Giuliani's New Ad

Giuliani's new ad has already drawn some comparisons to the infamous Daisy ad, and it certainly is visceral. I like his obvious comprehension of the threat we're facing, but I'm still not sure he's our most viable candidate. Thoughts?

Thompson's Pain, McCain's Gain?

According to Politico's Jonathan Martin, if Fred Thompson doesn't place a "strong third" in Iowa, he may drop out and endorse John McCain.

A Thompson endorsement would give McCain some cover on his right flank, especially on issues like immigration; in a perfect storm of events, it might give McCain a critical boost in New Hampshire...

Does He Know Something We Don't?

Cleveland's former Boy Mayor, Dennis Kucinich, has told his supporters (whoever they may be) that if he doesn't garner sufficient support they should back Obama.

But in 2004, when he was more "popular," Kucinich told his adoring fans to back Edwards. Edwards, today at least, is far more in line with Kucinich's politics than Obama; the Illinois Senator seems downright conservative by the Cleveland Commie's perspective. Or does he know something we don't?

In any case, Kucinich's supporters may give Obama an edge in some parts of the state; every "vote" will count if the outcome is as close as some predict.

Huckabee's Awkward Moment Explained...Sort Of

As Iowa's caucuses are obscenely early - Iowa 3rd - New Year's and Christmas were both fair game for candidates. Yesterday's headlines were generally banal, until Mike Huckabee's press conference to unveil a negative ad which he refused to air but would still show to reporters. Sound contrived to anyone else? The press knew absurdity when they saw it, and guffawed at the former governor's contortions.

Now he's on FNC's Hannity and Colmes, and attempting to explain away yesterday's event. His excuse? He wanted the media to know he had it, that he wasn't just blowing smoke. BS. I'm no Huckabee supporter, far from it, but I'd call foul against any candidate this stupid. Perhaps Huckabee honestly wanted to keep this thing under wraps, in which case he screwed up; if his goal was to show his hand without the appearance of a true negative attack, it really was a ham-handed effort.

Ron Fournier's perspective, given his long career as an observer, is worth reading.