Obama news: Obama avoids media in final days of PA

It's now been ten days since Democrat Barack Obama has made himself available for questions from his traveling press corps, and it appears as though that number could rise even higher.

Aides have said it's unlikely he’ll hold an availability with reporters before Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary, but that they "could always add one." Given their track record over the past few days, however, that doesn't sound promising.

Since the start of the weekend, the possibility of a press conference has been dangled in front of reporters twice—only to be snatched away at the last possible moment.

On Saturday, reporters were teased for the majority of the day with a possible evening avail, only to be told at the eleventh hour that it would not be happening. To make it up, staffers said they were aiming to put him in front of cameras on Sunday but that, too, did not happen.

And at a diner Thursday morning, a reporter slipped in a question about former President Jimmy Carter's meeting with Hamas, but Obama responded by saying he just wanted to eat his waffle. Later that afternoon while taping an interview for "The Daily Show," a reporter tried to ask Obama about a new Clinton ad and the Obama ad that came as a response. The White House hopeful asked the reporter if she was "supposed to be" asking a question at that time and added that he might answer but that "it depends on how well behaved you are." In the end, he did not take the question.

Traveling press secretary Jen Psaki declined to comment on exactly why no time has been allotted for traveling press questions since a press conference in Indianapolis April 11. Obama did, however, make time Thursday for a few one on one interviews.

Obama news : New campaign crowd high for Obama

Barack Obama was greeted by the largest crowd of his campaign Friday night in Philadelphia. Some 35,000 people jammed into Independence Park to see the Democratic presidential candidate, four days before this state's crucial April 22 primary.

Frank Friel, director of security at the Independence Visitor Center, made the official estimate.

The crowd exceed the 30,000 who greeted Obama and Oprah Winfrey in December in Columbia, S.C.

Obama told the crowd the United States is at a crucial moment in its history, much like what the founding fathers faced in Philadelphia.

"It was over 200 years ago that a group of patriots gathered in this city to do something that no one in the world believed they could do," Obama said. "After years of a government that didn't listen to them, or speak for them, or represent their hopes and their dreams, a few humble colonists came to Philadelphia to declare their independence from the tyranny of the British throne."

The Illinois senator called Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton a "tenacious" opponent but said it was time to move beyond the politics of the 1990s.

"Her message comes down to this: We can't really change the say-anything, do-anything, special interest-driven game in Washington, so we might as well choose a candidate who really knows how to play it," Obama said.

Obama news : Obama dominates Pennsylvania airwaves in home stretch

Barack Obama has spent more than $8 million on Pennsylvania campaign spots over the past month – more than twice what Hillary Clinton has – as ad spending this year continues its record pace.

The Illinois senator’s presidential campaign had spent $8.1 million in the four-week period ending April 16, half of that in the critical – and pricey – Philadelphia ad market, according to an analysis conducted by TNS Media Intelligence/CMAG, CNN’s consultant on political advertising spending.

He is spending $400,000 a day, on a pace to exceed $10 million in ad spending – more than double Clinton’s $3.3 million in ad buys.

“Senator Obama’s campaign has done an excellent job of putting their fundraising advantage to work with record Pennsylvania ad buys, forcing Senator Clinton to spend valuable time and money in a state where she had a double-digit lead in the polls only a few weeks ago,” said Evan Tracey, chief operating officer of TNSMI/CMAG.

“If her own message connects with voters and pays off, it could be a big moral boost for the Clinton campaign. If not: the Obama strategy has paid off.”

Obama is also dominating the airwaves in upcoming primary states, spending $1.4 million in North Carolina and $1.8 million in Indiana, and has ads on the air in Oregon, according to the analysis. Clinton has made smaller buys in North Carolina and Indiana, and has not yet begun airing ads in Oregon.

Obama news: Poll shows Obama gaining, holding steady in key states

Despite a weekend of negative coverage following his controversial remarks about some small town Americans, Barack Obama appears to be holding steady or making gains in the next three primary states, according to a just released poll.

Most surprisingly, the new LA Times/Bloomberg poll shows Obama ahead of Hillary Clinton by 5 points in Indiana (40 to 35 percent), a state with demographics that favor the New York senator and one where other recent polls have shown her with a lead.

The poll also shows Clinton only holds a 5 point lead in Pennsylvania (48 to 43 percent). That margin is among the slimmest measured between to the two candidates and is significantly less than the double digit lead Clinton held there two weeks ago.

In North Carolina, the new survey shows Obama with a 13 point lead (47-34 percent), a margin that is consistent with other recent polls in that state.

Pennsylvania votes April 22 while Indiana and North Carolina vote two weeks later on May 6. Should Clinton win in Pennsylvania, some political observers have said she must score a victory in at least one of the May 6 states to make a compelling argument to continue her presidential campaign.

The poll was conducted over five days (April 10-14), the majority of which came after Obama's now famous "bitter" comments first surfaced.

Obama news : Bitter Comments from our readers on Hillary Clintons new ad

Lee - Austin, TX		April 14th, 2008 12:56 pm ET HA!!! I heard about this…that's what you get for playing too many dirty politics, HRC.
YOU NEED TO KNOW		April 14th, 2008 12:57 pm ET What you are failing to realize is that Obama is fighting for the average American wheather you live in small town America or Big City. He wants to give tax breaks to those making less than 75k not the very wealthy like bush has. He wants to make sure your job where you make your salary stays in your town and does not get shipped off overseas somewhere and if it does then you'll really understand the "BITTER" part of knowing that Washington is looking out for you. Hillary and Bill are looking out for themselves and that 109 million will triple if she gets to be president because all the Rich folks that has there hands on Hill and Bill will get paid and so will Hill and Bill.
Willis, Texas		April 14th, 2008 12:57 pm ET Obama said something which happens to be true, and everyone jumped on him like he stole something!! People do turn to GOD when times are bad! Small town people do go hunting when they do not have jobs — they have to put food on the table!! There is nothing wrong in trying to survive!
Veterans for Obama		April 14th, 2008 12:57 pm ET That's right Hillary! You are in for a BIG suprise next Tuesday! PA is sick and tired of the infighting. Unions and Veterans will come out in droves for Obama!
Darth Vadik, CA		April 14th, 2008 12:58 pm ET Good for you Pennsylvanians, dont take her crap, a petty woman, who makes a windsock look like its working hard to catch the wind.
Veterans for Obama		April 14th, 2008 12:58 pm ET That's right Hillary! You are in for a BIG suprise next Tuesday! PA is sick and tired of the infighting. Unions and Veterans will come out in droves for Obama!
Tanya, Chicago		April 14th, 2008 12:58 pm ET ______________________________________________________ People…, Please send in more money now for Obama. We need more money to cover-up this latest attack on Obam's so called integrity. Obama needs to give another speech in front of my special Obama-bots again, Buy out all political analyst, radio talk show hosts and also keep pay the bloggers who keep posting praises no matter what! and for some more beer parties for our College Kid supporters. Please help Obama today. Send in more of you hard earned money now. !!! YES WE CAN !!! (Cover up this again) ___________________________________________________
Obama will be President		April 14th, 2008 12:58 pm ET I bet she cackeled uncomfortably.
Angus McDugan		April 14th, 2008 12:59 pm ET I don't know how Obama escapes it, but Hillary's true strength is her ability to make people dislike her. It may be her credibility issues or her lack of leadership concerning her campaign. She has her issues and Obama has his, but he seems to not generate the strong negative emotions that Hillary does. Angus in 08!
The Perpetual Student		April 14th, 2008 12:59 pm ET Goes to show you. Many people understood what Obama meant to say.
***AMERICAN***		April 14th, 2008 12:59 pm ET Catch a clue. Quit NOW!
DT		April 14th, 2008 12:59 pm ET Her little tactic backfired on her. Get on with the next topic!
Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah		April 14th, 2008 12:59 pm ET CNN reported that superdelegates need to consider ""bitter"" remarks They also need to consider Hillary Clinton"''s campaign problems! 1st: NAFTA Flip Flop 2nd: The war in Iraq vote! 3rd: Agreeing to sign up for the rules that were stated by the DNC in respect to Florida and Mich. 4th: Destroying the Democratic Party for her win at all cost policy. 5th: Slashing and Bashing Obama and then wanting him to be her running mate. 6th: Financial handling of campaign funds spent over 100 million during Iowa campaign. 7th: Lying about Bosnia and Sniper Fire. 8th: Not taking Obama serious as a contender for President,. She thought she had it in the bag from the beginning of her campaign. 9th: South American tarde issue with Mark Penn and her huband Bill Clinton. 10th: ONE MORE BIG ONE SHE DOES NOT PAY HER BILLS FROM HER CAMPAIGN FUNDS. The GOP and McCain will use all of this if she wins the nomination. She has made herself very, very unelectable the way I see it. She has poor judgment that is the bottom line issue for Superdelegates to examine.
hibbiejibbie		April 14th, 2008 1:00 pm ET THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE FEW TIMES IN U.S. POLITICAL HISTORY WHEN A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE HAS ACCUSED A MUCH LESS WEALTHY FELLOW PUBLIC SERVANT, A PERSON OF THE SAME PARTY AND VIEWS WHO MADE MUCH LESS LUCRATIVE CAREER CHOICES, OF "ELITISM"! Jason Linkins HUFFINGTON POST
Jo		April 14th, 2008 1:01 pm ET I grew up in Pennsylvania outside of Hazleton and I know the people there aren't stupid. They're able to see right through Hillary's antics and lies. Obama is the best hope we Americans have. We really can't afford more of Clinton's lies and dividing the democratics. Obama '08
mary-NH		April 14th, 2008 1:01 pm ET I'm not the only one getting fed up with your attacks on Obama Clinton. Start paying attention!
Tampa		April 14th, 2008 1:01 pm ET I guess the Key state is finally listening to their consciounce and hearing the words: Hope will always overcome fear. Can you feel PA sliiping away Hillary supporters? Your in for a BIG surprise come April 22. And if your not on board you WILL get left behind. Lets bring America back!
Greg		April 14th, 2008 1:01 pm ET She just can't help herself. She is a shameless political opportunist who will stop at nothing to try and hang on in this race Worse yet, she is a pathological liar who has absolutely no business criticizing anyone. The American people don't want Clinton (either one of them) and soon she will be out of this race.
Obama in 08, 12		April 14th, 2008 1:01 pm ET Is there video? I need a good laugh. Love to see her squirm.
Marc in DeKalb, IL		April 14th, 2008 1:01 pm ET Jeers for Clinton in "her" state… Looks like PA is realizing that Clinton's way is not America's way!
SNOBama		April 14th, 2008 1:01 pm ET Typical reaction of childish SNOBama supporters
JacknJill		April 14th, 2008 1:01 pm ET Hillary, you should take your own advice you gave to Bill. Just SHUT UP!
peter		April 14th, 2008 1:02 pm ET New poll, Hillary up 20% now in PA.
no news		April 14th, 2008 1:02 pm ET we need to wake up and see whos pushing this story its the news media not hillary
Ito, Yokosuka Japan		April 14th, 2008 1:02 pm ET Thank god some are not falling for her outright gradeschoolian tactics. Hillary Clinton has no morals and no self-respect. She is a shameless politician. Hopefully this will send a message for her knock it the bleep off.
Ben, MD		April 14th, 2008 1:02 pm ET She has become quite a republican in this race! I think McCain is pretty happy that he has Hillary to do the dirty work for him while he tries to make an independent appeal. You know how you can know she is lying? Her lips are moving. Pennsylvanians! PLEASE don't waste your votes and help McCain beat us in November.
Daniel from Kansas		April 14th, 2008 1:03 pm ET HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE FOR A PENNSYLVANIA FAMILY TO EARN THE $800,000.00 (EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS) THAT HILLARY CLINTON RECEIVED FROM THE COLUMBIAN GOVERNMENT?
Obama 2008		April 14th, 2008 1:03 pm ET Hillary deserves a long vacation in Colombia, near an emerald mine. She is tired and stressed out and now unable to even keep her audience interested in her boring monologue. Go home - Is it NY? PA? or AK? Whatever, just go. Leave us alone.
Think - FL		April 14th, 2008 1:03 pm ET "The Clinton campaign later said the disgruntled reaction came to Clinton's remarks came from Obama supporters in attendance." More like people that aren't going to play along with your twisting of his honest words that were never intended to be demeaning or hurtful and didn't come from a bad place until they filtered through your head. Witch.
Ex-Hillary supporter		April 14th, 2008 1:03 pm ET People do turn to God when times are tough and I speak as an atheist!
Myke A.		April 14th, 2008 1:03 pm ET Hahahaha. Shame on Hillary. You remind me of how the dog bit the owner. LOL
YOU NEED TO KNOW		April 14th, 2008 1:04 pm ET What this whole country should be BITTER about is the fact that we had a contract between 40 and 100 billion dollars to build UNITED STATES AIR FORCE aircraft and that contract was sent overseas (France). NOW IF THAT"S NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU BITTER, THEN WHAT IS? OR MAYBE THAT BILLY BOY HAS BEEN PAID BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT (dont" know how much) BUT THIS IS THE SAME GOVERNMENT THAT HILLARY HAS BEEN CARRYING ON ABOUT REGARDING HUMAN RIGHTS. HILLARY'S AGAINST CAFTA, BUT ALL OF HER HIGH RANKING PEOPLE (YES BILL ALSO) ARE IN SUPPORT OF CAFTA. WHAT'S GOING ON HERE???? YES WE ARE PISSED OFF AND BITTER.
Isaac		April 14th, 2008 1:04 pm ET His attacks were way worse, but here we are again with his supporters attacking her. How can he jeer her for drinking a beer when he just did the exact same thing and has been talking about it ever since? Come on.
Skipper		April 14th, 2008 1:04 pm ET Rumor has it that Obamabots have now started showing up at Hillary's speaking engagements just to heckle her. Yeah, that's real mature there Barry. I'm still trying to figure out what's wrong with "throwing back a shot and beer?" Is there anything "American" you won't attack?
Paul		April 14th, 2008 1:05 pm ET Wow! I bet Clinton had no idea this would backfire in her face. I love it.
brad, obamaha, NE		April 14th, 2008 1:05 pm ET wow. just wow. obama08
Bitter in oregon		April 14th, 2008 1:05 pm ET Barack the truth Obama that's who I am voting for …… If the next states can't close this up. then we will here in Oregon. where are the signs I am Bitter and I want change Barack Obama 08 I'll take one, heck I'll tale two who else wants a sign????
NancyL-64		April 14th, 2008 1:05 pm ET The truth is powerful, and Obama spoke the truth. Too bad Hillary just doesn't get it. So who is out of touch and elitist?
rw md		April 14th, 2008 1:05 pm ET This is the kind of crap she has to put up with. He can attack her and say anything he want's but if she attack's him, they have to defend there little punk kid. I've allway's said that Pennsylvania has one good thing, the Liberty Bell, and that's got a crack in it.
dee		April 14th, 2008 1:05 pm ET Thank you sooo much labor crowd You have made me PROUD to be an Intellegent American Today. thank you and God bless you.
P Walters		April 14th, 2008 1:05 pm ET What a pseudo-campaign put on by Barack Obama supporters! If they yell loud enough, they think it will sway voters… It doesn't work that way! To Obama supporters, you are shooting yourselves in the foot! We're finally seeing the real Obama - and it isn't pretty or humble - it's arrogant and snide… Let's see some more!
Ron R		April 14th, 2008 1:05 pm ET There on to you Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let Freedom Ring		April 14th, 2008 1:06 pm ET Say "No!" to the Shady First Lady!!! Hillary Clinton continues to lob spitballs at Barack Obama and try to convince the public and the media that they're cannonballs. If that's truly all the ammunition that she has to use against him, he'll win the general election for SURE. Obama '08!
Anna		April 14th, 2008 1:06 pm ET Penn people are really smart.
Nancy in Ohio		April 14th, 2008 1:06 pm ET One of the few times Hillary is right. She nails it. I have a grudging respect and admiration for the woman. Think I'd like her on a personal level, but she's too liberal.
Carol/Lansing Michigan		April 14th, 2008 1:06 pm ET She should be jeered at about taking his comments out of context. People do turn to religion and unfortunately some to crime with things get very, very bad. We are bitter, bitter to see our plants close and go south to Mexico taking the jobs with them. We can't turn to our government, they don't listen. Why do you think peoples approval levels of the Senate, House and President are some of the lowest in history. If Hillary doesn't realize that, then I guess being born into a wealthy family and living wealthy ALL her life has left her out of touch with the other 95%.
Jessica, MI		April 14th, 2008 1:06 pm ET "no news" - are you serious? did you not see how Hillary INSTANTLY came out in public and laced into Obama, calling him "elitist", etc..? To call Hillary an opportunist is an understatement…
Let Freedom Ring		April 14th, 2008 1:06 pm ET Say "No!" to the Shady First Lady!!! Hillary Clinton continues to lob spitballs at Barack Obama and try to convince the public and the media that they're cannonballs. If that's truly all the ammunition that she has to use against him, he'll win the general election for SURE. Obama '08!
Let Freedom Ring		April 14th, 2008 1:06 pm ET Say "No!" to the Shady First Lady!!! Hillary Clinton continues to lob spitballs at Barack Obama and try to convince the public and the media that they're cannonballs. If that's truly all the ammunition that she has to use against him, he'll win the general election for SURE. Obama '08!
David Smith		April 14th, 2008 1:07 pm ET I find it interesting that even though the media is jumping on Senator Obama again, and once again not reporting on the myriad of misdirections and obfuscations made by Senator Clinton and her campaign, that the people of the Keystone State are not buying her version of events - and identifying with Senator Obama. This will be an interesting week.
Walt, Belton,TX		April 14th, 2008 1:07 pm ET You would think Hillary is fighting for the last slot on the High School Varsity Cheerleading Squad, not the most important job in America. Get a grip, Girl, and grow up! A little maturity would be nice……
Jane L.		April 14th, 2008 1:07 pm ET The crowd may not have been booing Senator Clinton; they were booing at what Senator Obama has said.
Madana		April 14th, 2008 1:07 pm ET You can only create what you can articulate. Someone was able to articulate the "car" before the first car was invented. Barack articulates a future that's inspiring and promises new hopwe and he does it authentically, committedly and selflessly. Hilary could do the same if her attention was less on inflating herself. Clearly, Barack cares more about the people, us, that Hilary does - so, the choice is easy for me. Madana, Fl.
joseph Jacir, nc		April 14th, 2008 1:07 pm ET Proud of you sons and daughters of Pennsylvania………YOU are not taking the bate of the CLINTONS
FEDUP		April 14th, 2008 1:07 pm ET We need to look at the big picture. I hope people will read the full story, the title is a little ambigious. I can understand their plight. I am lucky in that I don't have to worry about myself. My children and grandchildren are another story. Neither minium wage nor unemployment, will support even a single person, much less a family. Thankfully, I am able help them on many occasions. I think the Clinton administration allowed us to secure our future. Things were good, people were better off 7 years ago. I believe they can be good again under Hillary Clinton. Obama may preach hope, but can he deliver? He appears to cave too easily, to get the job done. His nuclear bill became so watered down it was useless. Exelon benefited from his weak stance..I just don't see change, when your supporters are some of the oldest Washington insiders. Kennedy and Kerry in particular. So, my vote stays with Hillary, to the point of writing her name if necessary.
Venus		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Obama! Keep your foot on her NECK and put the other foot on Bill's NECK!
jr		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET She might have avoided the response from the crowd if she had shared a shot of Kentucy Bourbon (not Canadien whiskey) with them before she went on the attack.
Mark from San Diego		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET Hillary doesnt realize it is HER that the voters reject!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is every bit as dishonest as Bill. The Clintons just need to go away and us Dems would be better off for it.
Fed Up Democrat		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET It is truly sad to see what Hillary Clinton has become. Perhaps she and Bill were always so morally corrupt throughout his administration, however I and my family gave them the benefit of the doubt throughout all of their "problems". I couldn't wait for her to be the first female president, and not because she was female, but rather a continuation of the Clinton administration. Her dishonesty with the American people and especially herself is quite frightening. If she wins the the nomination, we as proud Americans will all loose. We will lose domestically and internationally. She is not the face of "moral authority" as she claims. She needs to get out of the race before she further becomes a danger to herself and others, and the future of America.
Uncle Sam		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET Sen. Obama has admitted that he was not present when those "bitter" comments were made.
Ivar		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET Why do I have a feeling that I want to be sick in my stomach..Doctor help me….oHHHH yesss I saw Hillary talking her crap again….Ahhh Oh I see. I am just having the same symptoms as the rest of our country when they listen to Hillary…. GUESS Hillary is intentionally in the race after having lost so she can make some money off the health care lobby.
Al-Houston		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET Hillary is the one who is unelectable!!!! —————-That's why the republicans wan't so much to see her win the nomination. The democrats are theyr'e own worst enemy, not smart enough to see reality. Keep going in this direction and McCain will be the next president.
spyturtle		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET gun packing beer swigging hillary has got to dodge more than sniper fire. hillary under estimated the intellect of the blue collar. who is the elitist worth 100 million? her lies have come to bite her back.
Tampa		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET THERE IS NO NEW POLL SHOWING HILLARY UP BY 20% UNLESS IT WAS CONDUCTED BY BILL. CUT THE BS PETER! NO WONDER YOU SUPPORT HER YOU GIRLY MAN LOL
Sharon from Ohio		April 14th, 2008 1:08 pm ET LIAR HILLARY & DUMB MCCAIN
Marj,Paso Robles, Cal		April 14th, 2008 1:09 pm ET Only a fool would vote for these Democratic clowns.
Rex the wonder horse		April 14th, 2008 1:09 pm ET Has any body seen a real issue lately? All this 'made up' controversy and endless counter punching isn't doing any body any good about informing people of real issues.
MC		April 14th, 2008 1:09 pm ET Thank you to the people of PA. Don't let her distract you from the issue. Let's show them we are tired of losing our jobs. We need a plan to create new ones. How many Republicans and Democrats have come to your Small Towns, promising to bring back jobs….and they haven't. At least Obama is being honest with you guys. Show the American people you are not buying it anymore. Vote for Obama and end the Drama.
Dennis		April 14th, 2008 1:09 pm ET Go Hillary Go. —- Obama will say anything just to get votes. NOBAMA for all the "WRIGHT" reasons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
no news		April 14th, 2008 1:10 pm ET i think the "bitter" people of pa have spoken . and they are saying BYE BYE HILLARY!
Eric		April 14th, 2008 1:10 pm ET The sad part in all of this is; to much time being spent on nonsense, and not enough time being spent on the issues. Obama hit it right on the button. Old Washington poitics. Now PA is really starting to see. GO OBAMA!!!
jpowalski		April 14th, 2008 1:10 pm ET Hillary's comments sounded very elitist to me!
AJ, IL		April 14th, 2008 1:10 pm ET Oh that Hillary! Loves to take credit for the positive things from the Clinton years, but disavows the negative things from the Clinton years. Wake up Pennslyvania and Indiana, let's turn the page on divisive politics! Heck, even McCain is telling his inner circle that he wants to run against Hillary and not Obama.
kathleen retired Professional w/woman for obama		April 14th, 2008 1:11 pm ET Penn and Indiana. If she makes it, you will be voting for one of the most hated women in America. She lies, she distorts the truth. She takes one word "bitter' that Obama says and emplodes it to make us forget about her Bosnia, Canada, Columbian, Nafta. stories. She knows exactly how to take the heat of herself. She waits until a Fri. to throw in the monkey wrench. If she wins, she will continue to consort with Republicans and lobbiest.. She will never thank you for your vote and she will never look back or come back. Obama is tapping in to all of forgotten and downtrodden Americans, not just you!!! We have all felt "bitter" at times. Obama cares he will never forget you and he is not an "elitist" Hillary knows that that word is part of the reason Gore and Kerry lost.
Frank, Missouri		April 14th, 2008 1:11 pm ET That is definitely it … I would not be voting for Hillary Clinton (or any Clinton) every ! I rather would vote for George Bush to be president for the next generation! She is diverting the attention from her Bosnia-Gate and Colombia-Gate and the media is just blindly following the agenda. A sad state of a democracy … but then again, the media fell in lockstep with George Bush before when it was ordered. Bottom line, I think the Democratic Party is broken. Billary is taking it down with her eyes on 2012. The superDs don't have the guts to stand up to HillyBilly … I know Obama can lead this country in a better future .. about the Democrats at large, I am not that sure.
Pat Va		April 14th, 2008 1:11 pm ET It's time to pack it in, Hill…everyone with a shred of intelligence are taking your rants and raves about the word "bitter" with much less than a grain of salt. You're merely using this tactic to take the onus off of you and your MANY issues that will (and do) harm to the American people. You're so pathetic and entirely irrelvant at this point.
no news		April 14th, 2008 1:11 pm ET to tampa, some peoplenever come out from their rock so you have to let them say their bush like statements
Relevant		April 14th, 2008 1:12 pm ET I like how at the end, she even throws her own husband under the bus…
John Smith		April 14th, 2008 1:12 pm ET Deb, frrom another blog has been calling Obama a "creep" Deb is a "white, filty, racist" Deb is uneducated, and thus narrow-minded Deb has not done her homework or research on the Clinton lies and sins. Deb is simply a follower and must be very "gulliable." In the sphere of psychology, people like Deb are noted as "borderline personality." I could go on, but for anyone to use such a "filty" language against another human being says a lot and should not get away with it, period!
obama 08		April 14th, 2008 1:12 pm ET nomatter how dumb they sound
Jen B.		April 14th, 2008 1:13 pm ET Hillary is looking and sounding pretty bitter herself as her campaign continues to self-destruct.
Emma in CA		April 14th, 2008 1:13 pm ET Senator Clinton: You are beating a dead horse. Your shallow criticisms of Senator Obama do not invite voters to find you attractive as a person or as a President.
Casy		April 14th, 2008 1:13 pm ET I am a Clinton supporter but there is a such thing as an overkill. Instead of talking about Obama directly, I think she should just continue with her message of optimism and change for the better! As far as her getting booed—first off–I am sure they were Obama supporters—this isn't the first time she's been booed and I know it won't be the last! Oh well! All candidates get booed or have some type of heckling at some time or another. This is no biggie at all but Clinton SHOULD NOT continue to beat this thing in the ground! So hopefully, this was a wake up call to her. What CNN didn't report is how the crowd reacted to Obama! I wonder……….
Benny		April 14th, 2008 1:13 pm ET I am an independent who does not want a continuation of the Bush/Cheney administration carried out by John McCain. It is therefore very important that people stop calling for Hillary to quit. Her tactics and strategy are not working but she must be allowed to take them as far as SHE wants to so that when she does concede, then everyone will know it is because she lost fair and square. Her attempts to be a republican in her attacks on Senator Obama only makes him stronger and yes, he has avoided taking himself down to her level. He is different in that respect. She will at some point release her people to vote democratic for the sake of the country and that action is what will save her political future. For those who think Mr. Obama is unelectable you need only look at the full-blown attacks he's survived from his OWN party to see that he is the true fighter and survivor, without being a dirty "kitchen sink" fighter.
Concerned Democrat		April 14th, 2008 1:13 pm ET Obama is the Annie Oakley wannabe and he shot himself in the foot! The fact that should not be overlooked is that the "Bitter" comment were words that came out of Obama’s mouth. It wasn't anyone else's fault that he said it, he wasn’t forced to. I take him at his word, especially since he's supposed to be so honest, intelligent and poised. It did sound eliteist. He may not be rich but he sure wants to be. And if "he didn't mean it", he's just a panderer, just like he's been accused of being. Obama has had to "re-state" a lot of things in recent memory……more like had to spin a lot of things (especially that “race” speech)! Sorry Obama supporters, he brought this one on himself, with his own words. Words that sounded pretty sincere and well thought out. He obviously didn't think anyone would hear what he said outside of that room which means that they were probably more from his heart. What’s in a man’s heart is key!
BV		April 14th, 2008 1:13 pm ET "New poll, Hillary up 20% now in PA." New poll showing Obama up by 14 in New Hampshire. Wait…. Polls RULE!
Bayou Joe		April 14th, 2008 1:13 pm ET Leave this poor woman alone. She is the Democrats best chance to beat McCain. Can't you fools see that Obama is not electable. This is America. We believe in our Country. We defend it. We own guns. Drink Beer and don't apologize for it. Actually some of us drink wine, but then so do the French. Hillary is no different than me and you. She likes to have fun. Exaggerates a little about what she has done and not done. But at least she is an American that has served her country with honor and dignity. God Bless Hillary and John McCain.
John		April 14th, 2008 1:13 pm ET What is wrong with the American public? No one has questioned Senator Obama on whether he feels that the violent and destructive preachings of Rev. Wright are based on "bitterness" or not. It appears that he willing to blame small town Americans as to holding on to "guns and religion" out of bitterness, yet fails to blame Rev. Wright for his attempt to teach hatred to black Americans. Senator Obama speaks differently in private than he does in public and that causes me concern. Yes, Americans (of every color) have a right to be bitter over the loss of jobs and for economic hardship but that does give him the right to catagorize it simply as "smalltown Americans". He offends everyone with his comments.
Tobias		April 14th, 2008 1:14 pm ET Obama has been slinging mud since day one and when his back is against the wall his slings more. This time his calls to "just got past it" aren't going to work. He has proven himself again to be nothing more then a liar and a hypocrite. His chickens are coming home to roost and the super delegates are listening. He has absolutely no chance in November now so please vote smart, vote Clinton. Love her or hate her she will make a helluva president.
anthony		April 14th, 2008 1:14 pm ET boycott cnn for their bias reporting.
Homer		April 14th, 2008 1:14 pm ET When Obama gets the dem. nomination Hillary could team up with McCain. She seems to agree with him on alot of issues.
Mary		April 14th, 2008 1:14 pm ET What Obama and the rest of America are saying is that Hillary will say and do anything to become President. ANYTHING!!!
jason		April 14th, 2008 1:14 pm ET are people finally seeing hillary for what she is? consider my faith in the american populace to have increased slightly.
Finally		April 14th, 2008 1:14 pm ET Hillary stick to the issues, people are tired of the kitchen sink tactic!
Oregon IS Obama		April 14th, 2008 1:15 pm ET This woman is so clueless , she is about to get a huge wake up call. I look for her to get run completely out of the Democratic party .
Rob, Boston MA		April 14th, 2008 1:15 pm ET talking about Bill Clinton and NAFTA Hillary says: "As smart as my husband is, he does make mistakes." So does her chief strategist, apparently.

Obama news: New Clinton ad: Obama is 'out of touch'

Hillary Clinton’s campaign released a tough new ad Monday that features the reactions of some of her Pennsylvania supporters who say they were “insulted” by Barack Obama’s controversial recent comments about some small-town Americans.

The 30-second spot – which echoes several days of similar criticism from Clinton and her campaign — features a diverse group of voters reacting to Obama’s comments a week ago that some of the state’s residents were “bitter” and turning to guns and religion because of economic pressures.

Full script follows:

Woman 1: I was very insulted by Barack Obama.

Man 1: It just shows how out of touch Barack Obama is.

Woman 2: I'm not clinging to my faith out of frustration and bitterness. I find that my faith is very uplifting.

Man 2: The good people of Pennsylvania deserve a lot better than what Barack Obama said.

Woman 1: Hillary does understand the citizens of Pennsylvania better.

Woman 3: Hillary Clinton has been fighting for people like us her whole life.

Obama news: Polls: Clinton's lead down to 4 points in Pennsylvania

Sen. Hillary Clinton's lead over Sen. Barack Obama in the crucial primary state of Pennsylvania has dwindled to 4 points, a CNN average of recent polls calculated Thursday shows.

The New York senator now holds a 4 point advantage over her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, 46 to 42 percent. Twelve percent of likely Democratic voters there remain unsure.

Recent CNN "poll of polls" suggest the race in Pennsylvania is tightening before the state's April 22 primary. A poll of polls calculated two days ago showed Clinton with a 6 point lead in Pennsylvania, and a poll of polls last Friday showed her on top by 11 points.

“Obama is outspending Clinton by better than two to one on television ads in Pennsylvania,” said Alan Silverleib, CNN’s senior political researcher. “Combine that with Clinton’s recent misstatement over her 1996 trip to Bosnia and the escalating chorus of voices calling on her to withdraw from the race, and you get a much tighter contest.”

Thursday's poll of polls included recent surveys from Time Magazine, American Research Group, and Quinnipiac University.

Obama election news: Despite $20 million haul, troubling signs for Clinton

The reluctant confirmation of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) campaign that it raised $20 million in March is the latest indication that the stream of money flowing to the former first lady is slowing significantly, even though aides maintain that resources are not a problem.

The mere fact that the campaign was slow to release the data is already a sign of trouble. When Clinton has done well, the campaign has sometimes not even waited until the end of the month to boast of the totals, such as in February, when the former first lady raised $35 million and the figure was announced on Feb. 29. Even after its poorest showing in January, the campaign acknowledged by Feb. 4 that it had taken in only $13.5 million.

Clinton is in a politically difficult position. While her fundraising numbers would be record-shattering in any other cycle, the former first lady has consistently been second best in this year’s Democratic primary. The millions she has raised often appear to pale in comparison to the contributions Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is raking in. When Clinton announced her February haul, the Illinois senator’s campaign subsequently pointed out it raised $55 million.

Now, also running behind Obama in the delegate count, Clinton has to play catch up with an opponent who appears to have near unlimited resources to counter any attack.

The figures that are publicly available suggest that Clinton is facing a steep uphill climb — despite the fact that she raised about $20 million in March, making it her second best month to date. The Clinton campaign confirmed those reports to several media outlets on Thursday after refusing to do so earlier this week.

“Our cash flow is good. Bills are being paid. We are continuing to raise a considerable amount of money,” said Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson this week, adding that the campaign has enough money to do what it wants to do. In addition, Clinton also announced Thursday that she would buy her first TV ad in North Carolina. Her absence on the airwaves in key states like North Carolina and Indiana had been seen as another indication that money woes were plaguing the campaign.

The $20 million estimate for March, however, shows that the flow of contributions to Clinton is clearly slowing, as it was earlier this year when she loaned her campaign $5 million.

After winning primaries in Texas and Ohio at the beginning of the month, the New York senator’s campaign announced that it had raised $6 million in the first six days of March.

That means Clinton raised $14 million throughout the rest of March, for an average of less than $600,000 per day. That is about half of what she has raised per day over the previous 40 days.

In comparison, Obama has raised more than $1.4 million per day this year.

When the Clinton campaign proudly released its figures for early March, Peter Daou, the former first lady’s Internet director, said, “Hillary’s supporters have come through every time we’ve needed them, and they are setting a record pace now as we move ahead to the upcoming contests.”

The numbers, along with reports that the campaign is not paying all of its bills -- which Clinton aides have disputed -- appear to indicate that the New York senator’s donor base might not be able to stem the Obama tide.

Obama news : The real Clinton mistakes

A post-mortem on the Clinton campaign is premature, but it’s never too early to learn from mistakes. While everyone agrees mistakes were made, the nature of those errors remains a matter of debate.

• Early States vs. Many States — Some have opined that the Clinton campaign spent too much time and money on Iowa and New Hampshire at the expense of later states. I would suggest she dedicated too little to Iowa and the optimum to New Hampshire.

By the end of December, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) had each raised just over $100 million and, in principle, both had about the same number of campaign days. Yet the Clinton campaign allowed the Obama team to outspend them on Iowa TV by 40 percent and to have about the same advantage in campaign events. If she had done more events and more TV in Iowa, would Hillary Clinton have won? Impossible to prove the counterfactual, but it couldn’t have hurt, and there is no doubt that had Clinton won Iowa, she would be the presumptive nominee today.

Alternatively, had she not won New Hampshire, Clinton would have been forced from the race months ago.

So while some of her Iowa spending could have been misdirected, the truth is Clinton spent too little on what matters in Iowa and about the right amount in New Hampshire.

• Micro vs. Macro — Readers of Mark Penn’s Microtrends argue that his micro-messages failed against Obama’s macro-message of change. That too is not quite right. Clinton did have a macro-message early on — experience. It was just the wrong message. Every poll for two years demonstrated that Democrats prefer change over experience by 2 to 1. Good campaigns have both macro- and micro-messages, and in the very best, the two are inextricably linked.

• A Message vs. A List — While Clinton did develop a macro-message, for too much of the campaign she merely had a list of popular proposals. A strong message beats a good list.

• Big States vs. All States — To all appearances the Clinton campaign operated from the theory that only big states count; “small” states didn’t, and that was an error as big as they come. Clinton won more than twice as many states with over 100 delegates, while Obama won nearly three times as many states with under 50 delegates. Yet Clinton’s net advantage in those big states amounted to just three delegates, while Obama’s massive victories in the largely uncontested small states gave him a 55-delegate advantage over Clinton.

Put differently, Obama got a greater delegate advantage from his win in Idaho than Clinton did from her Ohio victory, and he generated a bigger delegate lead in Kansas than she wrested from New Jersey.

• Big Money vs. All Money — In the money chase, too, the Clinton campaign played by old rules, apparently unaware of just how much this game had changed. Through Feb. 29, Clinton had a nearly $7 million advantage with the big donors, though Obama led the money race overall by a staggering $39 million. The entire difference came from donors who gave $200 or less — the fruits of Obama’s effective Internet strategy.

By its own admission the Clinton campaign left this very profitable stone largely unturned until she was forced to lend her campaign money. Not everyone can turn the Internet into a gusher, but the simple fact is that her campaign did not work the medium nearly as hard as Obama did, and it paid off for him. That’s why he is once again wildly outspending her on TV, this time in Pennsylvania, putting a once-sure Clinton win in jeopardy.

Lots for everybody to learn.

Obama News : Obama Moves to 9-point Lead Over Clinton

Barack Obama has gained support in the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking report for April 4-6, and now leads Hillary Clinton by a statistically significant margin, 52% to 43%.

Obama's current 52% support level matches his highest of the year, although his margin over Clinton was slightly larger, at 52% to 42%, in March 27-29 polling. So far this year Obama has been unable to sustain a significant lead over Clinton for more than a few days. (To view the complete trend since Jan. 3, 2008.

Obama had a particularly strong showing in Sunday's interviewing, and it will remain to be seen if he is able to enlarge and sustain a margin of victory in the days ahead. Two events have been in the news in recent days that, in theory, could affect Democrats' support levels for their two candidates. Bill and Hillary Clinton released their tax returns for the last eight years on Friday, reporting that they made over $100 million during that time period. Sunday Clinton's chief campaign strategist, Mark Penn, resigned his position after reports that the public relations firm of which he is president had a conflict of interests with the Clinton campaign.

Obama remains tied with presumptive Republican nominee John McCain when registered voters nationally as given a hypothetical November general election matchup between the two. McCain retains a slight two percentage point margin over Clinton.

Obama news : Obama skeptical of poll numbers

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama believes that Hillary Clinton's lead in Pennsylvania is actually much larger than the polls will have you believe, the Illinois senator said in an interview Saturday with the Courier Times.

Obama also said that his fierce contest with Clinton for the nomination will not cause any long-term damage within the Democratic party, that Clinton should not be forced out of the race even if she loses Pennsylvania's primary and that voters are not as concerned about racial issues as the media might have you believe.

This week, several polls were released showing that Obama had closed a once-formidable lead by Clinton in Pennsylvania's April 22 primary. The polls had Clinton up by an average of nearly 7 percentage points and one even had Obama leading by 2 points, but Obama said he had no faith in those numbers.

“I don't believe in polls when I'm up and I don't believe in polls when I'm down,” Obama said in a phone interview shortly after a campaign stop in Montana. “I still think we're losing by 20. I'm joking a little.”

Obama, who sees himself as an underdog in the Pennsylvania primary, said Clinton should stay in the race even if he won that contest as long as she has support.

“I think that Sen. Clinton should be able to continue for as long as she wants to,” he said.

Obama added that the tight contests in states such as Pennsylvania, where voters have not had a say in the presidential nomination process in a generation, were, ultimately, beneficial to the party.

“It means that we're getting our voters engaged and interested,” he said.

He said he saw no lasting rift in the party caused by his battle with Clinton and said all Democrats would come together once the nomination was settled, which might not occur until the Democratic National Convention in August.

“I think that we will unify fairly quickly once the convention begins,” he said. “Whatever differences that Sen. Clinton and I have pale in comparison with the differences that we have with John McCain.”

Obama, who delivered a major speech on American race relations last month in Philadelphia, said that the race issue may be overly hyped by the media.

“I don't think it has been a big issue throughout this campaign,” said Obama, who pointed out that he has won in predominately white states like Idaho, North Dakota and Wisconsin. “I think that race was bound to have some relevance given that I'm the first African-American candidate to have come this far, but I have to say that the vast majority of Americans are much less concerned about race and gender than they are about [other issues].”

Those issues include rising gas prices, insufficient health care, job security and the war in Iraq, Obama said.

He said that the media has tried to make race a predominant issue in the campaign, trying to figure out who black voters or white voters might favor in this campaign.

“The press is absolutely trying to push and peddle this agenda,” he said.

Obama declined to comment extensively on recently released tax returns that show that Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, earned more than $109 million over the past eight years.

“There's no doubt that most of the candidates for president are better off than average Americans,” he said.

Still, Obama said he and his wife, Michelle, might better understand the financial struggles facing average Americans.

“We do have a pretty good feel for the day-to-day struggles that people go through,” he said.

Obama also declined to comment on whether Bucks County Congressman Patrick Murphy's, D-8, support for his campaign might lead to a spot for Murphy in the Obama administration if he is eventually elected president.

“Patrick Murphy is an extraordinary talent and he will always have a spot in my heart,” he said.

He said he was “looking forward” to working with Murphy, an Iraq war veteran, on veterans' issues and war policy if he is elected.

Obama news : Obama Leading Clinton in NC

In North Carolina, Barack Obama has opened up a twenty-three percentage point lead over Hillary Clinton. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that Obama attracts 56% of the vote while Clinton earns 33%. A month ago, Obama’s lead was just seven percentage points.

While the absolute numbers are different, the trend is similar to results from Pennsylvania where Obama gained ten-points on Clinton during the month of March.

Perhaps the only disturbing news for Obama in the survey is that most Clinton voters (56%) say they are not likely to vote for the Illinois Senator in the general election against John McCain. A month ago, 45% of Clinton voters said they were not likely to vote for Obama against McCain.

There remains an enormous racial divide in the North Carolina data. Obama leads 86% to 9% among African-American voters. Clinton holds a 47% to 38% advantage among white voters in the Tar Heel State. A month ago, Obama led by fifty-three points among African-Americans while Clinton led by twenty points among White voters.

Obama is viewed favorably by 75% of the state’s Likely Primary Voters, up three points from a month ago. Clinton is viewed favorably by 66%, down four since early March.

Nationally, Obama has the edge over Clinton in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Obama news : Clinton Asks Obama's Pledged Delegates to Switch

Sen. Hillary Clinton made a blunt appeal to North Dakota delegates to switch their support to her, despite the fact that Sen. Barack Obama handily defeated her in the state's caucus in February.

In an indication of how tense the battle has become for each Democratic delegate, Obama abandoned the campaign trail in Pennsylvania and scooted to North Dakota for the state party's annual dinner last night, despite the fact that he's already won 14 of the state's 21 delegates as well as six of the state's seven superdelegates.

The two candidates also will battle for votes tonight in Butte, Mont., when Democrats there hold their annual dinner. The Montana primary, which offers only a handful of delegates, is scheduled for June.

Clinton made it clear to North Dakota Democrats last night that she believes there is no such thing as a pledged delegate and highlighted that stubborn streak in her appeal for delegates to switch from Obama to her when the Democratic national party holds its nominating convention this August.

Obama news : Clinton hints at taking Obama's pledged delegates

Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is unlikely to catch rival Barack Obama in pledged delegates, hinted on Thursday that she hoped to persuade a few to back her instead of him.

"There is no such thing as a pledged delegate," Clinton said at a news conference in California, where she has been fundraising.

Both Clinton and Obama planned to address the state convention of the North Dakota Democratic Party Friday, where delegates to this summer's national convention will be allocated. Obama crushed Clinton in the state's Feb. 5 presidential caucuses, 61-36 percent.

The former first lady said she was traveling to North Dakota to thank her supporters and delegates — and wooing Obama supporters was fair game.

Pledged delegates are "misnomer. The whole point is for delegates, however they are chosen, to really ask themselves who would be the best president and who would be our best nominee against Senator McCain," Clinton said. "And I think that process goes all the way to the convention."

While the DNC has no rules requiring pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses to vote for the candidate, the people who serve as pledged delegates are selected by the campaigns who won them and loyalty is a key qualification.

Obama currently leads in the delegate count, 1,634-1,500, according to The Associated Press. Because of the way Democrats apportion delegates, Clinton is not projected to catch Obama even if she has a strong showing in the remaining 10 contests.

Neither candidate can win based solely on pledged delegates. The nominee is likely to be chosen by some 800 superdelegates — elected officials and party insiders free to side with any candidate they choose.

Clinton's comments came as one of her prominent supporters and superdelegates, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, said that he would consider switching to Obama if Clinton doesn't win the popular vote.

In an interview with CNBC, Corzine expressed confidence that Clinton will pull ahead. And he agreed the race will be over if she doesn't get a "big win" in the Pennsylvania primary April 22.

"You have to have a real cut into this popular vote and I think she's going to get it, though," he said. "I feel good about that."

Obama leads Clinton by about 740,000 votes out of more than 28 million cast. That figure excludes the outcome of the Michigan and Florida primaries, which were nullified because the two states moved their contests into January in violation of Democratic Party rules.

Barack Obama news: Clinton backers-She must win popular vote

Two prominent supporters of Hillary Clinton suggested Thursday the New York senator needs to best rival Barack Obama in the total popular vote to have any chance at winning her party's presidential nomination.

In separate media interviews, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine and Pennsylvania Rep. Jack Murtha both indicated they believed Clinton will be unable to convince enough superdelegates to support her if she finishes second to Obama in both the pledged delegate count and the popular vote.

Speaking on CNBC, Corzine suggested it won't be enough for Clinton to argue she deserves the nomination because she has won more crucial swing states than Obama — a talking point the senator's campaign has long argued.

"I think it would be a very hard argument to make," Corzine said of that position. "I'm a very aggressive supporter of Senator Clinton, but I think you need at least a popular vote."

Barack Obama news : Obama raises more than $40 million in March

Barack Obama's campaign announced a March haul of more than $40 million, raised from more than 442,000 donors. There were more than 218,000 first-time donors, and the average contribution level was $96.

The figure is not official until the campaign submits paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. The official deadline for March paperwork to be filed is April 20.

The Obama campaign released the announcement the moment the daily Clinton campaign conference call began.

Barack Obama news : Jimmy Carter hints at supporting Obama

Former President Jimmy Carter all but said Wednesday he plans to cast his superdelegate vote for Barack Obama.

Speaking with a Nigerian paper while in Abuja, Carter noted several reasons why he might be leaning toward the Illinois senator.

"Don’t forget that Obama won in my state of Georgia," Carter said. "My town, which is home to 625 people, is for Obama, my children and their spouses are pro-Obama. My grandchildren are also pro-Obama."

"As a superdelegate, I would not disclose who I am rooting for but I leave you to make that guess," Carter added.

The Carter Center confirmed to CNN the newspaper did quote Carter accurately.

Responding to the comments, Clinton campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson said Thursday, "Both Senator Clinton and President Clinton have a great deal of respect for President Carter and have enjoyed their relationship with him over the years, and obviously he is free to make whatever decision he thinks is appropriate with regard to presidential choice."

Wolfson also acknowledged "people will be interested in the choice that he makes."

Carter's remarks are the latest from the former president that suggest he is backing Obama over rival Hillary Clinton, although he has made no official endorsement. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal in January, Carter said Obama's campaign has been extraordinary and titillating for me and my family."

He also said then that Obama "will be almost automatically a healing factor in the animosity now that exists, that relates to our country and its government."

Amazing Elephant Art

Now we live in an age of elephant art. Look at this amazing elephant self-portrait. The art is created by an elephant in this video.

Writing about elephant art is not my usual fare, but it's so astounding I had to share.

If you haven't seen this beautifully made portrait of an elephant made by an elephant, watch the whole thing - it is well worth the time, as you may never have imagined that any non-human animal could be so adroit, graceful and artistic.

Absolutely beautiful image - I'd be pleased to call it my own, to call it elephant art.

This particular elephant is a male born in 2002 named "Paya," which means "excellence." He's only been painting for a couple of years.

ATA files for bankruptcy, ceases all operations

Passengers flying on ATA Airlines today are in for a surprise when they get to the airport. This morning, with practically no advance notice, the Indianapolis-based airline announced that they had declared bankruptcy, canceled all flights and ceased operations.

The cause of their collapse, in addition to the obvious stratospheric jet fuel prices, was in the loss of a key military contract that they had been relying on to maintain operations. Between those and and an extremely competitive market, the airline could no longer operate in the black.

Passengers in ATA's hub cities, Chicago, San Francisco (Oakland), and Honolulu will be the most affected by the cancellations. If any of you have reservations and booked with a credit card, ATA suggests that you contact your credit card company for a refund. But if you paid by other means, you may have to jump through a few extra hoops before you get your money back; as our friends at Elliott.org write this morning, you're going to have to file a claim in ATA's Chapter 11 proceedings if you ever want to see part of that money again.

And so comes to close another small American budget airline, pushed out of business by high oil prices, competition and operating costs in a market that was just too tight to sustain it. With the collapse of the airline goes 2,200 employees, 29 aircraft and 35 years of hard work.

Obama wants Gore on his team

Al Gore has a spot in a potential Barack Obama administration, the Illinois senator said Wednesday.

Asked at a campaign event if he'd consider Gore for his cabinet, Obama immediately said he would.

" I will make a commitment that Al Gore will be at the table and play a central part in us figuring out how we solve this [climate change] problem," Obama said.

Obama also said he talks with the former vice president on a "regular basis," and often consults with him on climate change issues.

Could Gore serve alongside Bill Clinton in an Obama administration? Last November, the Illinois senator said he'd offer the former president a job "in a second."

"There are few more talented people [than Clinton]," Obama said then.

The clark brothers band - next great american band

Watch Clark brothers performing - youtube video.