Guiliani Seen As "Most Electable"

In a new ABC News-Washington Post poll, nearly half of the Republicans surveyed believed that former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani presented their party's best chance of retaining the White House in 2008.

Giuliani also continues his lead in the nationwide poll as the choice of 37 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, followed by Arizona Sen. John McCain with 16 percent,and actor Fred Thompson with 15 percent, and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney with 8 percent.

Cohen On Thompson: "He Just Plays A Straight Shooter"

Richard Cohen of the Washington Post has published an interesting read on the Presidential candidacies of Fred Thompson and John Edwards. He criticizes both for their willingness to, at best, sidestep the truth or, at worst, outright lie. He takes Thompson to task for lying (through a spokesperson) about his employment as a lobbyist for a family-planning organization and Edwards for his selective memory concerning his high dollar haircuts.

Edwards and Thompson have something in common: They both are all image. Neither has accomplished very much in public life. They are both ex-senators whose names are attached to no famous pieces of legislation. They have built no constituencies on the basis of their legislative records, and so they apparently feel they cannot afford to admit an inconsistency -- pro-choice lobbying by a proclaimed pro-lifer, or Euro-trashy indulgence by the proclaimed avatar of the poor.

The idea of Fred Dalton Thompson is far from the reality that seems to exist. As the launch of a Thompson candidacy seems imminent, the scrutiny will only increase. Will the record and character of this actor stand the spotlight, or is Thompson just not ready for prime-time?

John Edwards Feels Your Pain

In spite of a 28,000 square foot mansion, a penchant for $400 haircuts, and over $29.5 million reported in personal assets to the Federal Elections Commission, John Edwards began his "poverty tour" Sunday in New Orleans.

Edwards' tour this week is meant to echo the historic 1968 poverty tour made by then-presidential hopeful and senator Robert Kennedy. Today, Edwards begins his morning with the ABC-TV program "Good Morning America," broadcast live from the Cabildo, and will visit Kingsley House and Cafe Reconcile before he leaves for Canton, Miss. During the New Orleans leg of his tour, Edwards will focus on the sluggish pace of recovery, the need for good jobs and solid infrastructure, and ways to keep the city safe, both from hurricanes and crime.

The personal injury lawyer continues to lag behind Democrat front runners Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. A recent Washington Post/ABC News poll shows Edwards trailing Clinton by 45 percentage points and Obama by 10 percentage points among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents with household incomes below $20,000.

McCaindenburg Plunges Toward Fiery Death

In what seems to be another nail, in an endless series of nails, in the coffin of Sen. John McCain's Presidential aspirations, his campaign manager and chief strategist have resigned.

In statements, Terry Nelson, a veteran of President Bush's successful 2004 re-election effort, said he resigned as campaign manager effective immediately and John Weaver said he stepped down from his post of chief strategist on Tuesday.

This follows yesterday's news that Texas renegade, Ron Paul, had more cash-on-hand than McCain. "Streamline" all you can, John. The Fat Lady will soon sing.

Where's Roy Fletcher when you need him?

Giuliani Visits New Orleans, Urges End To Illegal Immigration

In a Saturday visit to New Orleans, America's Mayor and Presidential hopeful Rudy Guiliani stressed the need to put an end to illegal immigration before addressing any other challenges surrounding the issues.

"We need to end illegal immigration," he said. "If we do, a lot of things can happen, in terms of how you resolve everything here. But if you don't end illegal immigration, almost nothing is possible, because no matter what you do, things are going to get worse."

The visit marks Guiliani's first visit to New Orleans as a candidate for President. The former mayor of New York was joined by US Senator David Vitter.

"I think all this has to do with competence and leadership and making things work, and I think Rudy has the best proven track record in that, by far, among presidential candidates," he said, Giuliani at his side.

Read full article.

Hillary Phones Home, Gets Speilberg Endorsement

It looks like Obama might not have Tinseltown wrapped up just yet. Following Jenna Jameson's lead, Hollywood hit-maker Steven Spielberg has thrown his hat into Hillary Clinton's corner.

In a statement released this morning by the Clinton campaign, Spielberg said that after familiarizing himself "with the impressive field of Democratic candidates," he had decided that the New York senator and former First Lady "is the most qualified candidate to lead us from her first day in the White House."

A little special effects help couldn't hurt. If you know what we're talking about, and we think you do...

Rudy Joins Moses...Adds Two Commandments

On Monday, the Rudy Guiliani campaign released his Twelve Commitments To America, "a bold vision aimed at moving America forward through change and reform, overcoming new challenges and increasing accountability in Washington."

Most notable,

8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.

Does this signal a move to the right for America's Mayor? Is it just rhetorical spin to answer attacks from social conservatives? Or is it just Rudy being Rudy?

The Twelve Commitments:

1. I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us.
2. I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation.
3. I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.
4. I will cut taxes and reform the tax code.
5. I will impose accountability on Washington.
6. I will lead America towards energy independence.
7. I will give Americans more control over, and access to, healthcare with affordable and portable free-market solutions.
8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.
10. I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
11. I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents.
12. I will expand America’s involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world.

The Man Behind The Man Behind The Man

Meet the new boss, Same as the old boss. --The Who

Vietnam hero, US Senator, and possible crazy, John McCain has bet his White House hopes on those who ran the Straight Talk Express off its tracks in 2000. The Washington Post has an interesting read on these guys and the launch of "McCain 2.0."

Russ Schriefer spent the first few weeks of 2000 driving around New Hampshire with a digital camera and a singular mission: finding a way to discredit John McCain with voters in the state's upcoming primary.

The soft-spoken Schriefer now heads the media team for McCain, the man he helped Bush defeat seven years ago.

Schriefer jokes that their current candidate is new and improved. "We call him McCain 2.0," he says. "We've gotten some of the bugs out."

Maybe Louisiana Political Dinosaur and McCain 2000 "War Room Czar", Roy Fletcher, was one of the bugs that was fixed. Apparently, You Tube has replaced the Pterodactyl Player. Sorry, Roy.

LA Times/Bloomberg Poll: Giuliani and Thompson Separate From Field

This pretty much sums it up...

Overall, the survey underscored the unsettled nature of the Republican contest, with voters splitting roughly along ideological lines.

Giuliani, whose views on abortion, gay rights and guns are to the left of many in his party, has built a wide base among moderates and independents, while Thompson has drawn conservatives, particularly among the religious right.

That dynamic, however, could change quickly. Giuliani has faced a swarm of media scrutiny of his weak spots for months, but retains a lead in national polls, although it is somewhat diminished.

Thompson, by contrast, is only starting to introduce himself. He has never endured the rigors of a high-profile campaign and has not parried with rivals in debates, as Giuliani and nine other Republicans have done three times this spring.

Thompson "has this allure, but he hasn't been tested yet," said Times Poll Director Susan Pinkus, who conducted the survey. "He has gotten a free ride so far."

Read the full story.

Fred Thompson responds to Michael Moore challenge

Notice the cigar Fred is smokin'!!!

Does Fred Thompson Have The Right Stuff? Lincoln Day Letdown in the Land of Reagan

Apparently Robert Novak was among the GOP faithful that was less than impressed with former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson's appearance at the Lincoln Day Dinner in Orange County, California. Described as a "letdown" for the conservative audience in attendance, the event turned out to be a non-event for those looking to Thompson as their right-wing messiah.

Will the man many in Louisiana are looking to as the "true consevative" in the WH '08 race be a contender or pretender? If Friday was any indication, Fred Thompson is no Ronald Reagan.

Read full article here

Vitter Responds To GOP Debate

U.S. Senator David Vitter hits the internet with his response to Thursday's first GOP Primary Debate and reaffirms his support for Mayor Rudy Giuliani.