Florida- Victory and Withdrawals

Last nights Florida primary was a major event for the Republican party, one that could lead to them sealing the GOP nominee. Coming out winner was Sen. John McCain, followed by Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, and Ron Paul.

Florida had become the center of Rudy Giuliani's campaign, a move that probably cost him his candidacy. And after coming in third the republican candidate announced he would withdrawal. Which leads us to this evening were Giuliani made the official announcement, while at the same time making his official endorsement for John McCain. Also Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be announcing his endorsement for McCain tomorrow.

Now on the democratic side, their Florida primary was more hush hush. Silently winning was Sen. Hillary Clinton, marking another win for her and another loss for John Edwards. After having faced a string of defeats, and possibly the strain the campaign has had on his family, John Edwards announced that he would also be bowing out of the presidential race. And having made ending poverty a key part of his campaign, Edwards hopes Clinton and Obama will engage in his cause.

Next week Americans will be heading out to cast their support for their candidates on Super Tuesday. Will John McCain snag the nominee, and will Mike Huckabee make a surprising leap ahead of Romney? And with just two democrats left, will it be Hillary or Barack? And that's it from Florida- victory and withdrawals.

What Exactly Will Be the State of the Union?

Last night's address almost gave the impression that President Bush was being affected by the writers' strike. The reason for this being that the address echoed that of past speeches. The president was faced with the hard task of making his final agenda one that could grasp the attention of the American people. So does that mean Bush has failed by continuing to bring up past issues? Or does it mean he just can’t get anywhere in D.C. with Democrats outnumbering Republicans?

I like what the president said when he began his address, “All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people’s business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. And it remains our charge to keep.” The now silent majority of American voters elected Bush, not once but twice. Was that because they didn’t see a leader in Al Gore or John Kerry, or did they know Bush was the man for the job? George W. Bush is only doing what he was elected to do and he’s trying his best to hold to the promises he made.

President Bush didn’t expect back in 2001 to be pulling a country out of devastation or making the choice to strike out those responsible, and neither was America. One day we’re for the war and the next were not. Oh sure we want the terrorists taken out, but we’d rather just not have a part in it. So let’s pull out! Let’s get Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, or even Ron Paul in office and let’s get out of the Middle East. But if we do how do we know if that could be one of the greatest decisions made or one of the worst? And how do we know if pulling out of this war, this mission, won’t come back to haunt us? The sad truth, we don’t.

For Hillary Clinton last night was a time of rejoicing what with this being Bush’s final address. She obviously forgot that the same thing was said when her husband made his final address, with the same feeling most likely applying for the Dynamic Duo (Barack Obama and Ted Kennedy). Other democrats included John Kerry and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, all sitting when Republicans stood, and only standing when Bush spoke on matters that fit into their agenda- big shock.

So come 2012, when America goes though this crazy process again, will we elect (insert politician) again, or will we choose a new leader? And what exactly will be the state of the union?

God Bless America

With his wife and two daughters in the audience, his daughters attending for the first time, President George W. Bush made his way to front of the floor of the United States House of Representatives for his final State of the Union.

“All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people’s business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. And it remains our charge to keep.”

President Bush began with the acknowledgement of how America has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. He went on to add that much business lies unfinished and the American people can expect it to get done.

Speaking first on matters of the economy, Mr. Bush said that unless congress acts, most of the tax relief will be taken away. He stated how he plans to make the tax relief permanent. He also added that if any bills calling for the raising of taxes reach his desk, he will veto them. “American families have to manage their budgets- so should their government.”

You could almost hear Mr. Bush stressing how he was doing his best to live to the hopes that won him his first and second terms. Some of the topics in his address may have echoed those of past address but if so they were to stress how he has not forgotten them. If congress does not act on something, it is his job as the leader of America to see to it that they do.

Speaking on the No Child Left Behind program, the president stated how the program is working. However, it there are still difficulties’ in the manner that the number of high school drop outs must be reduced. If such a task it to be completed, one first spark academic interest- along with interest in surviving in the real world, and realizing what the real world holds.

The president spoke how America must lead the way to finding new ways in technology to achieving a better environment. Reverse the flows of green house gasses and developing renewable fuels. The president also proposed the banning of allowing the cloning of human life.

On the matters of immigration, Mr. Bush spoke on how America needs to prevent immigrants from entering illegally, by investing in new ways of handling such situations. However, America must also look towards establishing lawful ways for foreigners to come and support our economy.

Scattered throughout his address was the subject of the War on Terror. President Bush said how for the safety of America we are spreading the hope of freedom and the peace of the world. But fighting terrorists comes at a price. Troops are still being sent back and they can expect tough fighting ahead. The president commented on the belief that the surge is not working- saying that al-Qaida is on the run and they will be defeated. “We will deliver justice to our enemies,” said the president. General Petraeus says that pulling out now would deteriorate the success of the Iraqi people and their government- for they ARE taking control of their future. He went on to add that failure in Iraq would result in the strengthening of the terrorists.

Though the war is such a heated and controversial topic, the president stated that the soldiers have the gratitude of the entire nation. When it comes to the war America will do three things; 1. Confront those who threaten out troops; 2. Stand by our allies; and 3. Defend vital interests in the Persian Gulf. And to increase the activity of lowering the communications of terrorists and in locating them, the president stated how congress has until February 1st to provide the funds needed in tracking down terrorists. “The time to act is now!”

But while troops continue to be sent back to the Middle East, the president stated that 20,000 troops are coming home. He also added how the funding is needed to continue to support veterans of wars past and today. Any unused education benefits given to veterans should be transferred to their spouses and their children.

“And so as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure and the state of our union will remain strong. So tonight, with confidence in freedom’s power, and trust in the people, let us set forth to do their business. God Bless America.”

Barack Has the Kennedys

Today Sen. Ted Kennedy announced his family's endorsement for Barack Obama for president. "I feel change in the air," said Kennedy, going on to call Obama a "man with extraordinary gifts of leadership and character," a worthy heir to his assassinated brother. Sen. Kennedy's endorsement brings any hope Hillary Clinton or even John Edwards had of gaining the backing of the Kennedy family to an end. The Massachusetts senator is expected to campaign actively for Obama from now until Super Tuesday.

But senator, there are a few other candidates who are agents of change- you have a bunch of Republicans looking for a hand. Yes Obama has certainly become quite the political figure, a puzzle I'm still trying to solve. But while I continue my search for the right candidate, Obama supporters can relax now that Barack has the Kennedys.

Primary Results

To anyone who may be reading this faithfully, it must being hurting you that I have no updated the primary results. Yes you may have MSNBC, FOX News, and CNN, but you just can't help but have The Long Haul update you on Election 2008. So here are the latest primary results.

Michigan & Nevada Primary:

• Democrats-Hillary Clinton
• Republican- Mitt Romney

South Carolina:

• Democrats- Barack Obama
• Republican- John McCain

Kucinich is Out...Again

Alas, there has been yet another campaign casualty. Democratic candidate for president, Dennis Kucinich has officially ended his bid for the seat in the Oval Office. In case you're not exactly sure who Dennis Kucinich is, he's the candidate that almost resembles Gilligan.

Kucinich's campaign was certainly a long-shot, and it's amazing to me that he held in for this long- of course it is still pretty early in election year. Kucinich was never really heard from much, he was probably the Fred Thompson of the Democratic Party. Back in my sophomore year of high school I had to do a short report on Kucinich in my Current Events class. I believe I mentioned Kucinich's plan to run for president and how it would certainly be interesting to see what the future held. To be honest I didn't really expect much. I kinda find his campaign to be as popular as Basic Instinct 2 or Daddy Day Camp (not that I saw either of them).

But just so you know a little about the man- and that wasn't a height crack. Kucinich proposed a Department of Peace, backed universal health care and supported gay marriage. He also pushed for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney.

Ah, man, why did he have to drop out.

This withdrawal from the race is not the first time for Kucinich. He campaigned back in the 2004 elections before dropping out. He returned to this election however with a wife. Kucinich hoped a mate would cast a positive outcome this time around, especially after that contest to win a date with back in 'O4.

But anyways, maybe he'll return in 2012. Until then, Kucinich is out...again.

Fred Thompson's Exit

Dong, dong. After staying in the race for longer than I expected, Republican Fred Thompson has officially withdrawn from the race for the GOP nominee. At the age of 65, Thompson, probably best known for his role on NBC's Law & Order, dropped out of the race after a string of less than hopeful finishes in early primary and caucus races, which resulted in the loss of money.

It was back in early 2007 when Thompson began to toy with the idea of running for president. After asking to be released from his television role, Thompson announced his candidacy in the late summer. A move made successful by politicians like Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, seems not to have worked out so well well for the former Tennessee senator.Though he appeared committed and seemed to have a decent support group he just wasn't able to make any head way. Was it because of where he stood on certain issues, or was it the lack of looking like he was aware of the world around him?

But even with Thompson no longer in the race, the GOP nominee is still wide open to all candidates and that mostly includes John McCain, Mike Huckabee, and Mitt Romney. Whether any will benefit from him, none have yet to receive any endorsement upon Fred Thompson's exit.

Petty Quarrels

With it being election year, many Americans are sharing their opinions with where they stand with the candidates. But of course it’s not just campaign supporters, protesters, or bloggers voicing their thoughts, the press are also making themselves heard. And perhaps this week no journalist did a better job than Associated Press reporter Glen Johnson. Republican candidate Mitt Romney was speaking at a South Carolina Staple’s store when Johnson interrupted the politician when he stated that he did not have lobbyists running his campaign.

Johnson challenged Romney, saying that the candidate did in fact have lobbyists running his campaign- pointing out that Ron Kaufman (Romney senior advisor) was a lobbyist. "Did you hear what I said? Did you hear what I said? ... I said I don't have lobbyists running my campaign. He's not running my campaign,” said Romney shooting back. The quarrel continued to go back and forth, reminding me of hearing heated disagreements when I was in U.S. History. Romney later invited Johnson on his chartered plane, saying he would explain the campaign structure to him.

So what does this mean for Romney? Well odds are this story is just going to die out with every other problem or insult Romney has faced. And with McCain and Huckabee supposedly leading in South Carolina, Romney knows there are more important issues to worry about than petty quarrels.

Beating Around the Bush

With 2008 being such a big year in politics it is certainly no secret that this marks the final year for the Bush administration. With “Change” being the center of the campaigns for the candidates running for the presidential nominees, especially for Barack Obama, it seems to shed some negativity on President Bush.

In the beginning of his first term in 2001, President Bush led the country through the hardships following 9/11 (hope this doesn’t sound like a Giuliani placement). The response to the terrorist attack result led to the War on Terror- something that for many only sounded good at the time. This is probably the biggest of all the problems people have with now with the government. But here’s something many have to try and remember, the Government has a list of how many troops it needs and where they need to be stationed and it’s your sons and daughters “volunteering”.

Another problem the Bush administration faced was the immediate response or lack of to the aftermath left by Hurricane Katrina. So when the levees that believed to be supportive fail and you decide not to evacuate and you end up finding yourself on the roof of your house in a flood, who do you blame? The officials in D.C., and that’s only because you don’t want to blame yourself.

NBC News’s Chief White House Correspondent David Gregory sat down with President Bush during his trip to the Middle East. He asked the President his thoughts on the candidates running for change for the country. Bush replied saying it’s something he would do if he was running today. And indeed he’s right; any candidate following a race from any moment in history is looking to change the course of the previous administration. Gregory also asked the president if he regretted not having caught Osama bin Laden. The president responded with the note that he isn’t out of office yet.

We can’t look at President Bush’s approval rating and just assume he’s failed this country as a leader, only the history books of tomorrow can tell us whether or not he was a Lincoln, a Johnson, a Roosevelt, a Kennedy, a Ford, or even a Carter.

I may not understand everything when it comes to politics, but I’m doing my best to deepen my understanding of the world around me- plus I haven’t taken Government class yet. But I do know one thing. Just because President Bush’s approval rating is low, it doesn’t mean there’s not someone on his side. And who’s to say you know what the right choice to make is. Plus, the president has a number of advisors telling him what the best decision to make is, and maybe the negative response to those decisions is why some of Bush’s advisors are “retiring”. Whatever the future holds for Mr. Bush, and whatever future generations think of this time in history, has yet to be told. But right now in the present, maybe some of us could step back and stop beating around the Bush.

New Hampshire Primary

The New Hampshire victories for John McCain and Hillary Clinton may be yesterday’s news it’s a new post for the blog. Republican candidate John McCain made a surprising leap ahead of Mitt Romney and Iowa Caucus winner Mike Huckabee. McCain’s win over Romney comes as a surprise as it had been believed that New Hampshire voters were leaning towards Romney. The Fox News Network hosted the Republican Forum on Sunday evening, and afterwards gathered some feedback from a group of viewing voters. When one woman was asked about whether or not she supported Mike Huckabee she responded by saying she was voting for a president and not a pastor. This raises the question as to whether or not Huckabee can gain enough support from voters who are not for him because of his religious background.

It would seem that on the Democratic side that Hillary’s tears won her enough votes to beat Iowa winner Barack Obama. But there are actually three possible reasons as to why Hillary won the primary.

1. Voters agree with what she says.
2. Her misty eyes won support.
3. A vote for Hillary is a vote for Bill.

And following the second stop on the campaign trail this Election Year, Democratic candidate Gov. Bill Richardson announced his withdrawal from the race. But while Richardson has yet to announce his endorsement for another candidate, former presidential runner John Kerry announced his endorsement for Obama.

And that’s the report on the New Hampshire Primary.

Quite Serious

Pigging out on pizza, not having the time to exercise, this is how far Hillary Clinton is willing to go when it comes to winning the support of voters. And get this, she’s even allowed her 27 year old daughter Chelsea to speak when it comes to gaining supporters. I know, wow! In case you’re not sure of what it is I’m talking about I’ll do a quick recap.

Earlier today Hillary was speaking to a group of undecided voters when she began tearing when speaking about her campaign. Stating that running for president wouldn’t be easy if she didn’t passionately believe it was the right thing to do. Well thank goodness she’s dedicated, but in my opinion her watery eyes had about as much of an affect on me as an episode of The Young and the Restless- and that's none. She also added how some people think elections are a game and that it’s about who’s up or who’s down. Well first off she’s down, and I don’t think elections are a game. I mean once you look past the finger pointing and slams the candidates give each other the whole thing is quite serious.

Iowa Caucuses

Well the first big day of Election Year has come, and Iowans made sure they were out to support their candidate. Over an hour into the beginning of the caucus, Mike Huckabee became the projected winner for Republicans, while a little later Barack Obama became the projected winner for the Democrats.

But while these two candidates were celebrating their victory, two Democratic candidates, Joe Biden and Chris Dodd decided to pull out due to their low numbers. And while all eyes have been on Iowa, Rudy Giuliani left the Hawkeye State and headed down to Florida to get a much early start on winning the vote there.

And now the candidates are making their way to New Hampshire, for the Primary that will take place on January 8. And that’s the report from the Iowa Caucuses.

Only the Beginning

It’s just two days until the beginning of the Iowa Caucus, and after a year of much anticipation we’re finally here. Gov. Mike Huckabee and Sen. Barack Obama currently lead in the polls for their own parties according to the Des Moines Register. However these numbers don’t represent everyone in Iowa, so numbers can still change. And after all this is only the beginning.