Blue Radar

Here are some of the buzz stories circulating throughout the political blogosphere:

• IRAQ The Iraqi Defense Minister said on Tuesday that his country will require US help until the year 2018.
• ENERGY President Bush pleaded with OPEC today to increase output amid continuously rising prices at the pump, which could slow the US economy.
• 2008 ELECTION/PRESIDENTIAL The Democrats debate tonight at 9 PM ET.  The Las Vegas Review Journal has a preview.  (This is the most crucial debate Barack Obama has ever been in.)
• 2008 ELECTION/PRESIDENTIAL AlterNet's Steven Rosenfeld has uncovered an active effort by the Clinton campaign to suppress likely Obama supporters in Nevada.
• 2008 ELECTION/PRESIDENTIAL Politico is reporting on the new trend of red state Democrats that have endorsed Obama in recent days due to electability factors.  Those names include Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota and Ben Nelson of Nebraska.
• 2000 ELECTION/PRESIDENTIAL South Carolina Democrats (Rasmussen): Obama - 38%, Clinton - 33%, Edwards - 17%.
• 2008 ELECTION/PRESIDENTIAL California Democrats (SurveyUSA): Clinton - 50%, Obama - 35%, Edwards - 10%.
• 2008 ELECTION/PRESIDENTIAL Nevada Democrats (Research 2000): Obama - 32%, Clinton - 30%, Edwards - 27%.

Feel free to add anymore stories to the comment box.

Comments

[George]

Todd,
I think it's about splitting California and winning Nevada and dominating SC for Obama.

The polls suck right now and you're right about Clinton's "in touch" campaign. Obama must show off Michelle more and he must do more town hall meetings where people can feel his intelligence on the spot. We know he can speak already. Stop giving speeches!

HUGE debate tonite. HUGE.

[Chief Editor: Todd]

George, the problem is no one can split California. Whoever wins that state gets all the delegates. Some pundits think the race will last beyond February 5th. But I think not. Whoever wins California gets the whole prize.

Totally agree about Michelle. She is a huge asset to Obama.

[George]

i didnt realize that about California. In that case Obama must win there. He might as well not leave the state until 2/5.

If Obama wins Cali, the race could continue until March. Clinton will never give up. This is the entire purpose of her life it seems.

[politicalknut]

If California is the prize then it's interesting to note that Hillary Clinton is already buying up spotcable ads on local cable networks in California. If reaching voters is key then micro-targeting with spotcable is the way to go. Hopefully Obama's campaign is taking notice.

The winners of both parties in NH & IA spent more of their ad budget (18-25%) on local cable networks. Of the 360,000 spots that aired in NH & IA over 80% or roughly 300,000 were on micro-targeted local cable networks in those states. The targeting of voters by networks watched as well as geography is playing a role here....