008 at 09:28 AM ET | Comments (105)
Sally Quinn on the Compassion Forum
On Faith's Sally Quinn gives her analysis of Hillary Rodham Clinton's and Barack Obama's performances at Sunday night's Compassion Forum at Messiah College.
Posted on April 15, 2008 at 09:18 AM ET | Comments (7)
Clinton Releases Tough New Anti-Obama Ad in Pa.
Hillary Clinton launches a new ad in Pennsylvania, in which voters accuse her rival Barack Obama of having insulted them. --Anne E. Kornblut
Posted on April 14, 2008 at 07:33 PM ET | Comments (405)
Bloomberg Uses Candidates to Argue for Tighter Gun Laws
A coalition of big-city mayors is using the words of the three presidential candidates as backing for their mission to enforce stricter gun control. The group, called Mayors Against Illegal Guns, has released a television ad that shows Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain each calling for legislation to close the loophole that allows guns to be sold at gun shows without the same checks as in a store. --Michael D. Shear
Posted on April 14, 2008 at 07:06 PM ET | Comments (18)
Obama Counters 'Elitism' Charge With Tale of Hard Times
Bristling from charges that he is an out-of-touch elitist, Sen. Barack Obama offered an unusually detailed biographical sketch today in a speech to newspaper editors and executives. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 14, 2008 at 06:51 PM ET | Comments (28)
Clinton Met With Cries of 'No!' in Latest Bitter Speech
PITTSBURGH -- Criticizing Barack Obama for the fourth straight day over comments he made about Americans who live in small towns, Hillary Clinton finally encountered some resistance in person. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 14, 2008 at 01:03 PM ET | Comments (210)
Faith Forum an Occasion for Obama-Clinton Sparring
PITTSBURGH -- For Democrats who have been pushing the party's candidates to talk about faith and values since the 2004 election, in order to better compete with the GOP, the forum last night at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., was a success: the two leading Democrats repeatedly invoked the Almighty only days before a crucial primary, while Republican Sen. John McCain declined to attend the event. Whether this will make any difference in November is a different question. --Perry Bacon, Jr.
Posted on April 14, 2008 at 12:33 PM ET | Comments (35)
McCain Calls Obama's Comments 'Elitist'
Sen. John McCain said Sen. Barack Obama's comments about "bitter" Americans suffering economic distress were "elitist" and he called them a "contradiction from what I believe America is all about." --Michael D. Shear
Posted on April 14, 2008 at 11:28 AM ET | Comments (430)
"They'll Promise You Anything," Says Obama of Rivals
At a manufacturing forum in Pittsburgh, Barack Obama takes a shot at Hillary Clinton's positions on trade and called her honesty into question. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 14, 2008 at 11:21 AM ET | Comments (38)
Sen. Casey Defends Obama in New Ad
Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) cuts and ad for Barack Obama. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 14, 2008 at 10:50 AM ET | Comments (54)
Clinton Hammers Obama Over 'Bitter' Comments During Scranton Walking Tour
SCRANTON, Pa. -- For the third straight day, Sen. Hillary Clinton hammered Sen. Barack Obama over his comments about the frustrations of Americans who live in small towns, this time saying he reinforced negative stereotypes people have about Democrats. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 13, 2008 at 03:34 PM ET | Comments (186)
Obama Concedes He Misspoke
As his political opponents heap on scorn, Sen. Barack Obama acknowledged that he chose his words poorly when describing small-town Pennsylvanians at a fundraiser on Sunday. But he didn't back off the message he had sought to convey. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 12, 2008 at 12:08 PM ET | Comments (596)
In Hoosier State, Clinton Ramps Up 'Bitter' Talk
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- For the second straight day, Sen. Hillary Clinton blasted Sen. Barack Obama for comments he made that voters in small towns in Pennsylvania and other states were "bitter" because of the loss of job in their states. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 12, 2008 at 11:56 AM ET | Comments (62)
Obama Expands on 'Bitter' Pennsylvanians Comment
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Sen. Barack Obama didn't back down from "Bittergate." At a town hall meeting here tonight, he repeated the offending word three times. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 11, 2008 at 09:37 PM ET | Comments (727)
Obama Calls Small-Town Pennsylvanians 'Bitter'
Sen. Hillary Clinton criticized Sen. Barack Obama for a comment the Illinois senator made at a fundraiser in San Francisco earlier this week in which he referred to voters in Pennsylvania as "bitter." --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 11, 2008 at 08:37 PM ET | Comments (138)
McCain Challenges Obama on Public Financing
Sen. John McCain prods Sen. Barack Obama to live up to a past commitment to accept public funds for the general election. --Dan Balz
Posted on April 11, 2008 at 03:37 PM ET | Comments (47)
Will Halt in Troop Withdrawals Give Dems Flexibility?
What if Bush's decision to suspend troop withdrawals from Iraq is actually doing a favor for a future Democratic president? What if, intentionally or not, he is giving a President Obama or a President Clinton more running room come January 20? --Peter Baker
Posted on April 11, 2008 at 12:35 PM ET | Comments (77)
Obama on Powell, Public Financing and Mark Penn
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Sen. Barack Obama addressed a number of newsy issues at a press conference this morning. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 11, 2008 at 09:52 AM ET | Comments (37)
Keeping a Sense of Perspective on College Life
LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Sen. Barack Obama has a vision, and it extends well beyond health care and Iraq. It includes parenting (turn off the TV and video games). And eating habits (no cold Popeye's for breakfast). And now, dorm life. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 10, 2008 at 10:01 PM ET | Comments (18)
Clinton: America Needs Leader Who Won't 'Bend' or 'Break'
Is Hillary Clinton saying Barack Obama isn't tough enough to be president? --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 10, 2008 at 06:31 PM ET | Comments (124)
Obama Rallies Gary with Talk of Tough Times
GARY, Ind. -- Sen. Barack Obama brought his newly minted economic populist message to one of the country's most troubled cities -- and a key front in his nomination battle with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 10, 2008 at 01:59 PM ET | Comments (98)
Boycott Gets a Maybe from Obama
LEVITTOWN, Pa. -- Sen. Barack Obama today took a wait-and-see approach to a potential boycott of the opening ceremonies in Beijing. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 07:39 PM ET | Comments (69)
Candidates React to Carter Hamas Plans
Former president Jimmy Carter plans to meet next week in Damascus with Khaled Meshal, the head of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, in a direct rebuke of the Bush administration's campaign to isolate it. Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, was quick to blast Carter's reported plans, while Clinton and Obama issued statements with milder language, saying they "disagreed" or did "not agree" with Carter's plans. --Glenn Kessler
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 07:13 PM ET | Comments (38)
Where It All Began for Obama
Sen. Barack Obama disclosed to a crowd of 1,400 that the ice cream chain Basin-Robbins was his first employer as a teenager. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 04:48 PM ET | Comments (9)
Obama's Emerging Economic Message
MALVERN, Pa. -- Sen. Barack Obama took aim at both parties for lacking an economic vision to lead the country into a more prosperous era, decrying the "Bush-Cheney-McCain" principle of "you're on your own," rather than "we're all in this together." --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 03:04 PM ET | Comments (175)
Pelosi Pooh-Poohs the 'Dream Ticket' (Again)
In an interview with four student journalists as part of mtvU's "Editorial Board," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revisited comments she made roughly a month ago -- that there was no way that the so-called "Dream Ticket" would come to pass.
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 02:07 PM ET | Comments (21)
Light Reading Aboard the Obama Express
The Obama campaign gets a new charter airplane, one that's still using the inflight materials for its previous route to Nigeria. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 11:56 AM ET | Comments (4)
Candidate Speeches a Study in Contrasts
Two speeches on the same night in Montana provide a vivid example of different speaking styles. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 6, 2008 at 06:41 PM ET | Comments (31)
Obama Steers Clear of 'Warmonger' Talk
BUTTE, Mont. -- Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) declined twice Saturday to personally repudiate a liberal radio host's declaration that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is a "warmonger." --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 5, 2008 at 11:00 PM ET | Comments (63)
A Silver-Haired Superdelegate in Copper Country
BUTTE, Mont. -- Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton rolled into this legendary copper-mining town Saturday for that night's big state Democratic Party dinner, where they were to address some 4,000 Montanans electrified by the state's suddenly-relevant June 3 primary. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 5, 2008 at 09:27 PM ET | Comments (27)
Dan Taylor Lands a Big One
A Montana cook is overwhelmed after Barack Obama signs his hand-drawn sign. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 5, 2008 at 03:43 PM ET | Comments (82)
Obama Recalls a Fuller History
On the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death, Barack Obama evokes the spirit of Bobby Kennedy in Indiana. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 4, 2008 at 02:22 PM ET | Comments (54)
Obama to Address King's Legacy in Indiana
Today is the 40th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and both Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain will commemorate the day with appearances in Memphis. Sen. Barack Obama, however, couldn't make it to Memphis. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 4, 2008 at 10:55 AM ET | Comments (14)
A Flush Obama Campaign Pulls Out All the Stops
Sen. Barack Obama's copious cash flow means he can compete as aggressively in the final Democratic contests as he did in the early days of the primary campaign. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 3, 2008 at 07:26 PM ET | Comments (32)
Katie Couric Inches Closer to Moderating a Debate
CBS, the only major network that hasn't sponsored a presidential debate this season, would very much like to host one in North Carolina on April 27. The Clinton camp has agreed to it; the Obama team has yet to respond. --Howard Kurtz
Posted on April 3, 2008 at 02:19 PM ET | Comments (41)
Obama Nets $40 Million in March
The March numbers mean that Sen. Barack Obama has raised nearly $130 million so far this year and $240 million over the duration of his presidential campaign. --Matthew Mosk
Posted on April 3, 2008 at 10:46 AM ET | Comments (32)
Persistent Picture-Seeker Irks Obama
PHILADELPHIA -- During Sen. Barack Obama's visit to the Italian Market here this morning, he was harassed repeatedly by a middle-aged man trying to get a photo with the Illinois senator. The extended contact was unusual, given the heavy security surrounding the candidate, and Obama was sufficiently frazzled that he lost his cool. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 2, 2008 at 01:51 PM ET | Comments (181)
Obama Savors Some Very Special Pork
PHILADELPHIA -- One thing about Sen. Barack Obama: the guy doesn't eat much. He's skinny, as he often describes himself. He's actually lost weight on the campaign trail (now that's a strategy for winning the female vote). But during a walking tour this morning of the Italian Market here, Obama ate, and ate, and ate some more. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 2, 2008 at 01:30 PM ET | Comments (34)
Obama Casts Himself as the True Underdog in Pa.
PHILADELPHIA -- Sen. Barack Obama offered a riposte to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's Rocky reference during a speech to the AFL-CIO here in the fictional prizefighter's hometown. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on April 2, 2008 at 10:45 AM ET | Comments (16)
Former Indiana Rep. Hamilton Endorses Obama
Barack Obama welcomes the support of the longtime Indiana congressman Lee Hamilton, co-chairman of the 9/11 Commission, who announced his endorsement of Obama this morning. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on April 2, 2008 at 10:36 AM ET | Comments (78)
A New Tone to the Long Primary Season
By Perry Bacon Jr. and Shailagh Murray HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Hillary Clinton, stumping in Pennsylvania...
Posted on April 1, 2008 at 08:05 PM ET | Comments (35)
Hoyer's Breakfast Table Solution for Superdelegates
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) right, talks with Calvert County commisioner Wilson Parran at a...
Posted on April 1, 2008 at 04:06 PM ET | Comments (6)
Ready to Bowl for Day One?
Hillary Clinton challenges Barack Obama to a bowl-off. --Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on April 1, 2008 at 02:50 PM ET | Comments (22)
Clinton Lagging in TV Ad Spending
Democrat Barack Obama out-spent Clinton 5-to-1 on the Pennsylvania airwaves, spending roughly $2 million to Clinton's $400,000, according to Evan Tracey of the Campaign Media Analysis Group. --Matthew Mosk
Posted on March 31, 2008 at 05:50 PM ET | Comments (43)
Michigan Pol Proposes Solution to State's Delegate Stalemate
Eight-term Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) proposed today a new system to parcel out Michigan's 156 Democratic convention delegates, granting most of them according to the results of the state's nullified Jan. 15 primary, with the remainder awarded according the nationwide popular vote. --Jonathan Weisman
Posted on March 31, 2008 at 02:33 PM ET | Comments (87)
Klobuchar Endorses Obama
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota announced this morning that she was endorsing Sen. Barack Obama, the latest prominent superdelegate to climb off the fence for the Illinois senator. --Shailagh Murray
Posted on March 31, 2008 at 09:36 AM ET | Comments (89)
Obama and Casey's Mutually Helpful Friendship
By Shailagh Murray STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Hopefully Ted Kennedy isn't the jealous type, because...
Posted on March 30, 2008 at 05:39 PM ET | Comments (153)
Obama: Let the Contest Continue Into June
By Shailagh Murray STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Many of his supporters may be growing impatient,...
Posted on March 29, 2008 at 07:00 PM ET | Comments (227)
Former Edwards Donors Prefer Obama
Sen. Barack Obama has raised twice as much money as Sen. Hillary Clinton from donors who had previously been bankrolling John Edwards' presidential bid, according to a new analysis by CQ MoneyLine of contributions given in February, the first full month after Edwards dropped out of the running.By Matthew Mosk
Posted on March 28, 2008 at 12:10 PM ET | Comments (67)
Rice Responds to Obama's Race Speech
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in an interview with the The Washington Times that was released today, said she watched Sen. Barack Obama give his speech on racism in America last week, adding, "I think it was important that he gave it for a whole host of reasons."--Glenn Kessler
Posted on March 28, 2008 at 11:07 AM ET | Comments (26)
On Wright Question, Unclear Answers From Obama
While he has discussed his relationship with the former pastor of his church constantly over the last two weeks, it's still unclear what exactly Barack Obama heard as he sat in the pews of Trinity United Church of Christ.--Perry Bacon Jr.
Posted on March 27, 2008 at 06:52 PM ET | Comments (230)
McCain Democrats? Putting a Survey in Historical Context
By Jon Cohen Democrats afraid their party will suffer from the extended primary battle point...
Posted on March 27, 2008 at 06:05 PM ET | Comments (15)
A Survey That Raises Tough Questions
Democratic superdelegates watching the competition between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and wondering what to do ought to take a look at the latest NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll. The survey, out Thursday morning, doesn't provide all the answers they're looking for but does raise all the right questions. --Dan Balz
Posted on March 27, 2008 at 05:50 PM ET | Comments (44)
McCain, Under Pressure, Revisits Economic Questions
The McCain campaign revisited the economy today, issuing a statement saying that he would not be opposed to all attempts to help struggling homeowners, as long as speculators were not bailed out. --Alec MacGillis and Krissah Williams
Posted on March 27, 2008 at 05:23 PM ET | Comments (3)
Obama Backers Urge Pelosi to Stand Firm
Online activists at MoveOn.org, a liberal group that has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, responded today to a letter top donors to Sen. Hillary Clinton sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi yesterday. --Matthew Mosk
Posted on March 27, 2008 at 05:11 PM ET | Comments (70)
Liberalism Without Dogmatism?
How conservatives and liberals alike think Obama may be different. --Alec MacGillis
Posted on March 26, 2008 at 06:13 PM ET | Comments (39)
Obama Gets Back to Work
On his first campaign stop since returning from a brief vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Barack Obama likened the presumptive GOP nominee John McCain to George W. Bush. --Perry Bacon
Posted on March 26, 2008 at 03:43 PM ET | Comments (95)
On War and the Economy, McCain Provides a Clear Contrast
For all the talk about McCain's maverick style and cross-party appeal, his views on two of the biggest issues of the campaign put him sharply at odds with the Democrats. --Dan Balz
Posted on March 26, 2008 at 12:27 PM ET | Comments (177)
Clinton Weighs in on Wright Controversy
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking for the first time directly about the association between the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Sen. Barack Obama, said "getting up and moving" would have been the right response to hearing the preacher's fiery sermons. --Anne E. Kornblut
Posted on March 25, 2008 at 05:15 PM ET | Comments (585)
The Democrats' Good News Primary
There is understandable concern among Democrats that the longer the battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton goes on, and the nastier it gets, the more split the party will be heading into the fall campaign. But news out of Pennsylvania overnight offers contrary evidence, suggesting this contest is good news for the Democrats. Fig