Can Clinton Redefine the Presidential Race?
"There's a philosophy of saying and doing anything it takes." That was David Axelrod's critique of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign back in 2008, when heaccusedBill Clinton of "doing slash and burn stuff" to win the nomination.
Now, four years later, it takes Bill Clinton to make the case for re-electing President Obama.
Democrats will announce today that Clinton will give a prime-time address at this year's convention in Charlotte, formally nominating Obama for a second term in office and offering a clear contrast between his candidate and Republican Mitt Romney.
The formal nomination is an insider's curiosity, a stark reversal from 2008, when Clinton's anger over the primaries was still palpable (And a nice parallel with 2008, when it was Hillary Clinton who moved that Obama's nomination be recorded as unanimous).
But the speech he will give is the truly important signal, another twist in the complicated and decidedly awkward political relationship between the two giants of Democratic politics made necessary by one's search for a legacy and another's hunt for re-election.
It's a sign that the president who felt our pain is still the politician best able to connect with voters who will decide this election. At a moment when Americans are choosing between an incumbent who can't stop talking abouthow rich he isand a Republican who can't stop talking about his buddies who ownNASCARandNFL teams, Clinton is perhaps the only national figure! average Americans trust to understand what they're going through. Read more
--Reid Wilson, Hotline editor in chief
NATIONAL JOURNALS PRESIDENTIAL RACE REPORT
Obama, Romney Teams Vie For Early Voting Edge [National Journal, 7/30/12] National Journals Naureen Khan writes that the 2012 election will begin in September, when early voting starts in many states. The Obama campaign has some practice in this arena, but dont expect Team Romney to be nearly as outgunned as John McCain was four years ago.
Romney Finds Somewhat Smoother Sailing in Israel[CBS News, 7/29/12] Romney got a warm welcome in visits with top Israeli officials, including from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And though his first day in Israel went better than his trip to Britain, it wasnt all smooth sailing.
Romneys Comments at Fundraiser Outrage Palestinians [Associated Press, 7/30/12] Romney told Jewish donors on Monday that their culture is part of what has allowed them to be more economically successful than Palestine, sparking outrage among Palestinian leaders, who called the remarks racist and out-of-touch.
Romneys Russia Rhetoric May Backfire in Visit to Poland [Bloomberg, 7/30/12] Romney has called Russia, Polands historic foe, Americas No. 1 geopolitical foe and accused
Candidates Look Overseas For Campaign Cash [Associated Press, 7/30/12] Obama and Romney have been aggressively courting Americans living abroad at fundraisers far beyond U.S. shores, galvanizing a largely untapped group of voters while simultaneously raising money. Experts say the practice is legal and has been used for decades.
Strict New Pennsylvania Voter-ID Law Challenged in State Court [National Journal, 7/30/12] A tough new voter-identification law in Pennsylvania is under challenge from opponents who say its a GOP scheme that violates the state constitution and disenfranchises thousands of voters. The law is just one in a wave of legislation driving a furious debate over voting rights as the presidential election looms.
New Romney Ad Takes Obama Quote Out of Context, Again [Washington Post, 7/30/12] This is the second week in a row the Posts Fact Checker has had to examine how the Romney campaign is using one of the presidents quotes. Glenn Kessler gives the ad four Pinocchios for clearing ripping Obamas words out of context.
! Romney C ourts Campaign Donors in Israel[New York Times, 7/29/12] Romneys visit to Israel presents the candidate with an opportunity to raise money and offer top donors an unofficial mini-retreat abroad. At a fundraiser on Monday, nearly four dozen high-dollar donors including casino mogul Sheldon Adelson -- were treated to a lavish breakfast and a Romney speech, bringing in over $1 million for the campaign.
Bill Clinton Gets Prime Time Convention Speech [National Journal, 7/3012] Former President Bill Clinton is slated to deliver a prime-time speech at the Democratic National Convention on Sept. 5, and will place Obamas name into nomination.
Campaigns Plotting Best Use of TV For Political Ads [Detroit Free Press, 7/30/12] In Michigan, the race to the general election will be chock full of advertising from the presidential and Senate races on down to congressional contests. All those campaigns could turn into a cash bonanza for TV stations that could exceed $100 million.
Swing States Give Obama the Edge [The Hill, 7/30/12] Out of the 12 crucial battleground states in the election, Obama leads in 10. The dynamic may reflect a combination of lower swing-state unemployment rates and demographic advantages for the president.
Rob Portmans Genteel Conservatism [Politico, 7/30/12] Politicos Jonathan Martin profiles Ohio Senator and presumed GOP vice-presidential finalist Rob Portman, who Martin writes is much more closely aligned with the 41st George Bush th! an the 4 3rd.
Romney: Too Wimpy For the White House? [Daily Beast, 7/29/12] In a Newsweek story headlined Romney: The Wimp Factor, Michael Tomasky explores how Romneys many faux pas in Britain raise questions about how he will handle himself when representing our nation on the world stage. For his part, Romney says he doesnt care what the media says about him.
Romneys Fundraising Boost Stems From Unique Tactics [Roll Call, 7/30/12] Individuals are limited to contributions of $2,500 to Romney for President and $30,800 to the Republican National Committee. But maxed-out donors can contribute through the Romney Victory Inc. joint fundraising committee to the Republican parties of Idaho, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Vermont states on which Team Romney and the RNC has much influence.
GOP Fears Ex-Lawmaker Will Help Obama Win Virginia [The Hill, 7/29/12] Former five-term Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., has a strong chance of making it on the states general election ballot, setting up a potential Ralph Nader scenario and siphoning votes from Romney in a vital battleground state.