CBS TV News is reported the Associated Press Poll that shows Clinton would beat McCain by 50% to 41% while showing Obama beating McCain by just two points, 46% to 44%.
-CBS TV News; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
No Clear Trend in Indiana -- Clinton Ends April Just As She Started: In a Democratic Primary in Indiana today, 04/28/08, 8 days until votes are counted, Hillary Clinton finishes ahead of Barack Obama, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted for WHAS-TV in Louisville and WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. The results are identical to a SurveyUSA TV poll released 4 weeks ago, on 04/01/08. Clinton led then 52% to 43%, leads now 52% to 43%. Other polls show the contest closer; some polls show Obama ahead. SurveyUSA tracking graphs show movement toward Clinton in the middle of April but offsetting movement to Obama at the end of April. This back-and-forth can be seen clearly on the interactive tracking graphs for males, for Democrats, for pro-choice voters, and for residents of greater Indianapolis. Clinton's advantage is steady among women, steady among voters age 50+, and steady in Southern Indiana, which borders Kentucky. Obama is gaining ground among voters under 50, where he leads for the first time; among liberals, where he leads for the first time; in Northern Indiana, where he is tied for the first time; and in Central Indiana, where he has cut Clinton's lead in half. Clinton, by contrast, is making steady inroads among Independent voters.
--Survey USA; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
Hillary Clinton's economic leadership has been key to her victories in Ohio and Pennsylvania and will be the focus of her campaign in the run-up to the Indiana and North Carolina primaries.
As today's New York Times reports, Senator Clinton is demonstrating her leadership on core economic issues by laying out the boldest and most specific plan to help create jobs of any candidate in this race -- and she is the only candidate with comprehensive proposals to reduce our dependence on foreign fuels in the long run and provide relief for consumers in the short term.
Today, she will unveil a plan to suspend the gas tax paid for out of oil company profits in order to give drivers price relief during the upcoming peak driving months of summer. Unlike Senator McCain, Senator Clinton's plan is paid for and will not raid the highway trust fund. Senator Clinton also has the most detailed, comprehensive trade agenda to ensure that trade is not a race to the bottom and has a bold housing agenda that would freeze foreclosures and create a moratorium on subprime resets. And she would take away $55 billion in special interest tax breaks and put that money back in the pockets of middle class Americans.
While Senator Obama retools his stump speech to reach middle and working class voters, Senator Clinton is going to continue doing what she has successfully done in Ohio and Pennsylvania -- reach out to those Americans who work hard for a living and need a champion in the White House to help them in this difficult economy.
In Pennsylvania, 55% of voters identified the economy as their number one issue -- Senator Clinton won that group 59-41. In Ohio, 40% of voters said the economy was poor -- Senator Clinton won that group by 16 points. Senator Clinton's specific economic plans -- on green collar jobs, on tax relief, on reducing fuel costs for consumers and taking on the oil industry -- has clearly resonated with the voters most concerned about the state of the economy.
By contrast, Senator Obama continues to perform poorly with blue collar voters, raising serious concerns about his ability to successfully compete in key industrial swing states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. He does do well with those voters who say the economy is good (7% of the electorate in Pennsylvania) or those who are not at all worried about the state of the economy (12% in Texas), but as the economy worsens that group will likely continue to diminish.
Indeed, it is the leadership that Senator Clinton demonstrates on this critical issue that accounts in part for her consistent success in winning over those voters who decided in the last 3 days of the campaign (18 point margins with those voters in both Pennsylvania and Texas). As voters consider the serious challenges facing the nation and the next President in the closing days of these contests, they are choosing the candidate they believe can best be the steward of our economy in rocky times.
As this campaign continues, Senator Clinton will continue to stress the economy in her stump speech and will make clear that, unlike Senator Obama, she knows consumers need relief from gas taxes and deserve a President who has consistently been willing to take on big oil as opposed to awarding it billions in giveaways -- as Senator Obama did when he voted for the Bush-Cheney energy bill.
--Hillary Clinton for President Campaign; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
(For more on this interview go to WBKI’s website: http://www.cwlouisville.com)
I want to chat with you today about an important but neglected issue in this year’s election cycle. This issue is shoring up Social Security and Medicare funding. The survival of many Kentuckians is literally dependent upon these programs.
As we all know, Social Security and Medicare are under siege. Our population is aging.
As it ages, the demand for Social Security and Medicare benefits increases significantly.
A significant chunk of our earnings already goes to fund these programs. To prevent further strains on our earnings, we need alternative sources of revenue to make Social Security and Medicare financially secure.
Two years ago, the Bush administration, with the blessings of Mitch McConnell and Anne Northup, tried to privatize Social Security. The American public said a loud NO to this proposal. I agree with the American public. The Bush, McConnell and Northup proposal would have helped Wall Street without helping main street America.
I believe that a national lottery will generate the needed revenues without raising our taxes and privatizing a public trust. Many other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have national lotteries. Why not us?
Let me say again, I am proposing legislation for a national lottery to help shore up the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. This lottery will have a distinct identity and separate process from already existing state lotteries.
I realize that as a freshmen senator, the chances of getting this legislation through Congress will be very difficult. I love difficult challenges, especially those that benefit society.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to make this announcement. Feel free to ask me any questions about this proposal or my candidacy for U.S. Senate.
What My Campaign Is About?
My campaign is not about me. I have a successful career, a great family, and a great life.
If I wanted to do what was best for me, I would continue along my current path.
Unfortunately, many Kentuckians are struggling financially. They are doing without basic health care coverage. Their children cannot afford to further their education. This campaign is about them. I believe that it is morally just to do what I can to improve the lives of Kentuckians.
-Mike Cassaro, Democrat for U.S. Senator
--Cassaro for U.S. Senator Campaign; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
--Real Clear Politics; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
It is completely unacceptable that here in the United States 47 million Americans, including 9 million children and 500,000 Kentuckians, have no health insurance. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care. If other nations can do it, so can we. One of the big reasons why Washington fails to provide universal health care is that politicians like Mitch McConnell get gold-plated, first-class health insurance paid for by you and me. It’s no wonder McConnell doesn’t feel any urgency to reform our health care system. A Voice for Change Mitch McConnell and his Republican colleagues in the Senate have stood in the way of universal health care for years. It’s time Kentucky had a senator who will champion this issue and work hard to provide quality, affordable health care to all Kentuckians. Starting our Children on the Path to Good Health Every child deserves access to health care. Mitch McConnell has repeatedly opposed efforts to expand health care to 3.8 million of the nation’s uninsured children. We must work to expand SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Program) to cover all children. This is not only morally right, but economically sensible, as it allows health problems to be addressed at an early stage, eliminating the need for costly, last-minute intervention. We can also help the next generation live longer, healthier lives by encouraging better diets in school cafeterias and by teaching our kids how to take care of their bodies. Putting an End to McConnell’s Obstructionism From SCHIP expansion to veterans’ health care benefits, many good proposals to improve health care for Kentuckians have already been debated in the Senate. Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell has been the chief obstructionist in the Senate, stopping meaningful changes to our health care system. He has chosen to side with the pharmaceutical companies and other special interests rather than support working families and children. Enough is enough. Kentucky deserves a Senator who will bring change to Washington. -Bruce Lunsford, Democrat for U.S. Senator --Lunsford for U.S. Senate Campaign; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
On Friday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), referring to Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), told conservative bloggers that “it’s very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president of the United States.” Now one of McCain’s top surrogates, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, has picked up on the line of attack, telling the Reno Gazette-Journal that “the recent endorsement by Hamas” was “revealing”:
ROMNEY: I think Barack Obama was more of a blank sheet. I think the primary revealed more about him than perhaps he would’ve liked. The recent endorsement by Hamas of his candidacy is I think the kind of development which people find revealing.
QUESTION: What do you take that to mean?
ROMNEY: Well, I think he’s said in his first year he would be inclined to visit with [Iranian President] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, [North Korean President] Kim Jong Il, [former Cuban President] Fidel Castro. I think they find that appealing.
McCain and Romney’s scurrilous attacks are reminiscent of the over-the-top rhetoric of hardline right wingers like Rush Limbaugh and John Bolton. Earlier this month, Limbaugh claimed that “Islamofascists are actually campaigning for the election of Democrats” while Bolton contended in January that “the Mullahs in Tehran” want the Democrats to win.
--Think Progress; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
Prospect, KY. Mike Cassaro, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, will make a major announcement this coming Monday, April 28, 2008 on “The CW Louisville Live This Morning.” This show airs on WBKI (cable 7 in Louisville) at 9:30 a.m. WBKI has one of the largest coverage areas of any station in Kentucky, with reception from the Tennessee border to North Central Kentucky.
--Cassaro for U.S. Senate Campaign; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
These are serious times. America’s standing in the world has been reduced, we are stuck in a poorly reasoned and ill conceived war that must end, the economy is on the brink of recession, and the costs of health care and college tuition continue to skyrocket, preventing too many working families from achieving the American dream. After 24 long years of Mitch McConnell in Washington, Kentucky’s economy is in serious trouble. Kentucky needs a U.S. Senator who will work to reduce health care costs, create more jobs, and get our economy back on track. I bring a lifetime of hard work and practical business experience to the important task of helping develop and protect Kentucky jobs. Unlike Senator McConnell, I have not spent my life on the public payroll. I know what it takes to work hard, meet a payroll, and create jobs. If elected as your U.S. Senator, I will draw on that experience as I work to improve Kentucky’s economy. Investing in a New American Economy If America is going to compete in the global economic marketplace, we must be a leader in innovation. To do so, I believe we must make substantial investments in new research and development, focusing on the development of alternative energy technologies that will provide high-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Developing a Workforce for 21st Century Jobs To meet the challenge of the new global economy and it’s swiftly changing technologies, we must ensure that our young people are well educated. We need to invest in early science and math education, as well as tuition tax credits to help more students get a college education. Strengthening the American Worker I support employee free choice to facilitate fair organizing for workers. Kentucky’s working families have earned the right to a living wage and safe working conditions. Standing up for American Companies and Workers In addition, we must ensure that all trade agreements include significant worker protections. It shouldn’t be too much to ask to have trade agreements that open up new markets for American products and protect quality American jobs. Tax Cuts for Working Families I support letting the Bush tax cuts for the top income brackets expire and replacing them with targeted tax cuts to help the working and middle classes. I also support tax cuts that will encourage companies to create more jobs here in Kentucky. We must do everything we can to jumpstart our economy and develop jobs. Protecting the Dream of Home Ownership Economic times are tough. Our housing market is in crisis. We need to crack down on unfair lending practices and bring transparency to all mortgage transactions. I plan to help mortgage borrowers in tough situations by helping them find ways to restructure their loans and avoid foreclosure. We also have a responsibility to help American workers and small businesses survive during this difficult time. What’s good for Wall Street should be good for Main Street. --Bruce Lunsford for U.S. Senator; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
The voters in Pennsylvania have spoken. America is listening. And the tide is turning.
By providing fresh evidence that Hillary is the candidate best positioned to beat John McCain in the fall, the Pennsylvania primary is a turning point in the nominating contest.
Despite making an unprecedented financial investment in his Pennsylvania campaign, including millions on negative ads in the closing days of the race, Sen. Obama again failed to win a state that will be vital to a Democratic victory in November and spurred new questions about his ability to beat John McCain. No candidate has ever had more resources or enjoyed the kind of momentum that Sen. Obama had in Pennsylvania.
With concerns about the economy paramount, voters decided that Sen. Clinton was the candidate they trusted most to deal with job loss, the housing crisis and health care.
And with both candidates under the microscope at the same time for the first time, Hillary took more than a few punches and came out stronger while Sen. Obama emerged weaker as voters learned more about him. The exit polls clearly show that Sen. Clinton gained strength in the final days when the campaign was most engaged.
The reason for the Clinton comeback is clear: voters want a candidate who will stand strong for them and work to create a better future.
STRONG ON ECONOMY: Pennsylvania turned on which candidate made the better case for fixing the economy. Exit polls show voters viewed Hillary more favorably on the economy - her leadership resonated across the heartland of Pennsylvania. Those who want change in the economy voted overwhelmingly for Hillary.
A DECISIVE VICTORY: According to exit polls, Hillary won voters most concerned about the economy by 16 points (58-42) and union households by 18 points (59-41). She won those with incomes between 100K and 150K by 20 points (60-40); white women by 32 points (66-34) and Catholics by 38 points (69-31). She won those who decided on the last day (59-41), the last three days (58-42) and the last week (54-46).
SEN. OBAMA PLAYED TO WIN & LOST: Sen. Obama played to win Pennsylvania outright, outspending the Clinton camp by a 3 to 1 margin while sharply attacking Sen. Clinton on the stump and in television, radio, and direct mail pieces. He understood what was at stake for him in Pennsylvania, had six full weeks to make his case, went for a knockout at the end and came up short. Sen. Obama’s failure to do well raises questions about his ability to win the large, swing states that Democrats need to win in November.
HRC WILL WIN IN NOVEMBER: Democrats must win the large swing states to beat John McCain in the fall, but Sen. Obama has struggled in states like Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In addition, Hillary’s voters form the coalition needed for Democratic success in the fall battleground states: women, Hispanics, older voters, working class voters and Catholics. Sen. McCain is stronger than a typical Republican normally is among these groups while Sen. Obama has proven weaker among them. Hillary is also most likely to hold traditionally Democratic states and poised to expand the electoral map in the Southwest while also flipping a few traditionally GOP states like Arkansas.
OUR VICTORY HAS RE-ENERGIZED OUR CAMPAIGN & OUR GRASSROOTS: Sen. Obama may have outspent us 3 to 1 in Pennsylvania, but Hillary's strong supporters kept her in it. As news of Sen. Clinton’s victory spread, we received more donations at www.hillaryclinton.com and more new online contributors than after our wins in Ohio and Texas. In fact, this was our best night ever for online fundraising.
--The Clinton Campaign; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
