I wish Sandra Buckler the best in all her future. I think she played a key role in preparing our party and its representatives for the challenges of government. She was able to keep our party on message and also our MPs disciplined. Having said that, this resignation opens the door to better relations with the national media and hopefully a more open communication strategy from the PMO, cabinet and the Conservative Party. -Darryl
PM's communications director steps down
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's head of communications announced Thursday she is leaving her post after more than two years on the job.
Sandra Buckler came under fire after she said the Canadian Forces had not informed the government that they were no longer transferring Afghan detainees to local officials.(Canadian Press)
In an e-mail sent to the media on Thursday evening, Sandra Buckler, Harper's director of communications, said that after consulting with family and friends, she has decided "now is the time for me to exit stage right from the Prime Minister's Office."
"It was an honour and a pleasure to serve the prime minister of Canada," she wrote. "I remain a fan of this prime minister and the hard-working members of this government."
Government sources suggested Buckler, a former lobbyist for Coca-Cola, De Beers Canada, Rogers Wireless and Power Corporation, was leaving her job for health reasons after recently being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Buckler was appointed communications director in February 2006.
News of her resignation came as Harper prepares to replace his current chief of staff, Ian Brodie, with Guy Giorno, former chief of staff to former Ontario premier Mike Harris. The change is expected some time in July.
Buckler's departure is not related to Giorno's reported desire to select his own staff, or her contentious relationship with reporters, a government official said.
Buckler came under fire in January when, after being asked why the government withheld information that the military had stopped transferring Afghan detainees to local authorities, she said the Canadian Forces had not told the government about the change.
Having infuriated military officials and her own party members, she later retracted the comments, saying she had "misspoke."
The director of communications speaks on behalf of the prime minister, crafts his public statements and manages his relationship with the media.
Campaign Manager David Plouffe records a video to supporters on a laptop, sharing his presentation about the Obama campaign's strategy for the general election.
Who would you choose if you were John McCain or Barack Obama to improve your chances in November? Right now I think both sides are wide open. Personally I think Hillary for Obama and Rice for McCain would be the two strongest choices each candidate could make. I think ultimately Jindal and Webb are the current favorites to actually get the VP spots. Several other choices could be good for key swing states or to shore up key weaknesses such as McCain with the economy and his base. For Obama, national security and experience. Forbes for McCain and Bloomberg for Obama would be interesting picks as well. Below are my rankings for both McCain and Obama's VP picks. Running mates probably will not be revealed until the party conventions in August. -Darryl
Potential choices for John McCain:
1. Condoleezza Rice - Current Secretary of State
2. Bobby Jindal - Governor of Louisiana
3. Mitt Romney - Former candidate and former Governor of Massachusetts
4. Charlie Crist - Governor of Florida
5. Joe Lieberman - Independent senator and former Democrat who supports Iraq war
6. Mike Huckabee - Former candidate and former Governor of Arkansas
7. Rudy Giuliani - Former candidate and former New York Mayor
8. Sarah Palin - Governor of Alaska
9. Tim Pawlenty - Governor of Minnesota
10. Fred Thompson - Former candidate and Senator
11. Steve Forbes - Owner of Forbes Magazine and former Republican nominee in 1996 and 2000
12. Carly Fiorina - Former CEO of Hewlett Packard
13. Mark Sanford - Governor of South Carolina
14. Kay Bailey Hutchison - Senator from Texas
15. Tom Ridge - Former Homeland Security Director
16. Rob Portman - Former Congressman from Ohio with strong economic credentials
Potential Choices for Obama 1. Hillary Clinton - Former candidate and runner up
2. John Edwards - Former canidate
3. Al Gore - Oscar winner, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, former candidate, former VP
4. Bill Richardson - Governor of New Mexico and former candidate
5. Jim Webb - Virginia senator and former Reagan cabinet member, veteran from Virgina
6. Chuck Hagel - Republican Senator from Nebraska
7. Wesley Clark - Retired general
8. Michael Bloomberg - Current New York Mayor
9. Joe Biden - Chairman of foreign relations committee, Senator, former candidate
This video is meant to be funny, but unfortunately after George Bush; this is what mainstream America and most of the world thinks about the Republican brand right now. This is why people like Senator Smith are running ads against the Republican brand despite being Republican. Lucky for McCain he polls better than his party. This video comes from the website www.ImVotingRepublican.com -Darryl
We need to keep up the pressure. New foreign minister David Emerson should take a strong stand against Mugabe and the violence associated with these elections as well. It is time to help Zimbabwe return to right path economically and with regards to their democracy. Mugabe is a big part of the reason why inflation is out of control, food is in short supply, freedom has been restricted and millions are living in extreme poverty. The world and especially African nations should not tolerate this any further. -Darryl
Why I will buy a hybrid...Honda anti-terrorism commercial
Not sure if this commercial is real, but it is why I take the global warming agenda seriously. America and the West must break our dependency on foreign oil. Green technology, public transportation, tough auto standards and a cap and trade system are the way to go. A carbon tax or arbitrarily meeting Kyoto targets when the big players won't participate is not the correct way to go. McCain is right when he says that even if global warming is not real, some of the solutions make sense in terms of addressing the war on terror, gas prices and other challenges to the North American economy. Again I do not know if this is a real Honda ad or if someone created this and posted it on YouTube, but I do think it is affective and worth posting. On a side note, while GM and other North American automakers are hurting; Honda and Toyota seem to be doing well. They also lead in fuel efficiency and hybrid technology coincidence? -Darryl
I guess votes in the Senate are tight and for now Democrats need this guy on domestic issues. Clearly though he is no Democrat based on foreign policy, his endorsement of McCain and his attacks on Obama. Do not be surprised if Lieberman ends up as McCain's VP. It is too bad Ned Lamont wasn't successful, but perhaps it explains why Lieberman is so bitter right now. -Darryl
You know Republicans are in trouble when they use Obama in their ads
Senator Gordon Smith is pushing his bipartisan work with Barack Obama in a new ad to keep his seat in Oregon. Very interesting that a Republican feels his chances of being elected are better if he is associated with Obama as oppose to his party's leader John McCain. For the record, Obama has made it clear he is endorsing Smith's Democratic rival. Smith is one of several seats this November where the Republican incumbent will have a tough time getting re-elected. -Darryl
Emerson to foreign affairs...good to see Moore promoted!
Interesting cabinet shuffle today. I will admit that at first I was outraged (coming from the riding of Belinda Stronach) when David Emerson crossed the floor and became a Conservative in exchange for a cabinet post. Today, I am happy that he is officially in foreign affairs. Emerson has been minister of everything and has done a great job pushing free trade, handling the Olympics and Pacific gateway, improving relations with China and also keeping a steady hand in foreign affairs following the Bernier situation. Emerson has been Harper's strongest cabinet minister in my opinion and I think he will do well in this role overtime.
I was also glad to see James Moore get a promotion. I have been a fan of his for a long time and felt this appointment was long overdue.
Christian Paradis was expected, but I like the promotion as it will shore up our credentials in Quebec and I don't mind seeing new young people in cabinet.
Michael Fortier's new role fits his past experience as an international lawyer. To be honest though, I am not a fan unelected Senators and if it is true that he is thinking about not running in the next election, I would prefer that he be dropped.
I also would have liked to see a promotion for Rona Ambrose as we need more females on the front bench and I think she got a raw deal in the environment. Finally, despite the scandal, I am still disappointed that Bernier is no longer a cabinet minister and am looking forward to his speech tonight.
I am happy this wasn't a full blown shuffle. I think we have had to large shuffles in the recent past and the current ministers need more time to develop in their current portfolios. Generally cabinet shuffles do not affect how people vote. Stability is important and I think too many shuffles would lead to the impression of poor performance. I look forward to the entire cabinet reviewing their files over the summer and coming back strong in the fall. -Darryl
***
PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO THE MINISTRY
June 25, 2008
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the following changes to the Ministry at a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall:
The Honourable David Emerson, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, continues his work to strengthen Canada’s place in the world and to promote Canada's values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
The Honourable Michael Fortier, in becoming Minister of International Trade, will keep advancing Canada’s trade interests in the Americas and around the world to open up new markets for Canada’s innovators;
The Honourable Christian Paradis becomes Minister of Public Works and Government Services and continues his important work in support of one of Canada’s key industries as Secretary of State (Agriculture); and
The Honourable James Moore becomes Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages). Mr. Moore is a fluently bilingual British Columbian who is well suited for these assignments.
“With these small but important changes to the Ministry, we will continue to build on our record of achievement over the past two and a half years. We will also continue to deliver the strong leadership Canadians expect and deserve.”
Obama reacts to Charlie Black's comments about potential terrorist attack being an advantage to McCain
(AP) Barack Obama says the prospect of another terrorist attack in the U.S. should transcend politics. Charlie Black, a McCain adviser, recently told Fortune Magazine that an attack would be a big advantage for Republican John McCain.
This video is from The Associated Press, broadcast June 25, 2008.
Cafferty: Should McCain fire adviser Charlie Black
The world and especially the nations of Africa must intervene to make sure the vote in Zimbabwe is free and fair. The people in that country cannot afford any more of Mugabe's rule. Canada also could have a key role to play here. It is time to stop playing games and do whatever is possible to remove this tyrant from office. His policies have been an economic disaster and Mugabe is clearly responsible for the violence and intimidation preventing his people from voting freely. It is time for Canada, the world and especially Africa to take a stand. -Darryl
Stephen Taylor asks John McCain about McCain's first foreign trip should he become President. This was asked in the context of a presumptive nominee for President making an unprecedented trip to Canada during a Presidential election cycle.
John McCain's prepared remarks in Ottawa to the Economic Club of Toronto
Prepared remarks by John McCain on 'The Relationship Between The United States And Canada'
Thank you all very much. I appreciate the warm welcome to Ottawa, and the hospitality of the Economic Club of Toronto. The reputation of the Economic Club as a place for serious discussion of policy is well known in America, and I am honored by your invitation. There aren't any electoral votes to be won up here in the middle of a presidential election. But there are many shared interests that require our attention today, and many Canadians here I am proud to call friends.
If you've been following the presidential election, you've probably noticed that Canada comes up for discussion quite a bit these days. And this is as it should be -- because no other nation shares so many ties with the United States. And today the strength of that partnership is more vital than ever. The economic community we have founded, together with our alliance and the values we hold in common, have served our people for decades, and served us well. It will fall to the next president to strengthen these ties still further, adding to the security and prosperity of all of North America.
We in the United States are very lucky, in a way that's easy to take for granted. We are surrounded by two great oceans, and by two nations we count as friends. Think of the fate of other nations, and how much of their histories have been shaped by hostile neighbors. Generation after generation, they live in fear, resentment, and competition harmful to the interests of all. Lost in rivalry and distrust are the advantages of regional friendship and stability. What a blessing it is for the United States to have in Canada a neighbor we fear only on ice rinks and baseball diamonds.
The best American statesmen have always understood that Canada is not some adjunct to America. We are firm and fast friends. We are allies, partners in success and adversity alike, and a great deal depends on preserving that unity.
Trade is just a part of what unites us, but a very important part. Last year alone, we exchanged some 560 billion dollars in goods, and Canada is the leading export market for 36 of the 50 United States. This country stands as America's leading overall export market, and America is Canada's leading agricultural market. With 60 percent of all direct foreign investment in Canada originating in the United States -- some 289 billion dollars in 2007 -- our economies draw strength from one another.
A prosperous Canada means a more dynamic and resilient American economy. There are areas where the United States can learn a great deal from your experience. Beginning in 1995, Canada did the hard work to put its fiscal house in order. You reduced spending and brought the budget from deficit to surplus. However, unlike your free-spending neighbor to the south, Canada continued to run budget surpluses even while cutting its corporate and personal tax rates. Lower taxes and spending restraint is a philosophy we should import from Canada.
Our common interests extend to other pursuits as well. The future of our environment, the flows of our energy, and the security of nations -- all of these are aided by the close relations forged by our predecessors in Ottawa and Washington. And if I have anything to say about it after January of next year, America is going to expand these ties of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.
At the forefront of our minds, in these years since the Millennium Plot and the events of 9/11, is the security of our citizens. Our governments have made real progress in keeping our borders closed to terrorists and open to trade. Yet this will remain an ongoing challenge and a key issue for the next American administration. Tens of millions of people and vehicles cross the Canadian-American border every year. The two-way trade that crosses the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor equals all American exports to Japan. That transit, and all our crossing points, must remain secure. In extending our security partnership, we can ensure continued flows of people and commerce while maintaining security on which these very flows depend. We need to do an even better job of managing the regular traffic across our border.
Already, we cooperate in preparing for emergencies -- exchanging information and manpower to coordinate our response to danger. We have agreements in place to work together in detecting radiological and nuclear threats, to improve security at ports, borders, and airports, and to assist first responders. We exchange public health officers and have agreed on principles for screening intercontinental air travelers in the event of a pandemic. In all of this, we are drawing upon the skills and knowledge of one another, and we are joined in the crucial work of protecting our people.
At the same time, Canada and America are joined in other vital causes around the world -- from the fight against nuclear proliferation to the fight against global warming, from the fight for justice in Haiti to the fight for democracy in Afghanistan. I, for one, will never forget the response of our Canadian friends to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. It was here in Ottawa, three days later, where tens of thousands of Canadians filled the streets on a National Day of Mourning. The Canadian people even took in Americans who has been left stranded by the shutdown of American air space. We in America have not forgotten your kindness. And we will never forget the solidarity, compassion, and friendship of Canada when it mattered most.
We know as well that Canada, too, has suffered casualties in the years since 9/11, and we honor their memory as we do our own. As always in Canada's history, this nation has been willing to do hard things, even when the costs run high. Along with our other allies, Canada and America are still fighting in defense of Afghanistan -- in the honorable cause of freedom for that long suffering country, and greater security for ourselves. To date, Canada has committed nearly two billion dollars to the rebuilding of Afghanistan, including a recent 50% increase at the Paris Conference. It is a generous investment, and a wise one, and together our countries are going to see this mission through.
Even in Iraq, where Canada has not always agreed with American policies, this nation has done all that those differences would allow to help the Iraqi people. In characteristic form, Canada has given generous humanitarian aid and development assistance. And your government has provided more than 770 million in combined assistance and debt relief to Iraq, helping a struggling young democracy at a critical time.
It's the mark of good friends that they're willing to correct you, and to do so without rancor. Many Canadians have objected to the policies of the United States in dealing with terrorists, and with enemy combatants held at the Guantanamo prison. It happens that I also regard the prison at Guantanamo as a liability in the cause against violent radical extremism, and as president I would close it. I intend as well to listen carefully when close allies offer their counsel. And even when they don't volunteer their advice, I'll ask for it and seek it out.
We're going to need that spirit in many efforts. We have a shared destiny, Canada and the United States. We are both continental powers, nations shaped by our diverse heritage and our frontier experience. We are also both Arctic nations. And because of this common geography, we must be acutely aware of the perils posed by global warming and take immediate steps to reverse its effects.
Three years ago, I traveled with some colleagues, including Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Lindsey Graham, to Yukon territory, a front line of global warming. We flew over miles of devastated spruce forests, every tree killed by insects that thrive in warm temperatures. As the trees die, fires multiply, and across the region the waters are vanishing. We heard from men and women near Whitehorse whose traditional way of life had been radically disrupted.
All of this is just a glimpse of the grave environmental dangers that global warming can bring, unless we act to prevent it. I was among the first in Congress to introduce legislation to curb greenhouse gasses. If I am elected president, it will be a top priority to enact an energy policy equal to this challenge. A sensible cap-and-trade emissions system, for instance, is a critical part of such a policy. Under U.S. and Canadian leadership, the Montreal Protocol began the process of phasing out gases that were destroying our planet's ozone layer. That cap-and-trade system removed the threat of acid rain. I believe we can apply it to great effect against the threat of climate change. And here, too, Canada and America can work in common purpose against common dangers.
We must also work to ensure reliable energy supplies and increase sources of renewable energy. As you all know, Canada is America's largest energy supplier. Not only does Canada have the second largest proven oil reserves in the world, 60 percent of the energy produced in Canada is hydroelectric, clean energy. We stand much to gain by harmonizing our energy policies, just as have gained by cooperating in trade through NAFTA. Since NAFTA was concluded, it has contributed to strong job growth and flourishing trade. Since the agreement was signed, the United States has added 25 million jobs and Canada more than 4 million. Cross-border trade has more than doubled since NAFTA came into force. We have established North America as the world's largest economic market and the integration of our economies has led to greater competitiveness of American and Canadian businesses. Because of our common market, our workers are better able to compete, and to find opportunities of their own in the global economy.
There is still more work to do. Complying with NAFTA's rules of origin can be cumbersome and costly. Border delays can pose a serious impediment to trade, the equivalent of a tariff. And even now, for all the successes of NAFTA, we have to defend it without equivocation in political debate, because it is critical to the future of so many Canadian and American workers and businesses. Demanding unilateral changes and threatening to abrogate an agreement that has increased trade and prosperity is nothing more than retreating behind protectionist walls. If I am elected president, have no doubt that America will honor its international commitments -- and we will expect the same of others. We will strengthen and extend the open and rules-based international trading system. I aspire to lead a proud, outward-looking America that deepens its partnerships throughout the hemisphere and the world.
Long before NAFTA, America received one of its most valuable exports from Canada in the form of a great statesman, Dean Acheson. He was descended from a great Canadian distilling family and a man who knew Canada well. As secretary of state, Acheson liked to drop by the home of his great friend Hume Wrong, Canada's ambassador to the United States, for consultation and advice over a quiet drink. As I said, Acheson came from a distilling family.
The relationship was not always smooth. But it was productive. Canada and the United States together gave generously for the reconstruction of Europe. And together, too, we helped to forge the new trading system that restored the prosperity of the world after a terrible war.
We've been through an awful lot together, Canada and America, and together we have achieved great things. We have a long shared history to draw from, and deep reserves of good will and mutual admiration. I thank you for all that you have done to advance one of the finest friendships between any two nations in the world today. I thank you for the conviction and clarity you bring to that work ahead for our two nations. And I thank you all for you kind attention here today.
Looks like the NAFTA rhetoric has changed now that we are in general election mode. It is good to see Harper has congratulated both McCain and Obama on their nomination wins. -Darryl
Obama backs off NAFTA attack ahead of McCain visit to Canada
DAINA LAWRENCE
OTTAWA
June 19, 2008 at 6:31 PM EDT
American presidential hopeful Barack Obama appears to have moderated his opposition to NAFTA just ahead of Republican rival John McCain's extraordinary visit to Canada to praise the trade pact.
Mr. Obama, who said in March he would renegotiate the North American free-trade agreement if he's elected, said he might have gone too far.
“Sometimes during campaigns the rhetoric gets overheated and amplified,” the Democratic nominee told Fortune magazine in an interview.
Were his attacks on NAFTA a product of that brand of campaign posturing?
“Politicians are always guilty of that, and I don't exempt myself,” he answered.
Mr.Obama said he believes in "opening up a dialogue" with trading partners Canada and Mexico "and figuring to how we can make this work for all people."
The admission was published shortly before Mr. McCain was expected to pour unvarnished praise on NAFTA, drawing a clear distinction between America's two combatants for the White House.
The debate over trade puts Canada in an unusual position: right in the middle of a campaign for the U.S. presidency.
A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed that he and Mr. Obama had a conversation recently, but would not provide details of the call beyond saying that Mr. Harper congratulated the Illinois senator after he became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.
Sandra Buckler said Mr. Harper made a similar call to McCain a few months ago.
North American free trade and Canada played a pivotal role in at least one battleground state – Ohio – during the U.S. primaries.
A Canadian government memo written after a meeting with an Obama adviser suggested the Democrat's biting opposition to the pact was rooted in politics that would not blossom into policy if Mr. Obama becomes president.
That memo was leak to The Associated Press and many of Mr. Obama's own supporters believe it cost him the Ohio primary, which was won by Hillary Clinton.
Mr. Harper condemned the leak in the House of Commons as “completely unacceptable” and ordered an investigation into the matter.
An internal inquiry put the onus on the memo being too widely circulated among bureaucrats. The exact source of the leak remains a mystery.
A spokesman for Mr. McCain says the Republican is jumping off the U.S. presidential campaign trail and travelling to Canada to speak his mind on free trade and not to win votes.
Mr. McCain will meet with Foreign Affairs Minister David Emerson and Gen. Rick Hillier, the chief of defence staff, in an effort to “demonstrate his view on the importance of the U.S.-Canadian relationship,” said Republican policy adviser Randy Scheunemann.
Mr. Scheunemann, director of foreign policy and national security for Mr. McCain's campaign, said this is “not a campaign trip” and jokes there are not many American votes to be had in Canada.
Mr. McCain will address the Economic Club of Canada in a sold-out luncheon speech.
“[The speech] will be about the whole breadth and depth of the relationship, economic and, of course, that includes free-trade, but as well as other issues such as environment and security and so on,” says Mr. Scheunemann.
The Harper government has been careful not to appear to have favourites in the American presidential race. Democratic strategists, such as party elder Bob Shrum, have accused the government of manoeuvring to help the Republicans by leaking the NAFTA memo.
Mr. McCain has touted the value of NAFTA since the start of his campaign, repeatedly saying the agreement is not up for negotiation if he becomes the U.S. leader.
The senator's visit to Ottawa has been met with criticism from those who say the trip puts Canada in the middle of the U.S. election, despite repeated comments from McCain's camp that this is not about the election.
Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae says that's a hard line to swallow considering the timing.
“A visit in the middle of an American election is a campaign trip and to suggest otherwise is being disingenuous.”
Mr. McCain's strict views on free trade have been one of the senator's central platform issues, but Mr. Rae says it looks like Canada is being used as a soapbox to further market Mr. McCain's message.
“It's a little unusual to be giving a partisan speech to a Canadian audience . . . . The speech is not intended for us it's intended for a prime-time American audience,” says Mr. Rae.
“It looks as if we are being used as a bit of a prop.”
Harper should meet McCain and invite Obama to Canada as well
Regular readers of this blog know that I am a Canadian Conservative who is supporting Barack Obama. I do not support George Bush, the war in Iraq or the current administration's economic or foreign affairs record since taking office. Having said that, I think Stephen Harper (or a high ranking Conservative if he is out of town) should hold a meeting with John McCain when he comes to Canada tomorrow. McCain does have strong Canadian credentials. He has strongly acknowledged Canada's role in Afghanistan. He has been a strong defender of NAFTA. His daughter currently lives in Toronto. Traditionally the Conservative Party has had good relations with the Republican Party such as when Mulroney and Reagan worked together to bring us the world's largest free trade agreement. Canada is important to the United States and our relationship with America is important to Canada. It is important that the Canadian Prime Minister has good relations with the United States president regardless of who that person is. For those reasons, I think Harper (or MacKay, Emerson, Day) should meet with John McCain.
I understand there might be some optics issues. With George Bush off the stage, it will be nice not to be compared to the unpopular President when the Canadian election finally occurs. It is also true that the majority of Canadians (including Conservative voters even in Alberta) support Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. I can tell you that off the record conversations I have had with MPs, candidates, staffers and supporters indicate a split in the party between Democratic and Republican supporters. To be honest I think that can be expected in a right of center party based in a country traditionally more socialist than our neighbors to the South.
I also understand that the "NAFTA-gate" leak could again put Canada in the spotlight of the American election campaign and I would not want to see the Canadian Prime Minister endorse a candidate or be used as a prop to attack the Democratic nominee on CNN, MSNBC or FOX News in the United States. With all of these concerns mentioned, I think a meeting with John McCain would make sense. There are plenty of potential issues that could be discussed with both presidential candidates. Afghanistan, NAFTA, NATO, the Arctic, Windsor/Detroit border crossing, increased cooperation on justice/immigration/terrorism/gun smuggling, and of course the current economic conditions and much more. If McCain does become the President, this snub may not be good for future relations although a meeting could have further negative implications should Obama become President if it appeared the Canadian government was playing favorites among the American candidates.
Some would argue that a meeting between John McCain and a senior Canadian Conservative (or Harper) would be seen as interference in the American election campaign. I would not see it that way. McCain has already had meetings with leaders in Europe and the Middle East. Obama will be holding rallies in London and Paris later this summer and will also meet with leaders in those countries. I think it would be appropriate for Harper or Emerson to meet with McCain on key issues that impact both our nations. Following that meeting, I would invite Barack Obama to Canada and offer him a meeting to clear the air on NAFTA and also discuss other major trade, foreign policy and environmental issues that affect both our nations. If I was a Conservative strategist, I would then use photos from both meetings to show that Harper can work positively with either leader and is prepared to allow Americans to chose their own elected officials. For Obama a rally at the Corel Center, ACC or even the Skydome would also be great optics for him back home as it is expected he will speak in front of huge crowds in Europe following his tour of Afghanistan and Iraq. Both candidates would benefit from understanding issues Canada cares about and a meeting could perhaps tone down any US campaign rhetoric that may affect Canada in a negative way (such as pulling out of NAFTA without considering the consequences of ripping up a free trade agreement with America's largest supplier of oil).
Again I stress that I support Obama, but I am glad to see McCain take the time to speak in our nation tomorrow in the middle of a Presidential election campaign where time is limited and November will come fast. I think McCain's Ottawa speech is a reflection that Canada is back on the world stage. I would also personally love to attend McCain's speech at the Economic Club in Ottawa, but unfortunately it is sold out and falls on my mother's birthday. For what it is worth, John McCain is not George Bush, has served his country with pride and is a powerful figure in the US Senate. He is also a nominee for the most powerful position in the world. That in itself would be a good reason to hear him speak and I think Canada should welcome him with open arms even if they prefer that he does not become the next President of the United States.
In February I had the opportunity to attend an Obama speech live in Chicago on Super Tuesday. For Canadians interested in politics, I can tell you that the experience of being involved in a US campaign event is something to see. I think staffers and Conservative supporters could gain a lot of insight and campaign knowledge by watching how they structure an event, speech and media relations. Liberals would also gain something from attending.
That is my two cents on the subject. Please tell me what you think would be appropriate regarding tomorrow's speech. Should Harper, Emerson, MacKay, Day, Prentice, Flaherty, Baird or some other high level Conservative minister meet with McCain tomorrow? Should Harper also invite Obama to Canada? Is the approach of avoiding this speech tomorrow the correct one from a campaign optics perspective? I would really love to hear what my American and Canadian readers think about this subject.
I will post the video of the speech (or text) on this site as soon as it becomes available.
Thanks for reading...
Darryl
*****
Few Tories to attend McCain lunch
Not A Snub: Pmo; Just coincidence Harper out of town: staff
Julie Smyth, National Post Published: Thursday, June 19, 2008
OTTAWA - It may be the most sought-after ticket in Ottawa, but when Republican presidential hopeful John McCain addresses a sold-out luncheon tomorrrow, it will be hard to find a Conservative politician in the crowd.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be out of town -- rumours suggest his absence is more than just convenient timing -- and he declined to meet with Mr. McCain, sources say. Mr. McCain's advisors had hoped for a formal meeting with the Prime Minister or someone from the government, but were told there would be no meeting during his Ottawa visit.
The Prime Minister's Office, concerned about the optics, also advised staff working for MPs to avoid the speech. Tickets for Mr. McCain's speech sold out in an hour but, among the 380 guests, the federal Conservatives will be limited to those with official reasons to attend. David Emerson will be there as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Conservative MP Rob Merrifield will also go in his capacity as co-chair of the Canada-U. S. Interparliamentary Group.
Mr. McCain was invited by the Economic Club of Canada. It is thought to be the only time a presidential candidate has given a speech in Canada in the midst of a campaign.
Although Conservatives are generally assumed to be sympathetic to the Republicans -- as Liberals are for Democrats-- Mr. Harper's advisors are concerned about the appearance of interference or favouritism in the middle of a fiercely fought U. S. presidential campaign.
They also want to avoid feeding ammunition to the opposition parties, which regularly compare Conservative policies with those in the United States and accuse Mr. Harper of being too friendly with U. S. President George W. Bush, whom polls indicate is unpopular with Canadians.
Although the government did not initiate the visit, Mr. Harper would have been caught in a bind if he failed to treat the Arizona Senator with appropriate respect. Refusing to meet Mr. McCain may have been viewed as a snub, but Conservatives feared the Liberals would use photos of Mr. McCain with senior Conservatives as election fodder in a bid to tie the party to the Republicans.
The visit is further complicated by the fact Mr. McCain's speech is to deal with the North American Free Trade Agreement. The Tories are still smarting from the diplomatic embarrassment caused when Mr. Harper's chief of staff suggested to journalists that Democratic Party attacks on NAFTA weren't to be taken seriously.
Advisors in the Prime Minister's Office insisted Mr. Harper's absence was not intentional; they said he already had plans to be out of town today and tomorrow and noted it is not unusual for him to travel on Fridays, usually a quiet day in Ottawa.
As for the limited number of Conservative MPs attending, officials suggested MPs would be leaving town because the current parliamentary session ends this week and members will be heading home.
However, a number of Conservative sources said the McCain event has been a delicate matter for the government and Mr. Harper. One Conservative source said "staff were told by the centre not to go to the McCain event."
"It is a sensitive issue -- no doubt about that. I know of at least one person who opted out for precautionary reasons."
Some think the extent of Tory caution is over the top.
"People from all parties should go," said one Tory insider. "Since when is it a bad thing to be exposed to a potential American president? The same would be true for me if Obama were in town. Democracy gets its oxygen from dialogue. I hope we don't make the air stale because of paranoia. People are exceptionally sensitive because of the NAFTA stuff and a broader desire to be seen as not picking favourites in the U. S. race. Our guys are trying to be purer than the driven snow on this one."
Another Conservative argued there is a double standard in Ottawa: "Of all the political parties in Canada, the Liberals enjoy the coziest relationship with their American counterparts, often bringing in American strategists and ad agencies for their campaigns in Canada."
Conservatives point out that the Liberals invited Howard Dean, the Democratic National Committee chairman, as featured speaker at the leadership convention that chose Stephane Dion.
"The Liberals' out-and-out, in-your-face cheerleading for the Democrats and its nominee seems to be acceptable interference," said Tim Powers, a Conservative strategist.
It is not clear how many opposition MPs might attend -- most did not reply when asked yesterday. One Liberal aide, asked if his MP was attending, said no, and suggested it would "more than likely be a neo-con jamboree."
Not only does this ad not explain the mechanics of the plan, it is unclear what message it is trying to promote. The clapping of the Liberal caucus in the end seems out of place. The rest of the ad is made up of images of trees and animals with phrases in both languages that say little. Some Liberal MPs do not look very enthusiastic with their clapping. What do you all think? -Darryl
Not sure if we are related...Lois Wolk running for California State Senate in November
Wolk isn't quite as common a name as Smith. 28 people joined the Facebook group of people with the last name Wolk. I am not sure if we are related, but Lois Wolk is running as a Democrat for the California State Senate in November. This post might not be interesting to anyone else, but for me it is interesting as only once in my life have I met someone who shares my surname. You can read more about Lois Wolk by visiting her website here. -Darryl
In "Country I Love," Barack speaks to voters about the core values this nation was founded on and how they have guided him to work hard for his education, to bypass jobs on Wall Street to work as a community organizer, and to lead the fight for America's families and veterans as an Illinois and United States Senator. Airing throughout the country.
The Liberal Green Shift plan that I am announcing today is as powerful as it is simple: we will cut taxes on those things we all want more of such as income, investment and innovation. And we will shift those taxes to what we all want less of: pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and waste. We need to make polluters pay and put every single penny back into the hands of Canadians. We will put this commitment into law, and the Auditor General will ensure every year that the Green Shift is revenue neutral.
Our plan will be good for the environment and good for the economy. Good for the planet, and good for the wallet. We need to make real progress in the fight against the climate change crisis, and at the same time make our economy more competitive. While energy prices continue to rise, we need to encourage energy efficiency.
We will put a price on greenhouse gas emissions which is an essential condition for any climate change plan to succeed. More precisely, we will tax fossil fuels, like coal and natural gas, according to the amount of carbon dioxide they emit when they are burned. This carbon tax will be paid at the wholesale level, in other words by companies that purchase fossil fuels from other companies for burning in Canada. This ensures that we provide incentives for both companies and households to innovate and build a greener economy. The tax will start at $10 per tonne of carbon dioxide in year one, and rise to $40 per tonne of carbon dioxide in year four.
There will be no increase to the tax on gas at the pump, as there is already a ten cent per litre excise tax. This is the equivalent to a tax of $42 per tonne on carbon dioxide – beyond the carbon price that we are proposing for year four of the Green Shift. In the first year, there will be no tax on diesel and aviation fuel, given the existing four cent per litre excise tax on those fuels.
The increased direct costs to an average household are approximately $225-250 dollars in year four, which is primarily due to higher heating and electricity costs.
But as we all know, every climate change plan will result in higher energy costs. Even the Conservatives admit that their weak plan will result in higher costs to Canadian families. But the Conservatives want to leave Canadians to fend for themselves in absorbing these costs. The NDP plan does not include tax cuts either. Only under our Liberal Green Shift plan will these energy costs be off-set by tax cuts. Indeed, under our Green Shift plan taxes for individuals and businesses will be reduced dramatically.
Broad-based and progressive income tax cuts have always been the Liberal way. We need to make the Canadian tax regime more progressive so that we help middle- and low-income Canadians be part of the solution to the climate change crisis.
We will do this by making a number of important changes to the tax system, all of which will be completed by the fourth year of our plan. We will start by cutting the first three marginal rates of personal income tax.
• A 1.5 point reduction to the rate for the lowest tax from 15% to 13.5%. • A 1 point reduction to the rate for the second lowest tax from 22% to 21%. • A 1 point reduction to the rate for the third lowest tax bracket from 26% to 25%.
Our Green Shift will take into account the fact that the bigger your family is, the more energy you consume and the more assistance you need to adapt. That is why our plan, by the fourth year, will include a new child tax credit worth $350 per child per year.
Our Green Shift will be especially targeted to decrease poverty with further emphasis on helping children. And it makes sense. Low income Canadians have less capacity to adjust to rising energy costs, and to help fight climate change.
To help low income families, we will introduce three complimentary measures:
• First, the child tax credit worth $350 per child, per year will be refundable. • Second, we will ensure that all families with incomes below $26,000 keep all of the National Child Benefit Supplement. Currently that supplement is phased out as an income of approximately $21,000. • Third, we will introduce a new Guaranteed Family Supplement, which is a new addition to the Child Tax Benefit. Rising steadily each year, it will provide a maximum of $1,225 for low-income families with children under 18.
We also want to reward low income Canadians as they enter the workforce.
• We will reform the employment tax credit. It will be refundable, worth $250 and will target lower-income Canadians.
• And, we will increase by $400 the Working Income Tax Benefit, which we will also make available sooner and for longer
As a result of these measures by the fourth year of our plan a two-earnings family with two children, and a combined income of only $20,000 will receive a benefit of over $2,400;
In year four of our plan, a family with two children earning $40,000 a year will save nearly $1900;
A family with two children earning $60,000 will save over $1300, as will a family earning $80,000;
In addition, we will do something for those who are most vulnerable in our society: low-income Canadians who are disabled. We will make the Disability Tax Credit fully refundable.
We will also increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors by $600 a year. We know that seniors on a fixed income are in special need of extra assistance as energy prices continue to rise.
And businesses will have their tax rate cut so they can invest more money in their own practices, reduce their own polluting and increase their energy efficiency. In year four of our plan the general corporate rate will be reduced by one point, as will the small business income tax rate.
We will also set aside $600 million to allow accelerated capital cost allowance rates for investment in industrial technologies that reduce green house gas pollution and significantly improve energy efficiency. And we will provide further help for private sector investments in research and development, by making more broadly available the Science, Research and Experimental Development tax credit. We need more innovation and that’s what we would get through this improved tax credit for R & D.
We Liberals also know that there are additional costs due to energy use patterns in rural and Northern Canada. To help offset these costs, we will provide a rural green credit worth $150 every year for every rural tax-filer, starting immediately in the first year of the plan. And we will increase the Northern Residents Tax Deduction to an annual maximum of $7,000 from just over $6,000, and will index it going forward. This represents an immediate tax saving of $150 and over $200 within four years.
In addition to the Green Shift I am proposing today, we also believe that Canadians need access to a full suite of programs to help them reduce their own carbon footprint and the pollution they produce. This will allow Canadians to save even more money on their own energy costs, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We will bring forward a package that will include assistance for home retrofits, increased efficiency standards for appliances, higher fuel efficiency for cars and trucks, increased renewable power sources, incentives for the farm and forestry for carbon sinks, investments in green infrastructure and public transit, and incentives for the scrappage of old and inefficient cars. And all of these are in addition to the Green Shift plan.
The Green Shift is a good, bold idea, but is not a novel idea. It has been implemented in other countries, and British Columbia just initiated it in Canada. In fact, proponents of a green tax shift cover the ideological spectrum. They include the Conference Board of Canada, environmental leader David Suzuki and the Canadian Council of Chief Executives to name but a few. Something special is happening when we see such a coalition develop. And we Liberals want to be leading the charge. Because we agree that, over time, as an appropriate price is put on carbon, emissions will decrease.
What we are proposing has been inspired by the work of eminent economists including Professor Jack Mintz at the University of Calgary and Professor Mark Jaccard at SimonFraserUniversity.
I have always said that a cap-and-trade system is also a good method of pricing carbon and harnessing the market to reduce emissions, and it would be completely compatible with the green shift. We believe that both are necessary and complementary, but that we can move more quickly on immediately pricing carbon through a Green Shift, while building a real cap-and-trade system with absolute targets over time that will fit with the emerging plans of the next U.S. administration and what is already underway in Europe.
We can also look at other western nations, and their own long-term experience with pricing carbon. In 1990, Finland was the first country to enact a carbon tax. Sweden followed in 1991. And others have followed since. In Sweden, it has been projected that carbon dioxide emissions were reduced in 2000 by 20 to 25 per cent more than would have been the case through other policies.
We Liberals take Canada’s place in the world and our international obligations seriously. We know we need to make progress towards meeting our post-Kyoto emission reduction targets for 2020. Beginning to put the appropriate price on carbon now, putting in place a predictable annual escalator on that price, and helping individuals and businesses adapt to a lower-carbon, energy-efficient economy over time, will help us to attain our targets. But we have to make a start now, with an initially low price per tonne of carbon dioxide.
I also believe that Canadians are demanding a real cross-Canada plan to put a price on carbon so we can level the playing field between old polluting practices and the new clean and green options that will make Canada competitive going forward. Canadians know that we need to be bold, not blind, to the challenges we are facing today. Especially when those challenges include the increasing cost of energy.
The Green Shift plan will have different impacts in different regions of the country. Our goal is to stimulate real opportunities everywhere, including those parts of the country which have the highest carbon-intensity challenges to deal with. We must work with the provinces, territories and the private sector to invest in the technologies that will actually cut emissions and transform our future.
Simply put, Canada must become a world leader in these fields, not only because they will help Canadian companies reduce their emissions, but also because they will help secure our competitive business advantage. We need to get in front of the global drive toward greener investments.
Canada (and in particular Saskatchewan and Alberta) can emerge as the leading centres in the world for the best brain-power, the most useful science and technology, and the most innovative investments to cut carbon intensity and CO2 emissions. And if we do that, the world will beat a path to Canada’s door for the best, most needed ideas – and Canadians will profit.
We already have a good illustration of how this works.
Ten years ago, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan shared a vision about the new science and technology needed to maximize Saskatchewan’s energy resources while minimizing their environmental impacts. The result was a partnership between Canada, Saskatchewan, the private sector, and academic and research organizations to create the highly successful Petroleum Technology Research Centre, the Greenhouse Gas Technology Centre and The International Test Centre for CO2 Capture.
A Liberal government will be a pro-active promoter and investor in such opportunities, especially in Saskatchewan and Alberta – to transform the future.
Despite the current vacuum of leadership at the federal level, we have seen a number of premiers move. I salute them for their leadership and willingness to act. However, the climate change crisis also requires leadership from the federal government and that is what I intend to provide.
We need to unleash the power of the free market, not stifle it. Nicholas Stern, former chief economist of the World Bank has said that "with the right incentives, the private sector will respond and can deliver solutions" to fight climate change. I agree and put forward the Green Shift plan that will create those incentives through pricing pollution and cutting taxes. The bottom line is that in putting a price on carbon and using that revenue to put money back into the pockets of Canadians, we will see solutions emerge from across the economy.
The environmental and economic challenges of the 21st century can only be solved by bold vision and courageous leadership.
I offer this leadership to my country. My party must do so, because others will not.
When our country was at risk of separation, I helped bring clarity to the unity debate. I fought hard for a united Canada, even though many people said: ‘don’t do it – it’s too risky – people won’t understand it’.
They said it may be good policy, but it’s bad politics.
But I knew Canadians, including my fellow Quebecers, wanted clarity instead of confusion. And more importantly, I was – and am – convinced that good policy makes for good politics.
This is precisely why I entered politics – to govern based on what is the right choice for Canada, not what is politically expedient – and it is why I want to be Prime Minister of this country.
I entered politics to help Canada stay united; and now I want to become Prime Minister to make that united Canada richer, fairer and greener. And my approach will remain the same: good policies will make for good politics.
Canadians deserve no less. When it comes to clarity, what can be clearer than this: we need to make polluters pay, and put every single penny back in the hands of Canadians through progressive tax cuts.
The polluters will pay – and Canadians will gain.
I am convinced that far too many political elites underestimate Canadians. But the Conservatives may have reached a new low in believing that a cartoon oil spot is the best way to communicate their message.
We all know that these Conservative attack ads are a lie. They say that we will tax at the pump – we will not. They do not mention that our plan will bring in across-the-board tax cuts, while their own climate change plan does not. The Conservatives do not even mention climate change in their attack ads! These ads are a sad joke and an insult to the intelligence of Canadians. They say much more about Stephen Harper’s leadership than they do about me or my ideas. It may be the first time in history that simplistic, low-blow attack ads have been used in the crisis of climate change, the biggest ecological threat humanity is facing.
Compare Stephen Harper’s pattern of never-ending attacks with Californian governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who described climate change as the first great “post-partisan political issue” or with the new Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who said “climate change should not be another political football. We must avoid the temptations of short-term politics and the usual scare campaigns. Climate change requires serious debate – and a serious resolve to act before the cost to those who follow us becomes too great.”
We Liberals have called for this honest debate. It is never too late for Mr. Harper to change his tune and engage in this debate positively as a Prime Minister should. If he does not it will be his own loss. Because unlike the Conservatives, we Liberals believe that when you speak to the bright minds and big hearts of our great people, Canadians will understand what needs to be done. We Canadians don’t shy away from big challenges.
In fact, time and time again Canadians have been ahead of their politicians in determining what needs to be done to move this country forward. And today is no different. I believe Canadians want a real cross-Canada plan to put a price on carbon so we can level the playing field between old polluting practices and the clean and green options that will make Canada more competitive going forward.
We will fight fear with hope. We will fight lies with facts. And we will fight Republican-style attack ads with Canadian-style courage.
In the coming weeks and months, we Liberals look forward to speaking with Canadians and asking them to join a growing coalition. A coalition that crosses party lines and will move us beyond outdated notions of what it means to be right-wing or left-wing. A coalition that will cross generational divides, as older generations work to leave to their children a better planet than they inherited, and younger generations unleash their passion and innovation against the challenge of climate change.
We will work together, and together we will build a richer, fairer, greener Canada.
Vaughan Ontario - Cracking down on criminals and putting victims first Prime Minister Harper outlines the government’s comprehensive reforms of the criminal justice system 6 June 2008 Vaughan, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today outlined the government’s achievements and objectives in reforming Canada’s criminal justice system in a speech to the 6th Annual Gala and Fundraiser for the Canadian Crime Victim Foundation. The Prime Minister said the reforms are replacing a decades-old system that has coddled criminals and made Canadian communities less safe with a system that serves the interests of law-abiding citizens.
“Our government’s approach to criminal justice is fundamentally different from our predecessors’. We believe the central purpose of a criminal justice system is not the welfare of the criminal, but the protection of law-abiding citizens and their property,” said Prime Minister Harper.
The Prime Minister used the opportunity to discuss four outstanding anti-crime bills, which, if passed, would build upon the government’s achievements including the Tackling Violent Crime Act and putting an end to conditional sentences for serious violent offenders. The legislation proposes:
Mandatory sentences for serious drug offences including those committed for the benefit of organized crime and those involving the use or threat of violence;
Three new Criminal Code offences to stem the rising tide of identity theft;
Measures aimed at organized auto theft rings making it a crime to alter, destroy, or remove a vehicle identification number, and knowingly, sell, give, transfer, transport, send or deliver goods that have been acquired criminally; and,
Amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act making it easier to detain young offenders who pose a risk to public safety.
“Our government has no intention of allowing young criminals to avoid punishment and evade responsibility. Anyone who presents a serious threat to public safety should be held fully accountable for their actions,” said Prime Minister Harper.
Established in 2007, the Canadian Crime Victim Foundation provides a powerful national voice for Canadian men, women, and children who fall victim to crime. Founded by Joe and Lozanne Wamback after their son was the victim of a brutal, near-fatal assault, the organization promotes laws, policies, and programs that support and assist victims of crime.
A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama. From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States.
Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges -- including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.
I've never asked members of AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign before, but this moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.
That's why I am asking you to join me today in showing your support for Barack Obama by making a contribution to his campaign today:
Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.
With the help of millions of supporters like you, Barack Obama will bring the change we so desperately need in order to solve our country's most pressing problems.
If you've already contributed to Barack Obama's campaign, I ask that you consider making another contribution. If you haven't, please join the movement right now:
FLINT, Mich. – Former Vice President Al Gore will appear in Detroit tonight for his debut campaign appearance with Senator Barack Obama, extending an endorsement and urging all Democrats to rally behind the party’s fall ticket.
“A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama,” Mr. Gore said in an e-mail sent to his supporters. “From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States.”
Throughout the long Democratic primary, Mr. Gore talked frequently to Mr. Obama. But tonight’s rally at the Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit marks the first time they will appear together on the same stage. The endorsement was announced – on Mr. Gore’s terms – to supporters on his vast e-mail list.
“I’ve never asked members of AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign before, but this moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action,” Mr. Gore said. He added, “Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.”
The decision to stage the appearance in Michigan underscores the importance of the state for Mr. Obama. It was also in Michigan where former Senator John Edwards unveiled his endorsement of Mr. Obama in a surprise setting.
“Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges — including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis,” Mr. Gore said. “Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.”
I will be buying one the second it is available -Darryl
Honda rolls out new zero-emission car
TOMOKO A. HOSAKA
The Associated Press
June 16, 2008 at 7:15 AM EDT
TAKAMEZAWA, Japan — Honda's new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car rolled off a Japanese production line Monday and is headed to southern California, where Hollywood is already abuzz over the latest splash in green motoring.
The FCX Clarity, which runs on hydrogen and electricity, emits only water and none of the gases believed to induce global warming. It is also two times more energy efficient than a gas-electric hybrid and three times that of a standard gasoline-powered car, the company says.
Honda expects to lease out a “few dozen” units this year and about 200 units within a year. In California, a three-year lease will run $600 (U.S.) a month, which includes maintenance and collision coverage.
Among the first customers are actress Jamie Lee Curtis and filmmaker husband Christopher Guest, actress Laura Harris, film producer Ron Yerxa, as well as businessmen Jon Spallino and Jim Salomon.
“It's so smooth,” said Ms. Harris, who played villainness Marie Warner on the hit TV show “24.” “It's like a future machine, but it's not.”
Ms. Harris, Mr. Spallino and Mr. Yerxa were flown to the ceremony, courtesy of Honda. Mr. Yerxa says he's excited to show off the car and believes there's “a lot of interest.”
The biggest obstacles standing in the way of wider adoption of fuel cell vehicles are cost and the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations. For the Clarity's release in California, Honda said it received 50,000 applications through its Web site but considered only buyers living near hydrogen fuel stations in Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine.
“This is indeed a historic day for both Honda and American Honda — a new chapter in our nearly fifty-year history in America,” said John Mendel, a senior vice president at America Honda Motor Co. at a morning ceremony here. “It's an especially significant day for American Honda as we plant firm footsteps toward the mainstreaming of fuel cell cars.”
Initially, however, the Clarity will go only to a chosen few starting July and then launch in Japan this fall.
Although Honda Motor Co. was the first Japanese auto maker to launch a gas-electric hybrid vehicle in the U.S. in 1999, it has been outpaced by the dominance of Toyota's popular Prius.
Toyota announced in May that it has sold more than 1 million Prius hybrids, while both the Honda Insight and the hybrid Accord have been discontinued due to poor sales.
The FCX Clarity is part of Honda's plan to keep pace with rivals in green technology. It also plans to launch a gas-electric hybrid-only model, as well as hybrid versions of the Civic, the sporty CR-Z and Fit subcompact.
Jack won't be fooled again! Layton supports a cap and trade system as opposed to a carbon tax. -Darryl
***
In praise of cap-and-trade
It's simply the most effective way to price carbon
Jack Layton, National Post Published: Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Today in Parliament, the House of Commons is scheduled to pass my private member's bill, The Climate Change Accountability Act (C-377).
Canada's elected chamber will become the first in the world to adopt science-based targets to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 80% (from 1990 levels) by 2050. This goal must be achieved if we are to avoid the dangerous two-degree increase in average global temperature that scientists warn us about.
To get there, we need to have the right mechanisms in place to reduce pollution, and to ensure that greener consumer choices become more available and affordable. The most effective way to do this is to place a price on carbon by establishing a cap-and-trade system.
Pricing carbon through a cap-andtrade system accomplishes many goals: First, it ensures that the big polluters begin to pay their share. Second, it ensures measurable annual pollution-reduction targets. And third, it generates much needed revenue for green solutions that will help individuals do more in their daily lives to make greener choices.
Our plan ensures that both industry and individuals play a role.
Under the NDP's plan, the initial sale of carbon credits to industry would be set at approximately $35 per tonne. All revenue generated from this annual auction would be targeted to green investments such as transit, green jobs and training, alternative energy solutions such as wind, solar and water, and assisting in making green consumer products more affordable.
These investments will be targeted to help individual Canadians become more energy efficient as they go about their daily lives. While some suggest we need to make it more expensive for families to heat their home while promising reduced taxes to help them pay those higher bills, I believe we should help families use less energy to heat their home through an ambitious plan of building retro-fits and energy-efficiency initiatives.
Cap-and-trade is the core of the Kyoto protocol. It's where the world wants to go. It's where the United States will go. And I believe it's where Canada must go.
In the United States, both Senators Barack Obama and John McCain support cap-and-trade. And while Environment Minister John Baird called this week's Quebec-Ontario cap-andtrade agreement "a rogue initiative," I call it "filling the leadership vacuum" -- a vacuum started by the previous government and perpetuated today under Prime Minster Harper's failed leadership.
This week's announcement by Jean Charest and Dalton McGuinty is another boost to the move for a pan-Canadian cap-and-trade system. It builds on earlier initiatives of other provinces -- notably Manitoba Premier Gary Doer's establishment of a carbon registry.
Some suggest that cap-and-trade will take too long to set up. I disagree. Nearly two-thirds of Canadians live in areas where the move to cap-and-trade has already begun. Last Friday, the Montreal Stock Exchange opened its carbon exchange. With federal leadership, a national system could be up and running much faster than the time it would take additional carbon taxes to truly alter consumer behaviour.
Some suggest that under a cap-and-trade system, the new pollution penalties imposed on industry would merely be passed on to the consumer. To which I say: Any carbon pricing regime will affect the costs of certain goods. But under our plan, the costs for pollution-intensive goods could go up at the same time that the costs for more efficient goods are likely to go down. Either way, the change in price will be borne out of the firm's ability to reduce its carbon emissions. Those companies that become greener, faster, will see their costs, and therefore their prices, go down.
For low-income Canadians, we need comprehensive tax changes and credits to ensure no Canadian is left behind as we undertake this great national effort. The NDP has proposed to offset the costs associated by a cap-and-trade system by rolling back the overly aggressive corporate tax give-aways announced in recent federal budgets.
As someone who has been working to implement practical pollution-cutting solutions throughout my 25 years in public service, I welcome the current debate. Cap-and-trade, in the NDP's view, is the most effective tool to help get Canada on the road to meeting its commitments in Bill C-377. It is the best way to fulfill my generation's obligation to future generations.
There is no greater crisis facing the planet than climate change. And there is no greater challenge facing Canada than to reduce our greenhouse gasses and invest in green solutions.
Canadians want to lead--at home, in North America, and on the world stage. A cap-and-trade carbon pricing system will allow us to do just that. - Jack Layton is the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Black conservative talk show host Armstrong Williams has never voted for a Democrat for president. That could change this year with Barack Obama as the Democratic Party's nominee.
"I don't necessarily like his policies; I don't like much that he advocates, but for the first time in my life, history thrusts me to really seriously think about it," Williams said. "I can honestly say I have no idea who I'm going to pull that lever for in November. And to me, that's incredible."
Just as Obama has touched black Democratic voters, he has engendered conflicting emotions among black Republicans. They revel over the possibility of a black president but wrestle with the thought that Obama doesn't sit beside them ideologically.
"Among black conservatives," Williams said, "they tell me privately, it would be very hard to vote against him in November."
Perhaps sensing the possibility of such a shift, Republican presidential candidate John McCain has made some efforts to lure black voters. He recently told Essence magazine that he would attend the NAACP's annual convention next month, and he noted that he recently traveled to Selma, Ala., scene of seminal voting rights protests in the 1960s, and "talked about the need to include 'forgotten Americans."'
Still, McCain has a tall order in winning black votes, no doubt made taller by running against a black opponent. In 2004, blacks chose Democrat John Kerry over President Bush by an 88 percent to 11 percent margin, according to exit polls.
J.C. Watts, a former Oklahoma congressman who once was part of the GOP House leadership, said he's thinking of voting for Obama.
Watts said he's still a Republican, but he criticizes his party for neglecting the black community. Black Republicans, he said, have to concede that while they might not agree with Democrats on issues, at least that party reaches out to them.
"And Obama highlights that even more," Watts said, adding that he expects Obama to take on issues such as poverty and urban policy. "Republicans often seem indifferent to those things."
Writer and actor Joseph C. Phillips got so excited about Obama earlier this year that he started calling himself an "Obamacan" — Obama Republican. Phillips, who appeared on "The Cosby Show" as Denise Huxtable's husband, Navy Lt. Martin Kendall, said he has wavered since, but he is still thinking about voting for Obama.
"I am wondering if this is the time where we get over the hump, where an Obama victory will finally, at long last, move us beyond some of the old conversations about race," Phillips said. "That possibly, just possibly, this great country can finally be forgiven for its original sin, or find some absolution."
Yet Phillips, author of the book "He Talk Like a White Boy," realizes the irony of voting for a candidate based on race to get beyond race.
"We have to not judge him based on his race, but on his desirability as a political candidate," he said. "And based on that, I have a lot of disagreements with him on a lot of issues. I go back and forth."
Michael Steele, the Republican former lieutenant governor of Maryland who lost a Senate race there in 2006, said he is proud of Obama as a black man, but that "come November, I will do everything in my power to defeat him." Electing Obama, he said, would not automatically solve the woes of the black community.
"I think people who try to put this sort of messianic mantle on Barack's nomination are a little bit misguided," he said.
John McWhorter, a self-described political moderate who is a senior fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute and a New York Sun columnist, said Obama's Democratic Party victory "proves that while there still is some racism in the United States, there is not enough to matter in any serious manner. This is a watershed moment."
"Obama is probably more to the left than I would prefer on a lot of issues," he adds. "But this issue of getting past race for real is such a wedge issue for me. And he is so intelligent, and I think he would be a perfectly competent president, that I'm for him. I want him to get in because, in a way, it will put me out of a job."
James T. Harris, a Milwaukee radio talk show host and public speaker, said he opposes Obama "with love in my heart."
"We are of the same generation. He's African American and I'm an American of African descent. We both have lovely wives and beautiful children," Harris said. "Other than that, we've got nothing in common. I hope he loses every state."
Moderate Republican Edward Brooke, who blazed his own trail in Massachusetts in 1966 as the first black popularly elected U.S. senator, said he is "extremely proud and confident and joyful" to see Obama ascend. Obama sent Brooke a signed copy of his book, inscribed, "Thank you for paving the way," and Brooke sent his own signed book to Obama, calling the presumed Democratic nominee "a worthy bearer of the torch."
Brooke, who now lives in Florida, won't say which candidate will get his endorsement, but he does say that race won't be a factor in his decision.
"This is the most important election in our history," Brooke said. "And with the world in the condition that it is, I think we've got to get the best person we can get."
Williams, the commentator, says his 82-year-old mother, who also hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential candidate, has already made up her mind.
"She is so proud of Senator Barack Obama, and she has made it clear to all of us that she's voting for him in November," Williams relates. "That is historic. Every time I call her, she asks, 'How's Obama doing?' They feel as if they are a part of this.
Because she said, given the history of this country, she never thought she'd ever live to see this moment."
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Long-shot White House hopeful Ron Paul formally abandoned his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination on Thursday, vowing to remain on the political scene.
Paul, an anti-war libertarian, was the only contender to remain in the Republican race after Arizona Sen. John McCain clinched the party's presidential nomination in March.
As he ended his White House bid, Paul launched another campaign in a letter to supporters posted on his new Web site.
"With the primary season now over, the presidential campaign is at an end. But the larger campaign for freedom is just getting started," the nine-term Texas Congressman wrote, announcing the "Ron Paul Campaign for Liberty."
"We will be a permanent presence on the American political landscape. That I promise you," he said.
Paul, an obstetrician-gynecologist from the Houston area, said his new organization aims to be an alternative for libertarian-leaning Americans frustrated with the U.S. political system.
Obama gaining in polls, Clinton supporters behind him
This poll has to be good news for the Obama camp. Hispanic, female, independent and working class voters seem to be sticking with the Democratic Party even if they backed Clinton during the nomination. Since Obama's nomination win, he has been gaining steady momentum in the polls against McCain. This is the first time I have seen his lead greater than the margin of error. -Darryl
It looks like the American campaign is coming to Canada. I am looking forward to McCain's speech and am also hoping Obama also makes the trip to Canada and explains his stance on NAFTA as well. It is good to see the American presidential candidates acknowledge the important relationship that exists between Canada and the United States of America. -Darryl
McCain to discuss free trade during Canada speech
OTTAWA — Republican presidential candidate John McCain will give a speech next week in Canada about free trade, an issue he has emphasized on the campaign trail.
McCain, an avowed free-trader, is to speak to the Economic Club of Canada in Ottawa on June 20, the club announced Wednesday. McCain has criticized his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, for saying he would renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which is credited for record exports by Republicans but blamed for job losses by many Democrats.
Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton both criticized NAFTA during their primary campaign in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other industrial states where workers have lost jobs. Obama questioned whether Clinton had always opposed NAFTA. And he faced criticism himself over the leak of a Canadian diplomatic memo suggesting an adviser told Canadian officials not to take Obama's campaign rhetoric against NAFTA too seriously.
The adviser, Austan Goulsbee, said his words during the meeting with Georges Rioux, Canada's consul general in Chicago, were misrepresented.
Canadian opposition member of Parliament Bob Rae said McCain's speech suggests Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government is playing favorites in the U.S. presidential contest.
"It's hard not to wonder what this is all about given the previous history of this story and I'm sure he would not have come unless he was told by the government of the day that it was a good idea," Rae said. "It does put Canada in the middle of the campaign."
Ron Paul will hold his own rival rally on the same day as Republican convention!
Why not let the man speak at the real Republican convention? I think his message is important and needs to be heard. This is why the Republican brand is going to get crushed in November. Ron Paul refuses to endorse McCain. -Darryl
Canada should follow America's lead on horse slaughtering
This video is disturbing. I am not sure if a ban on the industry is the answer, but I cannot help but be disappointed with those teenagers who decide they no longer want these horses as pets and am especially disappointed about those in the race industry that allow their animals to go through this after giving their all to make their owners rich and famous. Slaughtering horses is illegal in the United States. Perhaps Canada should follow their lead or at the very least make sure restrictions that ensure the process takes place humanely is enforced. Viewer discretion on the video below.
When deciding which candidate is best to now lead our nation, we ask that you consider supporting Senator Barack Obama. The U.S. faces serious challenges that are not being addressed by our political leaders. Elected officials of both sides have found it easier to appease their parties’ fringes to win elections, and media companies choose to shock, amuse and divide us. In the meantime, the problems we face as a nation grow as they are passed on to future generations.
We need a leader who can lay the foundations of another American Century—someone who can get past our partisan and ideological divisions, as we strengthen our standing in the world and tackle the challenges we face at home. We need a leader who understands our differences, but who also knows the importance of finding common ground. While we continue to debate and address many issues on which we all have strong opinions—abortion, gay rights, the relationship between church and state, to name a few—we need a leader who can command the support needed to break our government’s paralysis and meet the growing challenges we face as a nation.
Senator Obama is the one candidate who can unite the American majority that wants to move forward and improve the long-term economic well-being and independence of our nation.
Issues A Unified America Can and Must Address:
National Debt The federal debt matters. We cannot saddle future taxpayers with having to service the debt we create with our irresponsible fiscal policies. Cutting the deficit will additionally decrease interest rates and increase private investment.
Trade Deficit Every year, the difference between what the United States imports from other countries and what it exports grows, and is likely to reach $1 trillion a year by 2010. The U.S.’s trade imbalance with China alone grew from just $10 billion annually in 1990 to well over $200 billion a year by 2006. Despite this increasing and extreme deficit, recent American administrations have been unable or unwilling to force China to revalue its currency and take other measures to strengthen our exports overseas.
Energy Independence As the world’s energy needs grow, it is critical that the United States be able to provide for its own energy requirements. By doing so we can deflate the power of dictators who are propped up by high oil prices, more effectively insulate ourselves from the world’s most volatile regions, and stimulate economic growth at home. Even without tapping into Alaska’s oil reserves or drilling offshore, we can dramatically reduce our dependence on foreign oil—we have not even begun to realize the possibilities of Iowa corn, South Dakota wind or Montana coal. Even a growing number of environmentalists support increased nuclear power production.
Global Warming Even those who still believe that global warming is a natural occurrence should agree that rising sea levels and other geological changes will be expensive to adapt to and probably impossible to undo. If we are able to reverse this dangerous trend, we must. No other nation has the economic and political power to take the lead on this issue.
Social Security If current trends continue, total Social Security income will begin to fall short of total outgo in 2019. In the words of Alan Greenspan, the U.S. will face "abrupt and painful" choices if our leaders do not move quickly to trim the Social Security and Medicare benefits the baby boom generation has been promised. The Social Security system needs to be reformed to bring it into the 21st century and beyond with the new financial knowledge and tools available to Americans. We need a reliable, sustainable retirement plan that combines mandatory retirement savings with flexibility, choice, and security
Healthcare Reform Our healthcare system is reaching a crisis. Rising healthcare costs are crippling business and putting millions of Americans, especially children and the elderly, at great risk. American families risk having a lifetime of savings wiped out from a single hospitalization or illness. Drug companies are reaping record profits as they promote new uses of old drugs. Small hospitals and doctors are closing their doors as malpractice insurance costs increase. We must reform healthcare to make it accessible and affordable for all Americans, while maintaining the competitiveness and innovation that has made our system the envy of the world.
Included in a general reform of our healthcare system must come an overhaul of our Medicare/Medicaid system. With these programs facing insolvency within the next decade, we must re-engineer a system that is fiscally self-sustaining and does not pass today’s health problems onto future generations.
Tax Reform Our tax code is inefficient and full of loopholes. A simplified code—in either the form of a national sales tax, a VAT tax or some form of flat tax—could aid economic growth and provide for a fairer tax system, especially for small businesses and the working poor.
Immigration Reform Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants enter our country each year and will continue to enter unless much more is done. Thousands of employers hire these illegal workers, often times to the detriment of American workers, and often times exploit the illegal immigrants themselves. Despite extensive talk by both Republicans and Democrats to solve this and many other problems we face, nothing has been done.
WASHINGTON -- Republicans are bracing for double-digit losses in the House and the prospect of four or five losses in the Senate, as they fight to hold a wide range of districts and states normally seen as safe for them, from Alaska and Colorado to Mississippi and North Carolina.
The feared setback for Republicans, coming two years after their 2006 drubbing, is unusual for several reasons. It is rare for a party to lose two election cycles in a row. And many expect losses even if their presidential candidate, John McCain, captures the White House.
Democrats already hold majorities in the Senate and House. Democrats hold 49 seats in the Senate, and they often have the votes of the chamber's two independents. In the House, Democrats have 235 seats compared with 199 for Republicans.
But a wider margin of control in both chambers would give the party a more workable majority, a change that would let it push more ambitious agendas on health care, energy policy and tax issues. While Democrats are already able to pass much of their agenda through the House, many of those bills currently get stuck in the Senate. A handful more seats in that chamber would give Democrats a better chance of overcoming filibusters, which require 60 votes to break.
"A lot of Republicans thought that 2006 was the low point, and that simply isn't the case," said Nathan Gonzales, political editor of the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report, which predicts Democratic gains of eight to 12 seats in the House and three to five seats in the Senate.
"It's like 2006 never ended for Republicans," said Jennifer Duffy, of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which predicts Democratic gains of 10 to 20 seats in the House and four to seven in the Senate.
Already this year, Republicans have lost three House seats in special elections in Republican-leaning districts, an alarm bell for many in the party as they strategize for campaign season.
The dynamics at work: voters' sharply negative views of President Bush and dismal feelings about the direction of the country, including rising oil and gas prices, a weak economy and fallout from the housing crisis. Even though Congress continues to register low approval ratings, voters overall appear to prefer putting Democrats in charge.
Much remains fluid in the five months that remain until Election Day, and the presidential contest between Barack Obama and Sen. McCain might sway the outcomes of House and Senate races. Republicans are hoping Sen. McCain will aid their appeal to independents and the white, working-class voters who remain leery of Sen. Obama. Sen. McCain also will deflect attention from Mr. Bush.
"McCain being at the top of the ticket improves the bad atmosphere, I think," said Rep. Jim McCrery, a Louisiana Republican who is retiring from Congress. "I don't think the atmosphere in November is going to be nearly as bad as it is now, or as pundits suggest."
But, many Republicans say privately that, barring a huge gaffe by Sen. Obama, they have little hope of holding their current numbers, much less gaining ground. Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, who is heading Senate Republicans' re-election effort, recently told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that it would be "a great night" if his party can hold Democratic pickups in the Senate to three or four seats in November.
In both houses, Democrats also have a financial advantage. At the end of April, House Democrats' campaign arm had $45.3 million in cash on hand compared with $6.7 million for Republicans. That lets Democrats spend money on a broader swath of races and defend freshman House members whom Republicans view as most vulnerable.
The Senate Democrats' campaign arm had $37.6 million in cash compared with $19.4 million for Republicans.
David Wasserman, who analyzes House races for the Cook Political Report, said Sen. Obama's appeal among upper-income white voters is expected to help Democratic House candidates in suburban districts, such as those held by Republican Reps. Mark Kirk of Illinois and Dave Reichert of Washington.
Black turnout in states such as Virginia and Ohio could also help Democrats beat Republican House members. Reps. Steve Chabot of Ohio and Thelma Drake of Virginia, both Republicans, are facing more competitive races in part because their districts have high percentages of black residents who are likely to support Sen. Obama.
New York and New Jersey Republicans face a tough environment. Sen. Obama is expected to win those states, likely boosting the prospects of Democrats vying for seats left open by retirements, such as those of Reps. Jim Walsh and Tom Reynolds.
In Alaska, usually one of the most reliable Republican states, the party is in danger of losing both a House seat and a Senate seat. In an echo of the scandals that damaged Republicans two years ago, both Sen. Ted Stevens and Rep. Don Young are under the cloud of a federal corruption investigation; they deny wrongdoing.
Beyond the political dynamics, Senate Republicans have the handicap of far more seats to defend than Democrats do, because they won far more seats in 2002, when the climate was more favorable to the party. And they have more incumbents retiring.
"There are 23 states that we're defending compared to their 12," said Rebecca Fisher, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "We're in a defensive crouch."
The toughest Senate race for Republicans is in Virginia, where popular former Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat, is running for the open seat left by retiring Republican Sen. John Warner. Also challenging are highly competitive races in New Hampshire and New Mexico, another open seat.
Republicans are seen having just one Senate opportunity to pick up a seat -- the one held by Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu in Louisiana, which has trended more Republican after Hurricane Katrina displaced many of the state's residents.
Bill O'Reilly's "Drill for Oil or Prepare for a World War"
I think this is an important video. Bill O’Reilly does a great job pointing to why oil prices are so high and proposes some good solutions to deal with it. Drilling for more oil isn’t the complete solution, but flex fuel cards and other means to reduce America’s foreign oil dependence is essential. -Darryl
Five grassroots donors share a lunch with Barack Obama
Five grassroots donors shared a lunch with Barack in Muncie, Indiana and had the chance to discuss their concerns, talk about their experiences with the campaign, and share their own stories with Barack. Canadian Conservatives are also great at raising money from the grassroots. I would love to have a chance at lunch with Harper. -Darryl
For the first time Democrats are going to get the edge on fiscal management in this upcoming election. McCain is a lightweight on the economy and his flip flop on the Bush tax cuts will hurt him in November along with the fact lobbyists are running his campaign. Obama represents a movement while McCain is struggling to keep his base. -Darryl
Gas price goes up from $1.47 per Gal to over $4.00 under Bush
TSN will now use the Hockey Night in Canada theme for it's broadcasts. Not sure who to blame in this one. Hockey Night in Canada on CBC will not be the same without the theme used since 1968. For TSN/CTV is the estimated price tag worth it given that it is no longer associated with the Hockey Night in Canada brand? Things always get complicated when market forces compete with tax payer funded crown corporations. Did CTV "save" the theme or "steal" the theme? It will be interesting to see if Canadians get angry at the CBC or the CTV as a result of this agreement between CTV and Copyright Music & Visuals. -Darryl
****
CTV ACQUIRES EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO 'THE HOCKEY THEME'
Toronto, ON - CTV Inc., together with Copyright Music & Visuals, today announced that CTV Inc. has acquired all rights to 'The Hockey Theme' in perpetuity, preserving the song's legacy and ensuring it will be heard on national television for years to come. 'The Hockey Theme' song will now live on CTV Inc. properties TSN, RDS and across Canada on CTV during coverage of the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympics as outlined below.
The deal between CTV and Copyright Music & Visuals was agreed to in principle after the CBC publicly announced last Friday at 5 p.m. ET that a deal could not be reached with the rights holders. Due diligence was completed earlier today.
The song, which was created by Vancouver's Dolores Claman in 1968, will now be used in NHL broadcasts on TSN and RDS beginning this Fall. In addition, CTV will utilize the song as part of its hockey coverage during the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
"The song has a long and storied history in Canadian sports and has become ingrained in the hearts and minds of hockey fans across the country. It is an iconic tune, embraced by Canadians everywhere, and we felt it was imperative to save it. We know we will be in hockey forever, so there's no doubt this acquisition will create value for us," said Rick Brace, President, Revenue, Business Planning and Sports, CTV Inc. "It's an honour and a privilege to own such a cherished piece of Canadiana."
"I am very moved by how so many Canadians have taken the hockey theme to heart. We are so pleased the song has found a new home," said Claman. "Throughout our negotiations, CTV displayed a tremendous amount of respect for my family and the song. 'The Hockey Theme' means so much to Canadians, and we know it's in good hands with CTV."
The announcement complements TSN's new six-year multi-platform NHL deal, featuring more coverage of Canadian teams than ever before with at least one Canadian team in every game. Earlier this year, RDS extended its exclusive rights agreement with the Montreal Canadiens through the 2011-12 season.
CTV, together with TSN and RDS, boast the most powerful and prestigious sports programming lineup in the country featuring the NHL and Stanley Cup Playoffs, NFL games and the Super Bowl, every CFL game including the Grey Cup, International Hockey including the World Juniors, NBA, Blue Jays Baseball, all four golf Majors, all four tennis Grand Slam events, Season of Champions Curling, NASCAR and F1, and this month's NBA Finals and UEFA EURO® 2008.
***
CTV purchases The Hockey Theme
Dolores Claman's song had been used on Hockey Night in Canada since 1968.
CTV Inc. has acquired the rights to The Hockey Theme in perpetuity, the network announced Monday.
The agreement was reached with Copyright Music & Visuals, which was unable to renew a deal with CBC Sports.
CBC Sports executive director Scott Moore said he was disappointed but not surprised the song was shopped elsewhere.
"The two sides were so far apart and there was so much bad blood that we knew a deal would be difficult," he said.
Moore said CBC had negotiated for 14 months but to no avail and that the agency was asking for $2.5 million to $3 million for use in perpetuity.
"We offered the most we could afford," Moore said.
The song had been used on Hockey Night in Canada since 1968.
According to a release, CTV said it agreed to a deal with Copyright Music & Visuals after Friday's deadline with CBC passed. The agency represents the song's composer, Dolores Claman, who was born in Vancouver.
"The song has a long and storied history in Canadian sports, and has become ingrained in the hearts and minds of hockey fans across the country. It is an iconic tune, embraced by Canadians everywhere, and we felt it was imperative to save it," said Rick Brace of CTV Inc.
Moore said he was surprised a rival network would purchase something so inextricably linked the Hockey Night brand.
"It's a constant commercial for our network," he said.
Earlier in the day, CBC Sports had said it planned to bring in noted sports and entertainment lawyer Gord Kirke in a last-ditch effort to bring about a mediated resolution.
Outstanding lawsuit complicated negotiations
Complicating a bid for a settlement was an outstanding lawsuit filed against the CBC in late 2004 surrounding its use for ringtones and downloads.
Moore said CBC wanted to resolve that issue along with the song's future use, but that representatives for Claman wanted to keep them separate.
Claman, 80, has written about 2,000 jingles over her career, including the Ontario theme A Place to Stand, which she co-wrote with her husband, Richard Morris.
"I am very moved by how so many Canadians have taken the hockey theme to heart. We are so pleased the song has found a new home," said Claman, who now resides in Britain.
Before Kirke's involvement was announced, CBC Sports announced plans to launch a new national contest in conjunction with Nettwerk Music Group to find a new theme song.
Canadians will be invited to write and record an original song for Hockey Night inCanada, with fans and a jury of experts to choose the best new composition.
**** TSN AND NHL ANNOUNCE NEW SIX-YEAR PARTNERSHIP
TSN and the NHL have agreed to a new six-year broadcast and digital rights deal that provides the NHL on TSN with more coverage of Canadian teams than ever before.
The agreement commences with the 2008-09 season in Ocotber and runs through the 2013-14 campaign.
Under terms of the deal, TSN secures exclusive Canadian specialty television rights for national English-language broadcast and digital coverage of NHL games. Details of the agreement are as follows:
- TSN will televise 70 regular season games annually; for the first time, all games will feature at least one Canadian team
- TSN will televise the first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the possibility of featuring a Canadian team in the Conference Quarter-Finals; marks the first time TSN would have coverage of a Canadian team in the post-season
- Vast majority of games will be in High Definition on TSN HD
- Suite of digital rights for TSN telecasts includes broadband, wireless and video-on-demand
- Continued exclusivity of Wednesday Night Hockey, in which there are no other national or local telecasts
- Continued exclusive Canadian coverage of the NHL Entry Draft and NHL Draft Lottery Special
"This landmark agreement provides TSN with its strongest NHL package ever, said Rick Brace, President, Revenue, Business Planning and Sports, CTV Inc. "Giving Canadian hockey fans more coverage of their teams has always been a top priority for TSN and this new deal delivers with greater access to Canadian teams and expanded hockey coverage on the digital platforms. The deal underscores TSN's valued partnership with the NHL and we look forward to reaching new audiences and achieving new milestones with our all-encompassing NHL programming."
Headlining TSN's increased Canadian team coverage is the Toronto Maple Leafs with 17 appearances annually, followed by Montreal with 15, and 10 appearances each for Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa.
"TSN does an outstanding job of capturing all aspects of NHL hockey, and we are extremely pleased that our fans in Canada can look forward to six more seasons of creative, innovative and passionate NHL coverage," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.
Obama vs. McCain poll…44% of Republicans prefer a different candidate than McCain
That 44% of Registered Republicans who prefer the party nominate someone else should be a major concern to McCain. Clearly he has problems with his base and the Republican party remains divided. Ron Paul is further evidence of that with his one million votes despite running on a drastically different message than the party. Republicans are already well behind on registered members and raising funds for November. Meanwhile it looks like Obama is slowly getting a unity bounce following Hillary's speech this Saturday. -Darryl
I was here in February and saw thousands of people working very hard getting out the vote on Super Tuesday. In this video, Obama thanks his campaign team and staff at Obama HQ in Chicago, IL -Darryl
Today officially ends the Hillary Clinton campaign and allows a united Democratic party to move forward in the November race against John McCain. It will be interesting to see what role Hillary has in the campaign going forward. The press and supporters of both Obama and Clinton are calling this the best speech she has ever delivered. I think Hillary will either have a role in the cabinet dedicated to universal health care or as VP. I think she is ready now to hit the campaign trail for the Democrats on the Obama ticket. -Darryl
Hillary Clinton Endorses Barack Obama
At the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, Senator Hillary Clinton announces her support for Barack Obama and encourages the Democratic Party to unite in electing him the next President of the United States.
****
Darryl --
Hillary Clinton announced her support for our campaign today.
Senator Clinton made history over the past 16 months -- not just because she has broken barriers, but because she has inspired millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to causes like universal health care that make a difference in the lives of hardworking Americans.
Our party and our country are stronger because of the work she has done throughout her life, and I'm a better candidate for having had the privilege of competing with her.
Senator Clinton will be invaluable to our efforts to win in November, and I look forward to campaigning alongside her to bring this country the change it so desperately needs.
Hillary and her supporters are joining us at an urgent moment.
It's going to require a new level of commitment from every single one of us to build a national campaign in the general election.
And we're going win this election the right way -- by growing our grassroots network of ordinary people giving only what they can afford.
Will you help bring a new supporter into the movement by promising to match their first-time donation?
By doubling the impact of someone's gift, you can encourage them to take the next step and own a piece of this campaign. Help us reach our goal of 20,000 new donors by making a matching donation now:
It's time for all of us to come together to take on John McCain in the general election. John McCain offers another four years of George Bush's policies, which our country simply cannot afford.
To win, we must continue building an unprecedented organization in all 50 states. And that will only happen if we all work together, side-by-side.
Thank you for joining this movement and supporting a new kind of politics.
Together we can do more than just win an election. Together we can change this country, and we can change the world.
And we are honored to have Hillary Clinton at our side as we do it.
Barack
****
Dear Darryl,
We've just finished the most exciting primary contest in a generation, and Barack Obama is our presumptive nominee for President.
Senator Clinton ran an outstanding campaign and we all should be deeply thankful for the passion, energy, and ideas that defined her from the start. Our country and our Party are better off today because the incredible amount of work she and her supporters put into her campaign. We thank Hillary for her leadership, her commitment to America and the Democratic Party.
It can be tough to lose a hard-fought race -- I know, because I've been there. But no matter who you supported, you're part of a bigger family -- one that shares the same hopes, values, and dreams. This campaign is so much more than any of us or any candidate. It's about the future of our country, and our collective desire to take it back for the people who make it great.
Over the next few weeks and months, our family will reunite. It starts today, and I'm asking for your help. Reach out to your friends and family, your neighbors and coworkers, and anyone else who may have fought hard for what they believed in. Bring them in and remind them that we're a family -- that together, we can bring about fundamental change and elect a Democratic president.
We have to be unified if we're going to bring universal health care to America's families, to help fight global climate change, to ensure a woman's right to make her own medical decisions, and to end the war in Iraq.
We have to be unified if we're going to put a Democrat back in the White House.
Over the past few years, we've all been part of the work to rebuild the Democratic Party in all 50 states.
When the primary came around, we found ourselves with two once-in-a-lifetime candidates. Barack and Hillary crossed the country inspiring activists, building organizations, and registering new voters. In state after state, we saw record turnout that dwarfed the Republican's; we saw hundreds of thousands of Americans become involved with a Democratic campaign for the first time; and millions of voters saw just how passionately we feel about the future of our country.
After years of rebuilding and a historic primary campaign, our Democratic community is stronger than ever before. And with Barack Obama, we have a candidate who has inspired millions of people to believe again.
But change doesn't come easily -- and no matter how much we've prepared, no matter how inspiring our candidate, no matter how badly we want it to happen, we have to fight for it every step of the way. Absolutely nothing will be handed to us over the next five months -- we have to do everything we can to make sure Barack Obama is our next President.
We've just seen two brilliant candidates run the most exciting primary in decades. Now we need to come together and finish the job.
I'm looking forward to it.
Howard Dean
****
Dear Darryl,
We hope you had a chance to see Hillary's historic speech today. You can view an excerpt on our website.
We have also included the transcript of the full speech below.
Thank you for all your support! The Hillary for President Campaign
Thank you so much. Thank you all.
Well, this isn’t exactly the party I’d planned, but I sure like the company.
I want to start today by saying how grateful I am to all of you – to everyone who poured your hearts and your hopes into this campaign, who drove for miles and lined the streets waving homemade signs, who scrimped and saved to raise money, who knocked on doors and made calls, who talked and sometimes argued with your friends and neighbors, who emailed and contributed online, who invested so much in our common enterprise, to the moms and dads who came to our events, who lifted their little girls and little boys on their shoulders and whispered in their ears, “See, you can be anything you want to be.”
To the young people like 13 year-old Ann Riddle from Mayfield, Ohio who had been saving for two years to go to Disney World, and decided to use her savings instead to travel to Pennsylvania with her Mom and volunteer there as well. To the veterans and the childhood friends, to New Yorkers and Arkansans who traveled across the country and telling anyone who would listen why you supported me.
To all those women in their 80s and their 90s born before women could vote who cast their votes for our campaign. I’ve told you before about Florence Steen of South Dakota, who was 88 years old, and insisted that her daughter bring an absentee ballot to her hospice bedside. Her daughter and a friend put an American flag behind her bed and helped her fill out the ballot. She passed away soon after, and under state law, her ballot didn’t count. But her daughter later told a reporter, “My dad’s an ornery old cowboy, and he didn’t like it when he heard mom’s vote wouldn’t be counted. I don’t think he had voted in 20 years. But he voted in place of my mom.”
To all those who voted for me, and to whom I pledged my utmost, my commitment to you and to the progress we seek is unyielding. You have inspired and touched me with the stories of the joys and sorrows that make up the fabric of our lives and you have humbled me with your commitment to our country.
18 million of you from all walks of life – women and men, young and old, Latino and Asian, African-American and Caucasian, rich, poor and middle class, gay and straight – you have stood strong with me. And I will continue to stand strong with you, every time, every place, and every way that I can. The dreams we share are worth fighting for.
Remember - we fought for the single mom with a young daughter, juggling work and school, who told me, “I’m doing it all to better myself for her.” We fought for the woman who grabbed my hand, and asked me, “What are you going to do to make sure I have health care?” and began to cry because even though she works three jobs, she can’t afford insurance. We fought for the young man in the Marine Corps t-shirt who waited months for medical care and said, “Take care of my buddies over there and then, will you please help take care of me?” We fought for all those who’ve lost jobs and health care, who can’t afford gas or groceries or college, who have felt invisible to their president these last seven years.
I entered this race because I have an old-fashioned conviction: that public service is about helping people solve their problems and live their dreams. I’ve had every opportunity and blessing in my own life – and I want the same for all Americans. Until that day comes, you will always find me on the front lines of democracy – fighting for the future.
The way to continue our fight now – to accomplish the goals for which we stand – is to take our energy, our passion, our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States.
Today, as I suspend my campaign, I congratulate him on the victory he has won and the extraordinary race he has run. I endorse him, and throw my full support behind him. And I ask all of you to join me in working as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me.
I have served in the Senate with him for four years. I have been in this campaign with him for 16 months. I have stood on the stage and gone toe-to-toe with him in 22 debates. I have had a front row seat to his candidacy, and I have seen his strength and determination, his grace and his grit.
In his own life, Barack Obama has lived the American Dream. As a community organizer, in the state senate, as a United States Senator - he has dedicated himself to ensuring the dream is realized. And in this campaign, he has inspired so many to become involved in the democratic process and invested in our common future.
Now when I started this race, I intended to win back the White House, and make sure we have a president who puts our country back on the path to peace, prosperity, and progress. And that's exactly what we're going to do by ensuring that Barack Obama walks through the doors of the Oval Office on January 20, 2009.
I understand that we all know this has been a tough fight. The Democratic Party is a family, and it’s now time to restore the ties that bind us together and to come together around the ideals we share, the values we cherish, and the country we love.
We may have started on separate journeys – but today, our paths have merged. And we are all heading toward the same destination, united and more ready than ever to win in November and to turn our country around because so much is at stake.
We all want an economy that sustains the American Dream, the opportunity to work hard and have that work rewarded, to save for college, a home and retirement, to afford that gas and those groceries and still have a little left over at the end of the month. An economy that lifts all of our people and ensures that our prosperity is broadly distributed and shared.
We all want a health care system that is universal, high quality, and affordable so that parents no longer have to choose between care for themselves or their children or be stuck in dead end jobs simply to keep their insurance. This isn’t just an issue for me – it is a passion and a cause – and it is a fight I will continue until every single American is insured – no exceptions, no excuses.
We all want an America defined by deep and meaningful equality – from civil rights to labor rights, from women’s rights to gay rights, from ending discrimination to promoting unionization to providing help for the most important job there is: caring for our families.
We all want to restore America’s standing in the world, to end the war in Iraq and once again lead by the power of our values, and to join with our allies to confront our shared challenges from poverty and genocide to terrorism and global warming.
You know, I’ve been involved in politics and public life in one way or another for four decades. During those forty years, our country has voted ten times for President. Democrats won only three of those times. And the man who won two of those elections is with us today.
We made tremendous progress during the 90s under a Democratic President, with a flourishing economy, and our leadership for peace and security respected around the world. Just think how much more progress we could have made over the past 40 years if we had a Democratic president. Think about the lost opportunities of these past seven years – on the environment and the economy, on health care and civil rights, on education, foreign policy and the Supreme Court. Imagine how far we could’ve come, how much we could’ve achieved if we had just had a Democrat in the White House.
We cannot let this moment slip away. We have come too far and accomplished too much.
Now the journey ahead will not be easy. Some will say we can’t do it. That it’s too hard. That we’re just not up to the task. But for as long as America has existed, it has been the American way to reject “can’t do” claims, and to choose instead to stretch the boundaries of the possible through hard work, determination, and a pioneering spirit.
It is this belief, this optimism, that Senator Obama and I share, and that has inspired so many millions of our supporters to make their voices heard.
So today, I am standing with Senator Obama to say: Yes we can.
Together we will work. We’ll have to work hard to get universal health care. But on the day we live in an America where no child, no man, and no woman is without health insurance, we will live in a stronger America. That’s why we need to help elect Barack Obama our President.
We’ll have to work hard to get back to fiscal responsibility and a strong middle class. But on the day we live in an America whose middle class is thriving and growing again, where all Americans, no matter where they live or where their ancestors came from, can earn a decent living, we will live in a stronger America and that is why we must elect Barack Obama our President.
We’ll have to work hard to foster the innovation that makes us energy independent and lift the threat of global warming from our children’s future. But on the day we live in an America fueled by renewable energy, we will live in a stronger America. That’s why we have to help elect Barack Obama our President.
We’ll have to work hard to bring our troops home from Iraq, and get them the support they’ve earned by their service. But on the day we live in an America that’s as loyal to our troops as they have been to us, we will live in a stronger America and that is why we must help elect Barack Obama our President.
This election is a turning point election and it is critical that we all understand what our choice really is. Will we go forward together or will we stall and slip backwards. Think how much progress we have already made. When we first started, people everywhere asked the same questions:
Could a woman really serve as Commander-in-Chief? Well, I think we answered that one.
And could an African American really be our President? Senator Obama has answered that one.
Together Senator Obama and I achieved milestones essential to our progress as a nation, part of our perpetual duty to form a more perfect union.
Now, on a personal note – when I was asked what it means to be a woman running for President, I always gave the same answer: that I was proud to be running as a woman but I was running because I thought I’d be the best President. But I am a woman, and like millions of women, I know there are still barriers and biases out there, often unconscious.
I want to build an America that respects and embraces the potential of every last one of us.
I ran as a daughter who benefited from opportunities my mother never dreamed of. I ran as a mother who worries about my daughter’s future and a mother who wants to lead all children to brighter tomorrows. To build that future I see, we must make sure that women and men alike understand the struggles of their grandmothers and mothers, and that women enjoy equal opportunities, equal pay, and equal respect. Let us resolve and work toward achieving some very simple propositions: There are no acceptable limits and there are no acceptable prejudices in the twenty-first century.
You can be so proud that, from now on, it will be unremarkable for a woman to win primary state victories, unremarkable to have a woman in a close race to be our nominee, unremarkable to think that a woman can be the President of the United States. And that is truly remarkable.
To those who are disappointed that we couldn’t go all the way – especially the young people who put so much into this campaign – it would break my heart if, in falling short of my goal, I in any way discouraged any of you from pursuing yours. Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. When you stumble, keep faith. When you’re knocked down, get right back up. And never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.
As we gather here today in this historic magnificent building, the 50th woman to leave this Earth is orbiting overhead. If we can blast 50 women into space, we will someday launch a woman into the White House.
Although we weren’t able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it’s got about 18 million cracks in it. And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time. That has always been the history of progress in America.
Think of the suffragists who gathered at Seneca Falls in 1848 and those who kept fighting until women could cast their votes. Think of the abolitionists who struggled and died to see the end of slavery. Think of the civil rights heroes and foot-soldiers who marched, protested and risked their lives to bring about the end to segregation and Jim Crow.
Because of them, I grew up taking for granted that women could vote. Because of them, my daughter grew up taking for granted that children of all colors could go to school together. Because of them, Barack Obama and I could wage a hard fought campaign for the Democratic nomination. Because of them, and because of you, children today will grow up taking for granted that an African American or a woman can yes, become President of the United States.
When that day arrives and a woman takes the oath of office as our President, we will all stand taller, proud of the values of our nation, proud that every little girl can dream and that her dreams can come true in America. And all of you will know that because of your passion and hard work you helped pave the way for that day.
So I want to say to my supporters, when you hear people saying – or think to yourself – “if only” or “what if,” I say, “please don’t go there.” Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward.
Life is too short, time is too precious, and the stakes are too high to dwell on what might have been. We have to work together for what still can be. And that is why I will work my heart out to make sure that Senator Obama is our next President and I hope and pray that all of you will join me in that effort.
To my supporters and colleagues in Congress, to the governors and mayors, elected officials who stood with me, in good times and in bad, thank you for your strength and leadership. To my friends in our labor unions who stood strong every step of the way – I thank you and pledge my support to you. To my friends, from every stage of my life – your love and ongoing commitments sustain me every single day. To my family – especially Bill and Chelsea and my mother, you mean the world to me and I thank you for all you have done. And to my extraordinary staff, volunteers and supporters, thank you for working those long, hard hours. Thank you for dropping everything – leaving work or school – traveling to places you’d never been, sometimes for months on end. And thanks to your families as well because your sacrifice was theirs too.
All of you were there for me every step of the way. Being human, we are imperfect. That’s why we need each other. To catch each other when we falter. To encourage each other when we lose heart. Some may lead; others may follow; but none of us can go it alone. The changes we’re working for are changes that we can only accomplish together. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights that belong to each of us as individuals. But our lives, our freedom, our happiness, are best enjoyed, best protected, and best advanced when we do work together.
That is what we will do now as we join forces with Senator Obama and his campaign. We will make history together as we write the next chapter in America’s story. We will stand united for the values we hold dear, for the vision of progress we share, and for the country we love. There is nothing more American than that.
And looking out at you today, I have never felt so blessed. The challenges that I have faced in this campaign are nothing compared to those that millions of Americans face every day in their own lives. So today, I’m going to count my blessings and keep on going. I’m going to keep doing what I was doing long before the cameras ever showed up and what I’ll be doing long after they’re gone: Working to give every American the same opportunities I had, and working to ensure that every child has the chance to grow up and achieve his or her God-given potential.
I will do it with a heart filled with gratitude, with a deep and abiding love for our country– and with nothing but optimism and confidence for the days ahead. This is now our time to do all that we can to make sure that in this election we add another Democratic president to that very small list of the last 40 years and that we take back our country and once again move with progress and commitment to the future.
Thank you all and God bless you and God bless America.
**** Clinton endorses Obama, calls for party unity
There have been a lot of questions recently about the ability of Democrats to unite behind Obama. Many forget that Ron Paul is still in the race and has been doing well despite the fact McCain formally locked up the nomination a long time ago. The difference between this situation and the Democratic situation, is McCain and Paul are no where near each other on the issues. The campaign between Hillary and Obama may have been emotional but there wasn't much room between them on the key issues of the day. It will be interesting to see how Paul ends his revolution and where his voters will end up in November. Will they vote Democrat because of the Iraq war? Will they back Barr on economic issues? Will they unite behind McCain as "Republicans"? -Darryl
Ron Paul Has Strong Showing in Final Primaries
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Presidential candidate Ron Paul received a total of over 45,000 votes in the final three Republican presidential primaries on June 3. Dr. Paul’s strongest showing was in Montana, where he garnered 22 percent of the vote, followed by 17 percent in South Dakota and 14 percent in New Mexico respectively.
“Dr. Paul’s grassroots supporters across the country are doing a tremendous job spreading our message, winning votes, and laying a strong foundation for the future,” said campaign spokesman Jesse Benton.
To date, Dr. Paul has received well over one million votes in Republican presidential contests.
**** Let Ron Paul Speak at GOP convention!!!
May 30, 2008. From the Star Tribune (Minneapolis - St. Paul, Minnesota): "Presidential candidate Ron Paul rallied outside the GOP state convention Friday at Rochester Mayo Memorial Park after party leadership denied him a spot to speak inside the convention."
As Hillary Clinton is expected to formally suspend her campaign today and endorse Barack Obama, new questions are surfacing about what type of role the Clintons will have in the campaign in November. Some have suggested a role with regards to health care. Others have petitioned for Hillary to be on the ticket. 57% of Democrats want Obama to select Clinton as VP. 60% of Clinton voters plan to vote for Obama with the remaining supporters either voting McCain or staying home. Currently there is a site http://www.voteboth.com that is petitioning for the so called "dream" ticket and is gaining momentum. Clinton and Obama had a surprise meeting in Washington DC and also had an opportunity to talk backstage at the AIPAC event (pictured above). It will be interesting to see in the coming weeks and months if Obama decides to take Hillary on the ticket. If he decides to do so, America will make history by being able to vote for both an African American and woman in the November presidential contest. Personally, I believe that after 16 months of daily campaigning, 18 million votes and the ability to best unify the ticket; Hillary Clinton is the most qualified and best possible choice for VP. At this point it will come down to chemistry and also Obama's November general election strategy. A search committee that includes Caroline Kennedy will make recommendations to Obama before he makes this crucial decision - a decision he is entitled to make entirely on his own. -Darryl
Unemployment Rises, Oil Prices Up, Down down 400 points
The US is in a recession and obviously that will impact Canada. Predictions of $150 a barrel by July 4 also had a major impact. At this point, the term recession is really just an academic debate as the American and Canadian middle classes feel the pain of these tough economic times. -Darryl
In Bristol, VA, Barack Obama, Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee, announces that the DNC will ban Lobbyist and Special Interest PAC Money.
"I've sent a strong signal in this campaign by refusing the contributions of registered federal lobbyists and PACs, and today, I'm announcing that going forward, the Democratic National Committee will uphold the same standard and won't take another dime from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs. They do not fund my campaign. They will not fund our party. And they will not drown out the voices of the American people when I'm President of the United States."
On the flip side...John McCain:
Fox's Wallace Broadsides McCain With Tough "Lobbyist" Question It seem to be painful for both Chris Wallace and John McCain when the subject of "lobbyists" surfaced on FOX News. KUDOS to Chris Wallace for not lobbing softballs at McCain. Way to give McSame a little Obama scrutiny.
Congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings for winning their fourth cup in the past 10 years. Clearly this organization knows how to win and should be the model that the Leafs base their new management structure on. Drafting especially has played a major role in the success of the Red Wings. Attending school at the University of Windsor, I became a fan of the Red Wings and had the pleasure of seeing a few games across the border. I would like to congratulate the players, organization and the people of Detroit and Windsor who got behind the Red Wings and NHL hockey in general. The future also looks great for the young Penguins team provided the organization is able to keep them all together. For Leaf fans like myself, there is always next year I guess. Hopefully next year will be better for all Canadian teams in the NHL. -Darryl
Hillary to drop out of race and endorse Obama on Saturday
Dear Darryl,
I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.
On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans.
I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.
When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House.
I made you -- and everyone who supported me -- a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I'm going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.
I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.
I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you.
In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.
I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.
CNN's Jessica Yellin looks at the list of Sen. Barack Obama's potential running mates. Personally I like the idea of Edwards, Hillary, Webb, Hagel, Bloomberg or Richardson. I think there is potential for a strong cabinet with Biden as Secretary of State, Edwards Attorney General, Clark in Defense, Clinton Health and something for Gore in the environment or energy. Someone with strong economic credentials would also be good as a VP choice such as Bloomberg given that the economy will likely be the biggest issue of the November campaign. -Darryl
Fox and CNN rip McCain speech while praising Obama
Clearly round one goes to McCain.Last night speech was a total bomb from the Republican nominee.I think he basically embarrassed himself last night.Obama on the other hand demonstrated exactly why he won the nomination and made a strong case that he is the agent of change and the best option to be the next President of the United States.Thankfully CNN cut McCain off and put him out of his misery with the announcement that Obama had clinched the nomination.
A barnburner that defines what change will look like. I think Obama will eventually be the next President of the United States. On the evening he wins the Democratic Party's nomination for president, Barack Obama speaks from St. Paul, Minnesota. -Darryl
I will post the full Obama speech once it is available. In the meantime here is the full speech from Hillary Clinton (probably one of her best) and the full speech from McCain (perhaps one of his worst). If this is what McCain bring when he is finally in prime time; I think the Republican brand is in serious trouble. Hillary is taking heat for not endorsing Obama tonight. Personally I think this was a good finale and I think she made the absolute best out of what had to be a tough situation. I think she has earned the VP spot over the past 16 months. She inspired a lot of women as well as other Democrats and there is no question that her candidacy played a major role in the record turnouts Democrats experienced.
Obviously Obama had one of his best speeches tonight. He made it very clear where he stands and what he means when he talks about change. McCain seemed to be running away from Bush while embracing his policies. Round one goes to Obama. -Darryl
-Increasing rumors that Hillary is open to the VP slot and will announce tonight
-Obama campaign team is rumored to be looking at who can be recruited, particularly in fundraising department from the Hillary team
-Turn out is said to be high in South Dakota and Montana despite media stories about the race being over
-Jimmy Carter will announce he is backing Obama immediately after polls close, other super delegates expected to follow.Howard Dean, Pelosi, Reid, Gore, Webb, Biden
-Obama’s magic number is said to be between 25-30 as of the time of this post.His speech tonight will assume he is the nominee.31 delegates are up for grabs tonight.12 super delegates have already backed Obama today.
-Currently it is unclear if Obama will clinch tonight and if Hillary will announce she is suspending her campaign in New York.She has been on the phone with key supporters, donors and advisors for most of the day.It is expected that Hillary will hint that she wants to be VP and push for universal health care.Insiders report that Bill Clinton has been pushing a joint ticket for weeks.
-McCain expected to highlight differences between himself and Bush in New Orleans speech later this week
-Republicans begin using Hillary’s words against Obama in advertisements
-Polls close at 8pm Montana/South Dakota time tonight.Both speeches likely before 11pm Eastern Time
-Democratic race has officially been going on for six months and 67 contests.In reality campaigning started shortly before the November 2006 election.
-As many as 36 super delegates could declare tonight following the results.The race will end tonight without question.
-Hillary will get close to 18 million votes in total, despite losing the nomination to Obama
-Expect tonight’s theme to be unity in the Democratic Party.
*6:00PM Eastern Time
-CTV claims Obama has clinched the nomination...CNN is reporting Obama has 12 delegates to go... -Democrats should have an organization in all 50 states after tonight.
-At this point it is clear that Obama will officially be the Democratic Party nominee by the time he hits the stage in Minnesota later tonight. It is quite possible he will be the nominee by the time polls close at the rate we are going...
-Speeches will be posted here as soon as I find them on YouTube
-Results can be found here from North Dakota and Montana
*6:10pm
-AP is reporting Obama has now clinched the Democratic nomination...some super delegates have confirmed privately and will announce their intentions in public later tonight
*6:15pm
-Fox News is reporting on their website that Obama has won the Democratic nomination. Not sure if it is official at this point (Obama campaign is saying not yet). No matter how you look at it the writing is obviously on the wall in time for both speeches. It will be interesting to see Obama's victory speech tonight and if Hillary acknowledges Obama has reached the 2118 delegates needed to officially lock up the race.
*8pm Eastern
-Polls close in one hour
-Obama now within 6 to the nomination
-Obama will have a celebration rally but there is also a lot of pressure on this speech to reach out to Hillary Clinton supporters and unite what for now is a divided party
-Obama is hoping to clinch after polls close so that the people appear to be clinching the nomination and not the party elites. 6 more super delegates and one hour more to go.
-With the exception of Jimmy Carter none of the major super delegates have played their hand yet. Carter will make a formal announcement once polls close. Pundits are debating if that endorsement will be helpful to Obama.
-Correction from earlier: McCain will speak tonight in New Orleans and contrast the differences between himself and Obama and also the differences between himself and McCain
-Obama is doing well in polls head to head against McCain in key swing states
-Majority of democrats want Hillary as VP (55%). Only 40% of Obama supporters are favorable to that idea right now. Hillary is interested in the role. Obama's team says there will be a process in place to decide. Obama is expected to praise her campaign tonight and will be careful with how he handles victory.
-Obama will make history tonight as America's first African American nominee.
-Speeches from McCain, Hillary and Obama will be crucial as the primary season official comes to a close in less than two hours time. Dream ticket and Obama's ability to unite the party will be talked about in detail. McCain is expected to deliver a hard hitting speech on Obama tonight marking the start of the real race for President.
-Has anyone seen Al Gore???
*8:15pm Eastern
-Make that 4 delegates short...
8:45pm
-15 minutes and the first polls close
-John McCain is speaking right now in New Orleans about "change"
9pm
-John McCain's speech falling a bit flat...CNN cuts him off
-CNN now projects that Barack Obama has officially reached 2118 delegates and has won the Democratic nomination
-I will post all speeches later tonight
-Expect more super delegates to come out tonight and endorse the winner. Both Obama and Hillary's speeches will be interesting with the results now clear and official.
-Barack Obama is officially the Democratic nominee and has made history!
10pm Eastern Time
-Hillary wins South Dakota
-John McCain's speech ridiculed by CNN. Jokes made about 200 people in attendance making McCain look like the youngest man in the room. He clearly had trouble with his teleprompter and blew his "not change you can believe in" slogan. He also did not do much to satisfy concerns about his age.
-Hillary speaks in front of thousands of people in New York. Delivers one of her best speeches and I think made a strong case that she deserves to be VP. I think the Clinton's have a lot to be proud of and I think Hillary highlighted how close her and Obama are on the central issues. I think an endorsement will come in a few hours/days.
-Obama is due to speak soon...
10:45 pm
-Incredible speech by Barack Obama. Welcome to the majors Senator McCain. Thousands of people in the back drop. A tonne of passion for his ideas. An explanation of change we can believe in. A sense of who he is. Handling Hillary with class. Hillary also delivered a barnburner despite the criticism she is taking in the media for not endorsing Obama tonight. Clearly McCain looked out of both Democrat's league and I think the contrast between the two was no doubt highlighted tonight. McCain has a lot of work to do. Frankly, I can't believe this election isn't already a landslide in the polls between these two candidates.
Thanks for reading...
-Darryl
*****
Hillary's final ad?
Tuesday it's up to you. You can join over 17 million people who have voted for a leader who can fix the economy.
Update: Hillary wants to be VP...details to come (possibly in her speech tonight). Hillary's campaign manager is also denying AP reports that Clinton will suspend her campaign following her speech in New York tonight. More to come...
Update 2: Jimmy Carter has announced he is backing Obama. Other delegates expected to announce after polls close. All Democratic eyes will be on Mr. Gore. Hillary was on the phone earlier today with 15 uncommitted Congressman. Other super delegates are being polite and waiting until the primaries finish. Track super delegates here.
As polls open in South Dakota and Montana, behind the scenes the Clinton and Obama campaigns have been in contact and it is widely expected that the Democratic nomination race will end as early as tonight and almost certainly by tomorrow.The location of both Obama and Hillary’s speeches make a huge statement.Obama plans to hit the scene of the Republican convention this August and will kick off his campaign against John McCain with a speech tonight in Minnesota.Hillary will deliver a speech in New York and has personally invited key supporters, donors and others to her home state.Rumor has it that Clinton will suspend her campaign and is in fact pushing for a VP spot.She will thank her supporters and make it clear she plans to do whatever it takes to make sure a Democrat wins in November.She could call for unity and endorse Obama tonight or over the next few days.Obama is expected to win both primaries tonight, but the results will have limited impact on the delegate race.Remaining uncommitted super delegates are leaning towards Obama and could give him the 2118 needed to clinch the nomination as early as tonight and again by tomorrow at the latest.Already they are coming out in large numbers and Obama is within striking distance of winning the nomination within hours.
Finally the primary season is over.Talk with now shift to the VP spots.Pros and Cons of Hillary will be debated over the next couple of weeks on Obama’s ticket.On a positive note, a dream ticket and the prospect for unity is appealing.On the negative side, Bill Clinton and potential conflict with Obama’s message of change are reasons against.Hillary’s speech tonight will likely decide if she is on the ticket or not.It is unlikely Obama wants her on the ticket, but I suspect the pressure will be overwhelming to take her on.
It's hard to believe, but the last two contests of the Democratic primary are happening right now.
Voters in Montana and South Dakota are heading to the polls and casting the final ballots in this long race.
There have also been some big developments over the past few days.
On Saturday, the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee agreed to a fair solution to allow Florida and Michigan to participate in the national convention in August. Barack gained a total of 68 delegates from Florida and Michigan combined.
We will need 2,118 delegates to secure the nomination, and we're closing in fast -- we're less than 40 delegates away. There are 31 total delegates at stake in today's contests, and a good showing in Montana and South Dakota should take us another big step closer to the magic number.
Make sure to tune in to watch Barack's speech tonight. The last polls will close at 8:00 p.m. MDT (10:00 p.m. EDT).
Thanks, and we'll keep you posted,
David
David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America
P.S. -- Today is our last Election Day until November, and you can help Get Out The Vote by calling folks in South Dakota and reminding them to get to the polls.
Will Elections Canada come down hard on Liberals and their unpaid campaign loans?
Today is June 3, meaning all Liberal leadership debts must be paid off according to the rules set out by Elections Canada.Will there be a raid at Liberal headquarters in Ottawa today to obtain documentation related to these debts?How will Elections Canada deal with the majority of leadership candidates who still have balances outstanding in violation of the rules?According to the Star, Stephane Dion owes somewhere around $400,000.Martha Hall Findlay $200,000.Ken Dryden $375,000.Scott Brison owes somewhere around $40,000.Gerard Kennedy owed $400,000 a couple months ago.Joe Volpe owed around $135,000; Maurizio Bevilacqua owed about $243,000 and Hedy Fry owed about $107,000.Bob Rae and Carolyn Bennett have paid off their debts already.It will be interesting to see how Elections Canada deals with this situation.Ultimately I am sure the candidates will be granted extensions and a lesson will be learned for future leadership races.In granting that extension, Elections Canada will have to explain why they are showing preferential treatment to Liberals after organizing an RCMP raid at Conservative headquarters only a few months ago on the so called “in and out” scandal.
"I'm working to pay this debt and I will and it's part of my duty,"
-Stephane Dion
"Over an eight-month campaign for the leadership of our party in 2006, in the second biggest country in the world, I spent a little over $2 million. (U.S. Democratic presidential contender) Barack Obama spends that amount on his national campaign every day! So I feel – as do all the leadership candidates – that we gave the party and the country a great race, at a very competitive price,"
-Michael Ignatieff
****
The Law:
435.38 (1) The Chief Electoral Officer, on the written application of a leadership contestant or his or her financial agent, may authorize
(a) the extension of a period provided in subsection 435.3(4) or 435.35(3); or
(b) the correction, within a specified period, of a document referred to in subsection 435.3(1) or updated document referred to in subsection 435.35(1).
(2) An application may be made (a) under paragraph (1)(a), within the period provided in subsection 435.3(4) or 435.35(3), as the case may be; and
(b) under paragraph (1)(b), as soon as the applicant becomes aware of the need for correction.
(3) The Chief Electoral Officer may not authorize an extension or correction unless he or she is satisfied by the evidence submitted by the applicant that the circumstances giving rise to the application arose by reason of
(a) the illness of the applicant;
(b) the absence, death, illness or misconduct of the financial agent or a predecessor;
(c) the absence, death, illness or misconduct of a clerk or an officer of the financial agent, or a predecessor of one of them; or
(d) inadvertence or an honest mistake of fact.
****
Michael Ignatieff
Dear Friends,
Over an eight month campaign for the leadership of our party in 2006, in the second biggest country in the world, I spent a little over $2million dollars. Barack Obama spends that amount on his national campaign every day! So I feel - as do all the leadership candidates - that we gave the party and the country a great race, at a very competitive price.
We raised the money on the old rules limiting donations to $5400.00. Now we’re repaying debt following the new rules, which limit contributions to $1100. So it hasn’t been easy, but we’re getting there.
I’ve held fund-raisers across the country and I’m incredibly grateful to all the generous people who contributed sums large and small to enable me to pay off my debt, and to the campaign workers and suppliers who put their faith in me as a candidate. I’ve also raised money for Liberal candidates and MP’s right across the country, as have the other leadership candidates.
My debt started at about $800,000. On June 3, when Elections Canada requires all of the leadership candidates to file returns, I will be reporting the significant progress that I have made with your help. I don’t quite know where I’ll be on that day - some contributions are still in the pipeline or are being processed by the party - but I will not be fully paid off by the deadline. I am within striking distance and expect to pay off the debt completely by the end of the summer.
So, dear friends, if you have not given your maximum of $1100 and still have a generous thought towards me or the other candidates, think of contributing online. Any amount large and small would be appreciated, and remember that you are helping us to keep our promises to all the people who put their faith in us and the party.
"I'm working to pay this debt and I will and it's part of my duty," Dion told reporters yesterday.
Conservatives are seizing on the extended-payment request as yet more evidence that Dion isn't fit to be prime minister and proof that Elections Canada is playing favourites with Liberals in the midst of its ongoing dispute with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's party over election finances.
The following comes from the Hill Times in an interview between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Angelo Persichilli on Canadian foreign policy. I think it is important that Canada have a good relationship with the United States President regardless of who it is. Harper is taking the right approach in this interview, but obviously the Obama NAFTA leak has been in the news on both sides of the border. -Darryl
***
Election time in the States. Are you watching the campaign? "Very closely."
Do you expect a change in their politics? "I think there will be changes. It's been an administration for eight years. They're going to have a new president. I think they're going to want some change. Others, they aren't going to want to have change. But, you know, that's a debate they'll have to have in the United States. I've said all along that whoever wins in the United States, whoever is the president, whichever party controls the administration, whichever party controls Congress, the government of Canada will always work with our great friends and neighbours and in protecting Canadian interests and ensuring the best relationships that we can have, while protecting those interests. And I know there's been some consternation in Canada about the positions taken by some American politicians, but I have seen nothing that would suggest to me that Canada would have anything other than a very good relationship with the future president or the future Congress." Full Interview Click Here
I think after a long campaign and a close race, Hillary Clinton has earned a spot on the Obama ticket as VP. The two candidates are close on the issues. She quickly has the ability to unite her supporters behind Obama. After this campaign it is clear she is ready for the campaign and has earned the role she now seeks. The dream ticket may be back in play. -Darryl
Well after a year and a half of campaigning (maybe a decade plus for some) it looks like we now almost officially have our two nominees John McCain and Barack Obama set for November 2008. The most exciting race in a very long time is about to come to an end. For political junkies, the prospect of watching a race where neither party had an incumbent or clear front runner at the beginning was a treat to say the least.
Two years ago, many thought the race was Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani's to lose. On the Republican side, John McCain's comeback was the feel good political story of the year. Prior to Iowa and especially New Hampshire; McCain was broke, Iraq was going badly and most pundits had written him off entirely. By the time Republicans arrived in Florida; Rudy Giuliani was toast following a lazy campaign where he ignored most of the early states. Fred Thompson compared by many to Reagan also waited too long to get into the game and found his presidential hopes defeated prior to Super Tuesday. Mitt Romney was never able to shake off concerns about his religion and despite spending his own fortune also failed to secure the nomination. Mike Huckabee had some charisma and championed social Conservative causes, ran a shoestring campaign budget and even had the help of Chuck Norris but still came up short. Ron Paul captured a lot of young voters through the internet, raised a lot of cash and developed a broad following for his ideas during this campaign. While he is still technically in the game, unfortunately the writing is on the wall for my preferred Republican choice. While he still has some problems with Evangelicals and other conservatives, I think in the end Republicans fielded their strongest choice in the battle against Obama with John McCain.
On the Democratic side, virtually everyone expected prior to Iowa that Hillary Clinton was going to be the Democratic nominee. How this race is viewed in the future will be very interesting to see. Personally I think what cost Hillary Clinton was her vote on Iraq and also the fact that she had never prepared for a competitive race in the nomination. Gaffes by both Hillary and Bill Clinton proved costly. For years, it looked like Hillary would make history and become the first female nominee and potentially the first female President. The Clinton machine was powerful and many thought impossible to defeat. This time it was not meant to be for Hillary and instead Barack Obama will make history as the first African American nominee and the first potential black President of the United States of America. Obama accomplished what no Republican could do...he defeated and likely got rid of Bill Clinton for good. Other players in the race such as John Edwards, Bill Richardson and Joe Biden were excellent candidates, but couldn't capture the media attention and hype of the two front runners in the race. While many Republicans hope that the Democratic race ends up in a fight on the convention floor, in reality emotions will cool and soon a united Democratic party will face off against a united Republican party even though both conservatives and Hillary supporters may not be completely pleased with their party's choice of nominee. The decision in Florida and Michigan was somewhat controversial, but at the end of the day it was reasonable. It also ended whatever chance remained for Hillary Clinton to win the nomination and convince super delegates that they should overturn the will of the people. 48 hours from now, this race will end after more than a year and a half on the campaign trail each day.
Yesterday afternoon, Hillary had a final victory in Puerto Rico. Unfortunately the turnout wasn't as large as expected and this hurts Hillary's popular vote argument to super delegates. Bill hinted today that this might be his last day in a presidential campaign. Pressure will mount quickly for Hillary to end this race both from the media and the super delegates she is trying to convince. Tomorrow night will mark the final night of voting in the 2008 primaries. Most likely Obama will win both South Dakota and Montana. At worst there will be a split. Following those results, super delegates on Tuesday night and Wednesday will make their preferences known. Most are expected to back Obama and endorse the will of the people by siding with the leader in pledged delegates - the only score that matters. Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi, Jim Webb, Harry Reid, Jimmy Carter, Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich, Donna Brazile and most of the Senate are widely expected to support Barack Obama and could announce their decisions by the end of this week at the latest. There is almost no chance that this race will drag out longer than this week as "party elders" are worried that the longer this goes, the tougher it will be to prepare for McCain and the race against Republicans in a few months.
So what is next???
For Hillary Clinton the question will be what does she want now. She competed in every state and came close to being the first female nominee to run for President. Does she want the VP spot? A chance to speak at the convention in August? A spot in Obama's cabinet to push for universal health care? Does she want to be positioned for 2012 in case Obama loses? What does she want as a legacy? Will she protect the Clinton legacy? Will she be a good Democrat? Does she want to be Senate majority leader? How about governor or mayor of New York? The Clinton exit strategy will be the focus over the next month or so. Hopefully that exit will be graceful and will contribute to Democratic party unity. I would like to see her go out with a positive legacy. I am also leaning towards a joint "super ticket" of Obama/Clinton for November.
For Barack Obama, the general election starts Tuesday night. Obama will be speaking in Minnesota at the same location of the Republican convention later this year. Minnesota of course will be a swing state in the next election. Tomorrow night could be the most important speech of Obama's political career this far. His Iraq speech in 2003, his Iowa victory speech and his speech on racism following the Rev. Wright controversy is what has brought him to the dance. Quickly he will be expected to unify the party as the general election will likely only be 4-5 months away by the time everything is officially wrapped up. Will he be able to resist the pressure of making Hillary his VP? Can he win over Hispanics, white women, older voters and "white working class Democrats"? Can he do well in the crucial swing states? Can he maintain the excitement and record turnout from his young, educated, affluent and African American base? Who will be his VP and what impact will that person have on his weaknesses of inexperience and among key voting blocks? If not Hillary than who? Obama's speech on Tuesday night should be a barnburner that will provide more clarity on his status as the Democratic candidate, his tone towards Hillary and uniting the party and finally his upcoming campaign theme and early attack lines on McCain and the Republicans. On Tuesday night the Clinton's decade long grip on the Democratic Party ends and Democrats will quickly come to realize this is now the party of Barack Obama. Hopefully there are no secrets in Obama's past that will lead to a so called October surprise...
For John McCain, the real race finally begins. Going forward, McCain no longer has to sit on the sidelines waiting for an opponent. He no longer has to pander to the far right or shore up support among Conservatives. Now that he knows who is opponent will be and also what the main election issues will be, McCain can focus on November and get back in the media spotlight. Unfortunately for him though, his honeymoon with the media is now over and his audience is much different than it has been thus far. Both McCain and Obama are going to have to assume their base is on side so that they can play to their strengths with independent voters. The race to the White House this November will be decided by independents. I suspect Republicans will turn out because the next appointment of a Supreme Court judge will be crucial to the debate on abortion and judicial activism. I believe pro-choice and anti-war Democrats will also turnout on those issues in high numbers. Talk of Hillary supporters (outside of Republicans voting in Democratic primaries) voting for McCain is complete nonsense if the key issues are considered. The big question for McCain is what to do with a little liability called George Bush? Bush is the least popular president in American history but might be required if McCain plans to match his Democratic opponents dollar for dollar in the campaign ahead.
Tomorrow after the results start coming in from South Dakota and Montana; the world and Americans are going to watch as one era comes to an end while a new one begins. Bush and Clinton will soon be the past. McCain and Obama will soon be the future. I extend my congratulations to both John McCain and Barack Obama for winning their tough fought out nominations and wish them both the best as they begin the next phase in their quest to become President of the United States. Change vs. Experience...the choice is now clear!
Hillary Clinton has summoned top donors and backers to attend her New York speech tomorrow night in an unusual move that is being widely interpreted to mean she plans to suspend her campaign and endorse Barack Obama - if not that night, within a day or two.
Obama and Clinton spoke Sunday night and agreed that their staffs should begin negotiations over post-primary activities, according to reliable sources. In addition to seeking Obama's help in raising money to pay off some $20 million-plus in debts, Clinton is known to want Obama to assist black officials who endorsed her and who are now taking constituent heat, including, in some cases, primary challenges from pro-Obama politicians.
"This has never happened before," one donor said, referring to the personalized request by email to attend the event in New York Tuesday night.
Sandra Buckler came under fire after she said the Canadian Forces had not informed the government that they were no longer transferring Afghan detainees to local officials. (Canadian Press)
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Dolores Claman's song had been used on Hockey Night in Canada since 1968. 
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