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	Archive June 30, 2008 Candidates Fight to Disprove Smears, Set Record Straight to Voters This presidential campaign is different than previous years - it's the first in which campaigns are forced to confront nearly constant Web attacks and rumors from both amateurs and organized partisans. Media experts discuss the trend. June 30, 2008 Candidates Square Off Over Patriotism Remarks Both presidential candidates, Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., addressed the issue of patriotism after Gen. Wesley Clark questioned McCain's qualifications. NewsHour correspondent Kwame Holman reports. June 27, 2008 Shields, Brooks Take Up Campign News, Court Rulings Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama campaigned with former rival Sen. Hillary Clinton at a rally Friday in Unity, N.H. and the Supreme Court issues a week of weighty decisions. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks examine the week's political news. June 24, 2008 Obama Camp Seeks to Redefine Battlegrounds, Focus on Policy With the general election now in full swing, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are busy shaping their campaign strategies. David Axelrod, a top Obama adviser, discusses how his team is approaching the trail. June 23, 2008 Candidates Stump in Battleground Western States Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain took shots at each other over energy policy as they each toured Western states, hoping to drive home their message in what could be new battlegrounds this campaign season. June 20, 2008 Shields, Brooks Discuss Obama's Fundraising Shift, McCain's Energy Proposal Tensions between the presumptive presidential nominees escalated over Sen. Barack Obama's refusal of public funds and Sen. John McCain's call to lift a ban on offshore drilling. Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the political news of the week. June 19, 2008 In a Strategic Shift, Obama Opts to Forgo Public Financing Sen. Barack Obama said Thursday he will opt out of public financing during the general election. A legal expert and a political reporter examine how the move will impact the race and Sen. John McCain's funding options. June 19, 2008 McCain and Obama Tout Differing Energy Plans Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are honing their stances on climate and energy policy, focusing on issues like the federal gas tax and offshore drilling. Advisers for each campaign examine the energy policy debate. June 16, 2008 Web Tools Help to Reshape '08 Campaign Trail A new report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project finds that a record-breaking 46 percent of Americans have used the Internet, e-mail or cell phone text messaging to get news about the campaigns. Analysts examine how new Web-based tools are expanding the campaign trail. June 16, 2008 Obama, McCain Talk Economy, Iraq on the Campaign Trail Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain hit the campaign trail yesterday to discuss their views on economic policy and Iraq. Kwame Holman reports on the state of the campaign. June 12, 2008 U.S. Election Grabs Intense Interest Overseas The 2008 presidential election has sparked the world's attention, with some looking ahead to possible foreign policy shifts under a new administration, a new poll shows. Reporters from international media outlets gauge foreign reaction to the historic race. June 10, 2008 McCain and Obama Trade Jabs Over Economic Strategies Presumptive presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain offered contrasting approaches to mend a sluggish economy this week, with Obama emphasizing an active government role in providing assistance and McCain calling for lower taxes and spending cuts. June 9, 2008 McCain, Obama Aim to Redraw Electoral Map Presumptive presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama both claim that they can redraw the electoral map this year by courting voters from the other party's traditional base. Political analysts Stuart Rothenberg and Amy Walter discuss the 2008 electoral map. June 8, 2008 Ask Mark Shields and David Brooks Your Questions on the Campaigns What are the prospects for the Obama-McCain match-up? What tools might each candidate use to build a case for the White House? And what should voters keep an eye out for on the campaign trail? Regular NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks take your questions on all things politics. June 7, 2008 Clinton Ends Historic Campaign, Fully Endorses Obama Sen. Hillary Clinton suspended her run for president Saturday, ending the most successful campaign by a female presidential candidate for a major political party in U.S. history. June 6, 2008 Obama, McCain Plot Campaign Strategies as Clinton Exits With the Democratic primary race in the rear-view mirror, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are trading the opening shots of their general election campaigns. Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks assess the political road ahead. June 5, 2008 Democrats Turn to Unifying Party After Primaries With the nomination in Sen. Barack Obama's hands and Sen. Hillary Clinton planning her formal exit from the race, Democratic leaders are eyeing the general election. A panel of lawmakers and analysts discuss how to bring the party together after the divisive primaries. June 4, 2008 Obama Claims Victory, Clinton Weighs Next Moves After a long primary race, Sen. Barack Obama is beginning his first days as the presumptive Democratic nominee as Sen. Hillary Clinton is weighing her next moves. June 4, 2008 Obama's Victory, Clinton's Endgame Cap Primaries As the primary campaigns conclude, columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks talk to Judy Woodruff about what the Democrats must do to unite after their unusually lengthy primary season and the prospects for a general election contest between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain. June 4, 2008 Obama Breaks Political Ground En Route to Nomination Sen. Barack Obama claimed victory Tuesday in the Democratic nominating battle, poising himself to become the first black presidential candidate to compete in a general election for a major political party. Historians and analysts discuss Obama's history-making moment. June 3, 2008 Obama Claims Status of Presumptive Nominee; Clinton Weighs Future Fueled by a mix of delegates won in the last two states and a score of super delegate announcements, Sen. Barack Obama claimed the mantle of presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. June 2, 2008 Hard-Fought Democratic Primary Race Nears the Finish Line The last remaining states to vote in the Democratic nominating race, Montana and South Dakota, head to the polls Tuesday -- and all eyes are on Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as the epic race nears a close. Political reporters discuss the candidates' next moves. June 2, 2008 Education Issues Weigh on Tribal Voters in South Dakota, Montana With sizeable populations in the last two states to vote in the Democratic primary, Native American voters have emerged as a highly sought-after voting bloc ahead of Tuesday's voting in Montana and South Dakota. May 31, 2008 Mich., Fla. Delegates Partially Reinstated after Raucous DNC Showdown Following a daylong and bruising meeting of the Democratic National Committee rules panel, the party reinstated half of the delegate votes to Florida and Michigan, a decision that dealt a major blow to the presidential hopes of Sen. Hillary Clinton. May 30, 2008 Democrats Face Turning Point in Fla., Mich. Delegate Debate On Saturday, the Democratic rules committee will meet to decide the fate of the delegates chosen in renegade primaries in Michigan and Florida -- a critical moment in the race between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Mark Shields and David Brooks examine the Democratic race. May 28, 2008 Democrats Seek to Resolve Dispute Over Fla., Mich. Votes The Democratic Party's Rules and Bylaws Committee meets on May 31 in an effort to resolve an impasse over how votes from Michigan and Florida's renegade primaries should be factored into the nominating battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. May 26, 2008 Young Voters Predict Big Impact on Fall Election Judy Woodruff talks with three students and youth vote experts, including executive director of Rock the Vote, Heather Smith, about the role young voters have played in the primary races, how they could affect the upcoming presidential election and the reasons behind the record voter turnout. May 26, 2008 Candidates, President Praise Veterans on Memorial Day The presidential candidates celebrated Memorial Day by praising veterans and focusing on their concerns, while President Bush spoke to military families at Arlington National Cemetery. May 23, 2008 Clinton Gaffe, McCain Health Records Top Campaign News As Sen. Clinton apologized for citing the assassination of Robert Kennedy as a rationale for staying in the race, Sens. McCain and Obama took punches at one another. Mark Shields and David Brooks consider the news. May 23, 2008 McCain Releases Medical Records Kwame Holman reports on recent developments in the 2008 presidential race, including McCain's medical records. May 22, 2008 Clinton's Run Triggers Debate Over Gender Bias Sen. Hillary Clinton spoke frankly this week about the sexism she feels she has faced on the campaign trail as she competes with Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination. Two columnists weigh the role of gender in politics and how the media has handled the issue. May 21, 2008 Obama, Clinton Set Sights on Florida Following Tuesday's Democratic nominating contests in Oregon and Kentucky, Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton headed for Florida, a key general election state embroiled in a dispture over its renegade primary. May 21, 2008 Fueled by Projected Win in Ore., Obama Claims Majority of Pledged Delegates Despite suffering a second sizable primary loss in as many weeks, Sen. Barack Obama resolutely cast his gaze on the general election during a pseudo-victory lap Tuesday night in Iowa -- the state that gave his presidential campaign its first success. May 20, 2008 Clinton Celebrates Decisive Victory in Ky. Primary After coasting to an easy 35-point win in Kentucky's primary on Tuesday, Sen. Hillary Clinton told her supporters to keep fighting and "keep standing up for what you believe is right" despite the daunting odds facing her campaign. May 20, 2008 Links to Lobbyists Pose Questions for Campaigns The role played by lobbyists in each of the top three campaigns for president has become a hot button issue as the race to raise campaign cash gains intensity. Analysts debate the role of lobbyists in campaigns and why the lobbying trade has taken on new scrutiny. May 20, 2008 Marathon 2008 Primary Season Makes History For Democrats, the 2008 primary season has been the longest in recent memory, with no shortage of upsets, talk of momentum, and states defying parties to hold primaries earlier than ever. Three historians discuss the significance of 2008's lengthy primaries. May 19, 2008 Demographic, Cultural Dividing Lines Complicate '08 Race Political analysis of the presidential race this year has focused on voter divisions along race and gender lines. But some analysts think that other cultural dividing lines are even more important. Three political analysts examine newly emerging voter alliances. May 16, 2008 Analysts Weigh Bush-Obama Spat, Democratic Race President Bush's comments about "appeasement" of dictators touched off a firestorm on the presidential campaign trail. Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the remarks, as well as Hillary Clinton's West Virginia win and recent GOP losses in state contests. May 16, 2008 Obama-Bush Tussle, GOP Losses Top Campaign Headlines Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama takes issue with President Bush's perceived criticism of his foreign policy positions, while the GOP lost a House seat in Mississippi, following other losses in Louisiana and Illinois. May 14, 2008 Democratic Race Nearing a Turning Point After trading wins in Democratic primary contests, the race continues between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, while GOP Sen. John McCain works to mount a fresh general election strategy. A panel of experts examines the dynamics of the presidential race and weighs the candidates' next moves. May 13, 2008 Clinton Basks in Big W.Va. Win as Nominating Fight Continues to Ore., Ky. Sen. Hillary Clinton cruised to an easy and anticipated victory in West Virginia's Democratic primary on Tuesday - a vote that rival Sen. Barack Obama conceded to her a day before the polls opened -- as the march continues toward the nomination. May 12, 2008 West Virginia Democrats Prepare For Tuesday Vote Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has campaigned hard in West Virginia in anticipation of that state's Tuesday primary, while front-runner Barack Obama has shifted focus to the larger Kentucky and Oregon contests. May 9, 2008 Shields and Brooks Examine Impact of Epic Contest After Sen. Barack Obama won handily in North Carolina's primary and rival Sen. Hillary Clinton scored a narrow victory in Indiana, many pundits called for Clinton to exit the race and bring the Democratic battle to a close. Mark Shields and David Brooks analyze the state of the race. May 7, 2008 Media Tackles Sensitive Race Issue in 2008 Election This year, media analysts have viewed much of the 2008 primary season through the prism of race. A panel of experts discusses the way the media have covered the issue of race so far this election season. May 7, 2008 Pressure Grows on Clinton, Obama Claims Momentum Barack Obama easily won the North Carolina primary Tuesday, while Hillary Clinton narrowly won in Indiana -- leading to fresh speculation as to whether the nominating battle may be nearing an end. Mark Shields and David Brooks weigh the road ahead for the Democrats. May 7, 2008 Despite Split Decision, Obama Claims New Momentum in Democratic Contest Both Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton sought to make the most out of their respective primary wins Tuesday, elbowing one another in their effort to claim momentum in the ongoing fight for the Democratic presidential nomination. May 5, 2008 Democratic Fight Heads into Critical N.C., Ind. Contests Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made their final pitches to voters in Indiana and North Carolina, looking for support ahead of Tuesday's primary contests. Two reporters fresh off the campaign trail preview the contests. May 2, 2008 Shields, Brooks Debate New Polls, Rev. Wright and Gas Tax With North Carolina and Indiana preparing to vote, columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss if Rev. Wright, the gas tax holiday or the economy may prove decisive in Tuesday's balloting. May 1, 2008 Polls Show Tight Democratic Race, Waning GOP Support New polls reveal a tightening race between Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton tied while public support for GOP showed a sharp drop. Pollsters and reporters from the Pew Research Center and the Wall Street Journal examine the numbers. April 30, 2008 Gas Tax Holiday Plan Provides Fodder for Campaigns Presidential hopefuls Sens. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and John McCain, R-Ariz., have raised the idea of suspending the federal gas tax for the summer. A tax policy expert explains whether a gas tax holiday is politically or economically feasible. April 30, 2008 Party Strategists Answered Questions on '08 Race Sen. Hillary Clinton won in Pennsylvania, pushing the Democratic race further into the nominating calendar. So how should the Democratic Party, and the candidates, move forward? How will the campaign of presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain be impacted? Two strategists answered your questions. April 29, 2008 Obama Seeks to Quell Furor Over Former Pastor Sen. Barack Obama responded on Tuesday to Rev. Jeremiah Wright's recent media blitz in the run up to primary elections in North Carolina and Indiana. Veteran political reporters discuss the upcoming votes and the impact of the Wright controversy. April 28, 2008 Wright Defends Sermons as Debate Over Race Continues Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Sen. Barack Obama's longtime pastor, defended the fiery sermons that have become an issue on the campaign trail Monday and criticized what he called an "attack on the black church." A panel of columnists and analysts discuss Wright's impact on the presidential race. April 25, 2008 As Democrats Battle On, Shields and Brooks Size Up Tactics Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama turn their attention to Indiana and North Carolina as the fight for the Democratic win rolls on while GOP Sen. John McCain has sought to hone his political message on the campaign trail. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's political news. April 25, 2008 Democrats' Attention Turns to N.C., Ind. Primaries Following Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary, Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton turned their focus to upcoming primaries in Indiana and North Carolina. Clinton seeks to keep her momentum going while Obama looks to clinch the Democratic nomination. April 22, 2008 Clinton Fights on after Much-Needed Pa. Victory Facing another must-win political battle, Sen. Hillary Clinton emerged victorious Tuesday in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary, but it's unclear how much the victory will help close her delegate deficit against the better-funded Sen. Barack Obama. April 22, 2008 Pittsburgh Voters Weigh Real-life Concerns in '08 Nominating Choices Voters in Pennsylvania took to the polls Tuesday to have their say in the tight Democratic primary contest. In a new Big Picture report, a panel of Pittsburgh voters discusses how their real-life concerns are impacting their vote choices. April 22, 2008 Pa. Voters Voice Concerns about Economy The economy has eclipsed other issues for voters in Pennsylvania, polls have shown. The state suffered through decades of economic downturn after many of its factories and plants shut their doors. The NewsHour spoke with voters about the mortgage crisis, inflation, the national debt and gas prices. April 22, 2008 Iraq War Remains Clearly Divisive Issue for Pa. Democrats For a state that ranks third in the number of its soldiers killed in Iraq, American policy in the war-torn nation remains a top concern and has divided Pennsylvania Democrats -- even though Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have almost identical voting records and proposals on the matter. April 21, 2008 Delegate-Rich Pa. Suburbs Prove to Be Major Battlegrounds Two Philadelphia congressmen explain how the delegate-rich Philadelphia suburbs may play a crucial role in determining the outcome of Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary, where polls show support is closely split between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. April 21, 2008 Audio Slideshow: Pennsylvania Road Trip NewsHour Senior Correspondent Judy Woodruff traveled across the Keystone State making stops in York, Lancaster and Harrisburg to watch the candidates on the campaign trail and talk with Pennsylvania voters. Woodruff shares highlights from the reporting trip. April 21, 2008 Close Primary Reveals Split Among Pittsburgh Elected Officials Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama made a final push to court Pennsylvania voters Monday, a day before the state's primary contest. Two Pittsburgh city council members, who are split in their endorsements, discuss the city's political leanings. April 21, 2008 Rural Pennsylvania May Help Swing Primary Vote In the battle for Pennsylvania votes, the central area of the state may prove influential to the outcome of Tuesday's Democratic primary. A political reporter and a pollster assess which way the votes in central Pennsylvania may swing. April 21, 2008 Economy Weighs on Minds of Pittsburgh Voters As part of the Big Picture election series focusing on Pittsburgh, Ray Suarez examines how the economy and other issues are weighing on the minds of voters in Steel City as the region works to reinvent itself from an industrial-based economy. April 21, 2008 Democrats Make Final Pa. Push; McCain Launches Tour Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama crisscrossed Pennsylvania in a final attempt to sway Keystone state voters before Tuesday's Democratic primary, while presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain spoke in Selma, Al., on the first day of his five-day tour of economically struggling communities. April 21, 2008 Obama, Clinton Trade Barbs as Pa. Vote Nears The Democratic presidential candidates crisscrossed Pennsylvania on Monday, the eve of the state's primary, after a frenzy of heated campaign attacks over the weekend. April 18, 2008 Cocktail of Economic Anxieties Dominates Pa. Voter Concerns A new mix of economic problems facing voters in Pennsylvania, a state that has faced earlier financial turmoil as key industries like steel and mining collapsed, have grabbed the attention of the presidential candidates in this critical battleground. April 18, 2008 Immigration Stalemate Leaves Pa. Farmers Struggling While the Democratic presidential candidates and the presumptive GOP nominee debate the merits of their economic and national security plans, many of Pennsylvania's agriculture workers are frustrated by the lack of attention to an issue where the three differ very little: immigrant guest workers. April 17, 2008 Primary Looms as Candidates Sharpen Attacks Questions of character and recent controversies took center stage at Wednesday night's Democratic debate, where Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama sought to prove their electability and appeal to Pennsylvania primary voters. April 14, 2008 Economy a Top Issue Ahead of Pennsylvania Primary As the Pennsylvania primary draws near, Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are crisscrossing the Keystone State in a bid for voter support in a state where a complex mix of issues -- from the economy to religion -- ranks high for voters. April 11, 2008 Clinton, Obama Battle in Pa.; McCain Talks Housing Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton continued to campaign heavily in Pennsylvania ahead of its April 22 primary, while presumptive GOP nominee John McCain further outlined his economic proposals at a campaign stop in New York. April 11, 2008 States Grapple with Felon Voting Rights A recent Pew Center report estimated that one of every 100 Americans is behind bars. While they are in prison, most of them lose the right to vote and once they are released, some never regain the right. April 11, 2008 In Pa., Youth Try to Rock the Vote but Older Voters Still Rule As the Democratic nominating battle bears down on Pennsylvania, the state is poised to play a high-profile role in the primary season and put the activism of its voters -- both young and old -- in the national spotlight. April 3, 2008 Dems Drawn-out Primary Creates Concerns for General Election With Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama locked in a hard-fought -- and lengthy -- battle for delegates, the race for the Democratic nomination is pushing forward. Presidential historians discuss what past elections show about the impact of protracted primary races. April 1, 2008 Campaigns Push to Connect With Voters on Economic Reform Plans The Bush administration announced plans to overhaul U.S. financial regulatory structure Monday, the latest in a stream of stories on economic woes. Representatives from the Clinton, McCain and Obama campaigns discuss their candidates' views on the ailing economy. March 31, 2008 McCain Seeks Spotlight as Democrats Court Pa. Voters Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton hit the campaign trail in Pennsylvania while presumptive GOP nominee John McCain embarked on his "biography tour" to steer political attention his way. Judy Woodruff reports on the latest news from the campaign trail. March 27, 2008 Election Draws Attention to Race, Religion in U.S. The issues of race and religion have come to the forefront of Americans' minds during this election season, most recently after Sen. Barack Obama's speech last week on racial divisions in the U.S. A panel discusses how race, religion and politics are intersecting with the 2008 presidential campaign. March 27, 2008 Americans Grim on Economy, Split on Presidential Race A recent poll finds Americans have a negative view of the economy, are closely split over support for presidential candidates and the controversial remarks of Sen. Barack Obama's former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, have not hurt the candidate's campaign. Pollster Andy Kohut explains the numbers. March 27, 2008 Candidates Keep Tight Focus on the Economy All three presidential hopefuls weighed in on current U.S. economic turmoil this week, outlining their solutions for issues ranging from soaring foreclosure rates to government oversight of investment banks. March 25, 2008 Housing Crisis Draws Attention from Candidates Presumptie GOP nominee Sen. John McCain warned Tuesday against hasty government involvement in the U.S. mortgage crisis, while both Democratic candidates have called for increased regulation of lenders. An analysts considers the state of the housing market. March 24, 2008 Shields and Brooks Weigh Obama's Speech, Iraq War This week, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama delivered a high-profile speech on race in America and the Iraq war reached the five-year mark and U.S. economic anxieties continued to mount. Analysts David Brooks and Mark Shields reflect on the news of the week. March 20, 2008 Candidates Shape Foreign, Domestic Policies as Campaigns Roll On Democratic presidential candidates Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama spent Thursday on the campaign trail outlining their plans to boost the economy, while GOP nominee Sen. John McCain met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London. March 18, 2008 Obama Speech Opens Discourse on Race and Politics Sen. Barack Obama delivered a speech on racial divisions in the U.S Tuesday in a bid to address both controversy over remarks made by his former pastor and the role of race on campaign trail. A panel of analysts reflects on Obama's speech, race and politics. March 17, 2008 Obama Weighs In on Economy, Looks to Pennsylvania In an in-depth interview, Sen. Barack Obama weighs in on the current U.S. economic crisis, the war in Iraq, issues of race and gender and his run for the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama also looks ahead to next month's contest in Pennsylvania against Sen. Hillary Clinton. March 12, 2008 Clinton, Obama Plot Strategies for Final Primary Contests Sen. Barack Obama scored a victory in the Mississippi primary Tuesday, nudging his delegate advantage over rival Sen. Hillary Clinton. With nearly a dozen primary contests remaining, political analysts weigh how the battle for delegates may be waged in Pennsylvania and beyond. March 11, 2008 News and Analysis on Mississippi Primary Updated news, analysis and reports from Mississippi's primary election. March 10, 2008 Media's Role in Volatile '08 Race Draws Fresh Scrutiny The media's coverage of the 2008 primaries has drawn reactions from critics and campaigns on several issues: from unreliable poll numbers to the debate over whether the press has been too kind to Barack Obama or too hard on Hillary Clinton. Four media analysts discuss the coverage of the primaries. March 10, 2008 Mississippi Voters Prepare to Make Their Primary Picks Mississippi's presidential primaries will be held Tuesday, and Sen. Barack Obama is heavily favored to win the Democratic contest. Judy Woodruff discusses the 'Magnolia Primary' with a political science professor and reporter from the state. March 7, 2008 Shields, Brooks Weigh Democrats' Delegate Disputes The fight for the Democratic nomination was shaken up as Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama in the Ohio and Texas primaries. Also, Florida and Michigan might hold new primaries after being stripped of delegates for holding early contests. Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news. March 7, 2008 Wyoming Journalist Previews 'Cowboy Caucus' The state of Wyoming holds its Democratic caucus Saturday. Sen. Barack Obama is favored but both Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinotn are campaigning to win. A journalist from Wyoming Public Television previews the contest. March 7, 2008 Campaign Stump Speeches Focus on Economy This week on the campaign trail, Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama headed out again for another battle for Democratic votes, while GOP Sen. John McCain set out to shore up his support among his own party's base. March 6, 2008 Mich., Fla. Seek Chance to Redo Democratic Primaries As a tight primary race continues, the Democratic Party is considering redoing primaries in Michigan and Florida -- states who were stripped of their delegates for holding their primaries too early -- to allow those states' delegates to be seated at the national convention. March 5, 2008 Democratic Party Leaders Mull Next Steps in Hard-fought Race With Hillary Clinton's campaign on the rebound after wins against Barack Obama in the Ohio and Texas primaries Tuesday night, the Democrats face a long, potentially divisive road to the nomination. Three former White House hopefuls and one former Clinton administration official discuss the race. March 5, 2008 Analysts Reflect on McCain's Unexpected Path to GOP Nomination Despite campaign turmoil and unlikely odds last fall, John McCain finished his remarkable comeback Tuesday, winning the last few delegates needed to clinch the GOP nomination. Columnists David Brooks and Ruth Marcus discuss McCain's dramatic campaign path. March 5, 2008 With Nomination in Hand, McCain Completes Unlikely Comeback Just six months after the sun appeared to have set on his presidential aspirations for the second time, Sen. John McCain sealed up the Republican nomination Tuesday night by sweeping contests in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont. March 5, 2008 Clinton Claims New Momentum Following Ohio Win; Texas Fight Continues Sen. Hillary Clinton, her campaign facing a do-or-die test, scored a critical victory in Ohio Tuesday night and fought a close battle in Texas as she sought to cut into Sen. Barack Obama's lead in the race for delegates to the Democratic convention. March 3, 2008 Ohio Mayors Split on Democratic Endorsements Ohio's voters are back in the political spotlight as Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama compete Tuesday for Buckeye State votes. Quinn Bowman of the Online NewsHour speaks with two northern Ohio mayors about which candidate they chose to support in the hard-fought race. March 3, 2008 Labor Unions Echo Ohio's Wider Divisions Over Primary With polls showing Democratic presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton running a tight race in Ohio, the debate among Ohioans over which candidate to back in Tuesday's primary is being echoed from the Buckeye State's solidly Democratic labor unions. March 3, 2008 Obama, Clinton in Dead Heat as Ohio, Texas Elections Draw Near With the Ohio and Texas primaries tomorrow and polls showing both candidates in a dead heat, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are making their final pushes in these two critical states. Gwen Ifill reports from the campaign trail. March 3, 2008 Looking to Help Ailing Cities, Ohio Mayors Split Over Democratic Nomination In a county west of Cleveland, the mayors of two remarkably similar Ohio cities have endorsed different Democratic candidates in Tuesday's presidential primary -- highlighting just how tough the choice is for many voters in the state. February 29, 2008 With Texas and Ohio on Horizon, Shields and Brooks Assess the Race Amid worsening economic reports and tightening poll numbers, the primary race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton entered a critical weekend ahead of primary votes in Texas and Ohio. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks provide their take on the week. February 29, 2008 Ohio Officials Explain Their Support for Clinton, Obama New polls indicate Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama now running neck-and-neck in the former Clinton stronghold of Ohio. Two state officials discuss which candidate they support and why. February 29, 2008 Campaigning Intensifies as Clinton's 'Firewall' Draws Near Hillary Clinton's campaign has staked her future in this race on the results of Texas's and Ohio's March 4 primaries. As rival Barack Obama has risen to match her in the polls in both states, both sides have intensified their efforts. Kwame Holman reports on the state of the Democratic campaign. February 29, 2008 Reunited Texas Democrats Face Divisive Primary After Texas Democrats scored a string of upsets over GOP incumbents -- winning Dallas County offices, judgeships across the state and two congressional seats in 2006 -- state party members say voters are rediscovering their once-moribund party. February 28, 2008 Generational Lines Reveal a Split in Texas Family's Vote Sen. Barack Obama is gaining support in Texas -- a state where Sen. Hillary Clinton once had a stronghold -- especially among young, Latino voters. Gewn Ifill reports on the divide between father and son Texas legislators over their choice for the Democratic nomination. February 27, 2008 Clinton Looks to Ohio, Texas for Rebound in Tough Race Sen. Hillary Clinton told the NewsHour Wednesday that she remains optimistic about her chances in next week's Texas and Ohio primaries as she battles Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination. Clinton details her campaign outlook and the prospects for a general election race. February 26, 2008 Diversity, Economy, Immigration Shape Race in Texas The tight race between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has both candidates vying for votes in the delegate-rich states of Texas and Ohio on March 4, while GOP front-runner Sen. John McCain will try to expand his lead. Texas political journalists discuss what may sway voters in their state. February 26, 2008 Obama Gains Dodd Endorsement; McCain Targets Dems Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., picked up the endorsement of Conn. Sen. Chris Dodd Tuesday, ahead of an Ohio debate with Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. Presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain, meanwhile, targeted his Democratic rivals on the campaign trail. February 26, 2008 Media Experts Answered Questions on Election Coverage Throughout the primary election cycle, news organizations have covered the ups and downs of the races and the candidates' records -- drawing reactions from campaigns and critics alike. Two media experts answered your questions on the media's coverage of the presidential primaries. February 25, 2008 Times Article on McCain Fuels Controversy over Coverage A New York Times article published last week suggesting that Sen. John McCain had an improper relationship with alobbyist sparked debate over the media's role in covering presidential politics and prompted a response by the Times' ombudsman. Experts weigh the relationship between media and politics. February 25, 2008 Clinton, Obama Exchange Attacks on Campaign Tactics Presidential hopefuls Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama condemned each other's use of negative campaigning on the trail this weekend. Ohio voters received fliers attacking Clinton's trade and health plans, while a photo showing Obama in traditional Somali dress circulated the Internet. February 21, 2008 McCain Confronts Allegations of Close Ties to Lobbyist On Thursday, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., challenged allegations that he had an improper relationship with a lobbyist that were raised in a New York Times article, calling it a "hit and run smear campaign." February 20, 2008 McCain Takes on Obama as Candidates Push Toward Texas, Ohio Barack Obama campaigned Wednesday as the Democratic front runner after victories in Wisconsin and Hawaii -- and ran into new criticism from his rival, Hillary Clinton, and from top Republican candidate John McCain, who said the Illinois senator waffled on accepting public funds. February 19, 2008 Super Delegates' Role Thrust into Public Eye The tight battle for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination is putting the formerly obscure super delegate system under scrutiny. A government professor discusses the role of the appointed super delegates in the Democratic nomination February 19, 2008 Interactive: Democratic Super Delegate Database In the 2008 Democratic presidential nominating contest, super delegates could play a critical role. These nearly 800 party leaders and officials, who may vote independently of their state's primary or caucus results, comprise 20 percent of the total delegate pool. February 18, 2008 Democrats Stump for Support Before Wisconsin Vote Democratic presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton -- still locked in a battle for delegates -- are jockeying for voter support before Tuesday's Wisconsin primary. Two journalists discuss the state of the race in the Badger State. February 15, 2008 Analysts Discuss Campaign News, Clemens Hearing Presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., released a negative campaign ad, prominent lawmakers reconsidered their endorsements and Congress questioned pitcher Roger Clemens over steroid use allegations. Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news. February 14, 2008 For Clinton and Obama, Tight Race Hinges on Smart Strategy More than halfway through the primary season, Democratic hopefuls Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are charting careful strategies in a bid to emerge with the most delegate support. Strategists offer insight on how the camps are looking for new ways to gain advantages and set themselves apart. February 13, 2008 Riding Wave of Momentum, Obama Chips Away at Clinton's Base Sen. Barack Obama's wins in presidential primaries on Tuesday in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia were fueled partially by support from voters who have traditionally backed rival Sen. Hillary Clinton. February 12, 2008 Obama Sweeps Potomac Primaries, Takes Aim at McCain's Record Riding a wave of eight straight victories, Sen. Barack Obama took aim at Republican front-runner Sen. John McCain Tuesday night, largely ignoring his still-close battle with Sen. Hillary Clinton. February 12, 2008 Slideshow: Voters Head to the Polls in Potomac Primaries Online NewsHour reporters spread out over Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia early Tuesday to capture images of voters heading to the polls for the region's presidential primary election. February 11, 2008 Candidates Make Final Pitches for 'Potomac Primaries' Democratic and Republican candidates are campaigning hard for votes in Tuesday's "Potomac Primaries," when Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., voters go to the polls. Political experts discuss the outlook for the latest stage in the nomination contests. February 9, 2008 Obama Sweeps Three Contests, Set to Close Delegate Gap with Clinton Sen. Barack Obama scored three decisive victories Saturday night, winning a key primary in Louisiana and scoring two more caucus wins in Washington State and Nebraska. February 8, 2008 Shields and Brooks Assess Tight Democratic Race, McCain's Road Ahead Kansas Republicans, Louisiana and Washington voters, and Nebraska Democrats hold their primary nominating contests Saturday. Maine Democrats vote Sunday. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks take a look at how candidates and voters are preparing for this weekend's primaries and caucuses. February 8, 2008 Obama, Clinton Set to Battle in Weekend Contests The neck-and-neck battle for the Democratic nomination continues this weekend as voters in four states plus the Virgin Islands head to polls or caucuses. February 7, 2008 With Romney Out of Race, McCain Courts Conservative Base Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney suspended his bid for the White House Thursday, increasing the likelihood that Ariz. Sen. John McCain will win the Republican presidential nomination -- and intensifying the need for McCain to appeal to the party's conservative base. February 6, 2008 After Super Tuesday, Long Haul Remains for '08 Hopefuls On the heels of Super Tuesday, Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are still locked in a close race for the Democratic nomination, while Sen. John McCain widened his lead in the GOP field and Mike Huckabee enjoyed a resurgence. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks take stock of the results. February 6, 2008 Minority Voters Find New Voice in Primary Races Amid a competitive primary season, African-American and Latino voters are finding new opportunities to play key roles in the election process. Ray Suarez discusses the historical significance of the minority voter with presidential historians. February 6, 2008 Tight Races in Missouri 'Bellwether' Echo Broader Trends Missouri, often called the "bellwether state" for its general election voting track record, produced razor thin margins last night in both parties' nominating contests. Gwen Ifill examines the results with experts on Missouri politics. February 6, 2008 Campaigns Shift Focus After Super Tuesday Super Tuesday saw the Democratic candidates emerge in a dead heat, while on the GOP side, Sen. John McCain widened his lead and former Gov. Mike Huckabee enjoyed a resurgence. Judy Woodruff reports on the results of the Feb. 5 vote and looks ahead at campaign 2008. February 6, 2008 McCain Cemented as GOP Front-runner; Democrats Trade Wins Despite breathless reporting around the results in 24 states on Super Tuesday, the storyline in both the Democratic and Republican races remained largely the same as it had been earlier this week. February 5, 2008 Presidential Historians Reflect on Super Tuesday's Evolving Role The American presidential nomination process has taken many twists and turns in the nation's history, and this year's prominence of the Feb. 5 voting contests represents its latest shift. Historians detail Super Tuesday's origins and its implications for the 2008 race. February 5, 2008 Audio Slideshow: Economic Anxieties Shape Voter Attitudes on Feb. 5 Twenty-four states - some big, some small, many unpredictable - will pledge close to half the delegates needed to win a presidential nomination on Feb. 5. The Online NewsHour talked with journalists in five Super Tuesday states about voter sentiment and their states' key issues heading into the day. February 5, 2008 Early Voting Adds Yet Another Uncertainty to Super Tuesday For millions of Americans, Super Tuesday has been over for weeks. That is because they cast their ballots in many of the critical states ahead of time, a fact that could help shape the results of the multi-state contest. February 4, 2008 Clinton, Obama Make Final Pitches in Tight Democratic Race Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois are facing a tight race for the Democratic nomination heading into the Super Tuesday multi-state vote. The candidates spent much of Monday focusing their campaign efforts on delegate-rich states in the northeast. February 4, 2008 Latino Voters May Wield Major Influence in California's Primary California's earlier primary combined with their growing numbers makes Latinos a major factor come February 5. Gwen Ifill reports from California on the Latino vote's increasing influence in the state. February 4, 2008 GOP Hopefuls Tout Conservative Credentials Ahead of Feb. 5 Republican candidates Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee are fighting for strong finishes on Feb. 5 as they trail GOP front-runner Sen. John McCain in Tuesday's nominating contests. February 4, 2008 Polls Show Clinton and Obama in Dead Heat; McCain Leads GOP Pack Recent polls show Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton running virtually even, while John McCain leads the GOP with Mitt Romney a distant second. The president of the Pew Research Center analyzes recent campaign polls. February 1, 2008 Shields and Brooks Weigh '08 Race, Stimulus Debate The 2008 presidential race saw more shake-ups this week with the exits of candidates John Edwards and Rudy Giuliani, while lawmakers debated the best way for the government to help boost an ailing economy. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news. February 1, 2008 Californians Talk Housing as Super Tuesday Looms In the final report from this week's Big Picture election series, Jeffrey Kaye profiles economic concerns in California, and Gwen Ifill talks to voters in the Golden State about how issues like the subprime mortgage crisis and the health of the housing market may impact their election choices. February 1, 2008 Democrats Face Off in California, While Nation Counts Down to Super Tuesday Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton chose to finish on a polite note in their debate last night, the final before February 5. Judy Woodruff reports on the state of the campaign trail leading up to Super Tuesday. January 31, 2008 In Arkansas, Trade Policies May Influence Voting on Feb. 5 The latest Big Picture election report on the economic issues affecting Feb. 5 states visits Arkansas, where Tom Bearden examines the impact of globalization on jobs. Margaret Warner then talks to voters about how the candidates are addressing their concerns over globalization and the economy. January 31, 2008 GOP Debate Pit McCain Against Romney; Campaigning Delays Stimulus Bill Sen. John McCain and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney attacked each other's campaign tactics and records in Wednesday night's GOP debate, while Sen. Majority Leader asked that debate on a stimulus bill be postponed until Sens. Clinton, Obama and McCain return from campaigning. January 30, 2008 Nader Might Join Race as Edwards, Giuliani Depart Two men who were once major contenders for their party's nomination announced Wednesday they were leaving the presidential primary race while a former third-party candidate announced he might run again. January 30, 2008 Colorado Voters Mull Immigration, Economy Ahead of Caucus In the latest Big Picture election report examining economic issues in states set to vote on Feb. 5, Betty Ann Bowser outlines the impact of immigration on the Colorado economy and Jeffrey Brown speaks with voters to assess how their perspectives on immigration may shape their election choices. January 30, 2008 Shields, Brooks Consider Impact of Election Shakeups John Edwards dropped his bid for the Democratic nomination, and Rudy Giuliani announced that he will also exit the race after disappointing third place finishes for both candidates in the Florida primary. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks look at the latest developments in the 2008 race. January 30, 2008 Shields, Brooks Answered Your Questions on '08 Race The political season is in full swing and the GOP and Democratic hopefuls are scrambling for voter support amid an unpredictable nominating season. NewsHour analysts syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks answered your questions about the race so far. January 29, 2008 McCain Scores Narrow Florida Win; Giuliani May Endorse Arizona Senator Continuing his surging campaign for the Republican nomination, Sen. John McCain narrowly bested former Gov. Mitt Romney in Florida, locking up all 57 delegates to the convention this summer and heading into Super Tuesday with increased momentum. January 29, 2008 Minnesota Voters Weigh Candidates' Economic Plans, Spending Priorities In a Big Picture election report focusing on Feb. 5 voting states, Fred de Sam Lazaro profiles the political landscape in Minnesota and Ray Suarez speaks to a panel of voters about how issues like spending, taxes and infrastructure are impacting their election choices. January 28, 2008 Health Care, Economy Top Voter Concerns in New Jersey In the kick-off to a week-long Big Picture series focusing on the Feb. 5 primaries, Judy Woodruff reports on the issues on the minds of New Jersey voters. A panel of New Jersey residents discusses how concerns over health care and the economy may sway their votes. January 28, 2008 Kennedy Endorsement Shakes Democratic Race; GOP Focuses on Florida Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., received the endorsement of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., on Monday, while GOP candidates campaigned in Florida ahead of Tuesday's primary. Analysts David Brooks and Ruth Marcus offer perspective on the latest events in the 2008 race. January 26, 2008 Obama Routs Clinton in South Carolina, Says Iowa Win Not an 'Illusion' Calling for a "politics of common sense" and saying his campaign represented an unprecedented coalition of Americans, Sen. Barack Obama celebrated a 27-point victory Saturday in South Carolina. January 25, 2008 Jersey City Activist Finds Voice in Politics Mahdi Hemingway was raised by his grandparents in a public housing complex in Jersey City -- and found found inspiration in their example to pursue community service. His political involvement takes him far beyond ths realities of his neighborhood. January 24, 2008 Democratic Hopefuls Face New Voter Viewpoints in S.C. Democratic candidates continued their appeals to South Carolina voters ahead of Saturday's primary, as polls suggested that Sen. Barack Obama's lead over Sen. Hillary Clinton may have narrowed slightly. Judy Woodruff reports on how voters are weighing their picks. January 23, 2008 Democrats Prep for S.C. Vote With Eye on Feb. 5 With three days left before South Carolina's Democratic primary, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is focusing on a big win in the Palmetto State, while New York Sen. Hillary Clinton is making the rounds to Super Tuesday hot spots. January 22, 2008 Tough Words Between Clinton, Obama Build Tension in Democratic Race Monday's Democratic debate saw pointed exchanges between rivals Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton as the two prepare for South Carolina's primary. Democratic party chairs from Tennessee and California assess how the face-off is playing out across the country. January 21, 2008 Campaigns Prep for Fla., S.C. Battles as Super Tuesday Looms Democratic and GOP candidates are racing to gain momentum for upcoming contests in Florida and South Carolina as they look ahead to Feb. 5, or "Super Tuesday," when more than 20 states are scheduled to vote. Two political journalists examine the road ahead for both parties in their next big tests. January 21, 2008 Campaigns Turn Focus to Fla., S.C. Contests With the Nevada and South Carolina GOP contests behind them, Democratic candidates are prepping for their South Carolina primary while the GOP heads to Florida. After a look at the latest campaign developments, Judy Woodruff reports from South Carolina on how the Democratic race is shaping up. January 19, 2008 McCain, Romney Move to Front of Crowded GOP Pack after Weekend Wins Sen. John McCain scored a critical victory in the South Carolina GOP primary Saturday, edging out former Gov. Mike Huckabee and exorcizing the ghost of the 2000 campaign when the Palmetto State dealt the Arizona Republican's campaign a mortal blow. January 19, 2008 Clinton Beats Obama to Score Win in Tight Nevada Race Sen. Hillary Clinton picked up her second consecutive political triumph Saturday in Nevada, besting rival Sen. Barack Obama headed toward next weekend’s Democratic primary in South Carolina and the Feb. 5 mega-Tuesday, when more than 20 states will vote. January 18, 2008 South Carolina Gears up for Saturday's GOP Primary Margaret Warner reports from South Carolina on Saturday's Republican primary race and examines which issues are of top importance to voters in the southern state. January 17, 2008 Democrats Face Tight Race in Nevada Contest Democratic candidates are facing a close race for first ahead of Nevada's Saturday caucus. Local political journalists report on what's at stake in the Nevada contest and what issues are on voters' minds going into the contest. January 16, 2008 California Experiences Problems with Voting Machines The State of California is racing to fix unexpected problems with its voting machines before its Feb. 5 primary. NewsHour correspondent Spencer Michels reports from the Golden State on these recent ballot troubles. January 16, 2008 Republicans Hit Ground Running to Appeal to S.C. Voters Candidates in a wide open GOP race pushed for voter support in the critical state of South Carolina Wednesday on the heels of Tuesday's Michigan contest. Margaret Warner reports from South Carolina on the campaign scene and analysts offer insight on the field. January 16, 2008 Three-Way Democratic Race Puts Nevada in Spotlight Democratic candidates Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Sen. John Edwards met for a closely-watched debate in Las Vegas Tuesday night as the three compete for voter support ahead of Nevada's caucus. Analysts weigh in on the state of the race. January 15, 2008 Michigan Serves as Battle Ground for Tight GOP Primary Michigan Voters cast their ballots Tuesday in a hotly-contested Republican presidential primary, where Sen. John McCain and former Gov. Mitt Romney are neck-in-neck. Political reporters offer analysis on how the state's voters may be approaching the nominating contest. January 14, 2008 Republicans Talk Job Growth to Mich. Primary Voters Republican presidential candidates dashed across Michigan Monday ahead of the state's Tuesday primary, making last-minute pitches to voters who rank the economy as their top election priority. Analysts preview the Michigan contest and its potential impact. January 14, 2008 Race Issues Stir Tension Among Democratic Candidates Tensions over race in the Democratic Presidential campaign rose over the weekend, spurred by comments made by Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama about who were the dominant role-players in the civil rights movement. Rights' activists offer insight on politics and race. January 11, 2008 Shields and Brooks Weigh Primaries, Chance of Bloomberg Bid With the Iowa and New Hampshire nominating contests now complete and with several GOP and Democratic candidates still in contention to be their party's front-runner, analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks weigh speculation of an independent run by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. January 11, 2008 GOP Candidates Clash in South Carolina Debate Candidates for the Republican nomination battled each other last night in South Carolina's GOP debate. The NewsHour's Kwame Holman reports on the highlights. January 9, 2008 N.H. Surprises Have Pundits Scratching Their Heads Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton's upset in New Hampshire surprised pundits and pollsters who had predicted a win for Sen. Barack Obama in the Granite State contest. A panel of political reporters and analysts assess the poll quandary and its impact on future elections. January 9, 2008 With Three States Down, Candidates Mull Their Strategies Political reporters join analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks to take a closer look at the New Hampshire primary results and consider how the candidates are regrouping and preparing for upcoming contests in Michigan, South Carolina and Nevada. January 9, 2008 Obama Secures Coveted Culinary Workers Union Nod in Nev. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination got a boost Wednesday when he picked up the endorsement of the 60,000-member Culinary Workers Union in Nevada, 10 days before that state's caucus. January 9, 2008 In Wake of New Hampshire, McCain, Romney Battle in Michigan Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., fresh off his New Hampshire victory, headed to Michigan for its Jan. 15 primary in hopes of repeating his 2000 win there, while Mitt Romney, whose father was governor of the state, worked to rally his GOP supporters. January 9, 2008 N.H. Voters Leave Both Parties in Search for Front-Runner New Hampshire's primary voters rejected the winners of earlier states' contests on Tuesday, breathing life into two presidential campaigns that had been showing recent signs of faltering. January 8, 2008 Clinton, McCain Pull Out Wins in New Hampshire Primary Sen. Hillary Clinton won Tuesday's New Hampshire primary in a surprising victory over Sen. Barack Obama, while Sen. John McCain took first place in the Republican race. After on-the-ground reports, Mark Shields and David Brooks offer perspective on the outcome of the nation's first primary. January 8, 2008 Audio Slideshow: Granite State Voters Eager to Weigh in on 2008 Race New Hampshire Public Television Producer Dawn DeAngelis describes how Granite State voters are approaching the Jan. 8 primary in an interview with the Online NewsHour. January 8, 2008 Obama Leads Democratic Pack Going into N.H. Primary Democratic presidential candidates made a final push in New Hampshire on Tuesday to court voters in the state's first-in-the-nation primary. Gwen Ifill reports on the scene in the Granite state, and political journalists join analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks to assess the Democratic race. January 8, 2008 N.H. Primary Built on a History of Tradition, People Power Presidential historians and analysts consider the role that New Hampshire's historically independent electorate has played in past primaries and discuss how the creation of the state's contest was intended to open up the process and "give it to the people." January 8, 2008 McCain, Romney Fight for New Hampshire Votes The GOP contest in the N.H. primary on Tuesday saw Sen. John McCain and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney facing-off to gain first place. Judy Woodruff reports on the Republicans' primary pitches, and political journalists join analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks to consider the likely winners. January 8, 2008 N.H. Voters Tout Independent Style in Primary Contest With fewer restrictions on party affiliation voting than most states, New Hampshire voters will continue their tradition of freedom when they cast ballots in Tuesday's early primary, but what that means for the presidential candidates remains unclear. January 7, 2008 N.H. Set to Test McCain, Romney in Fluid GOP Fight Amid tight polls and caucus shake-ups, Republican presidential candidates made their final pitches to Granite State voters Monday. Judy Woodruff looks at the Republican race and talks to Sen. John McCain, R- Arizona, and former Gov. Mitt Romney about their strategies. January 7, 2008 Obama, Clinton Spar in Final Days in New Hampshire Democrats made a final campaign push Monday in New Hampshire with presidential hopefuls trying to rout out remaining voter uncertainity. Gwen Ifill reports on the Democratic field and talks to Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton about their campaign efforts. January 4, 2008 Historians Weigh the Impact of the 'Iowa Bounce' With Iowa going for Sen. Barack Obama and former Gov. Mike Huckabee in their early caucuses, the state's perceived role as primary kingmaker has been the focus of renewed debate. Three presidential historians discuss the story behind the "Iowa bounce." January 4, 2008 Reshaped Democratic Field Hits the Ground Running in Tight Race After a pitched battle in the Iowa caucuses on Thursday, the Democratic campaigns are in full swing in New Hampshire for the rapidly approaching Tuesday primary. Gwen Ifill provides a recap from the Granite State and Mark Shields and David Brooks offer analysis. January 4, 2008 Huckabee Reflects on Iowa Win, Assesses Challenges Ahead in N.H. GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee rode a wave of conservative support to a win in the Iowa caucuses, trumping rival former Gov. Mitt Romney. Huckabee talks to the NewsHour about his campaign and then Mark Shields and David Brooks offer analysis of the primaries. January 4, 2008 Iowans Issue Call for Change in Caucuses Iowa's voters sought a new political direction Thursday, bestowing victories upon two candidates -- Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee -- who fought uphill campaign battles in the months leading up to the caucuses. January 3, 2008 Judy Woodruff Details the Scene in Iowa Senior NewsHour Correspondent Judy Woodruff talks to The Online NewsHour on the results of the Democratic and Republican caucuses from Iowa. January 3, 2008 Political Analysts Examine Huckabee, Obama Victories in Iowa NewsHour political analysts Mark Shields in Iowa and David Brooks in New Hampshire discuss what the wins former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., will mean for the remainder of the presidential race. January 3, 2008 Journalists Examine Iowa Caucus Outcomes As part of the NewsHour's special coverage of the Iowa caucuses, journalists from the Rothenberg Political Report and the National Journal take a look at caucus return and how the Iowa race may impact the rest of the primary season. January 3, 2008 Democrats Vie to Break Three-Way Tie in Iowa Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards polled in a statistical three-way tie in Iowa going into caucus night. Political reporters join analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks in examining how the Democratic field has been shaped over the campaign season. January 3, 2008 In Iowa, Candidates Face First Battle in Presidential Nominating Contest Judy Woodruff reports on the scene in Iowa as the state holds the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks assess the nominating kickoff. January 3, 2008 Republican Contenders Face Off in Iowa Mike Huckabee led Mitt Romney in polls heading into Thursday's Iowa caucus, leaving questions about who will take third place. Political reporters and analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks offer perspective on what impact Iowa may have on the rest of the primary season. January 3, 2008 After Iowa, Focus Shifts to New Hampshire Gwen Ifill reports from New Hampshire on how primary voters in the state are viewing the Iowa contests and what's ahead for the state's primary on Jan. 8. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss how the results in New Hampshire may differ from Iowa. January 3, 2008 Iowa's Presidential Caucus Holds Unique Place in History Since Iowa moved its caucus ahead of the New Hampshire primary over 30 years ago, it has held a pivotal role in the presidential nominating calendar. Two historians offer a look at how and why the results of the Iowa caucus have proved so historically significant. January 3, 2008 Iowa Tests Candidates' Organizing Skills, Not Electability When caucus-goers visit one of Iowa's 1,784 precincts on Thursday, they will once again begin the country's time-tested, and at times arcane, process of picking their party's candidate for the White House. January 2, 2008 Campaigns Make Final Pitches to Caucus-goers in Iowa As Thursday's Iowa caucuses near and the nation takes its first step toward picking nominees for the 2008 presidential race, GOP and Democratic candidates made a final push to rally support and encourage voter turnout. Judy Woodruff reports from Iowa. January 1, 2008 Candidates Battle for Iowa Support as Caucuses Approach Candidates launched their final push to get out the vote in Iowa's Thursday caucuses, as two new polls showed support for candidates fluctuating. Judy Woodruff gives an update on the scene in Iowa, and a pollster explains the reliability and accuracy of pre-election polling. December 31, 2007 Candidates, Voters Prepare For Critical Iowa Caucus The 2008 primary election season kicks off with Iowa's Thursday caucus, as presidential candidates make their final efforts to sway voters. NewsHour Senior Correspondent Judy Woodruff reports from Des Moines on the final days of the campaign. December 28, 2007 '08 Candidates Speak Out on Pakistan, Prepare for Iowa After a report on how presidential candidates are responding to the week's events in Pakistan, analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks consider the news of the week, including the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and the upcoming Iowa caucuses. December 28, 2007 Win Early or Go Long? '08 Calendar Forces New Innovations With early contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina in the first three weeks of 2008 and more than 20 states voting on Feb. 5, early campaign momentum has become more critical and more accelerated than ever. December 27, 2007 Polls Gauge Voter Sentiment Before Primary Season Kicks Off After a holiday break, election campaigns resumed Wednesday as candidates try to sway still-undecided voters before the critical Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary next week. Pollsters from each state examine the latest data in the 2008 presidential race. December 24, 2007 Religion Becoming Political Tool and Hot Topic in Presidential Race From Mitt Romney's Mormonism to Mike Huckabee's Baptist roots, religion has become a popular topic throughout the busy 2008 presidential election race. Ray Suarez sits down with political and religious scholars to compare this season to those of the past. December 19, 2007 Tancredo Sticks by His Tough Immigration Talk on Campaign Trail For presidential candidate Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., his trademark support for tough immigration policies has nothing to do with race or ethnicity -- it's an issue, he says, that has everything to do with defining what being an American "actually means today." December 18, 2007 New Endorsements Help Heat Up '08 Race With just over two weeks before Iowa's presidential caucus, several candidates have picked up key endorsements, including Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton and Republican John McCain. The chief political columnist for Politico assesses the latest election developments. December 17, 2007 In Iowa, GOP Candidates Tout Conservative Values to Court Voters In the second of a series of reports on the tightening presidential race in Iowa as the state's Jan. 3 caucus grows closer, Ray Suarez looks at how Republican candidates are focusing their efforts on courting conservative voters in the state. December 14, 2007 Democrats Appeal to Iowans as Polls Show a Tight Race for Caucus Votes In the first of two reports on voter sentiment in Iowa ahead of the state's early caucus, Judy Woodruff examines how the Democratic candidates are approaching the state's voters and the influence of the women's vote. On Monday, Ray Suarez will report on the GOP camp. December 13, 2007 Democrats Take Their Turn on Iowa Debate Stage In their last debate before the key Iowa Caucus on Jan. 3, six of the the Democratic presidential candidates outlined their policies on tax reform and trade in hopes of swaying Iowa voters. December 12, 2007 GOP Candidates Debate in Iowa in Pre-caucus Push The wide field of Republican presidential candidates took part in a heated debate Wednesday, the last such meeting before the primaries. NewsHour correspondent Kwame Holman reports on the highlights of the debate. December 10, 2007 Oprah Backs Obama, Huckabee's Star Rises on the Campaign '08 Trail Over the weekend, Oprah Winfrey threw her support behind Democratic candidate Barack Obama, while the GOP's Mike Huckabee has been enjoying a steady rise in the polls. Campaign reporters look at the latest developments in the presidential primary campaigns. December 6, 2007 In Speech, Romney Tackles Questions Over Mormon Faith Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney confronted the issue of his Mormon faith in a speech Thursday, saying that as president he would "serve no religion." Newsweek editor Jon Meacham offers analysis of the role religion plays in politics. December 3, 2007 Presidential Candidates Face Tight Race in Iowa Caucus With just one month to go before Iowa's presidential caucus, candidates are beefing up campaign efforts in the Hawkeye State while see-sawing polls show that some Iowans may still be wavering on their picks. Political reporters look at the polls and campaign tactics. November 30, 2007 Do You Really Know Where the Candidates Stand? Take our new Vote by Issue quiz to find out how GOP and Democratic presidential candidates stack up on key election issues. -- WBUR and the Online NewsHour November 29, 2007 GOP Candidates Talk Immigration, Iraq, Religion in Heated Debate Republican presidential candidates went toe-to-toe with one another in Wednesday night's CNN-YouTube debate with field front-runners Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani trading sharp words on immigration policy. Kwame Holman looks at the Florida debate's highlights. November 28, 2007 Dodd Reflects on Political Experience, State of the U.S. Economy In the latest in a series of in-depth interviews with 2008 presidential candidates, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., reflects on his extensive political experience, why he's chosen to run for the White House in 2008 and the volatile state of the U.S. economy. November 27, 2007 Biden Gives His Take on Iraq Policy, Pakistan, Campaigning in Iowa In the latest in a series of in-depth interviews with 2008 presidential candidates, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., talks about his views on the road to the White House, including campaigning in Iowa, U.S. involvement in Iraq and Pakistan's political turmoil. November 26, 2007 Giuliani Turns Up the Campaign Heat in New Hampshire Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani traded barbs with rivals in New Hampshire this weekend as his camp turned a new focus on the early primary state. A Giuliani biographer and a political reporter look at the candidate's background and his campaign strategy. November 21, 2007 New Polls, Primary Dates Turn Up Heat in '08 Race With new polls showing a tightening race in Iowa and New Hampshire confirming a Jan. 8 primary date, the 2008 presidential election is gaining new traction. Judy Woodruff discusses the latest news from the campaigns with Washington Post political reporter Dan Balz. November 21, 2007 N.H. Settles on Jan. 8 Primary Date After months of hand-wringing, New Hampshire officials announced Wednesday they would hold the first-in-the-nation presidential primary on Jan. 8, five days after Iowa's leadoff caucuses. November 16, 2007 Nevada Voters Weigh Democratic Debate Democratic presidential hopefuls exchanged their most overt attacks yet in a Thursday night debate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In the last of the NewsHour's Big Picture reports from Las Vegas, a panel of Nevada voters discuss the debate and the 2008 election. November 16, 2007 Judy Woodruff's Notebook: Great 'Western' Debate Takes an Unexpected Turn Las Vegas lit up last night in a way it never has before: with POLITICS. Seven big-name candidates swooped into town, bringing with them their traveling road shows -- otherwise known as the fight for the Democratic Party's nomination for president. November 15, 2007 Las Vegas Races to Expand Social Services Amid Growth Boom In the next Big Picture election report from Las Vegas, the NewsHour looks at how the Nevada city's recent population increase has strained school and health care systems and local residents and leaders discuss how the burden on social services is impacting their views on the 2008 election. November 15, 2007 Las Vegas Residents Speak Out About Key Issues in '08 Race As the NewsHour's week of Big Picture election coverage in Las Vegas continues, watch an audio slide show that features Nevada residents explaining which issues are important to them in the run-up to the 2008 presidential election. November 15, 2007 Judy Woodruff's Notebook: Vegas Political Activists Chart Their Own Paths The population of the Las Vegas metropolitan area is 1.7 million and climbing daily -- and to look at all the high-rise hotels that have sprung up in the middle of the desert, it meets the definition of a big city. November 14, 2007 Rapid Urban Growth Strains Nevada's Natural Resources Rapid growth in Las Vegas has caused tension between urban and rural areas about the strain on Nevada's natural resources. The battle over water and energy use has raised debate about the need for conservation and alternative sources of energy. November 14, 2007 Judy Woodruff's Notebook: Immigrants Form Key Part of Las Vegas Economy Polls show that immigration is the number one issue for Republicans in the 2008 election; but it may not help them very much in Nevada, which for the first time, will be holding its presidential caucuses in mid-January, shortly after citizens in Iowa and New Hampshire vote. November 13, 2007 Economic Issues Weigh on Minds of Las Vegas Voters For years, Las Vegas has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. In the latest Big Picture report, local business leaders discuss the role economic issues are playing in the 2008 presidential campaign. November 13, 2007 What it Takes to Create the 'Big Picture' When I returned to my Las Vegas hotel room late Monday afternoon and read the first few e-mails from the East Coast congratulating us on the long-awaited (for us, at least) launch of the Big Picture series, I realized this is an ideal opportunity to remind everyone these stories are a team effort. November 12, 2007 Early Caucus Dates Bring Nevada into Focus for 2008 Election In the first of its Big Picture election series, the NewsHour reports from Las Vegas, where immigration, economic growth and urban development are top voter concerns. Local columnist Jon Ralston discusses how voters are reacting to the state's early caucus schedule. November 12, 2007 Immigration Shapes Las Vegas' Political, Economic Growth Although Las Vegas is internationally known as an entertainment capital, job growth has spurred a population and development boom in the city. As part of the Big Picture election series, Ray Suarez look ats the changing demographics of the city's residents. November 12, 2007 Judy Woodruff's Notebook: Complex Electorate Fills Las Vegas' Voter Rolls In all the years I've covered American politics, it's fair to say Nevada's gotten short shrift. Las Vegas and Reno are recognized for activities other than their voter turnout operations. So when the NewsHour picked Las Vegas for the first "Big Picture" city, it was only after careful research. November 9, 2007 Campaign Ad Blitz Begins on Iowa's Airwaves Many presidential candidates have recently launched television and radio ads in Iowa ahead of the state's Jan. 3 caucus that focus on both domestic and international causes and take aim at party front-runners. November 9, 2007 Las Vegas Looks Ahead as Growth Boom Hits a Bump While the population and job boom Las Vegas has enjoyed in recent years slowed in 2007, several big hotel and condo projects being constructed on the city's famous "Strip" signal that the city's growth explosion may see a future resurgence. November 9, 2007 Hispanic Voters Gain Influence with Nevada's Early Caucus Last year, the national immigration debate mobilized Hispanics to show their strength as a community; Next year, this fast-growing voting bloc has another chance to sway the national political conversation if voter turnout is high in Nevada's Jan. 19 presidential caucus. November 9, 2007 Diversity, Growth Boom Shape Las Vegas' Profile The Online NewsHour spoke with Xavier Rivas, host of a daily radio talk show on KLRV-AM 1340 about the people who call Las Vegas home and recent changes to the city. November 9, 2007 Voter Turnout Uncertain in Las Vegas' First Caucus For an overview of the political scene in Las Vegas, the Online NewsHour spoke with Jon Ralston, author of a daily e-mail newsletter about politics and business in Nevada called The Ralston Report. November 8, 2007 GOP Punishes Five States for Early Voting Contests Officials from the Republican Party announced Thursday that the states of New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, Michigan and Wyoming will lose half of their delegates at the Republican National Convention next year for scheduling early primaries. November 7, 2007 Candidate Endorsements Start Shaping Conservatives' Role in '08 Race Christian conservative leader Pat Robertson endorsed former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani Wednesday, while Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., endorsed the bid of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Two religious leaders assess the role of the conservative movement in the 2008 election. November 6, 2007 Candidates Strive to Address Voters' Climate Concerns Environmental issues such as climate change and energy use have been frequent topics on the 2008 presidential campaign trail with both GOP and Democratic hopefuls offering policy plans. Two analysts examine the candidates' differing proposals to address climate issues. October 31, 2007 Democratic Contenders for President Attack Front-runner Clinton in Debate Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., fielded tough criticism from other contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination on Tuesday in an MSNBC-hosted debate. Two political journalists provide insight on the shift in tone in the primary race. October 22, 2007 GOP Hopefuls Tout Conservative Stances, Take Aim at Clinton in Debate GOP candidates vying for their party's nomination met Sunday for a debate in Florida, where they promoted their conservative credentials and took aim at the record of Democratic hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton. Political reporters assess the Republicans' performance. October 19, 2007 McCain Details Views on the Iraq War, Drive for the White House In the latest in a series of in-depth interviews with the 2008 presidential hopefuls, Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain explains his views on the Iraq war, national security and why his credentials and experience make him a contender for the White House. October 17, 2007 Iowa GOP Pushes Caucus to Jan. 3; Focus Turns to N.H. Iowa Republicans voted Tuesday to move the date of their presidential caucuses, traditionally the critical first vote of the nomination process, to Jan. 3. Iowa Republicans wanted to advance the date of their caucus to fend off states such as Michigan and Florida. October 12, 2007 Paul Envisions Smaller Government, Less Global Intervention Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, explains his vision of limited government, decreased U.S. intervention in conflicts abroad and details his stance as an anti-war Republican. October 10, 2007 Democrats Withdraw from Michigan Primary Five Democratic candidates chose to withdraw their names from the Michigan primary ballot in another round of the calendar shuffle that pits allegiance to national party rules against voters in states grappling for more nominating influence. October 10, 2007 Edwards Cautions Against Intervention in Iran Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards cautioned that the United States should learn from its mistakes in Iraq and cautioned against taking similar first steps against Iran as part of an ongoing series of in-depth interviews with presidential candidates. October 9, 2007 Thompson Debuts in Michigan Economic Debate The Republican candidates meet again, this time with newcomer former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson on stage in Dearborn, Mich., Tuesday afternoon to debate taxes, government spending and economic problems facing key manufacturing states like Michigan. October 8, 2007 Huckabee Gives His Take on Conservatism, Faith and Iraq As part of an ongoing series of in-depth interviews with presidential candidates, Republican former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee explains his approach to Iraq, immigration, the importance of faith in his life, his conservatism and his personal struggle with weight loss. October 5, 2007 Democratic and GOP Strategists Take Your Questions on Campaign Coffers In one of our Insider Forums, Republican strategist Cheri Jacobus and Democratic strategist Laura Schwartz answer your questions on campaign fund raising reports released this week and how the election is shaping up. October 4, 2007 Kucinich Details His Views on Iraq War, Health Care Reform In a series of interviews with presidential candidates, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, talks about his track record of voting against the Iraq war as well as his take on domestic issues such as health care and abortion. October 2, 2007 Gravel Discusses Campaign Funding, Relations with Iran Former Alaska Senator and Democratic presidential hopeful Mike Gravel talks about his campaign fundraising, U.S. relations with Iran and details his personal and political background in the newest in a series of in-depth interviews with the 2008 presidential candidates. September 27, 2007 Democrats Sound Off on Iraq Democrats debated Iraq scenarios and health care policy at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., on Wednesday at an MSNBC forum moderated by Tim Russert. September 27, 2007 Hunter Says U.S. Faces Era of Difficult Challenges Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., outlined his concerns for the United States as it navigates challenges in Iraq, relations with Iran, fighting terrorism and securing the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the NewsHour's candidate interview series. September 24, 2007 Richardson Advocates Full Iraq Troop Withdrawal In the next in a series of presidential candidate interviews, Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., details his plan for pulling U.S. troops from Iraq and discusses the need for diplomacy in the Middle East, among other issues. September 21, 2007 Democratic Forum Centers on Health Care NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and Rich Lowry discuss Thursday's Democratic forum on health care and financial security, Sen. Hillary Clinton's own health care proposal, the Senate divide on Iraq policy, and President Bush's nomination for attorney general. September 20, 2007 Brownback Promotes Three-State Iraq Division In the first in a series of presidential candidate interviews, Kansas Republican Sen. Sam Brownback discusses his proposal to divide Iraq into three states, commitment to enforcing immigration laws and tighten border security, and efforts to rebuild the American family. September 20, 2007 Hsu Fallout Spotlights Campaign 'Bundlers' Federal prosecutors in New York charged Norman Hsu, a businessman who has raised millions for Democratic candidates, with defrauding investors of $60 million and illegally making campaign contributions in other people's names. September 17, 2007 Presidential Candidate Clinton Unveils Health Care Plan Presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., unveiled her health care plan Monday. The plan would aim to insure all Americans. NewsHour health correspondent Susan Dentzer and a political reporter discuss Clinton's proposal. September 14, 2007 President Discusses War; Candidates React to Iraq Reports Presidential hopefuls weighed in on the series of Iraq reports, with Democrats expressing skepticism over progress and potential for success. Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss how Iraq-related news has played out on the campaign trail. September 6, 2007 GOP Candidates Debate Iraq as Thompson Enters Race While his rivals for the Republican Party nomination debated Iraq and immigration in New Hampshire Wednesday night, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson made his entry into the presidential race official from talk show host Jay Leno's couch. August 31, 2007 Iraq, Economy Weigh on Minds of Young Voters Politicians target a variety of voters -- Baby Boomers, retirees, homeland security moms and NASCAR dads -- but surveys show it's hard to pigeonhole young people age 18 to 25. For candidates, the key question is whether the younger demographic will vote and ho to target them. August 27, 2007 DNC Moves to Stop Primary Frontloading The Democratic National Committee moved over the weekend to penalize Florida for moving up its primary date to Jan. 29 -- a violation of DNC rules that prohibit states from holding nominating polls before Feb. 5. August 23, 2007 Candidates Ratchet Up Political Game in Iowa Presidential candidates descended upon Iowa in mid-August to compete in the Republican straw poll, participate in a Democratic debate and hobnob with voters at the state fair. Iowa Public Radio followed the candidates through the state fair in Des Moines. August 22, 2007 Michigan, Arizona Set to Move up Primary Election Dates Arizona announced Wednesday plans to move its presidential primary election date to Feb. 5, and Michigan proposed similar plans to move its to Jan. 15. The NewsHour talks to regional journalists about the reasons for advancing the dates. August 21, 2007 Fred Thompson Still Testing Presidential Waters Former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., is traveling the country making campaign-like appearances in key primary states, building a campaign staff and raising funds, but the actor has yet to officially enter the presidential race. On Tuesday, he appeared at a veterans convention in Kansas City, Mo. August 20, 2007 Clinton, Obama, Edwards Battle for Iowa's Support in Debate Democratic presidential hopefuls gathered for another debate Sunday, this time in the critical caucus state of Iowa to discuss Iraq, political experience and their electability on ABC's "This Week." August 16, 2007 Candidate Spouses Serve as Partners on Campaign Trail Presidential candidate spouses such as Elizabeth Edwards and Ann Romney have been fixtures on the campaign trail, providing support and reaching out to voters. A political science professor and a journalist discuss the changing role of spouses. August 14, 2007 Kucinich Takes Long-shot Status in Stride Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, arguably the most liberal Democratic candidate for president, has continued his long-shot mission to grab the nomination that he mounted in 2004, with past setbacks doing little to slow his campaign or curb his confidence. August 13, 2007 Romney Hits High Note in Iowa Straw Poll Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won Iowa's non-binding straw poll, but the title came with a $2 million to 3 million price tag and without competition from other front-runners in the GOP field. Washington Post reporter Dan Balz assesses the development. August 13, 2007 Thompson Drops Out of Race After Poor Showing in Iowa Poll One day after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Ames, Iowa straw poll Saturday, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination, slightly narrowing a crowded GOP field. August 11, 2007 Romney Scores Symbolic Win in Iowa Straw Poll Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney scored a largely symbolic, yet critical victory in Saturday's Iowa GOP straw poll, beating a field of lesser known candidates in the first test of the governor's organizational ability. August 10, 2007 Grassroots Campaigning Still Key in Iowa's Battleground As the presidential nominating process has evolved, voters in early primary and caucus states have grown accustomed to meeting candidates in living rooms and coffee shops -- intimate settings that facilitate personal connections. August 9, 2007 South Carolina Primary Move Puts Election Calendar in Flux South Carolina officially moved up its primary date to Jan. 19 on Thursday. New Hampshire and Iowa may soon move their primaries even earlier to preserve their first-in-the-nation status. Political analysts discuss how these changes may affect the election. August 8, 2007 On Stage Together Again, Democrats Don't Hold Back The Democratic candidates met at another forum, this one sponsored by the AFL-CIO with the intent to focus on labor concerns. But the forum, which turned into more of a debate than a conversation, focused on other issues such as foreign policy and contributions from lobbyists. August 6, 2007 Democrats Woo Bloggers; Republicans Face Off in Iowa Democrats vying for the 2008 presidential nomination spent the weekend courting liberal bloggers at the YearlyKos Convention in Chicago, while the Republican candidates debated in Des Moines, Iowa. A political journalist discusses the presidential race. July 24, 2007 Democrats Face Voter Questions in New Format Democratic presidential hopefuls fielded questions directly from the voters Monday in a debate sponsored by CNN and the video sharing Web site YouTube. A reporter and political analyst discuss the candidates' answers and new debate format. July 19, 2007 Candidates Find Top Dollars in Bottom-up Online Campaigns As the 2008 presidential campaign becomes known as the Internet election, candidates who are successful at building online communities are tapping into millions of dollars in donations. July 18, 2007 Edwards Wraps Up Eight-State Poverty Tour Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., ended his three-day "Road to One America" tour on Wednesday after visiting 12 cities in eight states to highlight issues facing Americans living in poverty. A professor and political columnist discuss his campaign. July 18, 2007 Biden Pushes Plan for Partitioned Iraq After Troop Drawdown Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware joins the NewsHour's series of conversations about what may happen in Iraq after U.S. troops leave. Biden has been pushing for the partitioning Iraq into more clearly organized ethnic areas. July 17, 2007 Social Web Sites Emerge as Way to Generate Supporters, Funds Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and long-shot Republican Rep. Ron Paul of Texas may not be leading in national polls, but their use of social networking Web sites tops their presidential rivals. July 16, 2007 Candidates Spend Millions in Race for White House With the Federal Election Commission's release of second quarter funding reports came questions about what the candidates actually do with the money this early in the race. A professor and a journalist dissect the expenditures of the 2008 presidential campaign. July 11, 2007 McCain Campaign Hits Series of Setbacks Once considered the Republican front-runner in the presidential race, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is struggling to raise money and maintain his campaign staff. Dan Balz of the Washington Post and Adam Nagourney of the New York Times talk about what lies ahead for the senator's campaign. July 10, 2007 Top McCain Team Out as Campaign Purge Continues Arizona Sen. John McCain's campaign manager Terry Nelson and chief strategist John Weaver issued their resignations Tuesday from the Republican presidential candidate's campaign. July 3, 2007 Candidates Celebrate the Fourth in Iowa's Battleground Presidential candidates have been swarming to Iowa, making 60 visits in June alone, to gain supporters for the first-in-the-nation caucus there on Jan. 14. Democratic and Republican party leaders in Iowa provide their assessments of the campaigns. July 2, 2007 Obama Tops Rivals, McCain Slips in Campaign Fund Raising Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., raised $32.5 million for his presidential campaign over the past three months, besting the other candidates. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., meanwhile, raised less than his first-quarter figure. July 2, 2007 With Two Top GOP Candidates Out, Role of Iowa Straw Poll Remains Cloudy After two major Republican presidential candidates announced they would forgo Iowa's straw poll in August, political pundits questioned the event's relevance, while other campaigns seized the opportunity to gain greater visibility by attending. June 22, 2007 Liberal Groups Banking on Social Issues Garnering Votes While Iraq tops the list of concerns for most Democrats, organizations championing social agendas are hoping cultural issues such as abortion and gay rights will gain traction among voters and help shape the strategies of the party's presidential hopefuls. June 20, 2007 Bloomberg Leaves GOP, Denies Presidential Rumors New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said this week he is leaving the Republican Party to become an independent, fueling speculation that he plans to run for president in 2008. A political reporter discusses the move. June 15, 2007 Edwards Looks to Iowa Caucus for Early Momentum in 2008 Campaign After placing second in Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucus in 2004, former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., is a familiar name to many Iowans and is campaigning heavily there in his bid for the 2008 Democratic nomination. -- Iowa Public Television June 12, 2007 Early Media Coverage Focuses on Horse Race Despite the fact that the first primary voters will not cast a ballot for another seven months, the bulk of the unparalleled presidential campaign coverage has focused on the so-called "horse race" stories, rather than the issues. June 8, 2007 Presidential Candidates Increase Online Campaign Strategies With more voters going online to find election-related information, presidential campaigns are expanding their Web presence as well, using the Internet to post campaign videos, recruit and communicate with supporters, and raise money. June 8, 2007 Extended Interview: Expert Analyzes Online Campaign Strategies Political analyst and professor Mike Cornfield discusses the online strategies that campaigns are using for the upcoming presidential election. June 6, 2007 Republicans Tackle Immigration in New Hampshire Debate Republican presidential hopefuls met in New Hampshire Tuesday to define their positions on issues including immigration, faith and the war on terror. A political reporter looks at how the candidates performed. June 6, 2007 Romney Outlines Path from Business to Politics Former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts told a New Hampshire crowd that early on in his life, he did not expect to enter politics, but that his path from businessman to politician helped him learn how to solve tough problems and take advantages of opportunities others miss. -- New Hampshire Public Television June 4, 2007 Democrats Debate Iraq, Health Care in New Hampshire In the next round of debates for the 2008 Democratic presidential hopefuls, candidates outlined their opinions on Iraq and the war on terror, as well as health care and the crisis in Darfur. A political reporter discusses the debate. June 3, 2007 Fred Thompson Readies Presidential Campaign Republican actor and former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., is expected to start raising money for a presidential run and hiring campaign staff, the last step before officially joining an already crowded Republican field. -- National Public Radio June 1, 2007 Thompson's Run Could Stir Up GOP Field NewsHour political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss climate change, immigration and how former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson's possible presidential bid could impact the race for the Republican nomination. June 1, 2007 Cultural Conservatives Give Top GOP Candidates Tepid Reviews Evangelicals and other social conservatives have yet to throw their support behind one presidential candidate, and many are finding themselves dissatisfied with their party's earlier front-runners. May 31, 2007 South Carolina Residents in Tune with Presidential Primaries, Poll Shows Even with the primary scheduled for late January, voters in the Palmetto State are already following the presidential primary campaigns, according to a poll by South Carolina ETV and Winthrop University. -- South Carolina ETV May 29, 2007 Health Care Becomes Key Political Issue for Candidates Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., announced Tuesday a proposal to extend health coverage to all Americans. Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., unveiled his plan earlier in the year followed last week by New York Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton's strategy to control health costs. May 25, 2007 Clinton Addresses Health Care, Braces for Biographies Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York announced her strategy to cut health care costs, but her campaign also has had to react to reports that she considered skipping the Iowa caucuses and is bracing for two books delving into her past. May 17, 2007 New Hampshire Expects Important Primary Role Despite Calendar Shifts Boston Globe political reporter James Pindell travels across New Hampshire to ask some of the key players in the presidential primary race, "Is this the most important primary ever?" -- New Hampshire Public Television May 16, 2007 GOP Hopefuls Hold Debate in South Carolina The 10 Republican candidates for president held their second debate last night in South Carolina. The state is seen as critical to choosing the next GOP nominee. Abortion and terrorism were key points for the debate. -- National Public Radio May 11, 2007 Unions Look to Wield Clout in Frontloaded Democratic Primaries With prominent union-friendly states such as Nevada and California moving up their primaries in the 2008 presidential race, organized labor hopes to only increase its traditional influence in the Democratic nomination process. May 9, 2007 Economic Conservatives Hunt for Likeminded Candidate While the Iraq war continues to dominate the current political debate, Republican candidates are jockeying to position themselves as the true fiscal conservative in the race. The question is whether voters are satisfied with what they are hearing. May 7, 2007 States Seek Earlier Primaries, Greater Clout States are looking to move up their primaries and caucuses in the 2008 presidential race in order to attract the candidates and have them address regional issues. May 4, 2007 In First Debate, Republicans Shy Away from President Bush NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks size up the 2008 Republican field after Thursday's debate and discuss President Bush's veto of an Iraq war funding bill that included a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops. May 4, 2007 Republicans Engage in First Debate for Party Nomination Still early in the primary season, the 10 candidates for the Republican nomination gathered at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., for their first debate. The NewsHour presents extended excerpts. May 4, 2007 California Democrats Speak Out on Candidates The California Democratic Party held its state convention in San Diego, giving the party's 2008 presidential candidates the opportunity to make their case in the Sunshine State. In an audio slide show, convention attendees explain who they support and why. April 30, 2007 Democratic Anti-war Voting Bloc Grows as Diverse Groups Join Cause Long-time peace advocates, joined by some military personnel and their families, are strengthening the anti-Iraq-war movement, which is gaining traction in the general public and producing a valuable voting bloc for Democrats in 2008. April 27, 2007 Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate War, Terrorism Eight Democrats vying for the 2008 presidential nomination united in criticizing the Iraq war during a debate Thursday. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks evaluate the candidates' performances. April 27, 2007 Biden Addresses Gun Control, Foreign Policy, Health Care at Iowa Stop During a visit to Iowa, Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., responded to Democratic calls for increased gun control, and talked about the war in Iraq and the Supreme Court's impact on abortion, along with his plans to fix America's health care system. -- Iowa Public Television April 23, 2007 Democrats Search for Positions on Iraq War Democratic presidential hopefuls are starting to outline their foreign policies, including where they stand on the Iraq war. Peter Beinart,at the Council on Foreign Relations and editor-at-large of "The New Republic," and Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne discuss candidate stances on Iraq. April 20, 2007 War Supporters Continue to Back President Despite Low Poll Numbers After the Democrats won control of Congress in November 2006, fueled largely by public discontent over the continued violence in Iraq, the Republican base of support for the war seemed to have lost some of its leverage. April 19, 2007 Democrats Set up Camp in Nevada's Early Primary Battle Nevada has historically had no impact on the nominating process for the presidential contests, but after the Democratic Party authorized Nevada to move its caucus up to January, candidates are organizing their campaigns to motivate and educate voters in what could be an important battleground state. April 13, 2007 Pentagon Extends Military Tours; McCain Defends War Policy The Pentagon announced that it will extend tours of U.S. servicemen to 15 months, while Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., defended his support of the Iraq war. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss these and other developments. April 13, 2007 Huckabee Sees Iowa as Filter for Republican Nomination Acknowledging his place behind the top three GOP candidates, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said that despite a slow start, his campaign is making strides, especially with Iowa voters. -- Iowa Public Television April 11, 2007 McCain Defends His Support of Iraq War Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., once considered the favorite for the Republican nominee for president in 2008, has fallen behind in recent polls and in fund-raising totals. Analysts discuss the ups and downs of his campaign and the impacts of his support of the Iraq war. April 11, 2007 First Virtual Town Hall Engages Voters Through Internet Using Internet technology to advance voter participation in the 2008 election, seven Democratic candidates participated in a "virtual town hall" Tuesday night to answer questions about the war on Iraq. April 4, 2007 Obama, Romney Exceed Expectations in Presidential Fund Raising Days after most presidential campaigns announced their first quarter fund-raising totals -- with Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and former Republican Gov. Mitt Romney leading their parties -- Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., broke the news Wednesday that his campaign raked in $25 million. April 4, 2007 Tommy Thompson Launches Campaign in Wisconsin, Iowa Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson kicked off his bid for the Republican presidential nomination at campaign events in Wisconsin and Iowa Wednesday. April 2, 2007 Clinton, Romney Break $20 Million in First Quarter Fund Raising Campaigns continued to release fund-raising totals Monday when former Massachusetts Republican Gov. Mitt Romney joined Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., as the only other candidate to announce first-quarter totals that topped the $20 million mark. April 2, 2007 Republican Tancredo Officially Enters White House Race Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., announced Monday morning that he is seeking the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, citing his dissatisfaction with the way other presidential contenders are handling the illegal immigration issue. March 26, 2007 Presidential Candidates Blanket New Hampshire Looking for Primary Win Presidential politics are the talk of New Hampshire as a steady stream of candidates make their way through the state. NH Outlook's Richard Ager shows how the candidates are trying to do more than give voters a good first impression. They're also looking to recruit local activists for the primary. -- New Hampshire Public Television March 22, 2007 Edwards to Stay in Race Despite Return of Wife's Cancer John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth announced Thursday that her breast cancer, first diagnosed in 2004, had returned but it would not stop his bid for the Democratic nomination. March 16, 2007 Nevada Democrats Jump Up in Calendar, Eyeing Larger Nominating Role Nevada Democrats will have more of a say in who receives their party's 2008 presidential nod with their caucuses bumped up to Jan. 19, just after Iowa and before New Hampshire. March 16, 2007 California Moves Primary Forward; Other States Look to Follow After much speculation, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger officially moved the state's primary to Feb. 5, adding the delegate-rich behemoth to the list of states vying for more influence in the presidential nomination process. March 5, 2007 Clinton, Obama Campaigns Collide in Alabama Sens. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., appeared in Selma, Ala., on Sunday to commemorate the 1965 march for civil rights. A New York Times reporter discusses the event, the first time the candidates have appeared together in the 2008 presidential race. March 5, 2007 Sam Brownback, 'Bleeding-Heart Conservative'? Presidential candidate Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., embraces conservative social issues. In an interview with NPR's Renee Montagne, Brownback explains why he thinks his views will resonate with voters in 2008. -- National Public Radio February 12, 2007 Diverse Candidates Aim to Transcend Race, Gender It's clear that Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, and Mitt Romney are going to have spend a lot of this campaign talking about race, gender, ethnicity, and even religion. February 12, 2007 Presidential Race Off to an Early Start In Iowa, the caucus campaign is already well under way. That puts heavy demands on a small state with a big field of candidates. February 12, 2007 Candidates Work to Raise Money for Early Election Several past chairmen of the Federal Election Commission, among others, have said that this will be the first billion-dollar election. NewsHour discusses the money chase. January 31, 2007 Ready, Set, Campaign: 2008 Presidential Race Starts Early News for Students: In the first presidential election since 1928 without a sitting president or vice president running, more than a dozen hopefuls already have lined up for the race, making for one of the longest campaign seasons ever. January 29, 2007 Clinton, Obama Campaigns Deny Claims of Internet Story A Web site created a stir by publishing a story claiming Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., had plans to use a purported Islamist upbringing of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., against him in her presidential campaign. January 22, 2007 Presidential Campaigns Launch into New Mediums Several presidential hopefuls, including New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, have used the Internet to announce their candidacy. January 22, 2007 2008 Presidential Field Continues to Grow Three more candidates - New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback and former Gov. Bill Richardson - formally launched their presidential campaigns last weekend, adding their names to an expanding list of candidates vying for the presidency in 2008. January 9, 2007 N.H. Voters Leave Both Parties in Search for Front-Runner New Hampshire's primary voters rejected the winners of earlier states' contests on Tuesday, breathing life into two presidential campaigns that had been showing recent signs of faltering. January 4, 2007 Iowans Issue Call for Change as Obama, Huckabee Claim Victories Iowa's voters sought a new political direction Thursday, bestowing victories upon two candidates -- Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee -- who fought uphill campaign battles in the months leading up to the caucuses. January 3, 2007 Judy Woodruff Reports from the Iowa Caucuses Senior NewsHour Correspondent Judy Woodruff talks to The Online NewsHour on the results of the Democratic and Republican caucuses from Iowa. December 28, 2006 Political Landscape Changes as Presidential Hopefuls Take Stage As John Edwards joins a growing number of presidential hopefuls, he faces a changing political landscape. Political authors discuss the challenges ahead for him and everyone else running for office in 2008. December 11, 2006 Obama's New Hampshire Trip Sparks Interest in 2008 Presidential Race Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., a strong potential candidate for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination, drew large crowds in New Hampshire this weekend. May 31, 2006 Group Seeks Cross-Party Ticket for 2008 Elections A new political party called the Unity Party launched this week with the intention of creating a 2008 cross-party presidential and vice presidential ticket combining a Republican and Democrat.				Main: Vote 2008   Main: 2008 Primaries   Primary Election Map   Big Picture Cities   Reporters' Blog   Democrats   Republicans   Election Feeds   Lesson Plans   Archive

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