Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Campaign HQ's Are Beehives of Activity!

(Portland, Oregon)
 
    If you ever want to visit a political nerve center, then visit a campaign headquarters on election day. But be careful, you might get run over in the process. Such was the case today at Barack Obama's main campaign office in Portland. People were working the phones; and people were coming in for lists to be used canvassing the neighborhoods. Despite a big lead in most polls, Obama's communications director told me there was no time to talk with me. "It's election day, and every vote counts!"
 
    While driving through a nearby neighborhood, I found a volunteer doing a door-to-door canvass; and she is not even from Oregon. Sara Eckhouse is here from Iowa, helping out. She has been away in Europe most of the year, and so this is the first chance for her to work directly on the Obama campaign. "Well, I've been out of the country. Oregon was the place to go!" she told me. As for why she chose Obama from the originally crowded field of Democrats? "I like that he brings people together," she said. "I like that he is really intelligent and not a divisive figure." She adds, "He's something the country needs right now, because we are so divided and polarized."
 
    Across town at Hillary Clinton's campaign headquarters, a phone bank was set up; and dozens of people were on the lines in a last-minute effort to get out the vote. While most polls have had Sen. Clinton down by 12 to 18 points, a more recent poll put the margin at 4 points. So the political troops were in high gear, dialing for votes. "We always knew it was going to be an uphill fight," said communications aide Frank Rothman. "We're just working as hard as we can."
 
    
A sign says the phone banks will be open Wednesday, even though Oregon's primary will be over. The volunteers will be calling voters in Montana and South Dakota, which hold the final two primaries on June 3. "We have the (telephone) infrastructure," says Rothman, "so we're going to use it."
 
    I will be at Obama headquarters for the anticipated victory rally tonight. And I will be "live" with Ross McGowan on KTVU's "Mornings on Two" Wednesday morning at 7:45.
 
    Updates are coming, at www.MarkCurtisMedia.com
 
 




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Mark Curtis in Oregon, KTVU

Rainy Oregon Primary Underway; Turnout Big!

(Portland, Oregon)
 
    Newsflash! I'm in Portland, and it's raining! OK, so it's not a 7.9 earthquake. I know.... It rains all the time  here, so why should my first visit be any different?
 
    I usually start an election day blog by saying something like, "Polls open at 7 a.m."; but things here in Oregon are very different. People have been voting for weeks. Oregon has the only 100 percent mail-in elections in the nation, though the trend is likely to spread. Neighboring Washington State plans to do the same. By 8 a.m., 40 percent of Oregonians had already cast their ballots, according to the Secretary of State. He believes that, when all is said and done, 60 percent of state voters will cast ballots by 8 p.m.; and that would be a record.
 
    This is fascinating, because it's not really just "mail-in" voting. It's more like "drive-through" voting. People pull up to metal boxes along certain streets and slide their ballots into the election box, just as they would with mail. There is even a voting "box" at a McDonald's drive-through. But turnout is greater, as is efficiency, so expect more states to join this trend.
 
    There are very few traditional polling places left in Oregon. The only one I found was actually at the Multnomah County Elections office in Portland, where people could drop in to vote. We should note: This is not just the contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Thirteen people are vying for Mayor of Portland, and there is a flurry of candidates running for State and Congressional offices. Election fever, as it were!
 
    Confession time: I showed up in one of the world's rainiest cities with no raincoat and no umbrella. But, thanks to the kindness of convenience store clerk Jagdish Singh, I stayed relatively dry. Singh lent me her umbrella to use during my broadcast to KTVU. She's an interesting woman. She holds both U.S. and Canadian citizenship, but chose not to vote in this election. "I just feel guilty if I choose the wrong person," Singh said. "I don't like the three of them anyway. They are not too strong for running for the President." Singh was born in India, but came to the U.S. twenty-five years ago.
 
    And it was kind of like "old home" week here. I was assisted in my broadcast by Mark Glyzewski, a reporter from KPTV-Fox 12 in Portland. It turns out both Mark and I grew up in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Small world!
 
    Watch for updates throughout the day. I will be "live" at 7:45 Wednesday morning with Ross McGowan on KTVU's "Mornings on Two." We'll have a complete wrap-up of the Oregon and Kentucky primaries.
 
 




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Monday, May 19, 2008

Proud (TennesseeGOP Add)

When Is Political Spouse Fair Game?

(Danville, California)
 
    "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country!" -- Michelle Obama, February 2008.
 
    It is the quote heard 'round the world, and now it is the subject of a YouTube.com video produced by the Tennessee Republican Party. In the new video, the clip is interspersed with other Americans talking about when they were proud of their country. (You can see the whole thing by logging onto www.YouTube.com.)
 
    Clearly this ad is an attack on Obama's wife, who is clearly not the candidate. Today Obama lashed back at the GOP, saying "Lay off of my wife!" On Saturday, I wrote about how Sen. Obama needs a "thicker skin," because I think he is overly sensitive to criticism aimed at him on issues which are fair political game. But I, too, differ when it comes to political spouses and think the attacks on Michelle Obama are out of bounds. I mean - seriously - how will the Democrats respond? Perhaps by running an attack ad on Cindy McCain and her addiction to pain killers? They could, and it would be tasteless!
 
    Here is my rule of thumb: If the spouse or other family member is advocating for a policy put forth by the candidate, they are fair game. For example, in 1992 it was quite clear that Hillary Clinton was going to lead the legislative efforts toward health care reform. She was in charge of the issue, which was well beyond the traditional role of first lady. Fair game for attacks? Absolutely, as she was advocating policy that could directly affect taxpayers. Hillary Clinton, as a private lawyer, was also involved in some controversial land deals in Arkansas while her husband was Governor. Fair game? Yes, given all the investigations.
 
    Was Chelsea Clinton fair game when her dad was running and she was just 12 years old? No! Today at 28, Chelsea is out stumping for her mom, pushing her issues. Is Chelsea now fair game? Certainly she is, in so far as it relates to the campaign issues. If it's a personal matter, such as whom she is dating, then leave her alone.
 
    Let me be clear. The comments Michele Obama made are fair game for news articles, editorials and kitchen table debates. She upset a lot of people, despite later trying to clarify the remarks. What I disagree with is actually using her speech in an attack ad. If Barack Obama had made these statements, then by all means it would have been fair to attack him. He's the candidate. She is not! Let the ads be about the candidates and the issues!
 
    To be honest, most people disagree with me. A poll conducted today by AOL says 62 percent of respondents believe the video critical of Michelle Obama is fair; and the same poll says 70 percent of Americans feel political spouses are always fair game. So, I am in the minority.  What is your view? There is a comments section at the end of each blog, and I encourage you to write your thoughts!
 
    I will be in Portland in a few hours to cover the Oregon primary. Check back for updates at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.




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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Watch for Two Blowouts on Tuesday!

(Danville, California)
 
    The Democratic primary season has been more like a boxing match; and, with that in mind, I am predicting another dramatic split decision in the Tuesday primaries. Hillary Clinton should win big in Kentucky (after her 41 point win in neighboring West Virginia last week). Barack Obama should win Oregon going away. All told, there are 102 delegates at stake.
 
    Here are the latest composite polls from Real Clear Politics:
 
Kentucky:
 
Clinton:   59 %
Obama:  30 %
Undecided:  11 %
 
Oregon:
 
Obama:  53 %
Clinton:   39  %
Undecided:  8 %
 
National & Super Delegate Totals (2,025 needed):
 
Obama:  1,897
Clinton:   1,717
 
    Some conclusions are already clear: Obama will need fewer than 100 delegates after Tuesday; Hillary Clinton needs a favorable ruling on the fate of the Florida and Michigan delegations, or there is no way she can win.
 
    By Wednesday morning Obama should be at the 1,950 delegate mark, plus or minus a few more Super Delegates swinging his way. This will set the stage for a final showdown on June 3, with the South Dakota and Montana primaries and a total of 31 delegates at stake. We should have a nominee by Wednesday morning, June 4, so I will be in Rapid City,South Dakota, for all of that drama.
 
    In the meantime, I will be in Oregon this week, Monday through Wednesday, covering the latest primaries.
 
    Last Night I had the honor of being "emcee" for the annual "Guns 'n Hoses" charity basketball game to benefit Special Olympics of Northern California. For the second straight year, the Fremont Police Department defeated the Fremont Fire Department. The real winners were all the Special Olympians who benefit. If you want to help go to www.sonc.org.
 
    Check back often at www.MarkCurtisMedia.com.
 
 




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Saturday, May 17, 2008

Welcome to "Hardball" Politics!

(Danville, California)
 
    An e-mail from a family member inspired today's column. One of her basic points is that every time Barack Obama is criticized, he takes it as a personal attack that is somehow unfair. He did this when former President Bill Clinton called his stance on the Iraq war a "fairy tale." And he did it again Friday when President Bush criticized Obama's plans to speak directly with leaders of Iran, Syria, etc. Some Obama supporters even labeled these attacks as racist. Why, I am not sure. People are criticizing Obama because they feel his position is wrong, not because he's black!
 
    Welcome to "hardball" politics, Senator Obama; and you'd better get used to it. The road to the White House is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a gauntlet, not a cake walk. Whether you like Chris Matthews of MSNBC or not, he wrote a seminal book on American politics entitled "Hardball!" It is a must read for any political junkie, and - quite honestly - should be required reading for every college level Political Science 101 course in America.
 
    Matthews's premise is that politics is a "full contact sport." This is NFL football with hard hits, not tennis with easy lobs. Politics is combative and bruising. It is not for the faint of heart. I may not vote for Sen. Hillary Clinton this year (or ever), but I admire her fight and combativeness. The lady may end up losing, but no one can ever call her a quitter. And for that reason alone, she's not really a loser. I like her tenacity, especially against all odds. She's trying to be Eli Manning of the New York Giants in the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl. He won; she may not. But that's not the point. It's how you fight the battle that matters.
 
    And that brings me to Senator Obama and his need to develop a thick skin.
 
    "Hardball" lesson #1: People are going to criticize you for the controversial people with whom you associate. Ronald Reagan was pummeled from the left by people who thought he was too cozy with the Rev. Jerry Falwell and the Rev. Pat Robertson. Your friends, supporters, associates, and, yes, pastors are fair game in American politics. So, your relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright is fair game! Whether it matters is up to voters. That the Obama campaign never recognized this "powder keg" was just naive.
 
    "Hardball" lesson #2: Political attacks should be viewed as professional attacks, not personal. It has been a long standing platform of American foreign policy that we don't talk directly with our enemies, particularly people labeled "state sponsors of terrorism." This has been true for Republican administrations, as well as Democrats. Senator Obama wants to change this policy, which he certainly would be welcome to do as President. That would become his prerogative. You win the election; you set the policy. No question. But, if you put forth the controversial idea during the campaign, then you have to be willing to take the heat. President Bush and Sen. John McCain have both referred to the policy as "appeasement." That's their right to say, and if certain members of the voting public are upset, then so be it. The foreign policy issue is "fair game" in the world of hardball politics, and history can be a harsh judge. Gerald Ford may have cost himself reelection in 1976, when he stated, during one of his debates with Jimmy Carter, that the Soviet Union was not really dominating Eastern Europe. He never recovered.
 
    With all due respect, these candidates are running for the most powerful and important job on the planet. They are not running for president of the local Little League.  Senator Obama got an easy ride into the U.S. Senate when his Republican opponent was caught in a sex scandal. The road to the White House is NOT a free ride! Perhaps Chris Matthews should mail Obama a copy of "Hardball!"
 
    I will be in Oregon Monday through Wednesday, covering the Tuesday primary. Voters also go the polls in Kentucky. Check back often at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.
 
    




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Friday, May 16, 2008

Political Humor a Plus This Year

(Danville, California)
 
    No serious politics today. It's my 49th birthday, and I would rather have fun than talk political issues. Yes, the big California Supreme Court gay rights decision will have political fallout and could certainly have an impact on the presidential race. But we'll talk about that another day.
   
    The number of jokes on the political landscape seems way up this year. Comedians are having a field day with all the candidates and the current office holder. The ironic part is the number of funny statements that come from the candidates' own mouths. These are all direct quotes. You can't make this stuff up!
 
    At a campaign rally, Sen. Hillary Clinton said: "We have a lot of kids who don't know what work means. They think work is a four-letter word!"
 
    About his meteoric rise to the top of American politics after being a little known politician, Sen. Barack Obama said: "It's been a great ride. But I know how quickly these fads can pass. You all remember the pet rock, the mood ring, Howard Dean!"
 
    Sen. John McCain always faces questions about his age and physical fitness for office. As far as we all know, at age 71, he's just fine. McCain has made jokes, light hearted and not mean spirited, about afflictions facing people his age: "The nice thing about Alzheimer's is you get to hide your own Easter eggs!"
 
    Perhaps the king of the twisted phrase or unintended meaning is President George W. Bush, who once said: "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we!"
 
    Anyway, have a wonderful weekend and don't take all of politics so seriously. Laughter is the best medicine!
 
    I will be in Portland, Oregon beginning Monday for the Oregon primary! As always, check in often at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.
 
   




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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Edwards Endorsement a Big Deal?

(Danville, California)
 
    I'm back in California today; and, as always, I am surprised at what made news while I was on the airplane. When told to shut down his electronic devices, a news junkie is cut off from the world. Case in point: Sometime from when I left Dulles International Airport to when I arrived in San Francisco, John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama.
 
    It's a big deal more from the standpoint of delegate math than it is from whatever political weight John Edwards carries. (Very little, actually!) Edwards's campaign fell flat this year, and he could not even carry his home state of North Carolina when he ran for Vice-President in 2004.
 
    But the endorsement will, theoretically, add 19 Edwards delegates to Obama's overall total and probably prompt many more uncommitted "Super Delegates" to move towards the Obama camp. It won't be enough to put Obama over the magic number of 2,025, but it will give a lot of political momentum in that direction.
 
    One thing this should not do, is secure John Edwards's place on the Democratic ticket as VP. Been there; done that! And it failed! Also, Edwards only served one term before he quit the Senate. Obama is only in his first term, as well. Inexperience plus inexperience does not equal experience! Also, Edwards is not very popular in the Deep South, which is where Obama needs to win at least one state.
 
    The bottom line: John Edwards's endorsement means a lot in terms of adding delegates to the Obama total, but it does nothing to help the Illinois Senator to win the White House in November.
 
    I will be writing daily about the latest campaign developments. Monday I arrive in Portland for three days of coverage of the Oregon primary!




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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Clinton Swamps Obama; Mark Curtis

Double Trouble on the Campaign Trail

(Charleston, West Virginia)
 
    Okay! I have promised from time to time that this blog would not be all "dead serious" politics. The campaign trail can be fun, with lots of interesting characters to meet. Take the Le Rose sisters, Leslie and Alanna. They are twenty-year-old twins from St. Albans, West Virginia, and were quite popular among the media at Hillary Clinton's victory rally in Charleston. They are voting for the first time in a presidential race as "Hillary's Tag Team." It was interesting asking them questions, but they would both talk at once or finish one another's sentences. It was fun, but hard work to write down all the quotes:
 
Why vote for Hillary Clinton?
 
Alanna:  "Because we love her, and she is very smart. She's very enthusiastic!"
Leslie: "She's just a woman. They need to focus on the individual and see that she is completely sincere!"
 
What does she do on the heels of her big West Virginia win?
 
Alanna: "Just keep fighting the fight. Go on to Kentucky!"
Leslie: "I think she should go to Kentucky and campaign as she did here. Little town hall meetings. She'll win there, and it's a whole new race!"
 
Should she be offered the vice-presidency?
 
Alanna: "The tide is going to turn after tonight" (meaning she can still be the nominee). VP if that fails?

"Yes, definitely. I think it would really be the strongest ticket we could ask for."
Leslie: "It would unite the party!"
 
College major?
 
Alanna: Marshall University, Elementary Education
Leslie: University of Charleston, Biology/Pre-Med.
 
Anyway, it was a lot of fun. I have had the opportunity to meet many young people this year, in support of all the different candidates, in both parties. The youth engagement this year is unprecedented in the years since the Constitution was amended, lowering the voting age to 18.
 
The involvement of young people in big numbers - finally after 36 years - is nice to see!
 
I'll be back in California Thursday, preparing to go to the Oregon primary next week. Check in often at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 
 
    




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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Hillary Clinton Wins Big in West Virginia; Campaign Not Over

(Charleston, West Virginia)
 
    "It's not over! "It's not over!"
 
    That was the chant tonight from hundreds of supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY). Clinton captured the West Virginia Democratic primary by a huge margin; and, while her campaign for the presidential nomination remains a statistical long shot, she's still in it.  Clinton won West Virginia by a whopping 67 to 26 percent over Barack Obama.
 
    According to CNN exit polls, Clinton won over 70 percent of female voters; she also won over 72 percent of white voters without college degrees. In other words, Clinton won a landslide of working class, "blue collar" white voters. She did the same thing in Ohio and Pennsylvania, raising serious questions about whether Sen. Barack Obama can capture those same voters should he be the fall nominee. There are concerns among Democrats that some of those "Reagan Democrats" will bolt the party as they did in 1980 and 1984 and will support the Republican - in this case the more moderate Sen. John McCain.
 
    To a roaring crowd, Clinton laid out her case as to why she's the better fall candidate, "We won in states that we must be prepared to win in November," she said, alluding to key states such as Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and - yes - West Virginia, if the Democrats want to take back the White House. Clinton won all four of those primaries and by decisive margins. "I am strong enough for this challenge," Clinton said. "You know I never give up!" And the crowd roared again!
 
    Clinton did not speak ill of her opponent, Sen. Barack Obama, who is still the front runner. "I deeply admire Senator Obama, but our case is stronger," she said.  She also commended Obama on the quality of his campaign. She added "I will work my heart out for the Democratic nominee of our party, so we have a Democratic president." Whether this was all to position herself for a vice-presidential selection should her run for the nomination fail, only Mrs. Clinton knows.
 
    Jim Cochran is a 61-year-old Vietnam veteran who is backing Clinton and is hoping for a brokered convention in Denver this August. "I hope it gets to the (convention) floor, like the old days," Cochran said. "That's when the Clintons will bring out their charm!"  Cochran's scenario is possible, though not likely right now. However, if neither candidate has enough delegates and "Super Delegates" by August, there could be a floor fight at the convention. Much of this rests on the five remaining primaries and the disputed Michigan and Florida delegations. Clinton needs much of those groups to go her way if she is to win. Again it's possible, but not probable at this point.
 
    Cochran is supporting Sen. Clinton because West Virginia saw better economic times when Bill Clinton was in office from 1993 to 2001. "We need someone to bring the budget back," he said. "And I am a Vietnam veteran, but it's time to end this (Iraq) war."
 
    As for Clinton taking the VP spot on the ticket should she lose the nomination, Cochran says, "I think it would be a 'dream ticket' but he (Obama) has got to make that decision."
 
    The night rang through with shouts of "Madame President, Madame President" thoughout the crowd of hundreds of Clinton supporters. They hope to ride another day, or perhaps more!
 
    
Wednesday morning I will have a complete wrap up of the West Virginia primary "live" on KTVU's "Mornings on Two" with Ross McGowan. I will do so with the help of my friends at CNN. As always, check in often at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.




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The Delegates Are On The Move, KTVU

Polls Open; Long Lines in West Virginia

(Charleston, West Virginia)
 
Polls opened at 6:30 this morning in West Virginia; and, if the lines at Chamberlain Elementary School in Charleston are any indication, this could be another record turnout in one of the most contested primary seasons in American history.
 
Among those voting today was Daryl Huffman, age 20, who was voting for the very first time. "I voted for Hillary," Huffman said. "I just really like her views, especially on the environment. That's what I am studying in school."  Huffman attends the nearby University of Charleston and is majoring in environmental biology.
Her vote was not an easy choice. "I like Obama as well," she said, "but I feel like she has a better chance running against McCain."
 
The debate over McCain, and whom to support if Clinton does not win, was weighing on others today. There is concern within the Obama campaign that he cannot attract enough white "blue collar" voters who could bolt the Democratic party for John McCain if Obama is the nominee. But the Obama camp would love to meet retired coal miner, Thomas A. Ward, Sr. Today he voted for Hillary Clinton, saying "I think personally, myself, if we get Obama in there, we got a lot of problems down the pike." Ward says Obama lacks experience.
 
Ward thinks Obama is trying to be another John Kennedy, who makes inspiring speeches, but can't follow through. Clinton has far more real experience, according to Ward; but if Clinton fails to win the nomination, Ward will support Obama. "No, I won't back McCain," Ward said. "I'll support Obama, and my union will, too."  Ward is a member of the United Mine Workers; and if that union endorses Obama, there may be far more white voters in blue collar jobs backing Obama, as well. Democratic party leaders know he needs that support to win West Virginia in November. West Virginia almost always picks the White House winner, and no Democrat has won the presidency without it since 1916.
 
Young George Chamberlain came out to vote with his dad this morning in Charleston. They are Obama supporters. Chamberlain is a student at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, but is home on summer break. Of Obama, he says, "I feel like he's a great candidate for change. He's a real honorable guy, a person who can change America in a positive direction."
 
Hillary Clinton plans a victory rally tonight at 7:30 in Charleston, and I will be there to cover it.
 
Wednesday morning I will be "live" on KTVU's "Mornings on Two" at 7:45 to wrap up the West Virginia vote.
Keep checking back at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.




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Monday, May 12, 2008

Despite the Polls, Democrats Set for a West Virginia Showdown

(Charleston, West Virginia)
 
I love polls; I hate polls! 
 
They can be a road map to what is about to happen; and they can be incredibly wrong. In 1983, the night before the Chicago mayor's race, polls showed Richard Daley, Jr., and Jane Byrne way ahead of an obscure black Congressman from Chicago named Harold Washington. Washington won (as I predicted at the time, saying that polls inadvertently undersurvey minorities).
 
In New Hampshire, 2008, one poll had Barack Obama up 17 points fresh off his win in Iowa five days earlier. Hillary Clinton won, going away. So, polls indicating a 30- to 40-point Clinton lead for Tuesday in West Virginia make me suspicious. We'll see!
 
With the candidates out of town tonight, I stopped by their respective state campaign headquarters in Charleston. Both were busy with activity and last-minute phone banks and door-to-door canvassing!
 
Obama spokesman Tom Bowen was not giving any quarter, based on the polls. "It's a clear choice," Bowen said. "Senator Obama or four more years of Bush's policies."
 
Hard at work canvassing door to door today was Obama supporter Ahmed Mongi. Ahmed just became a U.S. citizen on April 7, after immigrating here from Tanzania in 1983. "I came here to get an education," Mongi said. "I'm a college grad of West Virginia University." Why did he choose Obama for his first vote as an American? "The message of hope resonates with me," Mongi says. "The fact that he is new in Washington means he has a better chance of changing business." Mongi's big issue concerns are ending the war in Iraq and providing better health care for veterans. All that aside, he just plain likes Obama: "I think he's got charisma," Mongi says.
 
About five blocks away at Clinton headquarters in downtown Charleston, it is just as busy, as volunteers and staff work phone banks, urging people to get out the vote.
 
Organizer Cory Waldron is just 20 years old and is taking time off from college to work on the Clinton campaign. "She has intelligent, well-thought-out policies," Waldron says. "Obviously, she has a true concern about the middle class and the state of our nation," he adds, "and I truly believe she is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate.
 
It occurs to me that now age 20, Waldron was just four years old when Clinton's husband was elected President. Does he even remember? "For some reason I remember the saxophone (Bill Clinton played) on Arsenio Hall," he says. I tell Cory that I was four years old when John Kennedy was killed and remember it pretty well. Even at age four, the political junkie thing can start!
 
I ask Waldron whether the staff is supporting Hillary for VP yet, should she fall short of the nomination. "We're not entertaining that possibility right now," he said. "We're still playing to win!"
 
Echoing that thought is Clinton volunteer Angela Reed, from Fayette County, West Virginia. She says Clinton has much more experience than Obama, and that is what truly matters. "I believe she's qualified. She can take care of our problems," Reed said. "It's (experience) a big factor," she adds. "I think she's a good problem solver. I think she has particular experience in foreign policy. I don't think Obama has that," Reed adds.
 
Polls in West Virginia open at 6:30 a.m. I will be "live" at 7:45 with Ross McGowan on KTVU's "Mornings on Two." Keep it on www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.
 




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