Steve_Gehlbach's Blog

No, I'm not talking about Oprah. I'm talking about Obama's interview with Bill O'Reilly.

This is the first time the candidate has gone on the factor and the interview aired in parts over the last few days.

Did anyone watch? What did you think? Who came out ahead?

I just thought it was good to see a political interview that wasn't all politicalese, or campaign-speak. It showed Obama in a different way then you usually see him on the stump and speaking. and I liked the O'Reilly "no spin" approach that wouldn't let him wander.

We're running the entire speech from Denver right now. what do you think of the prose? did he accomplish what he set out to do? was it all just rhetoric, or did he give enough specifics?

BTW, what did you think of the set now that you've seen it in full glory?

The Dem's convention is two weeks from tonight, and still no veep announcement. I thought it would come this week. When do you think we'll hear something. I don't think he'd do it Friday going into the weekend....maybe next Monday to get the news-cycle going for the week? Or maybe McCain will try to trump him and announce right before or after him.

I heard a senior reporter from one of the big networks tonight say the media traveling with Sen. Oama have not gotten very much access. a lot of the footage in Iraq and with soldiers was all shot by the DoD and everything was set up by the military...no journalists in sight. I can understand this to a point, but I've also seen every network claim they're getting an "Exclusive" interview with the candidate. the only thing exclusive is that one gets him one night, another the next, and another the next....how is that exclusive?

and anyone want to comment on how the national media are all over in the Mideast now and reporting on Obama and not when Sen. McCain visited?

we're likely a couple weeks away from hearing who McCain and Obama will pick as runningmates.

anyone want to place odds. I just read how Mitt Romney's stock is rising on the GOP side...or what about Charlie? (I think Mitt's summer tan may out-bronze our Governor) or will Crist's wedding plans help him get on the ticket?

as for Obama, I really don't think he'll pick Hillary, because then he'd have to deal with Bill. One name now being vetted is Senator Chris Dodd. I think I'd still put my bet on soneone like Biden or Warner from Virgina.

Looks like Access Hollywood has an exclusive 4-part interview with Barak Obama's 10 and 7 year old daughters. Do you care what the possible First Kids have to say? I remember the Clintons keeping a tight wrap on Chelsea. She was off limits to the press. Will it be different if Obama is elected? Maybe the girls can make a series of movies and build an empire like the Olson twins if they ever make it to the White House. 

Hillary Clinton isn't giving up. She's going to push super-delegates to give her the nomination because when you add up all the votes (I think even taking MI out) she has the most. She will win the popular vote, but lose in the delegate count.

Which should count? Should democrats pick nominees like republicans with winner-take-all primaries? If they did, Clinton would have wrapped up the nomination months ago.

As part of my story tonight we showed a few people a photo and asked if they recognized this person:

would you be able to tell this is our Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp?

He could take over more responsibility if Crist ends up on the GOP ticket, or in the V.P. office.

BTW, the Lt. Governor holds no formal power...just there to take over if anythign happens to the Gov.

Governor Crist is in Arizona this weekend at a friendly BBQ at John McCain's place. Other possible V.P. candidates are also there.

Do you think having our Governor running for the #2 job will be good for FL? What shot does he have of landing on the ticket? Is there a better choice? Does McCain even need Crist as VP to win Florida?

and while we're at it...assuming Obama wraps up the nomination, who should he pick?

I thought I heard this idea floated this week and wanted to see if anyone knew anything more about it, or if it would ever happen?

Instead of waiting till the Democratic Convention in Denver in August, the super delegates would all meet in June, after primary season, to pick a candidate eariler.

either way, I think this is about to get messy(if not already) and Florida will be right in the middle of the fight.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other democratic leaders are now saying the super-delegates should not overrule the will of hte people and go ahead and back the candidate with the most popular votes and pledged delegates. that seems like an endorsement of Barak Obama, who will likely keep his slim lead over Hillary Clinton after all the primaries.

should they vote with the people? or use their own free will(like some Clinton supporters urge)? and if they don't pick Obama, what impact would that have going into November? would Democrats likely stay home or vote for McCain?

An announcement on another Florida Democrat Primary, this time by mail, could come as early as Thursday.

For Democrats, would you vote again? Would your vote be different? and if it's a state-run election and everyone gets a new chance to register and change parties, would any republicans change parties just for a new primary to vote for Obama or Clinton?

looking back, our Jan. 29th Primary did decide a couple things...weeding out Edwards and Rudi. but the Democrats still haven't settled on a candidate.

Depending on what happens tonight in Ohio and Texas, both Obama and Clinton could still be fighting it out. and the next big state on the primary would have been Florida if we didn't move up. the FL Primary would have been a week from today on March 11th. It was meaningless in 2004, but looks like just staying put in 2008 would have been a difference maker.