 |
|
The Morning Grind / Political Hot Topics |
Books, politics and former mayors wanting more
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Check out the links below to hot political stories around the country this morning.
AMBIVALENCE ON KERRY: Many Democratic voters, officials and even members of Kerry's staff express an ambivalence -- or angst -- about their presidential candidate that belies this strong public standing. These Democrats say the enthusiasm for defeating Bush runs much stronger and deeper than the passion for electing Kerry. The chief reason: Kerry, they say, has not crisply articulated what a Kerry presidency would stand for beyond undoing much of the Bush agenda. So far, these concerns have not slowed the presumptive Democratic nominee.
The Washington Post: Doubts linger as Kerry advances
LOW-KEY VILSACK: Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack holds the distinction of being perhaps the least known of those being seriously scrutinized by the Kerry campaign as a potential vice presidential running mate. Allies say he would be a bright and articulate spokesman for Democrats, a fresh face to inspire some media buzz but not so sparkling (like the glib and handsome John Edwards) as to steal the limelight from Kerry. He also has a dramatic biography.
The Los Angeles Times: A low-key Iowa Governor receives the V.P. treatment
EDWARDS FOR VP -- POLL: Edwards is favored among registered voters to be the Democratic vice presidential candidate, according to an Associated Press poll. But his name on the ticket would not automatically boost Democratic prospects. A pairing of Edwards and Kerry would tie with the Republican tandem of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. That's no better than Kerry's current showing in head-to-head matchups against Bush, according to the AP poll, conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs.
The Kansas City Star: Poll shows Edwards favored as running mate
SENATORS FOR EDWARDS: Democratic senators and Senate candidates are pressing Kerry to name one of their own, North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, as his running mate, in part because they believe Edwards would help Democrats in five tossup races in the South and give the party a fighting chance to recapture control of the Senate.
The New York Times: From the Senate, a chorus rises in support of Edwards
BACK ON THE TRAIL: Bush and Kerry resume campaigning today, after a break to mourn former President Ronald Reagan. They're also resuming their television ads after a one-day hiatus Friday, the day Reagan was buried. Today, Bush heads to Liberty, Missouri, to promote Medicare prescription drug benefits. Kerry is off to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Columbus, Ohio, for events focusing on the economy.
The Fox Carolina: Bush and Kerry back to campaigning after national mourning for Reagan ends
CALLING IN REINFORCEMENTS: On his most recent overseas trip, Bush reportedly asked Vatican officials earlier this month to promote socially conservative values in the United States more aggressively -- a further sign that the Catholic Church and its members could play a key role in this year's presidential campaign. Bush told a Vatican official that "not all the American bishops are with me" on social issues, according to an article in the independent journal National Catholic Reporter. Bush focused especially on gay marriage, the article said.
The Boston Globe: Report says Bush sought Vatican help
ARNOLD AT THE CONVENTION: Aides to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger say he is committed to attending the Republican National Convention, an appearance that carries unusual complexities. If Schwarzenegger skips the four-day convention, he risks snubbing his party's nominee. If he goes, he could alienate California Democrats and independent voters who've embraced him even while wanting Bush defeated. It is not certain that Schwarzenegger will deliver a prime-time speech. But he'll hardly be ignored. Network news executives say Schwarzenegger will surely emerge as one of the more compelling stories of a convention where the drama tends to be minimal, the outcome preordained.
The Los Angeles Times: Governor plans to be there for Bush
BOOKS AND POLITICS: As former President Bill Clinton prepares for a barrage of publicity and a cross-country tour to promote his memoirs, his political advisers are consulting with the Democratic Party and Kerry's campaign about ways that Clinton can lend a political hand in the process. They also say that whenever his book-selling obligations allow, Clinton is eager to pitch in for the party by plugging Kerry and subtly putting down Republicans at book-selling events, and by speaking at fund-raisers or campaign stops on his tour.
The New York Times: Clinton planning to use book tour to assist Kerry
KERRY'S FLAGS: Kerry says he is intent on not letting the Republican Party appropriate the American flag for partisan political gain, and yesterday he offered fresh proof, as he flew to Washington aboard a campaign plane freshly emblazoned in dual American flags. Depicted as though fluttering in a breeze, the 38-by-13-foot flags cover part of the fuselage of the Boeing 757 chartered by the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
The Boston Globe: Old Glory freshly adorns Kerry's airplane
PRIMARY BATTLES: During a Kerry campaign visit, Missouri Gov. Bob Holden (D) and primary challenger Claire McCaskill uncomfortably stood just a few feet apart on the stage -- he to the right and she to the left of Kerry. Kerry briefly identified Holden and McCaskill to the cheering crowd. No more was said about them. Contrast that with the treatment that Kerry accorded state Treasurer Nancy Farmer at the same June 2 rally in Kansas City. Two hugs, generous praise and a chance for the Democratic candidate for Senate to address the thousands packing an airplane hangar at the city's downtown airport.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch: In KC appearance, Farmer basks in Kerry's spotlight
ARAB AMERICAN VOTE: Arab Americans from across the country gathered in Arlington, Virginia, this weekend to discuss how to mobilize their communities in a crucial election year. But they face one challenge that might hinder their efforts: a lack of money.
The Detroit Free Press: Arab Americans seek election plan
REAGAN FAMILY VS. BUSH? The family of former President Ronald Reagan declared political war on the White House yesterday over Bush's ban on stem cell research. Patti Davis, Reagan's daughter from his storybook marriage to Nancy Reagan, said yesterday that her mother "has emerged as a central figure in the effort to get the federal government out of the way."
The New York Daily News: Gloves off in Reagan stem war
MAYOR FOR LIFE: Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry yesterday formally declared his candidacy for the D.C. Council seat in Ward 8, saying he is emerging from political retirement to save his community from mismanaged schools, skyrocketing home prices and neglectful city leaders.
The Washington Post: Barry launches bid for D.C. council
