Carson City Democrats

Strongest at the Top of the Ticket: Several members of Congress released a letter today to other Democrats touting their support for Hillary, saying she is the strongest candidate to have at the top of the ticket in the fall: “[W]e are convinced that Hillary Clinton has the vision, skills and commitment to make the changes our country needs.  As Democrats who have run and won in competitive Congressional districts and battleground states, we believe that Hillary is best positioned to successfully lead the Democratic ticket in districts and states like ours around the country.”  Read the letter.

Automatic Delegate Watch: Hillary received the endorsement of automatic delegate and Congressman Chris Carney (D-PA). Read more.

Honoring the Votes of Millions of People: In a letter written to Sen. Obama yesterday, Hillary urges him to “honor the votes of the millions of people who went to the polls in Florida and Michigan…One of the foremost principles of our party is that citizens be allowed to vote and that those votes be counted.” Read the letter.

Previewing Today: “Hillary Clinton catches up with former Make-A-Wish winner Oregonian, still a big fan, now works for the former first lady's campaign.” Read more.

WV Endorsement Watch: “Former West Virginia Governor Hulett Smith announced his endorsement of Hillary …citing the Senator’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, veterans, and the economy.” Read more.

“Hillary Clinton Would be the Stronger Candidate” The Charleston Daily Mail endorsed Hillary yesterday, saying: “She is by far the more experienced of the Democratic candidates, and the one who has had to learn the most about West Virginia.” Read more.

West Virginia is a Test: At a rally in Charleston, WV yesterday, Hillary said: “I'm running to be president of all 50 states…I think we ought to keep this going so the people of West Virginia's voices are heard…West Virginia is a test…It's a test for me and a test for Sen. Obama.” Read more.

South Dakota “Appearance Thrills Supporters” One South Dakota supporter at Hillary’s Sioux Falls rally yesterday said: “"It feels good to be this close to hopefully the next president.” Read more.

Support for the Farm Bill: Hillary released the following statement today: “Unfortunately, the Bush Administration is signaling that the President will veto the [farm] bill. Saying no to the farm bill would be saying no to rural America. I call on President Bush to get out of the way. When Congress sends President Bush the farm bill, he needs to sign it so we can start taking care of rural America.” Read more.

The AP reports that the American Federation of Government Employees and its President, John Gage, have endorsed Barack Obama. With Gage's superdelegate support, Obama now needs only 164 delegates to secure the nomination...

WASHINGTON (AP) — The American Federation of Government Employees endorsed Barack Obama Friday, giving the Illinois senator fresh momentum toward capturing the Democratic nomination for president.

"Our people, I think, recognize the enthusiasm and vitality behind Senator Obama's campaign," AFGE President John Gage said.

Gage, a previously uncommitted superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, said he is also personally endorsing Obama...

While calling Clinton a friend and saying she has worked hard for federal employees, Gage said some members of AFGE's board also think having Obama as the Democratic nominee would help the Democratic slate as a whole. Obama will do better in "bringing along some of the downticket races," Gage said.

AFGE is the largest federal employee union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

Gage also said it's time for Democrats to move beyond the primary and start concentrating on the November contest against certain Republican presidential nominee John McCain. "I think it's time we start really focusing in on McCain, who just has a terrible record when it comes to federal employees," Gage said.

Click here for our detailed Results Center and do you part to build the movement by making calls to the upcoming states, signing up for a local Vote for Change event this Saturday, or making a small contribution to the campaign. This movement is yours.

From the Washington Post:

Returning to Washington yesterday, Obama was mobbed by well-wishers as he walked onto the House floor. But behind the scenes, his campaign worked with a light touch to win over uncommitted superdelegates and allies of Clinton, mindful of not appearing overconfident and of the fact that they would need the backing of the candidate, her husband and their supporters in the fall.

... With numerous prominent Democrats believed to be waiting in the wings to endorse his candidacy, Obama appears poised to win [the majority of pledged delegates] as early as May 20, when Kentucky and Oregon vote.

... [Obama won] two new superdelegate endorsements yesterday, from Reps. Rick Larsen (Wash.) and Brad Miller (N.C.). Many other unaligned lawmakers said they are likely to remain on the sidelines for the time being, in deference to Clinton.

"Superdelegates understandably would prefer not to be seen as the deciding factor," Obama told reporters between meetings at the Capitol, brushing aside the suggestion that a mass endorsement is in the offing. "I think they respect the process, they respect Senator Clinton and myself."

... In addition to competing in the six remaining contests, Obama will mix in stops to battleground states in the coming weeks, advisers said.

... "We're not going to wake up in the morning after we become the nominee and be unprepared," said campaign manager David Plouffe.

The team is beginning two major grass-roots programs. "Vote for Change," a voter registration drive aimed at signing up millions of Democrats over the next six months, will begin tomorrow with 100 events in all 50 states. An army of "Organizing Fellows" is also being recruited -- full-time volunteers who will be deployed to swing states.

From The Hill:

When unpledged superdelegates Brad Miller (D-N.C.) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) became the latest members of Congress to endorse the Illinois senator on Thursday, Obama for the first time in the Democratic presidential primary race tied Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) in the number of public endorsements from lawmakers [Senators and members of the House of Representatives].

Ten months ago, Clinton led Obama in endorsements from legislators, 51-22. Three months ago, she was up 90-62.

Long gone are the days in which it seemed more than unlikely that a first term senator could get more pledged support among members of Congress than a former first lady whose roots reach deep into the party.

As though he knew that Thursday would be the day in which he caught Clinton in yet another statistic, Obama made a triumphant visit to the House floor earlier in the day and enjoyed a celebrity's welcome.

What makes his latest feat so impressive, apart from the fact that many of the Democrats in the House worked closely together with President Clinton in the 1990s and knew the former first lady from that time, is that it is not just the young lawmakers who have been captivated by Obama's message of hope and change.

Eight of his Senate supporters are committee chairmen. In total, Obama's 14 Senate backers have been serving in the upper chamber for more than 250 years.

In all, Obama and Clinton now have the public support of 99 lawmakers and it is likely that Obama will hit the century mark first.

From the Bowling Green Daily News:

With two weeks remaining until the state primary election, local supporters of Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign got a boost Tuesday thanks to a visit from one of the Illinois Democrat's more prominent backers.

Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus spoke to about 20 supporters and campaign volunteers at the Obama campaign's Bowling Green office, motivating them to make as many calls as they can to potential voters and urging them to support Obama.

"For the first time in a long time, we've got a candidate in Barack Obama who doesn't try to divide us," Mabus said.

At the time of his election in 1987, Mabus was the youngest governor in the United States.

... [Mabus] believed that Obama's performances in several primary victories makes him best qualified to take on Republican Sen. John McCain in the general election.

"States that Republicans have taken for granted are going to be back in the mix and we need a strong person at the top of the ticket," Mabus said.

Obama won the Mississippi Democratic primary with 61 percent of the vote.

From KDLT TV:

It was business as usual today for those working for [the Obama campaign].

Senator Barack Obama's campaigners spent the day talking to South Dakota voters about 'his' plans for the presidency.

Obama's SD Director, Nathan Peterson says, "We started our campaign in SD over a month ago and had a very aggressive effort to get out one on one the phone calls and canvassing efforts and get out the message of Obama's positions on reducing cost of gas, food, trying to make healthcare more affordable in SD and across the country."

Senator Obama is planning on a campaign stop in South Dakota as soon as a schedule can be worked out.

From the East Oregonian:

Presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign in Oregon has officially opened an office in Pendleton and plans a open house 5-8 p.m. Thursday.

The office at 27 S.W. Frazer Ave. is the northeast Oregon headquarters for the Obama for America campaign. And it may be the first official presidential campaign office in Pendleton during primary season since Robert Kennedy opened one in 1968.

Although this week the office is an official part of Obama for Oregon, supporters of the Democratic senator from Illinois have worked out of the space for more than a week.

... The Obama campaign has 17 offices in Oregon, and Shapiro said there may be more to come. That just goes to show the "personal touch" this campaign is using to spread Obama's message of change, Shapiro said.

Before the Pendleton office made the list, the Obama campaign was active in the area with plenty of volunteers, something Shapiro said has been happening since the start of the presidential race.

He said Oregon volunteers organized and starting campaigning for Obama as a grassroots effort long before the candidate formally set up shop in the state.

Shapiro also said he's heard about unofficial Obama offices in other communities.

"We are all over this state," Shapiro said.

The AP reports that two more superdelegates are throwing their support behind Senator Obama, bringing the total number of delegates Obama needs for the nomination down to 165...

Click here for the delegate breakdown at our Results Center and if you can, please make a donation to help further build the momentum.

Remember, the Vote For Change registration drive kicks off this Saturday in all 50 states. There's still time to sign up for an event near you.

This is your Thursday Night Open Thread . . .

Hillary ramped up her campaign in West Virginia on Wednesday, holding a mid-morning event with hundreds of thrilled supporters in Shepherdstown on Wednesday. Chelsea gave a heart-warming introduction of her mother in this college town, while Hillary talked about the tough challenges we face and the real solutions she offers. Hillary will work hard every day for West Virginians and the nation, addressing the issues impacting our families, like health care, jobs and economic crises.

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Click here to visit the West Virginia page and learn more about what's happening in the Mountain State.

One of the advantages of this long primary has been the opportunity it's provided to speak with and listen to so many people, in large rallies and small town halls, all across America. While campaigning in Indiana last week, Barack spent over half an hour answering questions from the people of Kokomo, addressing the issues that effect all of us. Here's the video of the full question and answer session:

You can watch more videos and highlights from the campaign trail at YouTube.com/BarackObama.

In addition to opening up new offices statewide, Oregon for Hillary has been growing at an exponential pace.  We’re seeing more volunteers than ever come in through our doors and the excitement level has gone through the roof.  With just 12 days until ballots are due, Oregonians clearly want their say in this election about who is the best candidate who can defeat John McCain this fall.

Take a look at some of the photos below.  Have an Oregon for Hillary photo to share with us? Send it to orblog@hillaryclinton.com.

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Click here to visit the Oregon page and learn more about what's happening in the Beaver State.

Kelly is a volunteer from Louisville, Kentucky.

Wednesday morning we had a very strong showing with a very enthusiastic group of 16 Hillary supporters gathered to show their support for the Senator during the morning rush hours at the intersection of Bardstown Road and Eastern Parkway here in Louisville.  Our morning visibility was especially significant because we not only had the ability to celebrate our Indiana victory but it kicked-off our increased efforts here in Louisville after sharing our resources with Indiana in support of our neighbor's primary.

Everyone driving by was thrilled to honk and holler in support Hillary after our Indiana victory. All the people taking their morning walks and waiting for the bus were also enthusiastic about Hillary and we recruited a bunch of new volunteers to come down to headquarters to volunteer for the campaign.

Kentuckians are very excited that the focus is now on them and their primary on May 20th.  With less than two weeks to go until our primary, I'm counting down the days until I cast my vote for Hillary.  In the meantime I'm planning on having a good time while working round the clock to do everything I can to ensure Hillary becomes the next president of this great country.

Click here to visit the Kentucky page and learn more about what's happening in the Bluegrass State.

The AP reports that Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) has endorsed Barack Obama for President. Senator Obama now needs just 167 delegates to secure the nomination... 

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Rick Larsen said Thursday that he is endorsing Barack Obama for president.

Larsen, a four-term Democrat who represents Everett, Bellingham and other areas north of Seattle, said Obama was "the best candidate to turn our best hopes for a better future into reality."

Obama's performance this week in primaries in North Carolina and Indiana show "he can take a pounding and come back strong to deliver his message of hope and change. He is tough as nails," Larsen said.

Larsen joins at least four other Washington "superdelegates" who have endorsed the Illinois senator: Gov. Chris Gregoire; Reps. Adam Smith and Brian Baird, his state chairman; and Pat Notter, a member of the Democratic National Committee.

Let's keep building the momentum... Sign up to participate in our 50-state voter registration drive on Saturday, and if you can, make a donation to help grow the movement! 

Obama discusses what Israel means to him on the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer...

Here's Obama's statement on Israel's 60th Independence Day...

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the fulfillment of a dream -- the independence of the State of Israel. Throughout many centuries, Jews held fast to the hope of returning as free people to the land of their ancestors. Blessed with visionary leaders like Theodore Herzl and David Ben-Gurion, in the 20th century they began to take the practical steps necessary to build a modern state. Against all odds, and overcoming obstacles from international indifference, to hostile opposition in the region, to the murderous crimes of the Nazis, the leaders of the Zionist movement declared the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. In their moment of triumph, they were immediately plunged into a war for their new nation's very survival. Because of the courage and commitment of its people, Israel did survive. While threats to its existence have endured, Israelis have built their nation into a strong, vibrant democracy, with a prosperous economy, a rich cultural life, and a deep friendship with the United States that benefits both our peoples in so many ways. Even in hard times, Israelis have so much to be proud of. As the Jewish State continues to grow and prosper, the United States will always stand with Israel to ensure it can defend itself against threat of terrorism and violence, from as close as Gaza and as far as Tehran. We must never waver in our unshakeable commitment help Israel achieve its goal of true security through lasting peace with its neighbors.

On this happy occasion, I send congratulations and warm wishes to President Peres, Prime Minister Olmert, and the Israeli people, and I join with Jews and friends of Israel everywhere in celebrating Israel's 60th Independence Day. 

Chicago, IL – Today, United States Congressman Brad Miller (D-NC) endorsed Barack Obama, citing his commitment to fighting for policies that honor America’s working families and his leadership taking on the subprime mortgage crisis.

Miller is a superdelegate from North Carolina.  His endorsement brings the total number of superdelegates to endorse Obama to 263.  Senator Obama is 168 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination. 

Congressman Miller said, “Senator Obama understands that he has the chance not just to win the election this year, but to be a great president. Americans know that Republican policies have failed because their ideas are wrong. Americans know that our government has not acted, to use Franklin Roosevelt’s words, as trustees for the whole people, but have taken the side of powerful economic interests on every issue. Americans want a fundamental change in course.  Senator Obama has seized that opportunity.

 “If Senator Obama and Democratic candidates up and down the ticket win this year and then deliver next year, we can build a consensus that will last a generation.

 “I look forward to serving on a unified Democratic ticket with Senator Obama.  He has shown great vision, strength and resilience during a very tough campaign against a worthy opponent.” 

Senator Obama said, “We are grateful today for Congressman Brad Miller’s support. In this time of economic turmoil, Congressman Miller has shown real leadership in fighting to crack down on predatory lenders and provide relief for struggling homeowners. Our campaign was fortunate to have record numbers of voters turn out to support our movement for change this week in North Carolina, and I’m proud to have Congressman Miller’s support as we continue this fight to bring about real change for families across the country.”

WASHINGTON, DC -- After Barack Obama's big victory in North Carolina and close finish in Indiana left no doubt that he is on the path to securing the Democratic nomination, Students for Barack Obama today called on the superdelegates who represent young voters to certify the youth vote by publically committing to support Obama at the convention. 

"Barack Obama has inspired students and young voters across the country to mobilize in historic numbers behind his candidacy," said Meredith Segal, National Director of Students for Barack Obama.  "Barack has won the most contests, the most pledged delegates, and the most votes – his path to the nomination is clear, and his victory is imminent.  He is the candidate who has empowered our generation and the one who embodies our ideals.  It is time for the leaders of the College Democrats of America and the Young Democrats of America who are superdelegates to certify the will of young voters across the country by uniting behind Barack Obama.    David Hardt, Crystal Strait, Awais Khaleel, and Lauren Wolfe should publically commit this week to voting for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver."

In contests where demographic data are available, Obama has won an average of 62% of the youth vote compared to Clinton's 34%.  He won the youth vote in every contest except for Arkansas and Massachusetts, where he lost by 1%.  In this week's contests, Obama won the youth vote in North Carolina by 49% and in Indiana by 22%.

If You Watch One Thing Today: On CNN yesterday, Howard Wolfson described the path forward.  Watch here.

Superdelegate Watch: Yesterday, Rep. Heath Shuler of North Carolina announced his support for Hillary.  Read more.

Previewing Today: Hillary hosts “Solutions for America” rallies in Charleston, WV, Sioux Falls, SD, and Central Point, OR.

I’ve Come Back: Last night, before “a crowd of 1,500 gathered at a ‘Generations of Women for Hillary’ event, Hillary said: “I’ve been counted out more than once. But thanks to all of you I’ve come back,…When I was counted out in New Hampshire, it was the women of New Hampshire who came back and said, ‘No, she’s not finished yet.’ When I was counted out before Super Tuesday it was women from California to Massachusetts who came and said ‘No, we’re not finished yet.’ When I was counted out before Ohio, before Indiana, we have always come back.” Read more.

Shepherdstown, WV: Hillary spoke “before a charged and raucous crowd of about 350 people at Shepherd University” yesterday.  At the event, Hillary said, “I’m staying in this race until there’s a nominee.”  Read more.

Making Her Presence Known in the Magic City (aka Billings, MT): “Montana for Hillary supporters opened their campaign office on Monday evening in downtown Billings and people gathered to rally and show support for the New York senator…‘It’s a real positive feeling here in Billings and around the state of Montana…People are very supportive of Hillary…she connects with them,’” said Yellowstone Country Commissioner Bill Kennedy. Read more.

GOTV in WV: Across West Virginia, elected leaders are joining volunteers in knocking on doors, making calls, and holding visibilities to get out the vote for Hillary. “If there was ever a critical time to vote in a primary election, this is it…The Mountain State has made the difference in choosing a President before and we can do it again by supporting Hillary Clinton," said Kent Carper, President of the Kanawha County Commission. Read more.

On Tap: Tomorrow, Hillary holds a campaign event in Portland, OR and will deliver remarks to the Kentucky Democratic Party dinner in Louisville, KY.

If you've visited our YouTube page recently, you might have noticed that we just passed 1,000 videos there -- thanks to our tireless video road crew that puts up clips after all of Barack's events.

Check it out...

This Saturday, Americans from all across the country will participate in our national voter registration drive, Vote for Change. With more than 100 events in all fifty states, you can find an event near you and start creating change from the bottom up. After a brief training, we’ll hit the streets to register voters.

Like the Organizing Fellows program, this is a chance to live out the ideals and practices of our candidate, who passed up Wall Street to register voters after graduating from Harvard Law School. Watch this video to learn about how Obama led a voter registration drive in the early 90's that changed Illinois...

Saturday's events are the beginning of a six-month voter registration drive that could reshape the electoral map. If more Americans get involved, get registered and show up to vote, we're not just going to win an election, we're going to change the country.

If you're looking for an incredible summer experience and an opportunity to change this country, you should apply for the Obama Organizing Fellowship today...

This is a chance to be on the frontlines of this campaign, organizing in states across the country, reaching voters on a grassroots level, and taking Obama's message of change to the American people... In other words, the chance to be a part of history.

And it's a chance to live out Obama's message of organizing from the bottom up. This is what Obama's been doing his whole life -- working with ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things...

There is only one week left to apply for this opportunity. Please send in applications by Thursday, May 15th at midnight eastern time. 

From the Associated Press:

Barack Obama's march toward the Democratic presidential nomination picked up support from four more superdelegates Wednesday, pushing him ever closer to victory ...

... Though Obama padded his delegate lead in Tuesday's primaries, most uncommitted superdelegates still want to remain on the sidelines. The Associated Press interviewed more than 70 undeclared superdelegates or their representatives Wednesday, and many said they don't want to get involved until the voting ends June 3.

... Virginia state House member Jennifer McClellan is one of at least nine superdelegates who have switched from Clinton to Obama since the Super Tuesday primaries on Feb. 5. There have been no public switches in the other direction.

"I think the time has come to support Senator Obama as the likely nominee," McClellan said in a conference call with reporters. "Given what happened last night, it's very unlikely we will have a different result, and it is time to come together as a party and prepare for victory against John McCain in November."

Obama also got the support of North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek, North Carolina Democratic National Committee member Jeanette Council and California DNC member Inola Henry.

... "I think that Senator Obama is going to be a tremendous boost for down-ballot races in North Carolina," Meek told the AP. "He's going to turn out segments of the electorate - particularly young people and African-Americans - who have historically low turnout levels. That will help candidates up and down the ballot."

From the Rapid City Journal:

Superdelegate Kalyn Free, one of the most influential women in Native American politics, announced on Monday her support for Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

Her endorsement brings solid consensus in support of Obama among all Native superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention this August in Denver.

"I'm seeing a rebirth and reawakening in this country to political activism," Free, a DNC at-large member, said Monday. "We're seeing something in this country we haven't seen since the late '60s. We're seeing record numbers of people getting involved. The catalyst for all this, the common denominator, is Sen. Barack Obama. He has lit a fire in many hearts across the country."

The Choctaw woman from Oklahoma said she embraces Obama's commitment to bring Native people into the national political discussion, including a pledge to invite tribes to an annual White House summit and to include Natives in his administration.

Free is one of only three Natives nationwide who have risen to the top voting ranks as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention.

From the Lexington Herald-Leader:

"Kentucky matters a lot and we're excited to be here," said Betsy Myers [chief operating officer of Obama's campaign], who left her post as head of the Center for Public Leadership at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in January to join the campaign. "Barack will be here a lot."

... She said the benefit to Obama of an extended primary is that he can personally deliver his message of change to Kentucky voters, which will help him gain in the polls and lay the groundwork for the fall general election.

"As they know us, they come our way," she said of voters.

... Myers told the Democratic women Wednesday that Obama has repeatedly backed up his calls for change with actions, such as announcing energy conservation policies in front of automakers in Detroit and describing a proposed federal gas tax holiday as a "political gimmick."

"It's refreshing, isn't it, that someone isn't going to test the polls every five minutes?" Myers asked rhetorically.

... Both campaigns have opened more than a dozen local offices in Kentucky.

From KATU TV:

Now that the Indiana and North Carolina primaries are out of the way, the race for the Democratic presidential nomination moves to Oregon.

The Clinton and Obama campaigns tell KATU News it is time to kick things up a notch ahead of the May 20 primary.

The Obama side touts its grassroots campaign, which continues to grow.

"We've registered more than 30,000 Democrats in Oregon. That's going to change the makeup of the political landscape here," said Shapiro.

... The Obama campaign claims it has 35,000 people signed up to help.

... The Obama campaign announced they have received new support from over half of the Democrats in the Oregon Legislature.

From the Bluefield Daily Telegraph:

It's a new day in politics for West Virginia — and an exciting one at that. Not since John F. Kennedy campaigned for president in 1960 have Mountain State voters actually had a hand in selecting a presidential candidate.

... Roadside signs and campaign activists supporting Obama are flourishing across the southern counties — side-by-side with literature and promoters of the Clinton camp.

... When you think about it, it's a great day to be an American.

No matter your preference of candidate for the Democratic nomination, the Clinton-Obama battle is proof that people — even the "little people" — still have a voice in government.

Rich, poor, rural or cosmopolitan, each and every vote is crucial in this election. And that's the way our forefathers envisioned the political structure of this country when they designed our blueprint for government while penning the Declaration of Independence and, later, the Constitution more than 200 years ago.

... The Clinton-Obama battle has once again generated excitement, passion and enthusiasm in our election process — and not just among political aficionados.

Average Joes — and Josephines — are inspired by this race, and the possibility their vote will make a difference.

Breaking from ABC...

Bonior, a former Michigan congressman, was once the second highest ranking Democrat in the House, and is influential with labor unions. 

Tuesday night's results were said to be key to Bonior's decision -- specifically the fact that Obama's lead over Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, appears insurmountable. 

Bonior is also said to like Obama's general positive tone, as well as Obama's message of change and stance against taking money from federal lobbyists.

Stay tuned for an update on this endorsement! And if you can, make a small donation to grow this movement and help secure the nomination for Barack...

They're talking about you:

So midway through the returns last night, I went hunting for news from the world live web. I focused on the comment streams on Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's official blogs, thinking that they might be a useful mirror into the hearts and minds of each candidate's most die-hard supporters. And indeed, in a rough and dirty way, that's what I found.

... The best Obama blog comment I spotted was this one: "This Chardonnay sipping, latte loving NPR addict is having a six-pack tonight : )" 

... My rough estimate on the intensity of the conversation was that Clinton's blog got a new comment once every 60 or 70 seconds, while Obama's commenters popped in about once every 20 seconds.

I know these soundings are subjective. But I think they're as interesting as news stories where reporters talk to a few people in a coffee shop about their reactions to the race. Actually, I think they're more informative, because blog commenters on a campaign website tend to be passionate supporters of a candidate. Right now, the Obama campaign site has logged more than 7200 comments on about a half dozen blog posts since about midnight last night.

This is your late night Open Thread. Make them proud . . .