President Clinton and Vice President Edwards

ACCORDING TO A CBS NEWS REPORT.....

LEWISTON, MAINE -- During a town hall meeting today, Hillary Clinton opened the floor to questions and a woman, who identified herself as a former supporter of John Edwards, told Clinton she is now supporting her.

The woman said she hopes Clinton will “consider John’s policies and his fighting spirit when you get to the White House.”

Clinton, who had mentioned Edwards' work on health care in her speech (something she has not done in quite a while), told the woman she and Edwards “have a lot in common.” Clinton called Edwards a “fighter” and told the woman, “I will be a fighter and I intend to ask John Edwards to be a part of anything I intend to do in the White House.”

Edwards has not formally endorsed any candidate since dropping out late last month. But both Clinton and Barack Obama have said they intend to court his base of supporters - in fact, Obama told reporters he spoke to Edwards a few days ago but wouldn't elaborate on their conversation.

When asked whether Clinton’s comments on Edwards were calculated, her campaign denied that the reference to Edwards earlier in her speech was planned.

Clinton Leads in New Hampshire's Franklin Pierce/WBZ poll: Obama has more support of the younger crowd

RINDGE, NH – As the 2008 New Hampshire Presidential Primary approaches, Senator
Hillary Clinton maintains a narrow lead over her Democratic rivals in the latest Franklin Pierce University/WBZ TV polle, but the margin between her and her closest competitor, Barack Obama, has dwindled to just four points. In March, Clinton (32%) held a 7-point lead over Obama (25%). In June, following the Democratic debate, Clinton commanded a much larger number (38%) of Democratic primary voters than Obama (16%), a lead she maintained in September. But today, Clinton’s lead has dropped to only four points, with Clinton at 32 percent and Obama close behind at 28 percent. Notably, John Edwards support has risen from 12 percent in September to 19 percent in the current poll.

In the latest Franklin Pierce poll, it appears that Barack Obama continues to hold onto the teen vote, with 15% of his supporters coming from the 18-34 year old category the most compared to the top three democratic candidates-Clinton and Edwards with 4% of their support coming from that agre bracket.

The findings outlined in this report are based on the latest Franklin Pierce
University / WBZ Poll, conducted by RKM Research and Communication in collaboration
with faculty and student interviewers at Franklin Pierce University. The Franklin Pierce
University / WBZ Poll is sponsored by Franklin Pierce University and WBZ.

Pindell: Granny D and her rotating presidential endorsement

If you are confused on whom you should support for president, you aren't the only one.

Doris "Granny D" Haddock is the symbol of the progressive left in New Hampshire. Her well-documented walk across the country for campaign finance reform made her a national name for the issue. Her quixotic campaign for the US Senate was the subject of a recent HBO movie.

So it is no surprise the the 97-year-old grandmother from Dublin, N.H. is a sought after endorsement for Democratic presidential candidates.

Last December she endorsed Mike Gravel. Then she campaigned twice with Dennis Kucinich this year. On Saturday the John Edwards campaign issued a press release announcing that she is endorsing him.

“In my 97 years, I have seen many politicians come and go,” said Granny D in the statement. “Now more than ever, we need a leader who has the courage, the backbone and the integrity to stand up to the corporations and special interests in Washington, to deliver universal health care and energy independence, to fight for the middle class, and to finally bring about public financing of our elections. John Edwards is that man, and I’m proud to support him in this campaign.”

A journalist reflects on the Primary cycle, Media Coverage, and New Hampshire

On a drive from the southwest corner of New Hampshire to the southwest corner of Maine; I was amazed at some of the sites. Aside from the beautiful scenery with the snow covered mountains, iced over ponds and lakes, and snow covered trees.

As we cruise down some back roads thinking about New Hampshire, its political culture, its history and the upcoming presidential primary.

"I wonder... I must be traveling the same roads as some of these presidential candidates along the same routes they use to head to North Country." The thought of the Granite state possibly being the most influential state in the country this presidential cycle is a joy to think.

I drove by signs upon signs, some stuck in the ground, some on billboards, and even some attached to pick up trucks like you see in movies. I passed an Obama campaign office, and Then it started to snow. It was truly like the scene out of a movie. Driving through these quaint towns with snow falling adding to the previous snowfall that already existed. I saw signs reading "North Country for John Edwards," signs for Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. The sign I saw the most -Ron Paul!

Now I am a journalist, but it seems to me that Ron Paul is well liked by the people of New Hampshire but not covered by the mainstream media nearly as frequently as the "top tier candidates." Why is this? Is it because he is older than the Rock star or because he isn't a women running for president.

It is important to remember that each candidate could be president and each should be given the same platform. Look at Mike Huckabee he took the time and visited the small locations in the middle of the woods, visited the small house parties, and he is now right on top in Iowa and is surging forward in New Hampshire. The grassroot campaining obviously worked for the Arkansas Governor.

By focusing on the top tier candidates, and focusing on money I again stress the point that this does a dis-justice to our country, and to the people that truly care.

Edwards get key Iowa endorsement

Edwards will receive the endorsement of Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA), the most senior Iowa Democrat to endorse a candidate during this campaign.

Edwards releases statement regarding hostage situation

(Manchester, NH) – Senator John Edwards released the following statement this evening:

"Elizabeth and I send our thoughts and prayers to everyone involved in the ordeal in Rochester, New Hampshire today. Everyday Americans who stand up and get involved on behalf of the candidates they believe in represent the very best of our democracy, and we are praying for a swift and safe resolution to the situation in the Clinton campaign office. We send our deepest admiration to the law enforcement officials working to keep everyone safe today and our warmest thoughts to Senator Clinton and her entire staff during this difficult situation."

Edwards responds to New Hampshire's announcement

Senator John Edwards released the following statement in response to Bill Gardner's announcement that the New Hampshire primary will take place on January 8th:


“I am pleased that New Hampshire will retain its rightful place as the first-in-the-nation primary. I applaud Bill Gardner's work to protect New Hampshire's significance in our nominating process. The New Hampshire primary is critical because voters in New Hampshire take their responsibility seriously: they listen to the candidates, look them in the eye, ask them tough questions and size them up. In New Hampshire, ideas truly matter more than money and that is precisely why this is anyone's race.

“I look forward to campaigning across New Hampshire during the final weeks of this campaign. I have spent time in living rooms and town halls in every corner of the state and everywhere I go, I hear from voters that they're looking for real, meaningful change in Washington next November. From now until January 8, I look forward to continuing to meet with voters to talk about my plans to shake up Washington and restore the power of government to the hands of regular, hardworking people.”

Interesting Collections of the Day

Though they may spar across the political aisle, Vice President Dick Cheney is close enough to Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama to call him "cousin." Boston Herald Article

Democrat and presidential candidate Joe Biden says he only needs a fourth-place finish in the Iowa Caucuses to stay in the race. That's different from what he said more than a month ago. Back then, he would need to at least tie for third.
WHO TV.com Story

Tom Tancredo Tuesday became the first major presidential candidate to get his name on the primary ballot in New Hampshire. CNN Political Ticker Story

Senator John Edwards begins the second day of his two-day, nine-county "Barnstorm for Rural America" in Rock Rapids, Iowa; where he will discuss his plan to support rural firefighters. JohnEdwards.com

Someone in Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign mistakenly e-mailed a copy of working draft of a campaign document which isn't earth-shattering but still an interesting read. So onto The Swamp it goes. Featured on the SWAMP, a blog at baltimoresun.com


The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced Lee County Sheriff Michael Scott and Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson have endorsed Mayor Giuliani for President. From Team Rudy

State workers in New Mexico continue to pump money into Gov. Bill Richardson's presidential bid, giving his campaign about $78,000 during the past three months. From the Las Cruces Sun

Former US vice president Al Gore said Wednesday that his Nobel Peace Prize triumph had not altered his intention to stay out of the 2008 presidential race. From the AFP

Edwards Name on Sprint car in Knoxville Mid-States 305 Sprint Race

On the Trail - '08 has learned Senator John Edwards, will be the primary name on a sprint car. The car will be covered in decals advertising Edwards' campaign. The #8 car - an open wheeled red and black Chevrolet winged sprint car will participate in the inaugural Knoxville Mid-States 305 Championship Sprint race, the race will take place at the Knoxville Raceway today in Iowa.


"We're thrilled to take part in the great Iowa tradition of the Knoxville Raceway - the 'Sprint Car Capital of the World,'" said Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, Iowa State Director of the John Edwards for President Campaign. "This is a perfect opportunity to spread the word about Senator Edwards' commitment to rural communities like the one he grew up in - and to have a little fun at the same time."

The car is owned by Lee Clark, a member of UAW Local 74 and supporter of Edwards.

The inaugural Knoxville Mid-States 305 Championship Sprint will bring one of the fastest growing short track classes in the country to Knoxville Raceway from Thursday, September 27th, through Saturday, September 29th. Thursday's hot laps begin at 6:45 PM. Thursday and Friday's preliminary races will narrow the field of almost 50 drivers down to about 20 finalists for Saturday evening's Championship Finals. The race will be broadcast nationally on the Speed Channel.

On July 19th, Edwards held a community meeting at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville.

Would Al Gore Make a Difference?

As of today, Al Gore has not expressed any intention to run in the 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary. Without him in the race, voter support does not change significantly.

According to a New Hampshire Primary Political Poll, conducted by WBZ TV and Franklin Pierce University, Hillary Clinton would extend her lead three points, receiving 39 percent of the vote. Obama would come in a distant second, with 19 percent of the vote, followed by John Edwards (12%) and Bill Richardson (11%).

The race is tighter on the Republican side, in the first WBZ poll since former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson officially entered the race. Thompson has fallen 1 percent, since a June pole that was conducted by Franklin Pierce, as has John McCain's favorability rating. Mitt Romney has a strong lead on Republicans. Romney still leads former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, 30-to-23 percent. Romney held a 9-point lead in the last survey back in June

Edwards stands behind Berlin Mill

(Manchester, NH) – In light of tomorrow's demolition of the mill smokestacks in Berlin, NH, Senator John Edwards released the following statement:
“The demolition of the smokestacks in Berlin is a sad testament to an unbalanced economy that only works for those at the very top while leaving the middle class and working families behind. The men and women who worked in the Berlin mill represent the very best of America: hard work and dedication.
“My father worked in a mill and I watched him work from sunup to sundown to put food on our table and a roof over our heads. Today, it's even harder for working families to get by as more American workers are working long hours with no health insurance, earning a wage that barely allows them to make ends meet. I believe that we are better than that. I believe that we can change our priorities and practice smart trade policies that put workers and families first and allow the American workforce, and towns like Berlin, to adapt, grow and continue to drive the global economy.
"When I am president, I will fight to build One America where every family has the chance to work hard and get ahead. I will raise the minimum wage and fight to strengthen unions. I also promise to never sign a trade agreement unless it includes environmental and labor standards and truly benefits American workers. For too long, Washington has focused on corporate profits instead of the needs of people who work hard for a living day in and day out. Working Americans need a president who will fight for them and that is exactly what I will do every single day when I am in the Oval Office.”