John McCain Wins; Rudi Out and Hillary Declares Victory?

After the dust settled and the last piece of confetti fell, the McCain camp has Romney against the ropes and ready to throw the knockout punch. After John McCain finished, the "winner take all delegates" in Florida Republican Primary, with a win at 36% he had a more than warm welcome at his headquarters. However, the blood was all over the floor. Rudi was supposed to win in a landslide, Romney was the economies savior, and Huckabee has been from 1% of a joke to front-runner in an Iowa minute, but it is now it is McCain standing tall, as the solid front-runner in the Republican Party.

The Democrats have their own set of wonders and problems. The Democratic National Party declared that Michigan and Florida would be stripped of all delegates, making both primaries window dressings, also stating that democratic candidates could not roll across either state showboating their similar visions for the country. Barrack Obama won over the "Clintonian Machine" in South Carolina (receiving 23% of the white vote, in the first southern primary) and also received the John Kerry and [more importantly] "The Kennedy's" endorsement, he spent Tuesday night in "Memorial Hall," in Kansas City, Missouri looking to shore up some Democratic votes. The "Show Me State" air waves were filled with Obama "official commercials," narrated by Democratic flip flopper extraordinare Claire McKaskill, Tuesday night. Not to be out done, the Clintons made both headlines and speeches just after the South Carolina Obama win. First, Bill Clinton comes out and compares Obama to Jesse Jackson, stating, "Well Jesse Jackson won the South Carolina Primary in 1984 and in 1988." Obviously, "Bubba" Clinton had not learned his lesson, or else Hillary has not been in the same room to smack him over the head yet, but the American people are not thrilled with Clinton trying to reduce Obama to "just another black candidate." Then within minutes of the polls closing in Florida, Hillary Clinton landed in Florida and had a celebration, of sorts, declaring victory in a state that has no delegates. Hillary stepping in to claim zero delegates, was a classic political move to put her face into the camera, give a handful of interviews on cable news channels, and to overall make the ten o'clock news shift and morning papers, for the people who do not follow politics closely. Finally, there is John Edwards, who pulls in another third place, gets no delegates, and is planning on staying in the race until the end. However, he did cancel two stops on his "presidential tour," before the democratic debate later in the week, for a large speech on poverty in "Katrina Struck" New Orleans.

Aside from, the "Audacity of Cloak" Clintons, Obama's "Show Me" stop, and the nonexistent John Edwards on Tuesday night, the real story came from the Republican side of the tape. Even though John McCain won, Mitt Romney declared another "silver" and to "continue the fight, because there is a lot of time left." Before the Republican debates this Wednesday night will be Rudi Guiliani and Mike Huckabee. Rudi put all of his eggs into the Florida basket, which was really the only play, because of his lack of real conservative credentials and overall sketchy past. By Guiliani being steadfast in Florida, during the Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan and South Carolina Primaries he was able to stay out of the spotlight, hopefully America would just be looking at the credentials of his 9/11 role and "Mayor of the Century" title, without putting his family, liberal social constitutions, and maybe in the meantime some of the republican candidates would either drop out (like Fred Thompson did), or else they would have beat each other up enough for him to still be the front runner. However, that did not happen and Rudi now cannot lose, be criticized, or have any more bad press than he has already received, or his "legacy" will be taking a massive hit. Therefore, he will wait until the correct moment, and go in head long for John McCain. This will not only save face for the former mayor, but will also allow him to go back onto the speaking circuit and become a presidential prognosticator for the next eight months on Fox and around the country. Although that still leaves Mike Huckabee, the "little Arkansas Governor that could," still in the mix and vowing to stick it out till the end. His quote after his 14%, fourth place finish in Florida (which he received no electoral votes) was, "this is just one inning, and we are going to play thru the ninth inning of the game." Why would Mike Huckabee keep on trucking? Simple, he still has the third most delegates, just behind Romney, and if he does have a decent showing in the southern part of the country and in the always overlooked "fly over country" (Missouri, Arkansas, etc.), then two things could happen. First, McCain, Romney and Huckabee can go into the Republican Convention with a deadlock, or not a clear cut winner. The second option could be that Huckabee can hand over his electoral votes to McCain and possibly receive a vice presidential nomination in the process (like in the Franklin Delanor Roosevelt election), or at least get a cushy cabinet seat if McCain wins the general.

After California's debate today, at the Ronald Reagan Library, you can bet that there will be fireworks to say the least. There is not any love loss at all between John McCain and Mitt Romney. Huckabee and McCain should paddy cake themselves through the evening, as neither will want to show the other up. Although, Ron Paul is still in the house and will be throwing as many wrenches into the political debate, as he possibly can, the other three remaining will just roll with the punches and basically ignore the shots over the deck. On Thursday though, the democratic debate should also have it's moments, as well. Being that Barrack snubbed Hillary at the Presidential Address to the Nation, turning his back on her from one to two feet away, and making sure that the press knew that he would not even consider a VP spot on her ticket, "If she was to win." Hillary cannot afford to be to strident and also can't be to passive either, at the debate. Therefore, no matter what pant suit Hillary chooses to wear and how forceful the Obama camp comes out to play, on Thursday, even though the campaigns are basically identical in their theory on the way the country should be going, there will definitely be fireworks before and after the debate. After all, it is crunch time now, with less than one week for both the republicans and the democrats to make their push, for their parties nod and possibly their shot at the White House.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, OR DEMOCRAT PREVIEW, GOING INTO "SUPER TUESDAY?"

Overwhelmingly, most people across the nation thought and commented on how President Bush finished his last "State of the Union Address" and came across with flying colors. Which is odd, as his approval rating is anywhere from 26% to 33% approval rating, depending on what pole a person looks at?

However, the real story is not what President Bush said, in his fifty minute speech. The real story is how the people of the American Congress and Senate filed into the Hall. "Super Tuesday," where the American voters will go the polls and decide which candidate (both democrat and republican) could be their actual candidate for the general election, is just about one week away. The real story, that is not being spoken about in the media, is Barrack Obama and Hillary "Billary" Clinton filing into the hall and who they had behind and by their side, tonight.

Barrack Obama, the junior senator from Illinois breaks the plain of the door and directly behind him, non other than Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. Both Hillary Clinton and Obama had been jockeying for position, to get the "Kennedy Family" endorsement, as they are the foundation and are steadfastly the ultimate Democrat family. However, today the Kennedy's endorsed Democratic Candidate for President, Barrack Obama. After democrats (including Ted Kennedy) scorning Bill Clinton for his antics, the Clinton "Machine" passive aggressively playing the race card, and Hillary inevitably losing the South Carolina primary last Saturday, the Kennedy's then came out today and stuck the dagger into the heart of Hillary Clinton, with an endorsement for Obama.

The endorsement was a big stick in the arm for the Obama campaign, but the words the Kennedy's spoke at the podium were the actual dagger putting Hillary on the defensive, if not her campaign on possible "life support." Ted Kennedy Booming at the microphone for over 20 minutes, on how Obama's campaign stating comments like: "I feel change in the air. What about you?" and "With Barack Obama, we will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentationand distortion. With Barack Obama wewill close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, ethnic group against ethnic group, and straight against gay," Kennedy said. Then, Barrack Obama was introduced by Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late president, who said Obama "offers that same sense of hope and inspiration" as did her father. Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island, son of the senator, also offered his support. With these comments from the majority of the Kennedy family, in person and on the stage with Obama, it brings a sense of nostalgia of the John F. Kennedy days to older voters and also brings validity to Obama with both white independent voters and democratic voters. Therefore, was there any surprise that Ted Kennedy and John Kerry were walking right behind, the "junior senator/presidential candidate" Barrack Obama, tonight? I highly doubt it, because there is cabinet space and power to be had, if Obama becomes president.

The fun did not stop there either, because the republican candidates who were all in Florida preparing for Tuesday's Florida vote, that only leaves Hillary Clinton to come into the address (as John Edwards does not have any position, at present, but was a former senator). When the doors opened up wide, Hillary boomed into the room. Yet, earlier in the day, the Clintons actually played down the South Carolina loss, Bill's antics, and that they are still in the lead with the electoral votes across the country to date. When Hillary, ensconced in a scarlet pant suit entered the room, directly behind her (former presidential candidate) Joe Biden and Chris Dodd. As stated before, places in a cabinet to be had and points to be won, and what better way for Hillary to accomplish that, then to have two former Presidential and outspoken candidates by her side.

Politics is a contact sport, but even though both Clinton and Obama were just two feet apart in the aisle tonight, there were no kind words to be had. They sat just four senators apart and neither made eye contact and/or spoke a word to each other, neither did any of their "subordinates," or eye candy aisle toy senators. The next week will be ugly, with a capitol "U," period. However, tonight was a decent serving, upon watching what was supposed to be President Bush's farewell address, between the lines their was more democratic politics in just the aisle, then anything that Mr. Bush said at the podium. U-G-L-Y!

BARACK OBAMA/MIKE BLOOMBERG: THE ULTIMATE CHANGE TICKET FOR DEMS

Barack Obama is the marble in the slingshot of America speak and voting power. The platform of change, the philosophy of American people dispensing of status quo Washington politics, and the overall timing of an American Nation at it's breaking point on issues of health care, immigration, the economy, and foreign policy are the fork in the slingshot. While Obama's win in Iowa against the "Clintonian Machine," gave him the viability of a winner is the rubber being pulled back to launch. However, Barack Obama the biracial, always up for any topic, and a gifted charismatic speaker, a cross between John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., is the platinum marble ready to be launched, only after America gives him their overall support a mere group of days away. When that marble is launched from America's Slingshot, only God and time knows where and when he will land. Barack Obama may be the next President of the United States, but he will be the Democratic Nominee without a doubt.

The phenom from Illinois has made a splash by a combination of passionate speeches, a promise of American change, and bringing out groups of independents, Republicans, and the always cagey (Hard to get out to vote) group of younger voters. This is a classic campaign of improbability, against an almost inevitable comer to the thrown Ms. Clinton, of change over what was called "inexperience," and all the while with a clean and respectful campaign. The clean cut, family man's "holiday commercial," was a beautiful insight into his whole campaign. There was an attractive well spoken man, with his strong and equal wife, two adorable kids with speaking parts, a traditional Christmas Tree, and the last all inclusive statement (made by the youngest of the girls) "Happy Holidays." If there was one commercial, television spot that was an insight into the Obama campaign, this was the one. It showed that the country was in for change, with a possible first black president, a traditional side with a full family, yet an all encompassing message.

However, once the Democratic Nominee is chosen, how will Barack continue to pound the "changing of America" dichotomy home? There is no better way, then to have a vice president candidate that is an independent billionaire, who could run as President himself, does not want to take the chance of losing, needs to shore up some more overall foreign policy experience, and could follow in the footsteps of Obama after his term is over. In steps Mike Bloomberg, the now Mayor of New York, would not only fill in a perfect void, but would also be a perfect fit for the Democratic Nominee who has only been a one term senator and does have some experience flaws. Bloomberg would bring not only an "independent" credibility to Obama's ticket, but he also has the billionaire funds and overall swagger of a vice president now. A Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, or even a solid Richard Luger would be qualified and solid running mates for Obama. However, for the "Audacity of Hope" candidate, what would be more of a shocker, could shore up more independent voters in the "red states," and once again would bring endless funds to a candidate that is already white hot with a good portion of the American people?

With the emergence of Dick Cheney, being the most powerful VP in history and actually making the office a credible source of power and influence, Bloomberg would not have to be a lame duck (i.e., Al Gore, VP Bush, or any other vice president before Cheney). For the first time in America's history, there would basically be two Presidents in the Oval Office, both of whom would compliment each other and possibly could bring back the balance to the country. Whether or not Obama has the foresight to see this and make a bold decision in this direction, or whether Bloomberg would even take a second seat to anyone, is yet to be seen. However, Obama with any other Democrat in the mix of politics would have the possibility of having his "change message" tarnished. If Obama were to pick another "independent" like Joe Lieberman (which may actually be a running mate of Huckabee, but more of McCain), then he would be subjected to more of the "same old Washington" baggage and overflow. For all Americans who long for "American Change" in Washington and through the fabric of America, there is a possibility with Barack Obama, but a Barack Obama/Mike Bloomberg ticket looms with not only change, but that is a true "change in politics."

THE GOP: A McCAIN/HUCKABEE TICKET MAKES SENSE FOR REPUBLICANS

After the blowout win, in the Christian clad plains of Iowa, Mike Huckabee has some solid momentum going into the New Hampshire, Michigan, and South Carolina primaries. However, the "Amen Corner" of the political world, that could slingshot Obama, Huckabee, McCain, into the mainstream, could also be the undoing of any of the candidates campaigns. Where Huckabee and McCain have gained ground over the past month, they are also in dire need of cold hard cash, to continue into the "Super Tuesday, February 5," when the majority of the primaries happen.

However, the Republican Candidates and Primaries are a completely different field, than the Democratic Parties situation. Hillary Clinton and Obama are the only candidates that have a chance of getting the nod to the White House, from Democrats. However, the Republicans have up to five candidates that are in the hunt (theoretically) and the first four primaries could be won by three, or four candidates. The Iowa "Cinderella Story" Primary/Caucus Winner Mike Huckabee, John McCain who was left for dead and penniless four months ago, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, and finally Mitt Romney are all still alive and in the preverbal hunt. However, this election is not like other election cycles, psychology, and statistics before them.

Coming out of Iowa, where Huckabee won a resounding victory over Mitt Romney, there is only a five day turn around for a vote in New Hampshire. Where Iowa Christians propelled Huckabee to the thirteen point win in Iowa, a vast different and more independent crowd lurks in New Hampshire where Huckabee will not be a winner, in that states games. However, Huckabee with the momentum, press, and media attention from Iowa will be a factor in taking votes away from other candidates, namely Romney who is faultering (due to over the top negative ads and a perception of flip flops). Where Mitt Romney looked like a clear cut favorite a mere three weeks ago, now McCain has had a big push and is in a (within the room for error) tie with Romney. If Huckabee cuts away just one-fifth of the Romney voters and some independents go with Obama, this would give McCain a victory in New Hampshire and Huckabee a possible second, or third. Which would leave Mitt Romney, who many pundits thought would win Iowa, cruise through New Hampshire, make the turn to Michigan (where he has roots), and making it a two man race against Rudy, with Thompson being the "true conservative third choice." Six weeks, a $10 million in advertising (mostly negative), and a label of being a flip flopper has all but taken Mitt Romney out of the race, unless he can give a blistering performance in this weekends debates. Personally, I don't think that a five day campaign with Joseph Smith, himself, would save Romney at this point.

So, where does that leave the other four candidates? On Saturday, there is a double debate, with the Republicans and Dems. in New Hampshire, and in the Republican Debate the Murdoch/Fox Team whittled the field down to just the "competitive and who could be elected," leaving Ron Paul, Duncan Hunter, and others out. However, McCain, Thompson, Guiliani, Huckabee, and Romney will be front and center. Look for Romney to go straight at McCain and Huckabee on everything from immigration to foreign policy experience. Thompson and Giuliani have basically put all of their eggs in the overall "Super Tuesday" basket and in Florida. Giuliani, has not put any money, advertising, or time into the first four states, because his "Quasi-Republican" stance on issues will not gain any traction in the first four states. He has set up his shop in Florida, setting his future sights on the rest of the country. Thompson is an enigma, wrapped in a riddle, in this whole campaign. His lackluster attitudes on everything is being perceived by the majority of the country,as just plain lackadaisical. Which only retained him a fourth in Iowa, but who knows whether people will view him as someone who is there because he can be, or because he just wants to "give it a shot," like he said on "MSNBC" eight months ago.

There is a very strong shot that Obama could use Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina (where a mostly black constituancy will be a lock) to slingshot his way to the Democratic ticket. Mike Huckabee and his pal Chuck Norris, will not be able to establish this type of steam, because of the landscape. Huckabee, although likable, not into the mainstream Capitol Hill Gang, perceived as a cornerstone of the Evangelical Base, and is a mean base player in his band ('Capitol Offense'), but it would be a miracle to continue thru states like New York, California, and the other "non-fly over states." Plus, he does not have an "Oprah Factor". However, John McCain is up to snuff, where Huckabee lacks. As of right now, the two men (Huckabee and McCain) are not shooting blasts over each others bows and are keeping to their neutral corners, focusing all of their rhetoric toward Romney and Giuliani. If Romney and Thompson are out of the picture after South Carolina, McCain, Huckabee, and Rudy are left for the fight. This leaves a huge hole for Republicans who want a Reaganite, someone who is socially AND fiscally responsible, in the Republican way. However, there is not an actual Reagan figure in the party. Therefore, this is where both Huckabee and McCain come in. Both are low on funds, but where they lack in the funding, they more than make up for it in the like ability department, McCain has experience, and put together they are the perfect candidate.

New Hampshire, Michigan, South Carolina, should eliminate all of the candidates, at least in actual chances to win, but three. Romney will be out in the next 3 weeks, at least in the sense of not having the voting power and situation to make that last push. Thompson has never really made any effort in becoming a President, he will go back to his acting and possibly hocking some verbiage on the college circuit, for his trophy wife's rings, bracelets, and $10,000 a weekend vacations. Guiliani may actually be in the game, but when everything shakes out, there will be a clear and clean cut decision for Republicans: A two time divorcee, pro-abortion, antigun man, with a shaky set of past friends and people in his past (hello, Bernard Kerick, NYC Chief of Police under indictment), or a McCain/Huckabee ticket that the President and Vice President would actually compliment each other, if elected (where Huckabee lacks in Foreign Policy experience, McCain is soaked in it. Where McCain lacks with the "Christian Right," Huckabee is as snug as a bug in a rug with them. [look at the 70% he electorate he got in Iowa]). It is also worth mentioning that McCains health is in decline and he has not been well for a long while, so with Huckabee being in the "second seat", it would not be a bad place to be (not that Mike Huckabee, or anyone should root, for bad health and/or death of anyone).

WHERE ARE ALL THE MODERATE MUSLIMS?

Maybe, around the time of a season, where people are "supposed to get along and do unto others," there should be an extensive look at all of the people around. I would love to know where are all of the "Moderate Muslims" that seem to have cooler heads, a thought process, and are willing to stand up and scream from the rooftops, "STOP HIGH JACKING OUR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS!"

Like in the Sudan, where the lady is teaching class. Asks a whole class what to name a "class Teddy Bear"? In a country, where the number one name is Mohammed, why is it a surprise that elementary school kids would name a bear that? It is comparable to naming a hamster in an elementary school, John, or Mary. Instead of having some kind of understanding and a complete thought process, the Muslim community goes out and originally wants the lady/teacher to be put to death (by stoning, or beheaded)? Then, as a show of "good will, or calming of heads" they decide that 200 lashes would be a just punishment? Finally, deciding on, even after huge (mostly hostile and male) protests all over Sudan, that 12 days in jail would suffice.

How about the 400-600,000 young, or adolescent girls, that are mutilated and raped throughout Darfur, every year? Not the people that are being starved, made into refugees, or are just having their limbs lopped off with machetes and long blades. Just the women that are being beaten, having their genitals mutilated and systematically raped, in order for there to be a complete genocide thru the most crude and sexual ways, to breed the Sudan out. In order for the extreme Muslim men, or those who believe in the Wahabiist Muslim tradition, over the Sunni and Shiite Muslim traditions. Where are the "Moderate Muslims" with this system of belief completely changing an entire country?

How about a little closer to home, since the "Moderate Muslims" can't, or will not, speak out and define their religion for their world. In Virginia, there is a school that is funded by Saudi Arabia. It has been accused of actually teaching hate throughout the grades, and all of it's text books are littered with Anti-Christian and Anti-Jewish rhetoric. When asked for the text books from the Saudi run school, by several different groups (in order to check the content), it actually took the United States State Department, after two years of asking for the books, to obtain them to be checked out. However, sanitized the text books from the Muslim school are, or are not, is really irrelevant. Simply, because in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East, elementary students are taught math by adding up 2+1=3, with visual aides of actual pictures of two hand grenades, plus one hand grenade, will equal a one. However, the "one" is actually not a hand grenade, but a single Jewish Star of David. Is this how the "Moderate Muslims" want their other Muslims children of the world and the United States, to be taught in this extreme measure?
Where are the heads of the "Moderate Muslims" in this world? Why is it that if someone draws a cartoon, names a Teddy Bear Mohammed, or decides that a woman is not going to wear a burqa over her complete face, that there needs to be a decisive penalty for the people (mostly women)? Where are the "Moderate Muslims" on the constant extermination of the population of the Darfur people, by the Janjaweed? Where is the "Moderate Muslim envoy" to the countries outside the United States, to the European Countries, and finally to the Middle East in order to save a generation of Muslim children and parents to come back to the fray of the Quaran (Koran)? There is not any solid and mobilized "Moderate Muslim Leaders" of any salt for any length of time, utilizing their "pulpits and overall muster" to give the other Muslims around the world an actual chance to come into the world of the twenty-first century, without the barbaric and tortured practices of the past.

For full disclosure, I am actually a Christian Man. I have a Theology Minor and I just care about the people of the world. I am not chastising, but only hoping for the best for our world.

Peace and God Bless,
MIKE D.