More Presidential Items

Published May 12 2008, 03:16 PM by David S. Bernstein

--$35 million? Not worth recuperating, when you're the Mittster. "Governor Romney has no plans either now or in the future to raise money so that he can retire his debt," says spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom.

--The fulfillment today of the hotly anticipated (well, if you listened to me, anyway) announcement that former congressman Bob Barr is running for the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination is potentially a big deal -- especially if Ron Paul ultimately endorses him, which seems likely if Barr gets the nod at the party convention. (Barr is up against a bunch of lesser-known candidates, including Massachusetts's own George Phillies.) Barr has credibility and gravitas, and if that's coupled with the Paul fundraising machine it could have a big impact. Not to win, but to affect the outcome in individual states. He should be able to gain enough early support to force his way into the national media coverage. He should steal votes from Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents who are disgusted with the GOP, the War, and/or McCain. Barr's big issues are A) privacy and individual liberty, B) elimination of the income tax, C) securing the border against illegal immigration. As a Georgian he should have particular appeal to Southerners -- and if he takes a chunk of the white vote in southern states, you could easily see Obama win in Mississippi and elsewhere. It could at least force McCain to expend precious time and resources in states he should be able to take for granted. (Another question this raises: if Ron Paul supporters turn out to vote for Barr, instead of staying home as expected, how does that impact down-ticket races -- like the Senate contests in New Hampshire and Maine?)

--Possible indication of how the tide has turned in the Democratic nomination fight? In a weekend drive around Providence -- in a state that went heavily for Hillary Clinton -- Obama lawn signs were a fairly common sight, while Clinton signage was notably absent.

New In The Phoenix --

Bloch Tidbit

1 Comments

gaypastor said:

I'm a gay guy who's been closely following this race for months now and, just as closely, following the gay press, the HRC and The Advocate for any insight among our community leaders about who are choice is and why. I’ve been disappointed for months! I’ve come to my own decision and I’ve been a Hillary supporter since February. In short I think Hillary is more experienced and a stronger candidate against McCain. I also think the woman who is embodying the right of all women is more likely to pave the way for queer, gay and lesbian rights. For certain the feminist movement has paved the way for us in the past! I’m left asking these questions: Why have we - as a community – been so silent about our support for Hillary? Where are our leaders right now? Why are we now standing by and merely watching the first woman president slip pass us as if the anti-woman sentiments sure to follow (and have, in fact, been going on all along) won't possibly affect us too? We - the gay men and certainly our strong lesbian sisters - know that sexism (and its equally powerful bedmate, homophobia) is running rampant right now! Why aren't we asking why we've spent months listening to people accuse each other of using the 'race card' but little to no mention of the 'gender card?" I thought this was a historical race for TWO reasons! Why are we letting Hillary be called a bitch, a whore, and all these other incredibly sexist things? (for more check out the fascinating article entitled "Clinton Campaign Brought Sexism Out of Hiding" at http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/05/clinton_campaign_brought_sexis.html) It includes a shocking list of the way Hillary has received blatant sexist attacks! We should be outraged right now!!! This affects us all!!! Speak out my sisters and brothers! Let's find our voice again!!!! Bring on the “Dykes on Bikes for Hillary,” “The Divas for Hillary,” the “Circuit Boys for Hillary,” and “Bears for Hillary.” Feminism and the woman’s movement has made our Queer path possible….no one can dispute that fact! Don't abandon our sisters nor the symbolism of the first woman (even with her imperfections – we all got ‘em!) running for president right NOW. God Bless you all! Gaypastor

May 13, 2008 10:08 AM