And then there were two...

As Senator Barack Obama is now the presumptive nominee of the Democratic party, we have removed the Senator Clinton supporter post from the side bar. It still exists, if someone is desperate enough to root their way through the site to comment on it. If the Libertarian or Green party candidates gain more traction as time goes on, we might consider adding them to the list with Senators Obama and McCain.

Obama's Speech

I'll have more to say about Obama's speech at a later date. To sum up my first impression, I believe it was an excellent speech. It was graceful to Senator Clinton, offered a stark contrast to John McCain's ugly speech, and was an excellent start to the General Campaign.

BTW, that Michelle/Barack fist pound was awesome. Although I am really looking forward to Obama's presidency, I believe Michelle will be a great first lady as well.

Obama takes Montana

Despite what Senator Clinton said in her "non-concession" speech, Montana actually did have the last word. Unfortunately for her, she was not their choice.

We are waiting for Senator Obama to speak. More later. 

Clinton's Speech in New York

As the televisions of the household were preoccupied with Lethal Weapon and Mannequin (yes, seriously, Mannequin) I tuned in to CNN.com to catch a streaming feed of Clinton's speech in New York. I missed the beginning of it, but the gist of "I'm still #1" was paraded around. As she recalled the campaign trail, she spoke as if giving an acceptance speech, scoffing at the idea of a losing battle for the nomination and even bringing up 9-11.

What her speech lacked was the need for bringing the Democratic party back together; a perfect opportunity asking her supporters to support the party regardless of how things turn out (I say that somewhat tongue in cheek). Most of her speech was what we've come to expect; a lot of self-touting and arrogance. If one didn't know better, they would think she had not only the nomination but the presidency signed as a done deal. To summarize: Hillary Clinton sings praises in the form of "me me me me!"

Regardless of her head in the sand, and regardless of whether she makes it onto the ticket as running mate or at least advising in some way, I have no doubt she'll bring many advantages to Obama's campaign as well as bring back and unite many Democratic voters. My own opinion as to seeing her actively in the White House...I'm a bit wary of the idea, but I do think she can bring certain things to the table that will at least help Obama get on his way to the White House in November.

Go Crazy, Obama Fans, Go Crazy!

At 9:00, MSNBC interrupted McCain's creepy ass speech to announce that Senator Obama is now the presumptive Democratic Nominee. 

More to come on this wonderful night, including a quick hit on McCain's ugly little speech.

Open the Champagne, Beer, or Root Beer, party the night away, listen to Obama's speech, and get ready for the big show. The real work begins tomorrow.

McCain's Creepy Speech and South Dakota

A few things to learn from McCain's Speech

1. He loves Hillary Clinton. He has daughters, so naturally all you pro-choice women should allow him to put justices that consider Robert Bork a role model on the bench.

2. He loves change, but not like that tax and spend, lib-uh-rul appeaser Barack Obama.

3. His smile is incredibly fake, and the crowd feels reminiscent of some of those made for TV stunts the Nixon campaign would pull. 

4. He disagreed with Bush, except on some of the stuff that really mattered. He hates war, except for when it is pointless and started under false pretenses (unless he is calling his Iraq War Resolution a mistake)

5. Kenner isn't New Orleans, and a 95% agreeance with President Bush does not make a maverick.

6. "That isn't Change We Can Believe In"-Jeez, is that the best you can do?

Now, the opening of his speech clearly spoke to the moderates and independents unsure about Obama, while giving the rabid GOP base what it wants with the absolutism and oversimplification of Obama's role. It wasn't a bad speech that will certainly is better when read instead of heard.

Bring it on Senator McCain, bring it on. The GOP lucked into you, because Huckabee or Romney would have been a 1964 rehash. But Obama ain't no Mondale or Dukakis. The big show is here, and its time to suit up.

In other news, South Dakota is still considered too early to call, although it doesn't really matter. Clinton will win there, Obama will win in Montana, and Obama takes the big prize of the night.

The VP Watch Begins

August Prairie will be starting a weekly feature from now until Senator Obama chooses his running mate. Once we get caught up with the GOP world, we'll also start watching McCain's potential running mates as well.

Senator Obama will most likely seal up the Democratic nomination tonight Therefore, tonight marks the beginning of the general election campaign. To mark that occasion, its time to begin the Vice Presidential Candidate Watch. For right now, we'll be watching seven potential candidates:

Governor Tim Kaine - Virginia

Governor Kathleen Sebelius - Kansas

Senator Evan Bayh - Indiana

Senator Hillary Clinton - New York

Governor Bill Richardon - New Mexico

Senator Jim Webb- Virginia

Senator Chuck Hagel - Nebraska

Each of these candidates has plusses and minuses, but the first four on the list appear to be much more likely than the last three. Richardson and Webb have some things in their past that would cause some potential harm, despite their definite benefits. Hagel is a Republican (and a conservative one at that) who would probably not accept the Vice Presidential bid if offered, which is highly unlikely.

That leaves the top four. My gut feeling is Kaine or Sebelius will be the choice for Obama, but political realities might force him to choose either Bayh or Clinton. I personally would prefer Clinton stays in the Senate and plays a significant role in getting legislation through during President Obama's tenure, but necessity might force his hand.

Next week we'll take a look at each of the seven candidates mentioned above, as well as three others that I have left off the list (for now).