Reducing the Influence of Money in Politics?

After being defeated in a Congressional race in 2000, Obama sought out a means to revive his political fortunes, and soon found a Chicago group of Entrepreneurs who were looking for a means of trying to break out. If Obama was able to help this group over come historical barriers facing minority owned companies they would help to finance his political endeavors. However, in his presidential campaign, Obama has been "running on a platform of reducing the influence of money in politics.

Withdraw from Iraq

During the Democratic Debate Wednesday night, most of the candidates would not commit to having all troops out of Iraq by 2013. This seems kind of odd, seeing as how most of the candidates are strongly opposed to the war and wanted to immediately withdraw troops from Iraq and end the war. This reluctance makes you wonder if the Democratic candidates are genuinely opposed to the war, or just using the war's unpopularity as a tool to gain votes.

NRA Forum

On Friday the NRA (National Rifle Association) hosted a forum where they invited Republican Presidential candidates to come and express their stance on gun control. None of the Democratic candidates were invited to the forum. According to a NRA spokesman they were not invited because " they have not showed respect of the 2nd Amendment. Giuliani, who had a liberal view on gun control as Mayor of New York, squared off against other Republicans for these views. It did not help his argument when he answered a phone call from his wife during his speech. This was not only rude, but also unprofessional. Does America really want a president who takes phone calls while publicly discussing important issues?

Hillary Defining the Democratic Campaign for President?

Senator Clinton was on five different interview programs Sunday morning where she answered question about her health plan, her views on the Moveon.org ad, and about how she would handle the war in Iraq. The press has recognized Senator Clinton as the front-runner for the 2008 presidential election, however is that really the case? A candidate is considered a front runner with they are ahead in the polls, have collected the most endorsements, is ahead in fundraising, is the subject of the most media attention, or draws the biggest crowds. But just because Hillary draws the most media attention does that necessarily mean that see is the front-runner?

Bush vs. Children's Health Care

President Bush threatened to veto a bill today that he felt was a "step toward federalization." The children's health insurance program is really popular among house Democrats. The current children's health plan, which is set to expire on September 30, provides health coverage for over 6.6 million children and the new proposal will add 4 million to that number. Bush has asked for a temporary extension of the health care program and has accused the Democrats of playing politics with children's health care.

Giuliani Proposes NATO Expansion

Giuliani announced his hope of expanding the NATO alliance during his London visit Wednesday. He believes that Israel would be more than "willing to help us in the effort against terrorism." This trip to London was a way to raise money for his campaign, as well as to gain the support of the Republican faithful. Giuliani did not focus solely on incorporating Israel in NATO, he also listed Japan, Australia, and India as nations that meet the "basic standards of good governance, military readiness." The expansion of NATO is just one of four essential elements, that Giuliani believe will aid in the struggle against terrorism. However, with the tensions that exist in the Middle East already, will including Israel in NATO help the U.S., or just endanger any chance for peace in the Middle East?

The Attorney General Ultimatum

Two Democratic Senator's, Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Charles Schumer of New York, said yesterday that they were going to use the nomination of the new attorney general as a way to get information regarding the conduct of the former attorney general. President Bush wants Mukasey confirmed as the new attorney general by October the 8, but Leahy said, "there would be no quick confirmation without the documents he and Schumer have requested.