Panel discusses candidates' potential governing strengths

The University of Minnesota hosted a panel discussion focusing on how the two major party candidates are likely to govern once in office. The event was held today at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Panel members included Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and other media contributors. Much of the discussion centered on both nominees ties to the Senate, a first since President Kennedy was running for office.

Senator Kyl said that McCain's history indicates his ability to work on both sides of the aisle. Senator Klobuchar said Obama will be able to transcend party lines and will have the added benefit of an increased Democratic-majority in the Senate. Each pointed to the existing relationships Senator Obama and Senator McCain have developed within the Senate and how they will likely influence their presidency.

The panel also discussed the parallels between Obama and McCain's life experiences and their campaigning. McCain's campaign was compared to his fighter pilot style, while Obama's was said to reflect his background as a community organizer. The panel concluded these would likely be factors in their presidency as well.

Obama Appears With Biden

Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama appears as a "surprise guest" with Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden at the DNC.

The Iraq Chain Gang

Dan Patterson interviews the 'Iraq Chain Gang'

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Clinton campaign holds State of the Race campaign call with high display of confidence

Today the Clinton campaign held a “State of the Race” conference call. Terry McAuliffe, campaign chairman and Phil Singer, Deputy Communications Director, were both on hand to comment. McAuliffe started off by discussing last night and the scope of their victory. He stated that Clinton won by 41 percent and that, “we are in this thing.” The campaign also posted a seven figure plus day for online contributions and the top forty to fifty financial contributors to the campaign were going to meet with the campaign today. McAuliffe made sure to say that there is tremendous enthusiasm within the campaign and that the issue is, “who is it that can best win the general election?”

Phil Singer spoke next on the conference call. He again applauded their victory last night noting that it was in a key swing state. He mentioned the fact that no democrat has won the White House since Wilson in 1916 without taking West Virginia. Singer also made the claim that Clinton can take WV against McCain and mentioned that there are still five contests left. With the campaigns continual push to have the votes from Michigan and Florida to be counted, the staff is relentless is making this come to fruition, all while saying, “those votes out to be honored.”

Another endorsement leaves Obama with big day in delegate race

Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) announced his endorsement for Barack Obama today adding another superdelegate to Obama’s list. This was the third superdelegate vote from a member of Congress that Obama received today alone, making this lead 140 and on their way to the 285 delegate votes they need.

Braley was introduced as a champion for workers and families. His work to raise minimum wage and trade laws that benefit workers was also noted. Braley said that he initially pledged his superdelegate vote to John Edwards, but when he dropped out of the race, Braley decided he would take his time on making his decision as to who his vote would go to. After much deliberation, he decided to endorse Obama, making him the 19th superdelegate that had supported Edwards and now supports Obama.