*** Official Barack Obama FBG campaign headquarters *** (3 Viewers)

[NorvilleBarnes]

On a side note, I think we begin to have the very real possiblity of hearing endorsements from either John Edwards or Bill Richardson, or both.

After MA last night I refuse to get excited about another endorsement in this election.

Even edwards or richardson, what about Gore?

No. He got endorsements from the Kennedy's, which is practically royalty in the party in Mass; and from Kerry and other senators and the sitting Governor.I don't think Gore will endorse anyone - and I'd just as soon he endorsed Hillary for no other reason to harken back to the past.Richardson may help him with the Hispanic vote - but I'd much rather see him make progress there on his own without the Clintons being able to dismiss it to an endorsement.

 

[adonis]

What if the Rs decide their nomination is set and throw their weight behind HRC?They have to fear Obama more than her right? They proved they can throw an election in exactly this way (see: WV).

Good point, but hopefully some of the rules are set against that in states up for grabs, and maybe huckabee's surge will prevent them from carrying that too far.

 

[Sammy3469]

Two more tidbits on Hil's $$ problems. This one's from the NY Times

Her advisers says she’s considering another loan because money is tight now — the mega-primaries yesterday were quite the financial drain. And although she won many states yesterday, including some very big states like New York and California, the victories weren’t resoundingly decisive enough — especially when you look at the extremely tight delegate matchup right now — to inspire a lot of new giving, Pat says.

Also Time is reporting that senior Clinton staffers are going without pay:

SOURCE: THEY HAVE “VOLUNTARILY CHOSEN TO WORK WITHOUT PAY THIS MONTH” AS PART OF CLINTON CASH CRUNCH AGAINST OBAMA MOOLA FACTORY.

and I'm at Lanny Davis claiming Obama is spending too much on MSNBC

 

[HellToupee]

On a side note, I think we begin to have the very real possiblity of hearing endorsements from either John Edwards or Bill Richardson, or both.

After MA last night I refuse to get excited about another endorsement in this election.

Even edwards or richardson, what about Gore?

No. He got endorsements from the Kennedy's, which is practically royalty in the party in Mass; and from Kerry and other senators and the sitting Governor.

The sitting Gov Deval Patrick ran on a slogan "together we can"(sound familiar?) and has done nothing but spend $$ since in office. His candidacy was propelled by moonbats after some inept campaigning by the D frontrunner. If Obama wins he'll be in DC with him.Kennedy's endorsement is looked at as backstabbing the Clintons. He also brought into focus that Obama maybe isn't the outsider or agent of change he portrays if the establishment back himKerry isn't so popular anymore after the 2004 debacle. He is going to be challenged by another D in a primary run which is unheard of , at least around here.

 

[HellToupee]

Obama on pace to raise $30 mil in Feb

By: Jeanne Cummings

Feb 6, 2008 05:41 PM EST

Barack Obama

The Obama camp reported last week that it raised $32 million last month.

Barack Obama’s campaign is on track to raise another $30 million in February, sources close to the Illinois senator say, while Hillary Rodham Clinton’s spokesman revealed Wednesday that she had loaned her campaign $5 million.

Insiders in both campaigns say the growing financial disparity virtually ensures that Obama will be able to significantly outspend Clinton in the critical primaries to come.

Even before all the Super Tuesday votes were counted, Obama began airing advertisements in Nebraska, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Maine — the next round of primary and caucus states — before Clinton did.

His campaign has raised $2.2 million in the past 24 hours, sources say.

“Obama’s financial superiority is straining the Clinton campaign at this point. That’s reflected in how he spread the field on her in Super Tuesday.

His ability to advertise in more states than she did, to put more resources on the ground than she did,” gave Obama an edge, said Anthony Corrado, an expert on campaign finance at Colby College.

The continuing infusion of cash will allow Obama to remain a step ahead of Clinton as the primary map shifts to states where he has some built-in advantages and more time to interact with voters who are less familiar with him than with the New York senator.

Bill Burton, an Obama spokesman, cautioned that the fundraising pace may slip and downplayed talk of another $30 million month.

“We’re obviously pleased with the amount of grass-roots support that we have, but it’s way too early to be making predictions like that,” he said.

Even so, an extraordinary February seems less far-fetched coming on the heels of a stunning January.

The Obama camp reported last week that it raised $32 million last month. The Clinton campaign reported raising $14 million, and it is unclear if that includes the Clintons’ personal loan.

And, according to the Obama campaign, only 3 percent of his donors have given the maximum $2,300 donation for the primary.

That means he can go back to the vast majority of his supporters, over and over again, and ask them to send another check.

Indeed, the strength of the Obama fundraising machine from the outset was based on its unusual recruitment and reliance on small donors.

According to a study by The Campaign Finance Institute, a nonpartisan organization that tracks political giving, only about a third of the donors who gave Obama $200 or more had given the maximum.

In contrast, Clinton raised about half of her money from donors who gave the maximum.

More striking, the report found that nearly half of Obama’s individual contributors in the fourth quarter of 2007 gave donations of $200 or less — amounts so small that the Federal Election Commission doesn’t even demand the givers be named on disclosure reports.

According to the campaign, that pattern continued in January. Of the thousands of Internet donations Obama received, 90 percent amounted to less than $100 each. Ten thousand people gave between $5 and $10.

In January alone, the Obama campaign raised more than $28 million from Internet donations, more than the entire amount raised by the groundbreaking Internet-based campaign of Howard Dean in 2004.

The infusion of money “is testament to the grass-roots support we have from all over the country and shows a financial sustainability that the other campaigns don’t appear to have,” said Burton.

The Clinton campaign is acutely aware of the risks posed by the Obama financial juggernaut.

Spokesman Howard Wolfson said Wednesday that Clinton loaned her campaign money to illustrate her “commitment to this effort and to ensuring that our campaign has the resources it needs to compete and win across this nation.”

The campaign sent out an appeal for cash as soon as Clinton began pocketing big victories on Super Tuesday.

It’s also working to elevate the presence of its website — and its online giving features.

One of the major advantages of Internet donations is that it doesn’t cost a campaign much money to raise them.

More traditional fundraising activities, such as hotel gatherings and direct mail, are not as efficient.

The calendar does have some bright spots for Clinton. The slower pace between contests will allow time for her to fly to big fundraisers in California and New York, even as she taps the pockets of donors in big upcoming primary states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.

“We’re going to have more than enough resources to do what we need to do,” said spokesman Phil Singer.

But Corrado cautioned that Clinton’s fundraising appeals will be delivered at the same time that Obama could be capturing primary titles in Virginia, Louisiana and Maryland.

“She has a calendar now that does not favor her. This will be a real test of the loyalty and enthusiasm of the Clinton fundraising base,” he said.

 

[Arsenal of Doom]

Obama on pace to raise $30 mil in Feb

By: Jeanne Cummings

Feb 6, 2008 05:41 PM EST

Barack Obama

The Obama camp reported last week that it raised $32 million last month.

Barack Obama’s campaign is on track to raise another $30 million in February, sources close to the Illinois senator say, while Hillary Rodham Clinton’s spokesman revealed Wednesday that she had loaned her campaign $5 million.

Insiders in both campaigns say the growing financial disparity virtually ensures that Obama will be able to significantly outspend Clinton in the critical primaries to come.

Even before all the Super Tuesday votes were counted, Obama began airing advertisements in Nebraska, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Maine — the next round of primary and caucus states — before Clinton did.

His campaign has raised $2.2 million in the past 24 hours, sources say.

“Obama’s financial superiority is straining the Clinton campaign at this point. That’s reflected in how he spread the field on her in Super Tuesday.

His ability to advertise in more states than she did, to put more resources on the ground than she did,” gave Obama an edge, said Anthony Corrado, an expert on campaign finance at Colby College.

The continuing infusion of cash will allow Obama to remain a step ahead of Clinton as the primary map shifts to states where he has some built-in advantages and more time to interact with voters who are less familiar with him than with the New York senator.

Bill Burton, an Obama spokesman, cautioned that the fundraising pace may slip and downplayed talk of another $30 million month.

“We’re obviously pleased with the amount of grass-roots support that we have, but it’s way too early to be making predictions like that,” he said.

Even so, an extraordinary February seems less far-fetched coming on the heels of a stunning January.

The Obama camp reported last week that it raised $32 million last month. The Clinton campaign reported raising $14 million, and it is unclear if that includes the Clintons’ personal loan.

And, according to the Obama campaign, only 3 percent of his donors have given the maximum $2,300 donation for the primary.

That means he can go back to the vast majority of his supporters, over and over again, and ask them to send another check.

Indeed, the strength of the Obama fundraising machine from the outset was based on its unusual recruitment and reliance on small donors.

According to a study by The Campaign Finance Institute, a nonpartisan organization that tracks political giving, only about a third of the donors who gave Obama $200 or more had given the maximum.

In contrast, Clinton raised about half of her money from donors who gave the maximum.

More striking, the report found that nearly half of Obama’s individual contributors in the fourth quarter of 2007 gave donations of $200 or less — amounts so small that the Federal Election Commission doesn’t even demand the givers be named on disclosure reports.

According to the campaign, that pattern continued in January. Of the thousands of Internet donations Obama received, 90 percent amounted to less than $100 each. Ten thousand people gave between $5 and $10.

In January alone, the Obama campaign raised more than $28 million from Internet donations, more than the entire amount raised by the groundbreaking Internet-based campaign of Howard Dean in 2004.

The infusion of money “is testament to the grass-roots support we have from all over the country and shows a financial sustainability that the other campaigns don’t appear to have,” said Burton.

The Clinton campaign is acutely aware of the risks posed by the Obama financial juggernaut.

Spokesman Howard Wolfson said Wednesday that Clinton loaned her campaign money to illustrate her “commitment to this effort and to ensuring that our campaign has the resources it needs to compete and win across this nation.”

The campaign sent out an appeal for cash as soon as Clinton began pocketing big victories on Super Tuesday.

It’s also working to elevate the presence of its website — and its online giving features.

One of the major advantages of Internet donations is that it doesn’t cost a campaign much money to raise them.

More traditional fundraising activities, such as hotel gatherings and direct mail, are not as efficient.

The calendar does have some bright spots for Clinton. The slower pace between contests will allow time for her to fly to big fundraisers in California and New York, even as she taps the pockets of donors in big upcoming primary states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.

“We’re going to have more than enough resources to do what we need to do,” said spokesman Phil Singer.

But Corrado cautioned that Clinton’s fundraising appeals will be delivered at the same time that Obama could be capturing primary titles in Virginia, Louisiana and Maryland.

“She has a calendar now that does not favor her. This will be a real test of the loyalty and enthusiasm of the Clinton fundraising base,” he said.

This is all very good news. I'm going to re-up again tonight!

 

[goonsquad]

Kennedy's endorsement is looked at as backstabbing the Clintons. He also brought into focus that Obama maybe isn't the outsider or agent of change he portrays if the establishment back him

This isn't accurate, IMO. The Kennedy endorsement is a firm rebuff of the Clinton's. It says loud and clear that they want to get away from the Clintonian triangulation politics, scandal and dirty tactics that has been the family calling card for the past sixteen years. This was a clear message of support for Obama's promise of change.

 

[The Juggernaut]

If you look at the breakdown on who is supporting each candidate, it seems intuitive that Obama would be out-raising Clinton.

Who's more likely to give money? Idealistic, under 50 year old, earning over 50k/year, white guys or Old, earning under 50k/year women?

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

If you look at the breakdown on who is supporting each candidate, it seems intuitive that Obama would be out-raising Clinton.Who's more likely to give money? Idealistic, under 50 year old, earning over 50k/year, white guys or Old, earning under 50k/year women?

Actually most of her supporters who've contributed have given the max allowed. Only 3% of Obama's supporters have maxed out.She should be rolling in the dough. He's the one who should be limping along on a shoestring.

 

[culdeus]

If you look at the breakdown on who is supporting each candidate, it seems intuitive that Obama would be out-raising Clinton.Who's more likely to give money? Idealistic, under 50 year old, earning over 50k/year, white guys or Old, earning under 50k/year women?

Actually most of her supporters who've contributed have given the max allowed. Only 3% of Obama's supporters have maxed out.She should be rolling in the dough. He's the one who should be limping along on a shoestring.

I hit him with 50 bucks today and bought some gear.

 

[The Juggernaut]

If you look at the breakdown on who is supporting each candidate, it seems intuitive that Obama would be out-raising Clinton.Who's more likely to give money? Idealistic, under 50 year old, earning over 50k/year, white guys or Old, earning under 50k/year women?

Actually most of her supporters who've contributed have given the max allowed. Only 3% of Obama's supporters have maxed out.She should be rolling in the dough. He's the one who should be limping along on a shoestring.

I hit him with 50 bucks today and bought some gear.

Oh well, just a thought. I'll hit him up with some more cash this week as well. As for the gear, I ordered some shirts months ago and still have never recieved them.

 

[Poppa]

Two more tidbits on Hil's $$ problems. This one's from the NY Times

Her advisers says she’s considering another loan because money is tight now — the mega-primaries yesterday were quite the financial drain. And although she won many states yesterday, including some very big states like New York and California, the victories weren’t resoundingly decisive enough — especially when you look at the extremely tight delegate matchup right now — to inspire a lot of new giving, Pat says.

Surely would like to know where the Clinton millions have come from. Who's continuing to buy influence from an ex-President and a sitting Senator from New York...?

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

If you look at the breakdown on who is supporting each candidate, it seems intuitive that Obama would be out-raising Clinton.Who's more likely to give money? Idealistic, under 50 year old, earning over 50k/year, white guys or Old, earning under 50k/year women?

Actually most of her supporters who've contributed have given the max allowed. Only 3% of Obama's supporters have maxed out.She should be rolling in the dough. He's the one who should be limping along on a shoestring.

I hit him with 50 bucks today and bought some gear.

I take back every bad thing I've ever said about you.

 

[HellToupee]

Kennedy's endorsement is looked at as backstabbing the Clintons. He also brought into focus that Obama maybe isn't the outsider or agent of change he portrays if the establishment back him

This isn't accurate, IMO. The Kennedy endorsement is a firm rebuff of the Clinton's. It says loud and clear that they want to get away from the Clintonian triangulation politics, scandal and dirty tactics that has been the family calling card for the past sixteen years. This was a clear message of support for Obama's promise of change.

You clearly don't understand Ted Kennedy or the way he runs his campaigns if you think thats the reason he backed Obama

 

[adonis]

I heard on NPR this evening that Obama and hillary got about 7.5 million votes, each.

Sum up all the votes cast for mccain, huckabee and romney and they equal less than either Obama OR Hillary.

The democratic nominee will have a huge advantage come november.

 

[HellToupee]

.The democratic nominee will have a huge advantage come november.

I believe they usually do

 

[goonsquad]

Kennedy's endorsement is looked at as backstabbing the Clintons. He also brought into focus that Obama maybe isn't the outsider or agent of change he portrays if the establishment back him

This isn't accurate, IMO. The Kennedy endorsement is a firm rebuff of the Clinton's. It says loud and clear that they want to get away from the Clintonian triangulation politics, scandal and dirty tactics that has been the family calling card for the past sixteen years. This was a clear message of support for Obama's promise of change.

You clearly don't understand Ted Kennedy or the way he runs his campaigns if you think thats the reason he backed Obama

This isn't about Ted Kennedy or his campaigns. It's about him wanting to move the Democratic Party beyond the way the Clintons run their campaigns and administrations. Beyond the scandals and issue triangulation. He knows what we all know: the only chance the GOP has is against Hillary. It's no secret that Kennedy and Bill Clinton had a heated exchange after Bill played the race card with Obama a few weeks back. Regardless of how Kennedy ran his past campaigns, he sees Obama is the future of the party and doesn't want the Clinton's blowing the Dem return to power with dirty tactics. Kennedy's motivations are irrelevent; his support of Obama over Clinton is a clear signal of change for the party.

 

[adonis]

Interesting note from an Obama mailer in reference to Super Tuesday results:

*Barack won 2-to-1 in traditionally conservative states where Democrats are hungry for a nominee who can change the map and help Democrats up and down the ticket win in November.*We scored wins in every region of the country -- New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, the Rocky Mountain states, and the West

 

[glock]

Kennedy's endorsement is looked at as backstabbing the Clintons. He also brought into focus that Obama maybe isn't the outsider or agent of change he portrays if the establishment back him

This isn't accurate, IMO. The Kennedy endorsement is a firm rebuff of the Clinton's. It says loud and clear that they want to get away from the Clintonian triangulation politics, scandal and dirty tactics that has been the family calling card for the past sixteen years. This was a clear message of support for Obama's promise of change.

You clearly don't understand Ted Kennedy or the way he runs his campaigns if you think thats the reason he backed Obama

You wouldn't care to enlighten us now would you?

 

[Poppa]

Obama approaching Ron Paul territory for 1-day fundraising. Nearly 6 million dollars since polls closed last night...

Puts a nice exclamation point on the Clinton's loaning themselves 5mil

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmem...raised_over.php

 

[Homer J Simpson]

Obama approaching Ron Paul territory for 1-day fundraising. Nearly 6 million dollars since polls closed last night...

Puts a nice exclamation point on the Clinton's loaning themselves 5mil

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmem...raised_over.php

That is friggin' AWESOME. Barack =

Edit to add the link showing his fundraising since the polls closed last night. http://my.barackobama.com/page/contribute_...5_email/graphic

 

[bigfun54]

I heard on NPR this evening that Obama and hillary got about 7.5 million votes, each.Sum up all the votes cast for mccain, huckabee and romney and they equal less than either Obama OR Hillary.The democratic nominee will have a huge advantage come november.

I heard that too. If I remember correctly, overall, they BOTH got about 6.6 million votes. That's 13.2 for the History majors. Johnny Mac got 3.2 total. I know the Republicans have a solid history of unifying around the candidate, but those numbers really don't look good for the the ®'s come November.

 

[BassNBrew]

Curious since campaign finance reform and publicly supported campaigns are traditionally liberal issues...have any of you changed your mind on this topic since the underdog has been able to build a warchest to challange the establishment candidate? Is money and being able to donate it a type of freedom of speech? If Hillary is the choice of poor people as lhucks suggests, are poor people getting less of a voice in the election by not having cash to donate to Hillary?

 

[cosjobs]

If you look at the breakdown on who is supporting each candidate, it seems intuitive that Obama would be out-raising Clinton.Who's more likely to give money? Idealistic, under 50 year old, earning over 50k/year, white guys or Old, earning under 50k/year women?

Actually most of her supporters who've contributed have given the max allowed. Only 3% of Obama's supporters have maxed out.She should be rolling in the dough. He's the one who should be limping along on a shoestring.

I hit him with 50 bucks today and bought some gear.

I take back every bad thing I've ever said about you.

Please unpack

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

If you look at the breakdown on who is supporting each candidate, it seems intuitive that Obama would be out-raising Clinton.Who's more likely to give money? Idealistic, under 50 year old, earning over 50k/year, white guys or Old, earning under 50k/year women?

Actually most of her supporters who've contributed have given the max allowed. Only 3% of Obama's supporters have maxed out.She should be rolling in the dough. He's the one who should be limping along on a shoestring.

I hit him with 50 bucks today and bought some gear.

I take back every bad thing I've ever said about you.

Please unpack

I used to culdeus. Now that he's a committed fellow Obamaniac it's all

 

[Brave Sir Robin]

Curious since campaign finance reform and publicly supported campaigns are traditionally liberal issues...have any of you changed your mind on this topic since the underdog has been able to build a warchest to challange the establishment candidate? Is money and being able to donate it a type of freedom of speech? If Hillary is the choice of poor people as lhucks suggests, are poor people getting less of a voice in the election by not having cash to donate to Hillary?

Very good questions!![libspin]Also, didn't Hillary do very well considering how much she was outspent??[/libspin]

 

[Kumerica]

Curious since campaign finance reform and publicly supported campaigns are traditionally liberal issues...have any of you changed your mind on this topic since the underdog has been able to build a warchest to challange the establishment candidate? Is money and being able to donate it a type of freedom of speech? If Hillary is the choice of poor people as lhucks suggests, are poor people getting less of a voice in the election by not having cash to donate to Hillary?

An interesting question . . . I haven't changed my mind about the issue due to Obama's success. He would apparently do very well even with tighter campaign finance reform, since a vast percentage of donations are from average citizens. Hillary possibly wouldn't do as well with more campaign finance restrictions, since she depends heavily on large donor organizations. I think poor people ARE getting less of a voice in the election by not having the cash. More campaign finance reform could help even-out the playing field, but cash will always be king. And the king stay the king. Probably the best thing poor people can do in this scenario is volunteer for their favored candidate.

 

[NCCommish]

For my fellow Obamians, let's assume the worst for a moment and see Hillary taking the nomination. Not by some BS superdelegate count or the inclusion of Fla and Michigan, but totally above board and by the popular vote.Would you want Obama as VP on the ticket?

Assuming that she won "fair and square"? (although it is almost too late for that).hhhhhm. No, I would not want Obama on the ticket. I would be disappointed if he sullied himself by associating with her, and her policies. I'd rather he waited for the next time.

 

[NCCommish]

Curious since campaign finance reform and publicly supported campaigns are traditionally liberal issues...have any of you changed your mind on this topic since the underdog has been able to build a warchest to challange the establishment candidate? Is money and being able to donate it a type of freedom of speech? If Hillary is the choice of poor people as lhucks suggests, are poor people getting less of a voice in the election by not having cash to donate to Hillary?

Currently the laws we have on campaign finance reform do anythign but that. It is a federal incumbent law. Yes I do support publically financed campaigns. Certainly the internet has provided a new dynamic to funding campaigns. As for poor people they are getting to vote for her but they aren't financing her. And we all know it. As does she. Lots of hands out after this if she wins.

 

[LHUCKS]

If Hillary is the choice of poor people as lhucks suggests,

I didn't suggest that, CNN did based on exit polling.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Been invited to an Obama talk in Bangor, Maine on Saturday. IF we can't get a sitter, my wife and I will flip a coin to see who goes. Someone from the weasel clan will represent.

:As a side note, this will be the first presidential election where my wife vote democrat:

 

[flufhed]

Just hit my boy with another $100.

I still believe.TM

 

[adonis]

Been invited to an Obama talk in Bangor, Maine on Saturday. IF we can't get a sitter, my wife and I will flip a coin to see who goes. Someone from the weasel clan will represent.:As a side note, this will be the first presidential election where my wife vote democrat:

So are you going to Bangor or is your wife?

 

[Poppa]

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008...whats_next.html

What's Next?

The political day to end all days is behind us.(And The Fix is feeling somewhat human again after eight hours of sleep last night.) But the race for the Democratic nomination is far from over. Both Sens. Barack Obama (Ill.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) remain viable contenders for the party's nod and even before Super Tuesday were planning their post-Feb.5 strategies.

So, what's next?

Let's first look at the macro picture and then go by state by state.

The news that Clinton loaned her campaign $5 million late last month to, in her own words, ensure she was fighting on an even playing field with Obama on Tuesday is a potential game changer. While Clinton won the states she needed to in order to stay relevant -- California, New Jersey, Arizona -- there was no knockout blow delivered to the Illinois senator. He won more states than she did, and the delegate fight came out to a draw.

If the Clinton campaign's financial situation is as dire as the loan suggests, it could complicate her path to the nomination. While Obama has been spending steadily, he continues to show massive fundraising power -- bringing in $32 million in January and, according to the Politico's Jeanne Cummings, on pace to raise another $30 million this month.

Such a fundraising disparity is already having practical consequences. Obama is currently on television in all nine states -- Louisiana, Washington, Nebraska, Maine, Maryland, D.C., Virginia, Wisconsin and Hawaii -- scheduled to vote between Feb. 9 and Feb. 19. As of this morning, Clinton was on television in NONE of those places. In a race with -- still -- so many states voting in such a short period of time, television becomes increasingly important, as it is nearly impossible for the candidates to draw free press by making visits to all the states on the calendar.

Aside from the practical impact, the symbolic importance of a cash-strapped Clinton campaign is massive. Clinton, due to her -- and her husband's -- place within the party has always been the frontrunner in this race, the one candidate virtually assured of running a Rolls Royce campaign with money never being an issue. Now that it appears that money is an issue, the Clinton as frontrunner idea may take a major hit. (The more Machiavellian among us would suggest that is exactly what the Clintons want -- turn Obama into the frontrunner and then score a come-from-behind victory.)

So, on the macro level, at least for the time being, Obama has an edge. Now, let's look state by state for the next five days.

* Nebraska (Feb. 9 caucus): Obama has been dominant in caucus contests so far in the race and that's almost certain to continue in the Cornhusker State. Obama is stopping in Omaha today and his wife, Michelle, will make a stop in Lincoln. Obama has Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler on his side. The Clintons have never enjoyed a particularly close relationship with Nebraska, although they do have former senator and governor Bob Kerrey as an endorser.

*Louisiana (Feb. 9 primary): The Bayou State has a significant African-American population (32 percent according to the 2000 census) and given Obama's dominance among that key voting bloc it's hard to see how Clinton can beat him here.

* Washington (Feb. 9 caucus): Another caucus here, which should -- in theory -- play to Obama's strengths. So, too, should strong progressive community in the state and the highly educated, affluent nature of the expected electorate. Clinton will not roll over here, however, as she has senior Sen. Patty Murray (D) on her side. One savvy Democratic operative with long ties also points out that the state loves to vote for women -- Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell as well as Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) to name a few -- and that could/should help Clinton. Obama starts with an edge here but this is one of the states in which Clinton will fight.

* Maine (Feb. 10 caucus): Although Maine holds a caucus, this is a state where Clinton is putting on a serious effort to win. Former president Bill Clinton will be in Portland tonight and Sen. Clinton will hold a rally in Orono on Saturday. She has the support of Gov. John Baldacci (D) and sees Maine as a chance to break up a potential string of Obama victories on Saturday as well as demonstrate the strength of her support in the Northeast. Women are expected to be a significant portion of the electorate as well, which should work to Clinton's benefit. Obama isn't handing the state over, having sent Rob Hill, who handled the campaign's field efforts in New Hampshire's primary, to Maine just after that state's vote on Jan. 8.

* District of Columbia (Feb. 12 primary): Nearly six in ten District residents are black, according to the 2000 Census. The question is not whether Obama wins but how large his final margin winds up being.

* Maryland (Feb. 12 primary): The electorate is likely to be filled with young people, blacks and people with college degrees and beyond. In other words, Obama is going to win.

* Virginia (Feb. 12 primary): Of the seven states that will vote in the next five days, the Commonwealth is -- without question -- Clinton's best chance for a victory. Clinton's campaign believes they will over-perform expectations in northern Virginia (lots and lots of government workers who fondly remember the Clinton Administration) and do well in areas like Tidewater and southwestern Virginia where the economy is almost certain to be a major issue. The Clinton campaign also has a secret weapon in Virginia in the person of deputy campaign manager Mike Henry who knows the Commonwealth better than almost any other operative. Obama has a very solid campaign organization in the state as well -- led by Gov. Tim Kaine, who endorsed the Illinois Senator very early on in the process and is already being speculated about as a potential vice presidential pick if Obama winds up as the nominee. Obama should also pull massive margins out of the predominantly black city of Richmond, where Mayor Doug Wilder -- a former governor in his own right -- is backing him. This is the battleground of the next five days.

The micro picture over the next week is very good for Obama. Look a little further out to Hawaii and Wisconsin on Feb. 19 and things look equally solid for the Illinois senator. (Wisconsin could be a real race; Hawaii is a walkover for Obama.).

What Clinton's campaign has to do between now and the end of the month is keep the delegate count close and try to win at least one (Virginia?) and maybe two (Virginia and Maine) races to keep the media story line from spiraling out of control.

If Clinton can survive until the end of February, the next major vote on March 4 looks far better for her. Ohio, where Gov. Ted Strickland is supporting her, is the major prize. Texas and its significant Hispanic population is also fertile territory for Clinton. Vermont and Rhode Island could well go her way too.

But, to get to March 4 -- the new Feb. 5 to our mind -- she must run a gauntlet of pro-Obama states. That will be a huge test of Clinton's mettle as a candidate and her campaign's organizational and financial wherewithal.

 

[The_Man]

From the AP this afternoon:

NEW ORLEANS - Democrat Barack Obama raised $7.2 million in less than 48 hours post Super Tuesday and rival Hillary Rodham Clinton collected $4 million, giving him a financial edge that's caused consternation within a Clinton campaign clamoring for attention-getting debates.

That is amazing. Love the fact that Hillary made a big push to get $3M in 3 days, and is getting out-earned 2-1 despite reaching her goal.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I'm going to donate another $100 to Obama today.

Who is going to match me??

 

[adonis]

I'm going to donate another $100 to Obama today.Who is going to match me??

I'll match you insofar as I'll donate too

 

[The_Man]

I did another $50 yesterday, that got me to $100. Today, I'm getting my wife in for $25, as much to add another donor to the rolls as anything.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I'm going to donate another $100 to Obama today.Who is going to match me??

I'll match you insofar as I'll donate too

I did another $50 yesterday, that got me to $100. Today, I'm getting my wife in for $25, as much to add another donor to the rolls as anything.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Been invited to an Obama talk in Bangor, Maine on Saturday. IF we can't get a sitter, my wife and I will flip a coin to see who goes. Someone from the weasel clan will represent.:As a side note, this will be the first presidential election where my wife vote democrat:

So are you going to Bangor or is your wife?

Hopefully both of us. Still waiting on hearing from the sitter. If no sitter, coin flip Saturday morning.

 

[phthalatemagic]

the inclusion of Fla and Michigan, but totally above board and by the popular vote.

Why are you against letting MI and FL's vote count? This sounds like voter disenfranchisement.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

the inclusion of Fla and Michigan, but totally above board and by the popular vote.

Why are you against letting MI and FL's vote count? This sounds like voter disenfranchisement.

Are you being serious, sarcastic, or stupid?

 

[scoobygang]

the inclusion of Fla and Michigan, but totally above board and by the popular vote.

Why are you against letting MI and FL's vote count? This sounds like voter disenfranchisement.

The DNC is not a government entity. It can't disenfranchise anyone. Voters in MI and FL will have the same franchise as everyone else. The right to vote in November.Now the question of whether FL and MI should have the right to participate in naming the Democratic nominee is a tough question. And we can talk a lot about what would be most fair and productive. But we shouldn't get it confused with any type of right. None of us have the right to select a political party's nominee. We participate to the extent that the party lets us participate.

 

[cstu]

Crowds started lining up for Obama rally in Omaha six hours before doors open.

Obama mania has hit Omaha.

Crowds began forming this morning at about 9:30 a.m. outside the Omaha Civic Auditorium in anticipation of the Democratic presidential hopefuls' appearance.

They came wrapped in black-and-white spotted blankets, farm caps with ear flaps and long underwear.

"We want to see the man," said Joe Kinnaman, a Lincoln businessman who arrived at about 11:30 p.m. "There is a lot of excitement going on here - we haven't seen this in years."

Barack Obama is coming to woo supporters to the Nebraska Democratic Party's first-ever caucus on Saturday.

His visit marks the first time in 20 years that a major presidential candidate has campaigned in Nebraska during the primary season.

Details of Obama's visit to Omaha today Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will hold a "Stand for Change" rally today at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.

Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are not required.

Michael Dukakis and Jesse Jackson both campaigned in Nebraska in advance of the state's 1988 primary. Dukakis won the Democratic nomination. Then-Vice President George Bush, the eventual GOP nominee, also stumped in Nebraska that year.

In 1984, Jackson, Gary Hart and Walter Mondale all visited the state during the Democratic nomination battle. Mondale won the nomination.

Doors at the Civic Auditorium are expected to open at 3:30 p.m. At about 1:30 this afternoon, more than 100 people had all ready gathered. Many said they came to find good seats and to be a part of history.

"He's impressive. He's a leader and he is positive," said Sterling Schultz, a 73-year-old Republican farmer from Naper who planned to file the registration paperwork necessary on Saturday to caucus for Obama as a Democrat.

Obama is not expected to hit the stage until 5 p.m. Obama is on a three-state tour today, hitting all three states that hold either Democratic caucuses or primaries on Saturday. He is flying into Omaha from New Orleans and plans to be in Seattle tonight.

On Thursday morning, the Capitol Avenue entrance to the Civic became a meeting place for young Obama devotees.

A group of students from Omaha, Lincoln and Schuyler staked out prime spots at the door.

"It's the first time we ever get to do anything like this, so we want to be right in front," said Adam Deville, 19, of Omaha.

The group praised Obama for what they termed his good values, integrity and honesty. They also echoed sentiments expressed by young people around the country:

"I think he stands for change, which is what we need most," Deville said.

Tieree Smith, 28, of Lincoln came at 11:45 a.m. It wasn't the first time she would see Obama - as a former Illinois resident, she's seen him several times. But she wanted to show her support and she wanted a good spot.

Smith is originally from New Orleans - she doesn't like the cold - but said she would happily stand in the cold for Obama.

"For this historic evening, I thought it was worth it," Smith said.

Later in the day, while lines formed around every side of the Civic's city block, the crowd inside grew more and more jubilant. The crowd began to chant one of Obama's signature lines "Yes We Can," as the song and Youtube sensation of the same name played over the sound system.

Outside, Robert Cooper, 65, said Obama is his man.

"I've got my mind made up," said Cooper, a retired mechanic from Bellevue. "I believe he will pull this country together and I believe he will care for the little people, like myself."

Around that city block, with smiles on their face, people in fur coats and zip-up hoodies alike said the same things - new, hope, change.

"It's the first time in a long time when people don't feel they have to go to the polls and vote for the lesser of two evils," Smith said. "I believe that he will unite this nation."

 

[Homer J Simpson]

"He's impressive. He's a leader and he is positive," said Sterling Schultz, a 73-year-old Republican farmer from Naper who planned to file the registration paperwork necessary on Saturday to caucus for Obama as a Democrat.

Absolutely awesome. Atta boy, Sterling!

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Crowds started lining up for Obama rally in Omaha six hours before doors open.

Obama mania has hit Omaha.

They came wrapped in black-and-white spotted blankets, farm caps with ear flaps and long underwear.

WTF?

 

[NCCommish]

Crowds started lining up for Obama rally in Omaha six hours before doors open.

Obama mania has hit Omaha.

They came wrapped in black-and-white spotted blankets, farm caps with ear flaps and long underwear.

WTF?

Poorly constructed sentence trying to relay how cold it was. I assume.

 

[Alan Smithee]

From the AP this afternoon:

NEW ORLEANS - Democrat Barack Obama raised $7.2 million in less than 48 hours post Super Tuesday and rival Hillary Rodham Clinton collected $4 million, giving him a financial edge that's caused consternation within a Clinton campaign clamoring for attention-getting debates.

That is amazing. Love the fact that Hillary made a big push to get $3M in 3 days, and is getting out-earned 2-1 despite reaching her goal.

AP now says she's collected $6.4 million to Obama's $7.2 million since Super Tuesday. Link.

 

[LHUCKS]

"He's impressive. He's a leader and he is positive," said Sterling Schultz, a 73-year-old Republican farmer from Naper who planned to file the registration paperwork necessary on Saturday to caucus for Obama as a Democrat.

Absolutely awesome. Atta boy, Sterling!

Obama needs more of this...he's getting killed by the old people demographic.

 

[Alan Smithee]

What if the Rs decide their nomination is set and throw their weight behind HRC?They have to fear Obama more than her right? They proved they can throw an election in exactly this way (see: WV).

I made this same point in another thread. Lots of open primaries coming up: Ohio, Virginia, Hawaii, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Mississippi, etc. Once Huck drops out in a week or two, Republicans could really make a difference in a lot of these states if they decided to go out an vote.