Note: VP Watch Delayed until Next Week

Due to the absence of one of the contributors to August Prairie, we will be delaying the second Democratic and first Republican VP watch posts until next Tuesday and Wednesday. We apologize for the delay.

Thank You, Senator Clinton

Thank you, Senator Clinton. Your hard fought campaign has made Senator Obama a better campaigner. Rest assured your issues will not be ignored.

To those of you in her crowd who booed Barack Obama, we'll be waiting for you when you come to your senses. When that happens, I promise to hold no hard feelings. It's time to take it to John McCain, and we would really appreciate your help.

John McCain Steals from Obama

Looks like Senator McCain and his campaign can't help but steal from Senator Obama. First it was his slogan, replacing "Change you can believe in" with "A Leader we can believe in". Then he decided to change his website to be awfully similar to Senator Obama's. Finally, he decided that Senator Obama's logo would be a nice thing to copy.

Looks awfully similar (although admittedly different in other ways as well) to Senator Obama's:


They say copying is the sincerest form of flattery, but I would like it if McCain would go further. Maybe steal Obama's plan to restore America's foreign image, or his commitment to upholding Roe v. Wade. I wouldn't hold my breath on that.

And then there was one (Democrat)

After her attempt to muscle Senator Obama into quickly naming her his running mate failed, Senator Clinton has finally faced facts. During her inconclusive speech on Tuesday night, it appeared she might be in this for much longer than it appears now. However, her tune changed once her closest supporters started appealing to her to rethink her position. This, combined with another flood of superdelegates to Obama, and a brilliant decision by Obama to name Caroline Kennedy to his VP search committee yesterday, led to where we are now.

Everyone who has read this blog knows I have had issues with Senator Clinton's campaign. Some of the tactics used by her camp have been downright odious. However, she certainly knows what she is talking about, is a determined and fierce fighter for what she believes in, and truly believes she is doing what's best for this country. Her biggest mistake was underestimating the political genius of Senator Obama and his wonderful campaign team.

There is no doubt that Senator Clinton's tough fight has made Senator Obama a better candidate. Over the course of the long primary season, he became a better debater, showed his strength and resolve, and let himself become better known to the entire country. Clinton ending her campaign now allows the Democrats to benefit from the 50 state campaign of the primary season, while still reserving five months to hit Senator McCain and the Republican machine hard.

Now is the time for all Democrats (and dissatisfied Republicans and Independents) to get together and rally behind Senator Obama. This year may represent a major shift in how we view electoral politics in this country, and there are some opportunities for the Democrats to make gains not seen since the New Deal Coalition was formed in the early 1930s.

To all of the passionate Clinton supporters out there, I salute your dedication to your candidate, and hope you will give Senator Obama a chance. Ninety percent of their policy positions are the same, and their differences are minor compared to what John McCain stands for. If you care about fixing our health care mess, preserving a woman's right to choose, and restoring our standing abroad, Senator Obama is your candidate.

To all of you Obama supporters, celebrate this victory for about ten minutes, and get ready for the second half. The Republicans and their Rovian machine are revving up for this battle, and we would do well to meet them there. I have great faith in Obama's ability to overcome the opposition, but he can't do it without our help. We have shown what can be accomplished when people take an active role in shaping their government already, now it's time to finish the job. Help the supporters of Clinton up, be graceful in victory, and realize that now is the time to move on to the next set of challenges.

Game On!

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.