October
October 31, 2008
Shields, Brooks Reflect on Campaigns' Defining Moments
Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks recap the week's economic and political news, and recall significant campaign twists and turns in their last analysis before Nov. 4.
October 31, 2008
Southern States Show Signs of Shifting from Red to Blue
Key GOP strongholds Georgia, North Carolina and Florida show possible big gains for Democrats. Reporters probe the reasons behind the shifts in presidential and down-ballot races.
October 31, 2008
McCain Fights for Ohio as Obama Returns to Iowa, Ind.
Sen. John McCain spent a second consecutive day in Ohio Friday talking about his economic plans as Sen. Barack Obama swept through Iowa and Indiana clarifying his own tax plan. Ray Suarez has the latest from the campaign trail.
October 31, 2008
Amid Final Election Push, Amy Walter and Stu Rothenberg Answered Your Questions
Presidential hopefuls Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are engaged in a final campaign push, racing to battleground states like Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania and issuing last-minute pitches to undecided voters. NewsHour regulars Amy Walter and Stuart Rothenberg answered your questions on the campaigns' homestretch.
October 31, 2008
Tensions in Washington Race Reach New Heights
The race for governor in Washington, which has become increasingly acrimonious over the past few weeks, has taken a dramatic twist, as Republican candidate Dino Rossi was forced to give a deposition Wednesday concerning a lawsuit alleging illegal fundraising.
October 31, 2008
Reporter's Notebook: Judy Woodruff Discusses Final Push for the Presidency
With just four days left before the election, Judy Woodruff spoke with the NewsHour's Steve Goldbloom about what she has learned from following the presidential polls and the campaign trail. On Election Day, Woodruff will file reports for broadcast and online from Illinois until a winner is announced.
October 31, 2008
Reporter's Notebook: Judy Woodruff Discusses Final Push for the Presidency
With just four days left before the election, Judy Woodruff explains to the NewsHour's Steve Goldbloom what she has learned from following the presidential polls and the campaign trail. On Election Day, Woodruff will file reports for broadcast and online from Illinois until a winner is announced.
October 31, 2008
Dole Ad Portraying Hagan as 'Godless' Creates Backlash in N.C.
North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Kay Hagan filed notice Thursday of her intent to sue Republican incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole over a controversial ad that shows a photo of Hagan with another women's voice saying "There is no God."
October 31, 2008
VP Candidates Stump for Votes in Pivotal State of Pennsylvania
Vice Presidential candidates Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin campaigned in central and western Pennsylvania Thursday and Friday, as the campaigns continued to battle for Pennsylvania's 21 electoral votes in the final days of the election.
October 31, 2008
Colorado Hispanic Voters Push Obama's Polling Lead
While Hispanics have traditionally been a key Democratic voting bloc, a steady rise in Colorado's Hispanic population might give Sen. Barack Obama the edge he needs to clinch nine electoral votes in a state that has voted Republican in the last three presidential contests.
October 31, 2008
Democrats Look to Build on 2006 Senate Gains
Democrats are trying to reach 60 seats in the Senate, which will give them a filibuster-proof majority. In total, 35 U.S. Senate seats are at stake on Nov. 4. Of these, 23 are currently held by Republicans, while the Democrats are defending 12 slots.
October 30, 2008
Youth Voters Take Active Role, but Turnout Is Uncertain
While record numbers of young and first-time voters are engaged in the political process this year, questions remain as to how strong their turnout will be at the polls. Kwame Holman reports on the youth vote in Virginia and how it reflects national trends.
October 30, 2008
Viewers Flock to Comedy Shows for Dose of Campaign Humor
Sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live has seen its ratings soar in recent weeks as viewers have tuned in to watch skits about political candidates and campaigns. SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels and head writer Seth Meyers discuss political comedy.
October 30, 2008
Candidates Push Hard for Support in Ohio, Florida
With five days left before Election Day, the presidential contenders hit critical states Thursday, including Ohio and Florida, both of which President Bush won in 2004. Ray Suarez details Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama's latest moves.
October 30, 2008
Campaign Attention Lavished on Presidential Bellwether of Mo.
With just five days of campaigning left, both major parties' tickets have been pouring time, resources and money into the battleground state of Missouri, in hopes of sealing up its 11 electoral votes on Tuesday.
October 30, 2008
Amy Walter, Stu Rothenberg Take Your Questions on Election Countdown
Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are racing to battleground states like Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania and issuing last-minute pitches to undecided voters. Which battleground states could tip the balance on Nov. 4 and what do the campaigns need to do to win them? Two regular NewsHour political analysts take your questions.
October 29, 2008
Ethnic Media Fill Role as Election Source for Many Communities
From the Spanish-language reader of La Opinion to the Vietnamese listeners of Radio Saigon Houston, ethnic media organizations across the country are delivering election news this year with a focus on the issues afoot in multi-cultural communities.
October 29, 2008
State Officials, Attorneys Prep for Possible Voting Problems
With a rush of early voters going to the polls, state officials are preparing for a strong voter turnout and lawyers are amassing in battleground states in case problems occur. Legal experts weigh the situation.
October 29, 2008
Candidates Fight for Votes in Battleground States
Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain exchanged jabs over their tax plans and the economy as they campaigned Wednesday in Florida and North Carolina. Judy Woodruff reports from the campaign trail.
October 29, 2008
Candidates Swing Through Florida to Target Undecideds
Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., are both making appearances in Florida Wednesday with just six days to go before Election Day, hoping to secure the state's 27 electoral votes.
October 29, 2008
Dole, Hagan Focus on Boosting Jobs in North Carolina
Both North Carolina Senate candidates, incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole and Democratic challenger Kay Hagan, have experience in public office dealing with economic matters. WUNC compares where the two stand on jobs, taxes, Wall Street regulation and the federal government's economic bailout plan.
-- WUNC
October 28, 2008
Immigrant Activists Prod Voter Turnout in Calif.
A group of immigrants is working to get out the vote in Southern California's San Fernando Valley. Xochitl Dorsey of the National Minority Consortia in partnership with the Online NewsHour reports.
October 28, 2008
In Final Election Stretch, Newspapers Weigh In With Endorsements
As Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain make their final cases to voters in critical states, newspaper editorial boards are weighing in with endorsements of the candidates. Editors from across the country detail which candidates their papers backed and why.
October 28, 2008
Candidates Make Appeals in Campaigns' Home Stretch
Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama spoke in different parts of Pennsylvania Tuesday, each focusing on the economy and their plans to help struggling Americans, reaching out to undecided voters in the battleground state. Gwen Ifill reports on the latest.
October 28, 2008
Obama Has Clear Lead Among Early Voters, Pew Poll Shows
As states being to report record-breaking numbers of early voters, a new survey finds that 53 percent of those who have already voted are backing Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama, compared to 34 percent who have voted for Republican rival Sen. John McCain, according to a poll released Tuesday by the Pew Center for People and the Press.
October 28, 2008
In Virginia, Polls Point to a New Direction for the Old Dominion
In past presidential races, Republicans could point to Virginia and safely assume they'd win the commonwealth's electoral votes. Not since Lyndon Johnson in 1964 has a Democratic candidate won Virginia.
October 27, 2008
Udall Stretches Lead Over Pearce in N.M. Senate Race
Republican Rep. Steve Pearce and Democrat Rep. Tom Udall answered tough questions on the economy, the war in Iraq and the Supreme Court in their final debate on Oct. 26 before voters go to the polls to choose a replacement for retiring Sen. Pete Domenici, R- N.M.
October 27, 2008
With a Week to Go, Candidates Make Final Pitches to Voters
With Election Day nearing, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are racing around the nation's battleground states in a final attempt to shore up voter support. Political analysts discuss closing campaign strategies.
October 27, 2008
Sens. Obama, McCain Begin to Make Final Arguments For Presidential Bid
Time for campaigning is quickly running out for the two major presidential hopefuls, Sens. Obama and McCain, as they drive home their closing arguments for their campaigns' electoral bid, speaking across the nation's battleground states. Judy Woodruff reports.
October 27, 2008
Robocalls, Tactics Become Issue As Ore. Senate Race Reaches Home Stretch
In a week, Oregonians will decide who will represent them in the U.S. Senate: Pendleton Republican Gordon Smith or Democratic state House Speaker Jeff Merkley. As the race draws to a close, campaign strategy becomes critical. OPB reports on one tactic that has drawn scrutiny.
-- Oregon Public Broadcasting
October 27, 2008
Ohio Again Marked as a Presidential Battleground
With just over a week left until Election Day, the presidential candidates are making the rounds in a number of states marked as "battlegrounds" -- with the 2004 election deal-breaker state of Ohio factoring into campaign strategies as one of the most frequent stops in the final days of campaigning.
October 26, 2008
N.H. Senate Candidates Offer Competing Views on Economy, Social Security
In New Hampshire's close Senate race, the rematch between Republican incumbent Sen. John Sununu and Democratic challenger Jeanne Shaheen has been an all-out battle between the two candidates, with negative ads and attacks from both sides. NH Outlook talks with both candidates about the economy, energy and national security.
-- New Hampshire Public TV
October 24, 2008
Shields and Brooks Look at Election Strategy, Financial Crisis
Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks take a look at candidates' campaign strategies for the final stretch of the election season and the search for answers to the global financial crisis.
October 24, 2008
Obama Visits Grandmother in Hawaii as Campaign Battle Continues Across U.S.
While Michelle Obama filled in for the Senator as he visited his ill grandmother in Hawaii, Governor Palin and Senator McCain took their message to the battleground states. Judy Woodruff reports on the latest news from the campaign trail.
October 24, 2008
Early Voting on Pace to Break Records
With 11 days to go before Election Day, some 7.5 million Americans have already cast their ballots in early voting centers around the county.
October 24, 2008
As Election Nears, N.C. Gubernatorial Candidates in Dead Heat
North Carolina's gubernatorial race remains a close one, with some polls favoring the Democrat Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue and some showing Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory out in front in his bid to be the first Republican in the governor's mansion since 1992.
October 23, 2008
Candidates' Successes, Slumps in Polls Often Echoed by Media Coverage
Results of a Project for Excellence in Journalism report indicate media coverage of Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama often mirrors their standing in the polls. A media critic and journalists weigh the impact of the recent findings and the role of media coverage in the 2008 race.
October 23, 2008
McCain, Obama Keep Focus on Economy in Campaign Push
The candidates continued their campaigns in the key battleground states of Indiana and Florida, attacking each other's tax plans and promising to create new jobs. Spencer Michels recaps the latest campaign news.
October 23, 2008
Minn. Senate Candidates Share Defining Moments in Life
In a series of candid conversations with Minnesota Senate candidates Democrat Al Franken, independent Dean Barkley, incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and their families, TPT profiles the three most important moments that have shaped each of their lives.
-- Twin Cities Public Television
October 22, 2008
Impact of Race on Election Remains an Unknown Factor
With Election Day near, questions over how race will impact voter choices in the first presidential election with an African-American candidate representing a major party remain a looming factor. Analysts discuss the role race has -- and has not -- played in the contest.
October 22, 2008
Young Voters in New Mexico Assess Stakes for '08 Race
In a presidential race of historical porportions, young voters stand poised to play a key role in the outcome of the 2008 race. Students from the University of New Mexico describe their views on the McCain-Obama contest and discuss whether young voters will go to the polls this fall.
October 22, 2008
Candidates Focus on Battlegrounds, Spar on Tax Plans
Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama campaigned in key swing states Wednesday, including Virginia and Ohio, as the race for the presidency enters its final weeks and the global stock market remains tumultuous. Spencer Michels reports on the latest news from the campaign trail.
October 22, 2008
Sen. Sununu Defends Seat in First N.H. Debate
New Hampshire's Republican Sen. John Sununu accused his Democratic challenger, former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, of shifting with the "political winds" during their first televised debate Tuesday night, while Shaheen hammered Sununu for voting with President Bush 90 percent of the time.
October 22, 2008
In Oregon Senate Race, Incumbent Republican Faces Uphill Battle
Oregon Republican Sen. Gordon Smith is facing a tough fight to save his job in a competitive re-election battle against Democratic state House Speaker Jeff Merkley. Smith, known as a centrist, appears to be grappling with the impact of dissatisfaction with Republicans and competition from a conservative third-party candidate.
October 22, 2008
McCain Touts Fight for the 'Underdog' in New Hampshire
GOP presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain returned Wednesday to a pivotal place in his political career: New Hampshire, where he won the primary in 2000 and again this year and where he aims to drum up support as polls show the Granite State tilting toward rival Sen. Barack Obama.
October 22, 2008
Landrieu Ahead in La., but Remains GOP Target
Louisiana Democrat Mary Landrieu may face an easier re-election bid than she anticipated, even though Republicans continue to eye her Senate seat as vulnerable enough for a GOP pickup.
October 21, 2008
Obama's Record Fundraising Widens Gap With McCain
Barack Obama's presidential campaign hauled in $150 million in September, igniting debate over the viability of public financing. Political analysts examine the sources of the cash, funding strategies for John McCain and the impact on fundraising in future elections.
October 21, 2008
Obama, McCain Exchange Jabs on Economic Plans
As Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama stump through battleground states, their remaining efforts to shore up votes include exchanging jabs on economic policy and readiness for the presidency. Kwame Holman reports on the latest campaign developments.
October 21, 2008
Obama Cancels Events to Be With Ill Grandmother
Sen. Barack Obama is canceling presidential campaign events Thursday and Friday so that he can visit his gravely ill, 85-year-old grandmother in Hawaii.
October 20, 2008
Libertarian Candidate Bob Barr Discusses Economic Crisis
Former Republican Congressman Bob Barr, the Libertarian presidential nominee, sits down with Judy Woodruff to discuss his party's approach to the economic crisis, foreign policy agenda in Iraq and Afghanistan and his goal of offering a third choice to Americans in this election.
October 20, 2008
Headed Toward Election Day, Candidates Hammer Messages Home in Battlegrounds
After a recap of the latest news from the campaign trail, Gwen Ifill talks to political analysts Amy Walter and Stuart Rothenberg about key congressional races and how the electoral map is shaping up in the final weeks before the election.
October 20, 2008
As Candidates Grapple with Economic Crisis, NewsTrust Users Seek Best Financial Reporting
With polls showing the economy looming as the dominant issue on the minds of Americans this year, the NewsHour and NewsTrust have launched a joint effort to find and promote the most thorough reporting on the complex issues surrounding the financial crisis.
With polls showing the economy looming as the dominant issue on the minds of Americans this year, the NewsHour and NewsTrust have launched a joint effort to find and promote the most thorough reporting on the complex issues surrounding the financial crisis.
This "news hunt" will continue throughout the week of Oct. 20 at "NewsTrust.net":http://newstrust.net/ and will allow visitors to both submit articles and review other reports. The pieces that the NewsTrust community finds to be the most thorough and informative will appear on their site all week -- and next week we will report on the results here at the Vote 2008 blog.
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October 20, 2008
Voter Turnout, Economy Concerns Take Spotlight in Northern New Mexico
Tucked in the mountains of northern New Mexico, the small town of Las Vegas is part of the state's Hispanic heartland and one of towns across the country where voter turnout may prove crucial to the outcome of the presidential race.
October 20, 2008
Obama Nabs Powell Endorsement, Raises $150 Million in September
After winning the endorsement of former Secretary of State Colin Powell over the weekend, Sen. Barack Obama said the GOP four-star general would have a role in his campaign as an adviser and revealed that his campaign had raised $150 million in the month of September.
October 17, 2008
Strategists Answered Your Questions and Look Ahead to November
With less than three weeks left in the race to the White House, polls appear to indicate growing support for Sen. Barack Obama, fueled in large part by the worsening economy. So what can the campaigns do to close the deal with voters? Two party strategists answered your questions.
October 17, 2008
Election Officials Grapple With Voting Irregularities in New Mexico
Recent elections in New Mexico have encountered voting irregularities, including missing ballots and technical troubles. After a report on efforts to ensure a fair election in Albuquerque, an election law expert examines the voting problems.
October 17, 2008
Economic, Health Care Plans Touted in Swing States
Sens. John McCain, Barack Obama and their running mates campaigned in hotly contested states at the week's end while attacking each other's health care platforms and wealth redistribution proposals. Ray Suarez reports on the efforts to shore up votes.
October 17, 2008
Reporter's Notebook: Jeffrey Brown Discusses Covering Economic Crisis Night After Night
Since Congress passed the $700 billion rescue package, Jeffrey Brown has hosted an economic segment in every NewsHour broadcast, covering many angles of the global economic crisis.
October 17, 2008
Reporter's Notebook: KNME's Gene Grant on Voting in New Mexico
Trying to get one's arms around the nature of New Mexico politics can bend even the sharpest political watchers over their keyboards in frustration. It's not easy, but it's always interesting, to say the least.
October 17, 2008
McCain, Obama Fix Weekend Campaign Strength on Southeastern Battlegrounds
Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain campaigned Friday in the battleground state of Florida and with plans to defend traditional GOP strongholds of North Carolina and Virginia over the weekend.
October 16, 2008
Debate Performances Reflect Candidates' Style, Rhetoric
Presidential hopefuls focused their words on aiding America's middle class in their final debate while maintaining very different temperaments. Experts look at how the candidates' rhetoric and approach foreshadow what's ahead in the final weeks of the campaign.
October 16, 2008
New Mexico Voters React to Final Presidential Showdown
After watching the final presidential debate, a group of voters in the battleground state of New Mexico talk to Judy Woodruff about their reactions to the plans and words of Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama.
October 16, 2008
Candidates Step Up Campaigning After Final Debate
With the last presidential debate behind them, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama and their running mates continued campaigning in several battleground states, focusing on the differences in their plans for the economy. Kwame Holman reports on the latest from the campaign trail.
October 16, 2008
At Final Wash. State Debate, Gregoire and Rossi Attack Over Attack Ads
The presidential candidates weren't the only two who debated Wednesday night. In Washington state, incumbent Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire and GOP challenger Dino Rossi met for their fifth and final debate. With just three weeks until the election the candidates sparred over negative ads.
October 16, 2008
Number of Uninsured, Physician Shortages Challenge New Mexico's Health Care System
Faced with one of the nation's highest poverty rates and the second highest percentage of the population living without health insurance, New Mexico is navigating significant challenges when it comes to the medical care of its residents - often making health care reform a top issue of discussion during this election year.
October 15, 2008
Contention Permeates Final McCain, Obama Debate
The two candidates for the presidency engaged on the economy, health care, abortion and other issues in Wednesday night's third and final debate before the election. Political analysts and historians discuss whether either senator emerged victorious.
October 15, 2008
Obama, McCain Expected to Target Americans' Economic Worries in Final Debate
Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain enters tonight's third and final face-off with Democratic opponent Sen. Barack Obama trailing in the polls and looking for a performance that could change the dynamics of the race, analysts said Wednesday.
October 15, 2008
McCain Campaign Hinges on Strong Debate Performance
With the election less than three weeks off, senior correspondent Judy Woodruff previews the stakes for the final debate between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain and to reflect on politics in the Land of Enchantment.
October 15, 2008
Analysts Preview Final Presidential Debate
Wednesday marks the final meeting of the two major presidential candidates in a debate, where they will discuss the relevant issues. Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss what will be in play during the debate.
October 15, 2008
Candidates' Representatives Discuss Merits of Health Care Plans for N.M., Nation
Judy Woodruff digs deeper into the health care issue in New Mexico, speaking with the campaigns' state representatives to explain how their respective health plans will better deal with current needs.
October 15, 2008
New Mexico Residents Struggle to Navigate Health Care System in Crisis
In New Mexico, where a quarter of the residents do not have health insurance, rising poverty rates and a lack of medical facilities are straining the system and bringing health care to the forefront of this year's election.
October 15, 2008
New Mexico's History Plays Distinct Role in a Complex Electorate
To understand politics in New Mexico is to understand how the state's voters are deeply connected to their history and generational roots. As the NewsHour examines the political battleground of New Mexico this week, New Mexico State Historian Estevan Rael-Galvez offered his insights on the factors that have shaped the state's unique history.
October 15, 2008
Democrats Eye Oregon Senate Race As Possible Pick-Up
After two terms in the U.S. Senate, Oregon Republican Senator Gordon Smith entered this year with a huge campaign war chest. He\'s well known in the state, and in the past, he\'s enjoyed strong enthusiasm among Republicans. But with weeks to go before the election, Smith is struggling to keep his job.
-- Oregon Public Broadcasting
October 14, 2008
New Mexico Offers Case Study in Economic Inequalities
New Mexico's stark economic disparities are evident in the state's north, from the affluent community of Los Alamos to the struggling Hispanic heartland of Espanola. Paul Solman reports on the reasons behind the inequalities and the efforts to narrow the gap.
October 14, 2008
Independent Candidate Ralph Nader Discusses Bid for Presidency
Presidential candidate Ralph Nader speaks with the NewsHour's Ray Suarez about his latest bid for the White House and discusses his platform on the critical issues facing the country this election year.
October 14, 2008
Candidates Spell Out Economic Plans Before Third Debate
A day after Democratic candidate Barack Obama unveiled his new recovery proposal for the struggling economy, his GOP rival John McCain released his own plan in an effort to gain steam in the polls. Kwame Holman reports on the candidates' efforts to gain voters' trust before the election.
October 14, 2008
McCain Promises Benefits to Seniors, Unemployed in New Economic Plan
Republican presidential nominee John McCain unveiled $52 billion in new economic relief measures Tuesday that are aimed at helping the unemployed, seniors and others stressed by the recent sharp downturns in the stock market.
October 14, 2008
N.C. Senate Race Tightens in Final Weeks
UNC-TV gives an in-depth look at both candidates for Senate in North Carolina, incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole and Democratic state Sen. Kay Hagan. In recent weeks, Hagan has pulled closer to Dole in the polls, indicating that she might secure another seat for the Democrats in the Senate.
-- UNC-TV
October 14, 2008
Smith And Merkley Face Off In Medford Debate
Republican incumbent Sen. Gordon Smith and Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley stayed on message when they faced off for the last time before Election Day, tackling a broad range of subjects, from the environment and trade issues, to the war and the economy.
-- Oregon Public Broadcasting
October 13, 2008
Activists Seek to Boost Native American Vote in New Mexico
Native Americans make up more than 10 percent of potential voters in the battleground state of New Mexico, and political activists are working to increase Indian participation in November's election. Tristan Ahtone of the National Minority Consortia reports from New Mexico.
October 13, 2008
New Mexico's Unusual Demographics Shape Campaigns' Strategies
In this first spotlight segment on New Mexico, the NewsHour examines election issues in the Land of Enchantment as the race between Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama nears its end. Political analysts discuss local campaign tactics.
October 13, 2008
Political, Economic Scene in New Mexico Set to Affect Election
In this first segment of a series on New Mexico's role as a battleground state, Ray Suarez sets the scene in the Land of Enchantment, whose wide demographics and economy will affect the choice of voters this election.
October 13, 2008
Candidates Seek Economic Leadership Role as Election Nears
Two days before the third presidential election, the presidential contenders spotlighted the economy as John McCain distanced himself from President Bush's financial policies and Barack Obama introduced a new economic rescue plan. Kwame Holman reports on the latest from the campaign trail.
October 13, 2008
Obama Pitches Four-Part Economic Rescue Plan
With the financial system still reeling from a major credit crisis, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama unveiled a four-part economic rescue plan Monday, announcing a series of measures aimed at helping middle-class Americans.
October 13, 2008
Economic, Cultural Concerns Highlight New Mexico Town Hall
If all politics is local, Sunday night's town hall meeting with voters in Albuquerque, N.M., provided a fresh example of how the issues topping the national conversation have their roots in community-level election dialogue.
October 12, 2008
La. Senate Candidates Spar on the Economy, Energy Policy
As the only Democratic incumbent who appears to be in danger of losing her Senate seat to a Republican challenger, Sen. Mary Landrieu is solidifying her lead against state Treasurer John Kennedy. In their last debate, the two tackled the biggest campaign issues, starting with the economy.
-- Louisiana Public Broadcasting
October 10, 2008
Market Meltdown, Tone on Campaign Trail Top the Week's News
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and National Review Senior Editor Ramesh Ponnuru discuss the presidential candidates' plans for the troubled economy and how voters are reacting as Election Day draws ever closer.
October 10, 2008
McCain, Obama Respond to Economic Crisis, Attacks
During the worst week in Wall Street history, presidential contenders John McCain and Barack Obama spoke and released ads about the economic crisis while taking jabs at one another. Kwame Holman reports on the latest from the campaign trail.
October 10, 2008
Hispanic Voters Poised to Wield Political Power in New Mexico
If the battle for the presidency comes down to how the West is won, New Mexico's large Hispanic and Latino electorate could tip the vote this November.
In a state known for razor-thin elections, the Hispanic and Latino population in New Mexico embodies the state's reputation for independence and political diversity.
October 10, 2008
Hispanic Voters Poised to Wield Political Power in New Mexico
If the battle for the presidency comes down to how the West is won, New Mexico's large Hispanic and Latino electorate could tip the vote this November.
October 10, 2008
Obama Sees New Mexico As a Must-Win State
Sen. Barack Obama's campaign recognized early on that New Mexico was going to be critical to its success and that the road to the White House went through New Mexico, Nevada and nearby states. National Public Radio's Morning Edition host Renee Montagne reports from New Mexico on the close presidential race.
-- National Public Radio
October 09, 2008
Obama Camp Flexes Spending Power with 30-min. Primetime Ad Buy
Sen. Barack Obama's campaign will air a half-hour special on CBS on Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., the network reported, adding that the campaign is in talks with NBC and Fox for similar deals.
October 09, 2008
Obama, McCain Burn Up Campaign Trail in Battleground Push
Sen. John McCain made campaign stops in Wisconsin Thursday, while opponent Sen. Barack Obama spoke to supporters in Ohio as the campaigns continued to reach out to key battleground voters and hit the airwaves with new ads.
October 09, 2008
Candidates Light Up the Airwaves With Strategic Ad Buys
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama is outspending his Republican opponent Sen. John McCain in fifteen critical states as Nov. 4's election approaches, new figures show.
October 08, 2008
Advocates Push for Washington Native Voter Data, Participation
Native American voters in Washington State have played a major role in that state's elections, but increased political participation in Native communities is relatively new. Advocates, scholars and the campaigns are struggling to make sense of the new voting bloc.
October 08, 2008
Presidential Candidates Focus on Hotly Contested Swing States
As the presidential race marches into its final weeks, the campaigns are employing a shifting set of strategies to appeal to voters in battleground states. Local political reporters discuss the campaign ground games in their states.
October 08, 2008
Candidates Spar Over Economy, Attempt to Calm Voters
After the second presidential debate in Nashville, Tenn., the candidates rejoined the campaign trail where Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin assailed the platform of Sen. Barack Obama, while the Democrat and his running mate Sen. Joe Biden sought to calm anxious voters. Kwame Holman reports on the race's latest.
October 08, 2008
Asian Americans Seek Political Voice, Recognition
The Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote project aims to increase Asian American political power by identifying key community issues in this year's election.
October 07, 2008
Candidates Face-Off During Second Presidential Debate
The presidential candidates met for their second debate, covering topics ranging from economics to foreign policy and environmental issues. Political analysts and historians discuss the senators' performances and possible reaction will be from voters.
October 07, 2008
Voters Expect to Hear Confidence at the Debate
Amid the financial crisis, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama will likely use the platform of the second presidential debate to quell voters' anxiety. Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks explain the strengths of appearing confident and the flaws of a negative campaign.
October 07, 2008
Candidates to Answer to Undecided Voters in Nashville Debate
In a presidential race mired in recent sharpened attacks, Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama will answer to undecided voters in Tuesday night's town hall-style presidential debate, the second of three before Nov. 4th's election.
October 07, 2008
Defining the Quasi-sovereignty of Native Nations of America
KNME's citizen journalist Rebecca Riley reflects on how to define sovereignty as it applies to Native nations and calls on Native leaders to make sovereignty the top priority in the 2008 election.
-- KNME
October 06, 2008
Ahead of Second Debate, Presidential Candidates Sharpen Attacks
Leading up to Tuesday night's presidential debate, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama each released ads questioning the other's character. Political reporters discuss the state of the race in the midst of economic turmoil and what to watch for during the debate.
October 06, 2008
Campaigns Go on the Attack With New Ads and Old Controversies
Sen. Barack Obama's campaign e-mailed a new video ad to supporters Monday reminding them of Sen. John McCain's mid-career scandal involving a corrupt savings and loan owner -- a quick retort after McCain's running mate Sarah Palin blasted Obama's ties to controversial '60s radical over the weekend.
October 06, 2008
N.H. Senate Candidates Debate Economy, Energy
Incumbent Republican Sen. John Sununu and challenger former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen sparred over the federal bailout bill, health care and energy in a forum held in Manchester, N.H. and moderated by New Hampshire Public Radio's Laura Knoy.
--New Hampshire Public TV
October 06, 2008
Republican Pat McCrory Discusses Job Creation and North Carolina's Economy
In an interview with UNC-TV, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, the Republican candidate for North Carolina governor, outlines his plans to create jobs by increasing North Carolina's energy business, building nuclear reactors and supporting off-shore drilling along the Atlantic coast.
-- UNC-TV
October 03, 2008
New Mexico's Hispanic, Students Population May Sway Vote
NOW on PBS travels to New Mexico to see how both campaigns are hoping to attract -- and secure -- first time voters on college campuses, as well as voters in New Mexico's large Hispanic population.
-- NOW
October 03, 2008
VP Debate, Battleground Strategies Top Campaign Headlines
This week, Congress pushed through a massive financial rescue plan and vice presidential hopefuls faced off in a key debate. Analysts Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks weigh all things politics.
October 03, 2008
Candidates Spar on Economy in Wake of VP Debate
Amid more gloomy economic data, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama offered their takes on job losses and the financial crisis, one day after Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden sparred over foreign policy and the economy in their one and only debate. Judy Woodruff recaps the latest on the race.
October 03, 2008
Learn More About New Mexico
New Mexico has the highest Hispanic population in the United States and the second-highest percentage of uninsured residents. See how the state stacks up against the rest of the country on other demographic info, unemployment, education and poverty rates, and other key data.
October 02, 2008
Biden, Palin Spar on Taxes, Economy, Iraq in Vice Presidential Debate
Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin defended their running mates and sparred over tax policy, the war in Iraq and other issues during Thursday night's vice presidential debate. Political analysts and historians discuss the candidates' performances.
October 02, 2008
Shields and Brooks Preview High-stakes VP Debate
Vice presidential candidates Senator Biden and Governor Palin meet in St. Louis Thursday for a highly-anticipated campaign debate. Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks preview the meeting and the stakes for the candidates.
October 02, 2008
Biden, Palin Take Spotlight in Highly Anticipated VP Debate
Vice presidential candidates Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin will face off Thursday in their only debate -- a meeting political-watchers say could earn record levels of viewership. Reporters who have been covering Biden and Palin offer insight.
October 02, 2008
McCain Ad Targets Biden Ahead of VP Debate
In an ad released the day of the first - and only - vice presidential debate, Republican John McCain's campaign calls out Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden's tendency to slip up on the campaign trail.
October 01, 2008
Campaigns Rush to Court Clinton's Fla. Supporters
Sen. Hillary Clinton held a strong foothold in the key state of Florida during the primaries -- and her supporters are not yet running to either presidential ticket. Judy Woodruff reports on efforts by the Obama and McCain campaigns to court former Clinton supporters.
October 01, 2008
Obama, McCain Depart Campaign Trail for Senate Vote
New polls suggest the economic crisis has created momentum for Sen. Barack Obama's campaign, especially in battleground states. The Hotline's Amy Walter and Susan Page of USA Today break down the latest campaign news and how Thursday's vice presidential debate might impact the dynamics at play.
October 01, 2008
Gregoire, Rossi Square Off in Washington Gubernatorial Debate
Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire and her Republican challenger Dino Rossi met to debate the economy, immigration, health care, agriculture, energy and other issues important to Washington voters. The debate, held in Yakima, was moderated by KCTS 9's Enrique Cerna.
-- KCTS9
October 01, 2008
Washington Gubernatorial Race Turns a Shade Nastier
With five weeks until Election Day, Washington's race for governor is turning a shade nastier. Democratic activists are questioning the ethics of Republican candidate Dino Rossi for his links to a building association that is running an independent ad campaign on his behalf.
-- KPLU in Seattle
October 01, 2008
Minnesota Senate Ads Distract and Discourage
Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and his Democratic challenger Al Franken are certain to shatter the all-time spending record for a Minnesota senate campaign. As of the last reporting period, Franken and Coleman together had raised nearly $28 million, much of which is going towards campaign ads.
-- Minnesota Public Radio