Democrats Lead in Donations From Heath Care Industry

Despite constant criticism and reform proposals from Democratic presidential candidates, Democratic candidates have raised about $6.5 million fro the Heath Care Industry. On the other hand, Republican candidates have raised only about $4.8 million. Senator Clinton, who is leading the Democrats in the finance race, received $2.7 million despite her "calls for broad changes to the health care system that could pose serious financial challenges to private insurers and other sectors of the industry. Mitt Romney, the leading Republican fundraiser, is trailing Clinton by $1.1 million from the health care industry. Does this shift towards contributing heavily to Democratic candidates symbolize the growing belief that the Democrats have a strong chance to win the White House next year, and the health care industry is trying to influence the candidates?

Mukasey Nomination Depends on Views of Torture

Michael Mukasey’s nomination to replace Gonzales, as attorney general has appeared to be a sure thing over the past few weeks, and Democratic lawmakers say that he may still be confirmed because of the overwhelming need for leadership in the Justice Department. Lawmakers did not show any concern about Mukasey's nomination until his confirmation hearing last week. Mukasey offered some "awkward responses" to questions regarding his views about anti-terrorism policies that the Bush administration has engaged in. President Bush issued a complaint on Friday about how the Democratic leaders in Congress are taking too much time to approve the nomination of Mukasey "even as members complain about the lack of leadership at the Department of Justice."

Obama, Osama

This morning while talking about the threat of radical Islam, Governor Romney mistakenly called Osama bin Laden Barack Obama, not once but twice. A Romney spokesman claimed that Romney "simply misspoke" and "was referring to a recently released audiotape by bin Laden and misspoke when referencing the name." Was this just a slip of the tongue, or was it a subtle way to attack Senator Obama's upbringing and values?

Bush Claims He Wants to Help

Bush said yesterday that he was willing to negotiate with democrats about the Children’s Health Care Bill, if the Democrats make up their minds to " put the well-being of the children first. Bush was quoted saying that "My Attitude is, lets help the poor children," and "Let's make sure the program does what it's suppose to do." The president claimed that the bill that was proposed would steer the children's healthcare program away from its core purpose by expanding it to cover families that should be able to afford healthcare on their own. Was this truly Bush's intention when he vetoed the bill, or does he want the coverage of children to continue to be limited in order to use the extra money to fund his war in Iraq?

Clinton and Giuliani Lead Presidential Financial Race

Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani are the front-runners for their parties' presidential nominations, as well as the financial leaders heading into the final months of the primary season. Clinton was reported to have $35 million available to spend on her campaign, making her $3 million ahead of her fellow Democrat Barack Obama. Both Democrats have a huge advantage over their Republican running mates. Giuliani leads Republican candidates, ending September with $16 million in his campaign account, while his closest rival is Romney how has $9 million at his disposal. However, Romney, Giuliani, and Obabma all spent more than their campaigns brought in over the past three months. Obama and Romney both have spent extra on television ads in hope of catching their better-known, front-running rivals. For example, Obama has aired 2400 more television spots that Clinton has this year.

Washington Genocide Vote

Many House members from both sides have begun to withdraw their support from a resolution that would condemn the mass killings of nearly a century ago in Turkey as genocide. The Turkish government has lobbied strongly against this symbolic resolution from the time of its proposal. The diminishing support for this bill is largely attributed to the fears that many House members have about the potential Turkish decision to deny American access to critical military facilities in Turkey. The Bush administration has warned that this proposal could cause harm to the American war effort in Iraq and have encouraged House Republicans to not support this measure.

G.O.P. Jump on the Global Warming Bandwagon

After Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Friday for his "work highlighting the treat posed by climate change," many of the Republican presidential contenders have integrated their views and how they would handle the issue into their speeches. Senator McCain is calling for the capping of gas emissions that are linked to global warming and higher fuel economy standards. On the other hand, Giuliani and Romney are emphasizing a push toward clean coal and other alternative energy sources. However, they all agree on one thing, that nuclear power should be greatly expanded.

McCain dobts Romney's Republican beliefs

Senator McCain criticized Massachusetts Governor Romney today for "his past record of support for both liberal ideas and liberal candidates." McCain also stated that "when Governor Romney donated money to a Democratic candidate in New Hampshire, I don't think he was speaking for Republicans." These comments were in response to a remark made by Romney on Friday. He stated that he was the "only real Republican." After McCain's attack on Romney, a woman in the audience, who was a Romney supporter, stood up and told McCain that he was no Ronald Reagan, and criticized him for joining with Democrats while he was in the Senate. McCain defended himself by saying that what "American's want us to do for them today is to get things done in Washington what could be partisan about fixing social security?"

Hillary's New Endorsement

Senator Clinton managed to extend support for her presidential candidacy today by winning the endorsement of Representative John Lewis of Georgia, a legendary leader of the civil rights movement. Clinton advisers believe that this endorsement will deepen black support for her 2008 presidential campaign. Lewis was an early supporter of Senator Clinton's husband during his 1992 race for the white house, and the two have remained close throughout the years, which has allowed Lewis and Hillary to develop their own friendship. At one point, Lewis was inclined to endorse Obama, but after receiving a phone call from former president Clinton, he was persuaded to "remain neutral and take more time evaluating the candidates." Mr. Lewis was touched by the attendance of Senator Clinton at the anniversary of "Bloody Sunday", and was also impressed with her proposals for pre-kindergarten, healthcare, and the economy.

Gore Wins Peace Frize

Former democratic presidential candidate, Al Gore was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize today for his "efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change." Gore, who has conflicting views with the Bush administration on many issues, including the war in Iraq, is the second political from the Democratic Party to win the prize this Decade. Former President Jimmy Carter won in 2002. The question is, will Gore run for president now that he has won the Nobel Peace Prize? He already has a strong following who want to see him enter the 2008 race, so will he now consider running?

"Focus on the Poor Children"

President Bush vetoed a bill that would extend healthcare to children whose family could not afford it. He claimed that he would be open to compromise with Congress by spending more than the original bill had proposed. Bush said that he wanted "Republicans and Democrats to come together to support a bill that focuses on the poor." Democrats and Republicans alike seem to be unwilling to compromise on this issue. President Bush seems to be hoping for too much. He seems to be getting nothing accomplished because so many people in Congress disagree with him.

Did Hillary "Talk to him later"?

During the Democratic debate last Wednesday, the candidates were asked a question about an exemption to a torture ban. Senator Clinton said that she opposed an exemption, and then the moderator, Tim Russet pointed out that it was her husband who had issued the statement. Hillary responded with, "I'll talk to him later." However, yesterday on Meet the Press former president, Bill Clinton, backed away from his position regarding the president having the authority to approve the torture of a terrorist. Was this a consequence, or did Hillary really have a talk with Bill?