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Barack Obama raised a record-breaking $32 million (£16 million) last month as a new national poll showed him pulling within six points of Hillary Clinton before the 22-state Super Tuesday contests next week.
David Plouffe, Mr Obama’s campaign manager, said that the Illinois senator had attracted 170,000 new donors since the New Year, allowing him not only to advertise in 20 of the Super Tuesday states but, with the Democratic race expected to drag on, also in Louisiana, Maine and Virginia, which vote after February 5.
On the Republican side John McCain received the backing of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the California Governor, cementing his position as front-runner for the nomination, five days before the Super Tuesday showdown.
The former action hero film star appeared at a Los Angeles press conference with Mr McCain to endorse him officially, delivering another body blow to Mitt Romney, who started expensive television advertising in California yesterday in a last-ditch attempt to halt his rival’s momentum.
“He is a great American hero and an extraordinary leader and that is why I am endorsing him to be the next President of the United States,” Mr Schwarzenegger said of Mr
McCain, a former Vietnam prisoner of war. He praised the Arizona senator’s work to combat global warming and wasteful spending and his ability to “reach across the aisle to get things done”.
As recently as ten days ago Mrs Clinton led by 20 points in Gallup’s national survey but Mr Obama has dramatically cut the gap. The new survey put Mrs Clinton on 42 per cent, with Mr Obama on 36 per cent.
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SENATOR CLINTON WILL WILL THIS CAMPAIGN BECAUSE WE KNOW HER....
We "would" know Obama too if he were truthful and genuine; instead the fact that he consistently HIDES behind a campaign slogan....SOUNDS LIKE BUSH'S "compassionate conversative" line!
Go Hillary - We are with you - all the way !!!!
George, Merrillville, USA/Indiana
Not only America, but the rest of the world is desperate for a change.
The war on terror will be the new Vietnam, if you guys don't wake up.
The least war mongering, and most idealistic of all the candidates appears to be Obama. The youth is behind Obama I guess.
Please, don't elect a Republican for the rest of the world's sake.
When Hillary says that she will be ready for President ship from day one, what does she mean? That being a former first lady will give her experience to handle the white house from day one. Then, by her statement she implies that the spouse of the President gets very much involved in the day to day affairs. Again, by implication she means that even Bill might poke his nose in. We know what would happen in that case . Don't we??
Rakesh Babu G R, Surathkal, India
Clinton's time in the White House way back in the 90's is a liability, not an advantage to leadership in 2009. It's like the captain of the Titanic who was from the old school shipping days and hopelssly unprepared to command a modern vessel, ...everything has changed and the arrogance of 'out-of-date' experience is where dangerous mistakes are made.
We need a President that understands the new generation and the new challenges of our time, that's why I support Barack Obama!!
mark, Tustin, CA
All of youobama supporters out there should take you own advice. The mud an race slinging came FROM YOUR SIDE.
GO BACK AND WATCH THE Nevada debate. The First Questio asked by Tim Russert was to obama. " SENATOR Clinton
was on my show yesterday and said that your campaign is responsible for pushing this story line (race based) and it appears SHE IS RIGHT. A Four page Memo from YOUR
COMUNICATIONS Director in SOUTH CAROLINA alleging
racial comments by the CLINTONS.Handed out to the local media. DO YOU REGRET PUSHING THIS STORYLINE?"
His Answer YES I DO.
EVEN YOUR OWN CANDIDATE had to ADMIT his campaign
played the RACE CARD.
THE PESON WHO WROTE THE MEMO STILL WORKS FOR HIM THIS SHOWS THAT HE APPROVED of this tactic.
No wonder he got 81% of the black vote in south carolina
his campaign told them the CLINTONS WERE RACIST.
Very inspiring this New KIND of POLITICS he Brings.
Just like karl rove did to John McCAIN IN 2000.
Don't believe me go see for yourselves on youtube.
Pete Rudolph, Bronx, New York
I was watching excerts of the OBama/Clinto TV show this morning. Hilary was pretending to point, and then wave, to somebody in the audience, whom we are supposed to think she recognised. Where have I seen that before?
David Leslie, Perth, Scotland
On the one hand it is testimony of interest/support for Barack that he could raise that much money . He has done so quite a bit during this campaign cycle. Hillary has done quite well also whereas the republicans have not had anywhere near the money to buy tv ads, fly planes around, pay staff, etc. What bothers me a lot is how much money they all have blown through . So they can raise it, spend it and then stand with the hand out again and again . What bothers me a lot is doesn't this crazy spending send the wrong message? How are we suppose to believe that if elected they will not treat our money the same way. McCain is in the public eye, getting endorsements, and managing a decent campaign with a lot less money and doing well in the polls.
Susan Kachmar, Mondovi, WI
The last time out ,there was a lady in the Yahoo Bridge Lounge who was all praise for Mr.George Bush and she had no hesitation in saying that she hated Mr.Al Gore.When asked why,her answer -"I don't know".
This whole situation is scary because a good,honest,efficient God fearing person can be put aside only because faked emotional behaviour can turn the tide and land the country back in the same mess in which it is now.
And to the guy who emphasis the need for experience,where was he when Mr.George Bush was elected?
It will now be a Herculean task for the next President to correct the damage that has been done.
Ask yourselves -- Has Mr.Obama ever been involved in any scandals,financial or otherwise? Is his behaviour questionable? Can the answer be anything else but "NO" ?
Are intelligent people not capable of drawing conclusions based on what they see and hear?
This is not a circus for the purpose of entertaining the whole world.
Truly,God Help America!
Stan Soares, Surrey, B.C.,Canada
Senator Obama has demonstrated better judgement and inspiration than any candidate. He has also brought in a new generation of voters who had previously given up on politics, won over independents in every caucus/primary so far, and even won over many disaffected Republicans recoiling from the disastrous Bush policies. Ladies and gentleman this is a recipe for victory in November if we dont throw it away. HRC is divisive, disingenous and obviously in it for herself (and her former president husband). We dont need a return to the 90's and all the scandals associated with them. We have the chance to start a legacy for Democratic presidents with this new coalition of voter base similar to what the Republicans have enjoyed for the past few decades if we elect Senator Obama. Spurn it and we will have the same blue/red map we had before and be calling John McCain the next President. Godspeed Senator Obama!
Aaron, Troy, US, New York
I was in attendance when the Kennedys endorsed Obama. Just WOW! I've never seen anything like it. I appreciate the interest the world is taking. Obama is looking like the real deal.
Amy Hasslacher, Washington, DC, USA
Obama is just going to be Jimmy Carter part 2. They are amazing men, and make great speeches, but are ineffective. Hillary won't need a tour when she comes back home to the white house. she's been through it before, she knows how things work. Great speeches and "the politics of hope" won't get anything done behind closed doors. Hillary '08!
Alex Fieldman, Oakland, California, USA
I am an nurse in the US. This is an important election for all the globe. Hillary Clinton is the candidate ready to lead. As a woman and nurse, I know we have serious problems, and we need a serious leader. I love good speeches like the next person, but this is the time for action, NOT WORDS.
Mary Foley RN
San Francisco, CA USA
mary, San Francisco, California, USA
Virginia from California ~ I would say if Obama can withstand the Clintons he can MOST DEFINATELY withstand the Republicans!
Victoria, California, USA
Virginia, a vote for Obama is a vote for bringing American people together. A vote fo Clinton is a vote for divisivenessof a magnitude unseen in modern history. I've volumes more to say to you, but I'm swallowing my tongue...........with great difficulty.
jm, edmonton, canada
Yes, yes, I truly believe Barack Obama is the second coming of Jesus Christ and he must slay the Devil that is Hillary Clinton.
Barack will lead the World out of darkness, end poverty, wars and disease. I know he will, because he sounds so inspiring in his speeches. And with God's help, President Obama will even get more praise than Chuck Norris.
Paul, London,
The adoration for Obama stems from the notion that if the conservatives can convince enough voters to elect him, they will have accomplished two things. One, eliminated Hillary Clinton from being President and Two, put in place a candidate who CANNOT withstand the bombardment of harassment, pressure and stonewalling the conservative right can muster, which is mighty. They will have ensured their control of government with an ineffective candidate who won't even know what's hit him. If you vote for him, you've voted to the right. If you vote for Hillary, we may stand a chance at real change.
Virginia, California, US
Keep your head up Obama, you're almost there. Many of us throughout the world community are right behind you. May God continue to bless you.
Vicky B., Kingston, Jamaica
regarding the writer on Obama's present vote, do you even try to listen for the correct answer? He expanded the process in the Ill. senate and what a presnt vote meant, that he voted present on 138 out of 4,000 votes. Do the truth really matter or it just easier to make NOISE with untruth.
Go Obama!!
Gail, dayton, oh
National opinion polls are not good predictors of how many delagates a canidate will win in a primary (or the case of "Super Tuesday," in 20 state primaries). State party organizations have different rules on how delagates are awarded. For example, some have proportional representation, while others award delgates by County or Congressional Districts. In Nevada, for example, Hillary Clinton "won" the caucuses, but Senator Obama got one more delegates than Clinton because he "won" in more counties than Clinton (whose votes were mostly from the cities).
Ralph Rocheteau, Miami, Florida (USA)
I think I'm going to become a lesbian. I can no longer stand men. It started watching Barrack and John gang up on Hillary. But she is totally coherent and brilliant actually. She's inspiring for sure. Amazing woman. Love her.
Jennifer, Eugene, USA
Barack Obama is the strongest choice for president of the united states. Not only is he a brilliant and ground-breaking speaker, he touches the heart of the American spirit as his sound judgement and ability to bring people together previals in a time a crisis.
Change is in the air people!!! get ready for a new transition from the old school to the new school.....BARACK 08!!
chris, US, US
A week is a long time in Politics. Look what has happened in the space of 1 weeks. 2 or 3 weeks ago little would have given Obama a chance. Why I like Obama - he listens to all and is an enabler for most. He brings hope for a better world. Can we believe again ? Anthony, Norbury, Croydon, South London, UK.
Anthony Gopaul, London, UK
I am sooo sick of hearing the 'high road' from
the Obama camp.....he was the first one to
'attack' in the last debate.....does he think that
Hillary wasn't going to counter.....This time
they claim that it doesn't matter
how he voted in Illinois, but they make a
'big' deal of 'how she voted on the war'.....a
vote, or NON VOTE does matter in how he
will run our country.....he does not have the
experience or readiness to be president right
now.....You have to make a stand on things
and not 'ignore your responsibility' when it
comes to voting......
Glenn, Wrentham, US MA
I'm holding her accountable for helping to start the war in Iraq, for laying the groundwork for another with Iran and for grossly offending a foreign head of state by saying he has no soul. She may be ready for Day One, but all of her experience has not given her the good judgment necessary to handle our foreign affairs by Day One. Vote for the peace mongerer not the war mongerer.
Rebecca, Las Vegas, NV
I am impressed to see folks all around our world taking interest in the coming US Presidential Election. I wish more Americans followed worldly elections like you guys do, it would be a drastic improvement on our image.
I am standing firm behind Obama. You can talk about his lack of experience all you want but speeches DO make great leaders. Democracies are structured from the bottum up, and unfortunately this country has had a disenchanted electorate for quite some time. Obama is a unifier who can bridge the bipartisan divide and wake up sleeping citizens to partake in their democracy. It's been an Oligarchy in this country for over twenty years with two families controlling the most powerful office in the world.
Regardless of his positions, I am confident he can unify both parties and actually enact some legislation that eases tensions on the middle class tax payer, helps the deteriorating state of our education system and perhaps bring us a national health care system. OBAMA!
Mike Bauer, Los Angeles, CA
I can only join with you, Orhan Catan. With Barack Obama as President of the United States, I have no doubt that the whole world will benefit. He is a good man, a true leader and a visionary. God Speed, Barack Obama!
Joan, Quispamsis, Canada
Can't wait to see you crush Barry in the debate tonight, Hilldog! Remain true to yourself, and please don't fall into the trap of spitting out substance-free rhetoric like your rival. Independents for Clinton!
Justin, Atlanta,
Obama is inspiring and provides a message of hope. He also has Oprah behind him, one of the most powerful women American media.
Obama needs to reach out to John Edwards and Hillary. He has snubbed both of them. Things are going to get worse for him if he gets the nomination and runs against McCain attack machine. He needs to toughen up to win.
E. Elder, Palm Harbor, FL
Please tell me you mean "reined" in and not "reigned" in!
Supriya Guha, New Delhi, India
It would just be giving Bill Clinton another shot at the White House because lets face it Hilary is his door back in and who do you think she would be asking advice from....... Bill of course in other words it would be his policies forced on the American people through via his wife.
william thomson, lincoln, Lincolnshire
... Hillary and Barak will both implicitly bring changes to the US because of their differences to all the previous presidents ever before as in skin or gender, however I personnally think Obama has a lot more charisma than Hillary but think that Hillary is more assertive or rather shows more authority than Barak however cold she may seem ! ... I also think it is brave that in her position she is capable of apologising smthg Bush would never ever do in a million year simply because he's always in the rights of all arrogance.
Peter Shaller, Lausanne, Switzerland
I saw Barack last night in Phoenix and I have never been so inspired or witnessed so much enthusiasm....yet, it wasn't just about his oratory skills....I saw greatness and hope in front of me. I pray that a brand new era of Leadership, diplomacy and peace will once again reign in this country. I am 59 and I have waited entirely too long to not have my greatest hopes for this country realized. God Bless Obama!
Linda, Prescott, Az. USA
Why is anyone else bothering, the job is his. Congratulations America for your first black president - and with any luck he will be much less of the war mongering type.
Farrukh, Woking, UK
Message to the Democrat party - 'For God's sake, get a grip'.
If it doesn't, that, big prize, is going to slip ,beyond it's grasp, yet again!
A President needs experience to lead from the top.
An apprenticeship, is, not the name of the game!
As far as I can ascertain, all the fraction is being manipulated by men, who, all have one thing in common- a failure to gain the top job in the past!
prudence eely bond mcguire, LONDON, ENGLAND UK.
Keep it up Obama, Hillary must be quacking. Go for it!!!
Moira, milton keynes, united kingdom
The entire media community seems biased while reporting Obama. If he raises a dime, they scream Obama raises Millions. And I've noticed something funny too... the negative comments about Obama are never seen... He might be good but not good enough to face the Republican onslaught. Speeches won't make him great...
Do people have so much faith in him that they'd simply believe what he preaches? Remember, all the politicians are a bunch of Mo--ns..
Welcome to the greatest Circus in the World!!!
Vivek, London, UK
Agreed, as far as I am concerned only Obama can be a successful president, Clinton could be a president, but not a successful one - don't pick on me I'm just a girl - did Americans forget that?
Silvio, cambridge, uk
God bless you Barack Obama. You are the best. Can't wait to see you next year as president. A bright day is coming.
Orhan Catan, Istanbul, Turkey