The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Google Images

U.S. Senator John McCain has wrapped up the nomination for the Republican Party seven years after his initial attempt in 2000. Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was gracious in his concession speech, congratulating McCain, and vowing to work hard for his campaign. On the other side of the aisle, Barack Obama may have had the rug pulled out from under him by a surging Hillary Clinton. After losing 12 straight primaries and caucuses, including Vermont, on March 4, Senator Clinton went on to win Texas, Rhode Island, and Ohio back-to-back, stopping the momentum gained by Obama since Super Tuesday.

The election is only the start of the problems facing the Obama campaign this week: a former business associate of Obama's, Tony Rezko, has started his trial for allegations of extortion, money laundering, and fraud. Rezko is best-known as the man Hillary Clinton referred to as "A slumlord in inner city Chicago" during a Democratic debate where she slammed Obama's connections with him.

Clinton's victories on the March 4 primaries come after a week of well-received talk show appearances. Clinton appeared on Saturday Night Live, and delivered an "editorial response" to the skit previously shown that mocked a recent debate, and the perception that Obama is never asked difficult questions. During her response, she complimented SNL cast member Amy Poehler's impression of her. Amy Poehler then came from offstage, dressed exactly like Hillary, including hair and earrings. Poehler even imitated Hillary's trademark laugh, to which Hillary asked, "do I really laugh like that?" Clinton also had a successful appearance on The Daily Show with John Stewart, where she delivered her lines well, and got big laughs from the audience and Stewart.

The ability to appear naturally on these comedy shows may have made an impression on the young voters Clinton is so desperately trying to siphon away from Obama, who has a clear advantage among the youth. However, Clinton also made news this week for putting out what is probably the most famous ad of the 2008 political season thus far. The ad, nicknamed "The 3 a.m. call ad," shows members of a sleeping suburban family in the middle of the night. A phone rings in the background as a camera pans over a sleeping baby, and a young child. A concerned mother opens the door to her child's room. A voiceover says, "You will decide who answers this call." The ad closes with a shot of Hillary Clinton on the phone. Many have accused the Clinton campaign of fear mongering in this ad, which aired only in Texas.

With John McCain now the Republican nominee, the GOP has a chance to rally behind him. It has been a slow start for McCain to earn the support of the far right due to his moderate stances on social issues, like immigration and campaign finance reform. The Democratic race is less resolved than ever after March 4. Many experts believed that if Hillary could not win Ohio and Texas she would end her White House bid. Emerging victorious, Clinton has re-established herself as a strong competitor after a long losing streak.

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