The Presidential Campaign of Barack Obama
Created by devin on Aug 13, 2007
Last updated: 03/11/10 at 07:23 PM
Tags: cat_government
Clinton - 40%
Obama - 25%
Edwards - 13%
Hillary Clinton’s support is at or above the 40% level for the third straight week. Obama, even with his improvement, is merely back to the mid-20s level of support he has enjoyed for several months. John Edwards is still a very distant third place, hovering consistently in the low-to-mid teens. Rasmussen Reports continues to see Hillary Clinton as the default candidate of the Democratic Party. It is likely that she will win the nomination unless something dramatically shakes up the race.
Bill Richardson tops the second-tier candidates at 4% followed by Joe Biden (2%), Dennis Kucinich (2%), Chris Dodd (1%), and Mike Gravel (1%). Eleven percent (11%) of Likely Democratic Primary Voters are undecided.
Rasmussen Reports provides weekly results to provide a longer-term overview of the race. These updates are based upon nightly telephone surveys. Results are reported based upon interviews conducted on the seven days up to and including the night before posting.
The seven day results typically include interviews with more than 1,000 Likely Democratic Primary Voters. This includes both Democrats and those independents likely to vote in a Democratic Primary. In some state primaries, independent voters are allowed to participate in party primaries while in others they are excluded. The margin of sampling error for the weekly update is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary
Michelle Obama dismissed any lingering questions over her husband’s racial identity at a “Women for Obama” event in Chicago, demanding that people “cut that nonsense out because it is not helping our children.”
The comments came two days after Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama addressed in detail whether he was “black enough” for the African American community at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists in Las Vegas.
Michelle Obama told the audience, “What are we saying to our children if a man like Barack Obama isn’t black enough? Then who is? Who are they supposed to be? So we have to cut that nonsense out because it is not helping our children.”
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/08/13/cut-it-out-obama%e2%80%99s-wife-on-barack-being-%e2%80%9cblack-enough%e2%80%9d/
Obama addressed many issues including the question of whether the country is ready for a black president at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention.
Obama took the opportunity to get at what he considers the heart of the matter, actually demanding that black journalists themselves are to blame for missing the point. Skin color, his record in public service, the issues – none of this suggests he’s not ‘black enough’ and yet questions over his blackness persist, he put to the crowd of black journalists.
It’s “puzzling,” he said. Why is this?
But the question was rhetorical. Professor Obama then stepped onto the stage, answering his own question, and suggesting that perhaps the real issue is a basic mistrust in black America of a black candidate.
“What it really does is really lay bare, I think, that we’re still locked in this notion that if you appeal to white folks then there must be something wrong,” he said, adding it’s the same sort of suspicion many blacks face when they attend a predominately white Ivy League institution.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/08/11/obama-enough-with-the-%e2%80%98black-enough%e2%80%99-talk/
The presidential candidates are invited to answer questions from a panel and from viewers on Gay Lesbian Transgendered and Bisexual issues to air on the LOGO channel. Notable on the panel is Melissa Etheridge.
Democratic candidates Clinton, Edwards, Obama, Gravel, Richardson and Kucinich attend.
Only Kucinich and Gravel support Gay Marraige while the others support Civil Unions.
Senators Dodd and Biden declined invitations due to scheduling conflicts. Every Republican candidate declined an invitation including Rudy Giuliani, who is for several gay rights. Dodd posted answers to many of the questions on his website.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5155.html
The forum at the second annual Yearly Kos convention, a political blogger convention, drew all but one of the Democratic presidential candidates, and it helped cement the bloggers as an increasingly significant constituency inside the party. The 90-minute session displayed many of the qualities for which the blogosphere is known -- it was free-wheeling, occasionally raucous and consistently passionate, with candidates competing with one another to earn the affection of the audience.
Clinton came under attack for declining to join former senator John Edwards (N.C.), who is quite popular with bloggers, and Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) in pledging not to take campaign contributions from Washington lobbyists.
"I think my party, the Democratic Party, the party of the people, ought to say from this day forward we will never take a dime from a Washington lobbyist," Edwards said to rising applause from the audience of more than 1,000.
Asked whether she would agree with that, Clinton said, "I don't think, based on my 35 years of fighting for what I believe in, anybody seriously believes I'm going to be influenced by a lobbyist or a particular interest."
The debate featured seven of the Democratic candidates: Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Kucinich, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (Conn.) and former senator Mike Gravel of Alaska. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.) skipped the forum because he is on a book tour.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/04/AR2007080401233.html?hpid=topnews
Obama responds to criticism from Chris Dodd on a press release Obama's campaign issued on how Obama will deal with the Taliban in Pakistan.
Obama points out that Chris Dodd and other Democratic nominees have no base to criticize him because of their support of their initial support of the Iraq War. He also uses his time to clarify the message sent by his campaign.
Chris Dodd and Hillary Clinton are allowed to respond to Obama's comments. Chris Dodd restates his regret for his vote for the Iraq War. Clinton expresses distaste for politicians engaging in hypotheticals regarding foreign policy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/08/us/politics/07demsforum.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Democratic presidential candidates met working families Aug. 7 at the AFL-CIO Presidential Candidates Forum in Chicago. With some 17,000 union members and families, the crowd showed that working men and women are deeply concerned about the future of the country and just as excited about the chance to choose the next president.
Working men and women asked the candidates questions focusing on issues that affect the daily lives of working families—from jobs and wages to health care, retirement, education and Iraq. Some of the questions were submitted and selected by visitors to the AFL-CIO's Working Families Vote 2008 website. Union members submitted more than 2,000 questions.
The entire debate is available as a 9 part series on YouTube
http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=338159
Clinton - 44%
Obama - 22%
Edwards - 13%
Clinton again gains poll standing this week. Since April, her numbers have been steadily raising. During the last full week in July, Clinton topped the 40% mark for the first time and the first full week in August the frontrunner earned support from 44% of Likely Democratic Primary voters.
While Clinton has been gaining support, Senator Barack Obama’s support has declined for the first time since April. This is the first time all year that Clinton has doubled Obama’s support in a full week’s polling sample.
Polling for the first full week in August showed Edwards with 13% of the vote (just nine points behind Obama). New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Delaware Senator Joe Biden, and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich each attract support from 3%. Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd and former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel each are at the 1% mark and 10%% are undecided.
The poll is based upon nightly telephone surveys. Results are reported based upon interviews conducted on the seven days up to and including the night before posting. The seven day results typically include interviews with more than 1,300 Likely Democratic Primary Voters. This includes both Democrats and those independents likely to vote in a Democratic Primary. In some state primaries, independent voters are allowed to participate in party primaries while in others they are excluded. The margin of sampling error for the weekly update is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary
Obama, in a speech at a Town Hall meeting at Roosevelt Middle School in Cedar Rapids Iowa. He uses the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt to illustrate his plans to make the government a protector of "freedom and opportunity".
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/nickkimball/CpZq
Obama gives several responses concerning the situation in Iraq and the US plan to exit.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript/
Beginning Monday, July 16, 2007, the results are reported based upon interviews conducted on the seven days up to and including the night before posting. The seven day results typically include interviews with more than 1,300 Likely Democratic Primary Voters. This includes both Democrats and those independents likely to vote in a Democratic Primary. In some state primaries, independent voters are allowed to participate in party primaries while in others they are excluded. The margin of sampling error for the weekly update is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
New York Senator Hillary Clinton has been the clear frontrunner since the debate season began with support in the mid-to-high 30s. Illinois Senator Barack Obama has remained in second with support in the mid-20s. Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards has been in the mid-teens and is struggling to retain the status of a top-tier candidate. None of the other candidates has gained any traction.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/as_dems_gather_in_sc_debates_have_little_impact
Obama responds to a question about whether he will meet with leaders of foreign countries that the US has deemed dangerous.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript/
Obama speaks with the crowd while shaking hands outside of the YouTube debate.
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.main/index.html
A national telephone survey conducted over the seven days ending July 15 shows no changes at the top of the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
For the second straight week, New York Senator Hillary Clinton remains the clear frontrunner in polls for the Democratic Presidential nomination with support from 38% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters. Her support has stayed within the 37% to 39% range for six straight weeks.
Illinois Senator Barack Obama slips just a single point to 25% and former North Carolina Senator John Edwards remains a distant third with support from 13%.
Beginning Monday, July 16, 2007, the results are reported based upon interviews conducted on the seven days up to and including the night before posting. The seven day results typically include interviews with more than 1,300 Likely Democratic Primary Voters. This includes both Democrats and those independents likely to vote in a Democratic Primary. In some state primaries, independent voters are allowed to participate in party primaries while in others they are excluded. The margin of sampling error for the weekly update is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/national_poll_clinton_obama_still_in_a_league_of_their_own
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds Clinton with 38% of the vote, Obama at 26% and former North Carolina Senator John Edwards at 13%. Those results are virtually unchanged from previous poll.
The national telephone survey of 791 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted from Monday, July 9 through Thursday July 12. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_clinton_38_obama_26
Barack and Michelle Obama speak about their anticipation for the new Harry Potter book.
Barack Obama addresses the National Education Association in Philadelphia, PA.
http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_top/20070705_Obama_tells_teachers_he_supports_merit_pay.html
Barack Obama speaks to the crowd in the Louisiana Superdome about issues of poverty and race.
http://www.essence.com/essence/emf/
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows the former First Lady attracting 39% of the vote, her highest total of the year.
Illinois Senator Barack Obama trails Clinton by 13 points in the latest poll.
Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards is at 13% in the polls for the second straight week. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson earns support from 5% of voters while Delaware Senator Joe Biden and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich each attract 3%. Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd is the choice of 1%, and former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel attracts less than half a point. Nine percent (9%) are undecided.
The current survey of 769 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted June 25-28, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The Rasmussen Reports sample includes not only Democrats, but also independents who say they are likely to vote in a Democratic Primary. Clinton holds a slightly larger lead when only Democrats are considered.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary
Senator Barack Obama raised at least $32.5 million from April through June, he announced today, on his campaign Web site, attracting more than 258,000 contributors since entering the Democratic presidential race.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Democrat of New York, raised about $21 million for the primary, a spokesman confirmed today, and about $27 million over all. John Edwards’s campaign raised more than $9 million, while Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico reported raising $7 million and Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut reported raising $3.25 million.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/us/politics/01cnd-obama.html?ref=politics
Barack Obama's donor list has reached 250,000 in the first 6 months. He is expected to raise more than Clinton in the second quarter of 2007 but still trails in total donations, and ratings in national and state polls
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/28/nearly_250000_open_wallets_for.php
Obama speaks with ABC in a two-part interview during his campaign through Iowa. He touches on subjects from Paris Hilton, Immigration, Iraq and general policy.
Clinton 37% Obama 25% and Edwards 13%.
The current survey of 763 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted June 18-21, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The Rasmussen Reports sample includes not only Democrats, but also independents who say they are likely to vote in a Democratic Primary.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_clinton_37_obama_25_edwards_13
San Antonio Spurs player, Bruce Bowen introduces Barack Obama to a rally in San Antonio.
Obama speaks about a government based on hope rather than fear.
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/legislature/entries/2007/06/25/obamas_san_antonio_stop.html
Obama speaks to the United Church of Christ in Hartford, Connecticut on the role of faith in politics.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/24/us/politics/24obama.html?ex=1184212800&en=805823fb7fb18c76&ei=5070
A former Clinton volunteer from the Bronx wins a dinner with Barack Obama and three other small donors. Publicity stunt is done by Obama to show value of small donors to the campaign.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/22/obama_breaks_bread_with_25_bro.php
Barack Obama speaks about the ethics reforms he plans to bring to Washington.
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/corruption/
New York Senator Hillary Clinton 38%. Illinois Senator Barack Obama 27%. Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards 16%.
The current survey of 775 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted June 11-14, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The Rasmussen Reports sample includes not only Democrats, but also independents who say they are likely to vote in a Democratic Primary.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_clinton_38_obama_27_edwards_16
Obama speaks in a father's day message to the Mount Moriah Baptist Church on parenting in America.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/16/a_fathers_day_message_from_oba.php
The second democratic debate is broadcast on CNN from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. Senator Obama and John Edwards trade blows on several issues including the differences between their health care plans and thier stances on the Iraq war.
Clinton is supported by 37% of voters in this week’s poll, up three points from last week. She has been within three points of the 35% level in fifteen of the last 16 weekly updates.
Illinois Senator Barack Obama is at 25% this week—the fifth time in six weeks he has been at 25% or 26%.
Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards slipped a few points to 11%, his lowest total since mid-February.
The current survey of 773 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted June 4-7, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The Rasmussen Reports sample includes not only Democrats, but also independents who say they are likely to vote in a Democratic Primary.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_primary_clinton_37_obama_25_edwards_11
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll of the Democratic Presidential nominating competition shows New York Senator Hillary Clinton at 34%, Illinois Senator Barack Obama at 26%, and former North Carolina Senator John Edwards at 15%.
The current survey of 738 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted May 29-31, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The Rasmussen Reports sample includes not only Democrats, but also independents who say they are likely to vote in a Democratic Primary.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_clinton_34_obama_26_edwards_15
Obama addresses border security and the effect of language on the immigration issue. Obama encourages focus on a clear immigration policy.
Kucinich, Obama and Clinton respond to a hypothetical about whether or not they would send missiles to kill Osama Bin Laden if they had intelligence that gave his location and that the missiles would result in the loss of some civilian lives.
At one point, Wolf Blitzer asks all the candidates for such a measure to raise their hands, Kucinich being the only one not for it.
Of those raising their hands, several wish to clarify how many civilian deaths would be involved.
Clinton expresses distaste for such a hypothetical and explains the actions of her husbands administration concerning Bin Laden.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/03/se.01.html
Obama speaks about climate change and global warming. He explains the impact on the economy and the taxpayers in general. He proposes putting a price on producing carbon dioxide.
Barack Obama announces a Universal Health Care plan in which every citizen would have the means for coverage. The plan would save the average consumer $2,500 according to Obama. The costs would be shared between government, business and consumers and would also include a system to monitor insurance companies.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/05/29/obama_offers_universal_health.php
Obama addresses Iowa City on issues of Health Care using a local family as an example. He lays out his plan for changing health care in America.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/29/AR2007052900111.html
Clinton remains on top with a solid lead and 35% support. Illinois Senator Barack Obama is second at 26%. This is the third time in four weeks the runner-up has been at either 25% or 26%. Former Senator John Edwards remains in the mid-teens at 14%.
The current survey of 559 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted May 21-23, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The Rasmussen Reports sample includes not only Democrats, but also independents who say they are likely to vote in a Democratic Primary.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_clinton_35_obama_26
Barack Obama addresses the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists on the situation in Iraq.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows Clinton at 35%, Senator Barack Obama at 25%, and former Senator John Edwards at 18%. That’s the highest level of support ever measured for Edwards.
The current survey of 788 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted May 14-17, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The Rasmussen Reports sample includes not only Democrats, but also independents who say they are likely to vote in a Democratic Primary.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_clinton_35_obama_25
Obama receives an honorary degree at Southern New Hampshire University’s Commencement.
The senator encouraged the group of about 1,000 graduates to take risks, resist the "money culture," care for others and work for the collective good.
http://www.snhu.edu/6736.asp
Clinton 35% Obama 33%. Former Senator John Edwards is in third place with 14% support.
Rasmussen Reports releases national polling data on the Democratic nomination process every Monday and on the Republican race each Tuesday. The current survey of 789 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted May 7-10, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_clinton_35_obama_33
The former First Lady now enjoys support from 34% of Likely Democratic voters and an eight percentage point lead over her nearest rival.
Illinois Senator Barack Obama is now the top choice for 26%, a six-point decline compared to a week before.
Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards remains in third place with 16% support.Rasmussen Reports releases national polling data on the Democratic nomination process every Monday and on the Republican race each Tuesday. The current survey of 760 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted April 30-May 3, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_clinton_34_obama_26
Barack addresses the Detroit Economic Club on the "tyranny of oil" and promises an effort to find alternate energy sources.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/05/07/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_12.php
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows Illinois Senator Barack Obama with a statistically insignificant two point advantage over the former First Lady. It’s Obama 32% Clinton 30%. Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards remains in third with support holding steady at 17%.
Rasmussen Reports releases national polling data on the Democratic nomination process every Monday and on the Republican race each Tuesday. The current survey of 765 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted April 23-26, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_obama_32_clinton_30
Barack Obama had the California Democratic Convention spellbound for 23 minutes as he appeared with State Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, State Assembly Majority Leader Karen Bass, and San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris and urged them and all Californians to “turn the gage for hope” and to write the next chapter in history. He made reference to the strong women in his life and thanked them for their support. Thanked Steve Westly, the outgoing California State Controller and candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor, who also appeared on the stage, and then delivered his remarks.
True to rock concert form, delegates and observers were sitting in the aisles in front of the stage and many stood at the sides of the stage. He was interrupted frequently with standing ovations, especially when he said "We are just one signature away from ending this war."
He introduced himself to those watching inside and out of the convention hall and gave a very personal account of his life before talking about why he is running for President.
http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2007/04/barack_obamas_t_2.html
The 90 minute debate with 60 second answers is declare unspectacular by media pundits. Obama is the winner according to a poll of South Carolina viewers with %31 of the vote to Clinton's %24
For the fourth straight week, Illinois Senator Barack Obama (D) has gained ground and he has finally caught New York Senator Hillary Clinton in the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination. It’s now Obama 32% Clinton 32% and former North Carolina Senator John Edwards holding steady at 17%.
Rasmussen Reports releases national polling data on the Democratic nomination process every Monday and on the Republican race each Tuesday. The current survey of 579 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted April 16-19, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary_obama_clinton_tied
Obama speaks to the Chicago Council of Global Affairs about his global policy.
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/strengtheningamerica/
The latest Rasmussen Reports’ national poll shows Clinton with 32% support, Obama at 30%, and former Illinois Senator John Edwards steady in third place with 16%.
Rasmussen Reports releases national polling data on the Democratic nomination process every Monday and on the Republican race each Tuesday. The current survey of 774 Likely Democratic Primary Voters was conducted April 9-12, 2007. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
http://208.112.10.217/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_primary_obama_within_two_points_of_clinton
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