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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher



Obama goes back to Springfield

Posted: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 2:49 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
The Chicago Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet reports -- and First Read confirms -- that the Obama campaign has booked an event in Springfield, IL on Saturday. Springfield, of course, is the same place where Obama launched his presidential bid back in February 2007.

More from Sweet: "State of Illinois authorities have been asked permission by Obama folks to reserve the historic spot at noon. This does not mean that this is the time and place where Obama announces his running mate; that could happen any time from Wednesday morning on. Obama's time frame is shrinking, so the announcement is coming soon. The new vice presidential contender will jump on the road with Obama to showcase the new partnership. Springfield is a leg on the Obama roots tour."

*** UPDATE *** Per NBC/NJ's Athena Jones, Obama senior adviser Linda Douglass said: "What better place to do this than the place he launched his historic candidacy and campaign in February '07." But Douglass would not confirm Obama's running mate would be with him.

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Joe Biden, PLEASE!!! The GOP will have to shut up about some of this military, national security talk if he is the nominee!! It might throw the ball back in the Dems' home court---domestic issues!
No matter where Barack announces his VP it'll fire it up.


nobody but Obama
This is so exciting. So historic. Obama chooses Springfield to connect the historical dots of his, and President Lincoln's candidacy in commemorating Abe's first steps toward The Emancipation Proclamation which freed The Slaves, and McCain chooses a swing state on his birthday.

For Obama it's about us; America. For McCain it's about him.
I'm so excited! I really am. I can't wait to find out who the VP is and see Obama get the party started. Finally! We are on our way out of Bush-ville!

Veep rumor roundup! (get them here!) Hotlist

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/19/135738/313/78/570477
At some point he had to return to the scene of the crime as it were.  :-)

Perhaps then he will let us all in on his running mate choice.
Lincoln would vote for Obama....not an angry, fake.
Perfect place to announce his VP selection. I'll bet he does just that on Saturday! Check the airlines and see who's coming to Chicago on Friday! Could be telling.
AMEN to THAT !!

From HuffPost:

'...Joe Biden: Obama's Vice President?

AUG 19 -- Howard Fineman Says It's Biden: The columnist says sources have told him Obama will likely pick the Delaware Senator.

Within the last few hours I've spoken with two of the finalists for the role of Barack Obama's running-mate, and to two other sources who are close to the process.

My bottom line is this: Barring a big surprise or last-minute change of heart, the choice is likely to be Sen. Joe Biden of Deleware, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.


AUG 18 -- Veep Buzz Squarely On Biden: Biden's trip to Georgia has left Washington buzzing.

When Joe Biden returns to Capitol Hill Monday from his two-day trip to embattled Georgia, vice presidential speculation will rest squarely on him.

The longtime Delaware senator and former presidential candidate has long been considered to be on the shortlist for Barack Obama's running mate, but his quickly-planned trip to Georgia Saturday night at the behest of that country's president left Washington buzzing he is the most likely choice.


AUG 15: Biden Given Speaking Slot On VP's Convention Night: Both Joe Biden and Evan Bayh, two rumored vice presidential candidates, are speaking that night.

Two candidates rumored to be in the mix to become Barack Obama's running mate have been given speaking slots for Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, the convention committee announced Thursday. Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., will both speak on the night of Wednesday the 27th, the same night as the eventual vice presidential nominee.

But before the veepstakes rumor mill, desperate for even the slightest hints, rules out Bayh and Biden as running mate possibilities, sources close to the process note that anyone penciled into a speaking slot could be shifted into the vice presidential candidate's slot later that evening...'


Time to Bitch Slap McCain, Joe
He's a respected insider
He has experience
He's repented his Iraq vote and opposes war with Iran
He has no scandals or corrupt history

He'll 'Btich Slap' John McCain so hard.....
McCain will forget his lies

Obama/Biden '08

Sometimes, crashing air craft and haunting strip clubs is NOT 'Presiendial experience'

I've just heard that Obama campaign will be sending out a text message Friday night, presumably to announce v.p. If so, I imagine his V.P. will be in Springfield with him.
A Freudian slip...
(but a good one)


From Huff Post:

'...Bad Typo: Joe Lieberman a Real #%&*!

By E&P Staff

Published: August 19, 2008 7:55 AM ET

NEW YORK One of the most amusing typos of the season turned up for awhile overnight in a major Associated Press dispatch. Some in the liberal blogosphere, who have often criticized Sen. Joe Lieberman -- the Democrat turned Independent who has endorsed John McCain -- found it all too apt.

The typo, in an article on the upcoming vice presidential picks due from McCain and Barack Obama and written by one of the top AP political scribes, Nedra Pickler, was soon corrected but can still be found viewed via Google at numerous news sites early this morning.

After focusing on Obama, the article discusses several possible McCain picks, and relates, "His top contenders are said to include Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Less traditional choices mentioned include former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, an abortion-rights supporter, and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democratic vice presidential prick in 2000 who now is an independent."

It's still up at such sites as the Houston Chronicle, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cleveland's Plain Dealer and many more...'


Truer words never spoken....

Why in the world did you select Joe Lieberman, Al Gore ?

Is it possible that we will see Hillary Supporters (i.e., the ‘Whining Women’s Brigade’) leaping off cliffs in Colorado when Obama announces his VP pick — and it ain’t Hillary?

Will Obama’s VP choice pre-empt the ‘Clinton Freakshow’ scheduled for the DNC convention?

Will Obama surprise everyone and serve Hillary’s Supporters Cool-Aid at the Convention?

INTRIGUING.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The next time I decide to take a trip (after DC in Jan. 2009), I've decided to take my granddaughters to Springfield, Ill. I have read that it's quite a place to visit. You can go to President Lincoln's home, his law office, The Lincoln Museum, his burial site and then take a bus to his log cabin.

I was completely mesmerized by Springfield while I was watching Senator Obama when he first announced his presidential bid last year.

I may try to entice them to go to Independence, Missouri at the same time to visit Harry Truman's hometown, but that might be a stretch. But I'll try. lol!!!

Barack Obama/TBD 2008
The campaign continues to look like a smart smoothly running machine.  I think we can be confident in how Barack and his entourage will govern (despite fears of a weighty Barackracy!) We look forward to the announcement and the convention!
looking forward to seeing who the VP candidate will be.

hoping that it is someone like Clark, or Hagel.  they have enough real world experience in dealing with the international community that McCain's supposed strength in this area would be negated.

and a quote for to provoke some thought:
"Politics is the distribution of wealth and power.  We have been conditioned to view politics as petty and boring, enabling the people in power to stay in power.

you are either a part of the problem, or a part of the solution.  Which side are you on?"  - C.O.C.
I sure hope Obama pick's Biden. He know's how to fight the repugnant one's. Obama seem's to offer Mccain a lot more respect than he deserve's. He definetly need's a good attack dog.
Oh Barack:

Why might believe this, but with your wife saying she was never proud of America and you hang out with people like William Ayres, who was a terrorist.  With a record like your's, your statement is a bit laughable.
jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 1:02 PM)
******************************************************Geez Jerry you are such a broken record. Spewing the same recycled garbage for 6 months now. Why do you even pretend to care about politics? You have never once commented on policy. You have never once stated why you prefer McCain over Obama when it comes to there policy differences. Every statement you make is laughable. Have you ever picked up a newspaper? Do you have any clue about civics in general? Why do you feel the need to contribute nothing to the discussion over and over again? It's not even that you are against Obama. If it was an Obama supporter saying John McCain cheated on his wife 30 years ago over and over again it would piss me off just as much. It's the complete and utter lack of knowledge that aggravates me so much. I just hate to think that someone with an informed opinion gets bumped off the boards because you feel the need to spread a little more ignorance.
Ok, so I'm not paying attention again until saturday. This VPstakes has been like calling psychic hotline. They get your hopes up, but none of it's based on facts.

I think Obama should hold an event on McCain's bday & steal the media attention. Just doing such a hard a$$ move would win him votes without damaging his brand.
Mark, the Chicago Sun Times also printed the transcript of McCain & Obama at Saddleback.

Guess what Rick Warren said to McCain over half way through McCain's turn?

Warren: "Man, you're jumping ahead you know ALL my questions."

Catch that, half way through Warren says, "you know ALL my questions."

Read the transcript:
McCain: Are we going to get back to the importance of Supreme Court justices, or should I mention it?
REV. WARREN: We will get to that.
SEN. MCCAIN: Okay. All right. (Laughter.) Okay.
REV. WARREN: Man, you're jumping ahead. You know all my questions."

Read Transcript: at suntimes.com transcript of Obama and McCain.


OK
ENOUGH ALREADY OBAMA. We love you but you need to anounce this today or tomorrow so you have so traction and some talking time.
This is getting ridiculous now...
Biden, Clarke are the only choice IMO
JUST DO IT ALREADY. ENOUGH WITH THIS GAME
This will calm down the media a bit....

They can't wait until they know - so they can help John McCain slander that person's name.

It will be interesting.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA
Woo-Hoo! Springfield!!
High Noon on 8/23/08.

The race for the Presidency will really begin in earnest at that time. Let's get ready to rumbllllllle!

GO OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12
Can Barack stop in back at the state Senate and vote "Present"?
You know another thing that cracks me up about the Repuke mentally challenged. They get a statement and keep harping on it like. Being Bitter or The guns and religion or now here is a really good one above my paygrade. Let me rehash a couple of old issues. First off people are bitter I know I am after seeing this country lied into a war.You can also best believe that I am clinging to my guns knowing how many crack pots there are out there. My religion here is a unique one. Not everyone is born into their religion. Some people actually find wow check this word out Salvation ( meaning to be delivered or preserved from dangers or evil or difficulty). So just because the media says something is stupid does not make it so. Think about this for a minute.If Obama gets elected a lot of them will be digging deeper into their pockets.If McCain gets elected their lifestyle is safe it's ours that will continue to suffer. That will also make for good news stories for them as well. By the way if you dont understand the Pay Grade statement he was saying that, only God can answer that question. Not him or any other man.  Springfield Ill.  another fine place for him to visit.
Go Barack, go!  We are loving the newly invigorated, post-vacation Obama.  Go get these bullies. Hit em hard, and hit em often.... Also, is it too late to ask just one more time for an Obama/Colin Powell ticket???   Hey, if Bill Clinton can get up on a stage (yesterday) and praise McCain's energy policies (in the spirit of bipartisanism according to him), we can run a bipartisan ticket... one with a REAL war hero on it... it's just a thought.  Phoenix loves Barack!!!  
Obama 08
Hmmm same state Hillary Clinton was born and raised.
Hope Obama will be fired up and take on the republicans head to head. Most of us are sick and tired of the politicians who have let our beatiful
country go to pot, as in potholes, falling bridges,
electrical grids as old as I am (62). A public education system that is at best poor. A system that only works for the rich, Corporations that will in time gobble up all that is worthwhile in this country.
A corrupt wall street. A corrupt senate, a corrupt house, A corrupt dept of defense, A corrupt CIA. We
are truley in a mess.
 By the way Paul and Bobbi, you guys are not very bright, nor are you the Americans you think you are.
When I think stupid I think of you.

Obama/Biden
old white woman in s.c.
From an earlier post:

He is such a phony.  When did he ever call for resolution to disputes in South Ossetia?  He'd never even heard of it before the incident two weeks ago.  
Above My Paygrade (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:53 PM)

------------------------------------

Ask and ye shall receive!!!

http://www.barackobama.com/2008/07/23/statement_of_senator_obama_on_1.php
Why does Obama and <soon-to-be-announced> going on the road remind me of the crazy antics of Hope and Crosby? Perhaps that's the 'Hope' Obama keeps talking about?
:)

I would like to give my full support and blessing to whoever Senator Obama selects - I trust his judgement!

Obama/America  '08/'12
I thought Obama was announcing his running mate by text message? Will Barack text message his soon to be VP on stage in Springfield to let him/her know they've been picked? What if the network is busy? Will everyone have to wait?
This drives me crazy. The Republican brand stinks like week-old fish, yet Democrats are still scared to say they're Democrats! Anybody voting for Warner knows he's a Democrat so there's nothing to finess. I wish the Dems would stop being such scardey-cats!
America needs Barack Obama as its leader. Rest & Relaxation seem to have done him a world of good since he's taken the Gloves off.Maybe his granny told him a few choice words about how to deal with IDIOTS(Gay Old Party). Springfield seems like a great choice, since thats were America's journey with Barack began some months ago.
If Obama doesn't pick Hillary as VP, The Dems lose it in November. Plain and simple.  Why? No other possible VP front runner will add to the excitement of his candidacy, such that it was bring back disenchanted dems, and win us Ohio, PA, VA, FL, Mich., etc....  He's realizing he's not going to win that easy, that the election is way more closer than he anticipated, and that of all years, this should be the one for the Dems to win hands down. But its not happening. Why? No excitement.

But for Hillary as VP, Obama will lose in November. Biden is too boring.
Bayh is too boring.
Sebelius is too boring.
Richardson is too boring.
Kaine is too boring and inexperienced.
Webb is too inexperienced.

Need I go on?  Ok, I will.  Biden is too cerebral. Obama is too cerebral.  That's good for being president, but not helpful in trying to win a campaign, when the typical Independent and american wants to hear black and white definitive answers. Hillary will give that to him, and be a fighter against McCain, like none of the others can do.

The only real choice for Obama is Hillary.
Or else, see ya'll in 2012, if we make it that long with McNukemAll as president!
And after the speech they're all going down to the local tavern for a round of Flaming Moes.
Joe knows!!!!!!!!!!!  Can't wait for a Biden pick, he was my candidate for Pres to start with!  Great things are going to happen people.
donna-read McConnell.  "...any comparison of comparable worth of various jobs is necessarily subjective and therefore arbitrary, opening the door to endless lawsuits and controversies.  Second, wage setting by administrative of bureaucratic judgment, rather than supply and demand, does not bode well for long-run efficiency."  (McConnell, Campbell R.  Economics: Principles, problems and policies).  Equal Pay is a socialist, command economy policy, NOT the policy of paying equally for the same job.  And, by the way, your invective needs work-illiterates can neither read nor WRITE, no matter how consumed with zeal.  I believe you might mean ill educated; however, I'll put my summa cum laude degree in economics up as proof that you would be wrong there, too.
This will be great to have our home Senator make his announcement. Lincoln is one of his fav presidents. Certainly can't question Obama's patrotism. A house divided can not stand. Obama doesn't use scare taticts
 OBAMA SHOULD NOT BE UPSET WITH MCCAIN, MANY PEOPLE QUESTION HIS PATRIOTISM.  FIRST YEAR I WILL VOTE FOR A REPUBLICIAN.

DENISE PHELPS, NORFOLK, VA, (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:57 PM)
 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Denise,if the United States goes into Russia, where would the resources come from?
Obama is just as qualified too is president. Obama’s thoughtfulness (attention to detail and applying wisdom) is much better quality than an empty- hot- headed McCain.
Take a look at a joke of a handwritten note. Don’t be afraid to look at his note.
http://weneedobama.blogspot.com/2008/08/secret-mccain-russia-memo-leaked.html
Just in case you didn’t go there this is what McCain wrote…”Fear is our friend (and the only way I can win)”. It is a joke; but so reasonable.  McCain, the septuagenarian, has constantly used national security as one huge FEAR CARD.

nobody but Obama

Any thoughts on what the candidates will have for lunch when they're in Springfield?  

Sheesh.  

Maybe we could take a moment to think about what's happening in Georgia, which isn't very good ....

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/world/europe/20georgia.html?hp

Or in Afghanistan, which isn't very good ....

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/world/europe/20georgia.html?hp

Or to US consumers, which isn't very good ....

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/world/europe/20georgia.html?hp

Although, whatever it is, I'm sure McCain will say that the surge worked, that he fixed it, and that all is well ....

On second thought, what DO you think the candidates will have for lunch in Springfield?  

Obama/Biden 08
Brian M. De. - You know another thing that cracks me up about the Repuke mentally challenged. They get a statement and keep harping on it like.

Like Democrats saying McCain is old? The Democrats don't harp on that?

Quit watching Olbermann - it's rotting you brain.
Joe Biden Please, let it be Joe Biden for Vice President
The wheels are definite;y turning at full speed now on the Veep process. No doubt Saturday will be the first big event with the new running mate. down to the question of "who." Gotta be Kaine or Biden, right?

http://www.political-buzz.com/
I would like to give my full support and blessing to whoever Senator Obama selects - I trust his judgement!

Obama/America  '08/'12
Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 3:23 PM)


Then you wonder why Democrats get hit with the "mindless drones" tag.
Come on test message!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK
ENOUGH ALREADY OBAMA. We love you but you need to anounce this today or tomorrow so you have so traction and some talking time.
This is getting ridiculous now...
Biden, Clarke are the only choice IMO
JUST DO IT ALREADY. ENOUGH WITH THIS GAME

Nj (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 3:12 PM)
=========================================
Nj
I think Saturday is better; because the Olympics won't overshadow him.
DENISE PHELPS, NORFOLK, VA, (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:57 PM)
 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Denise, where would the resources come from if we go into Russia?

Obama is just as qualified too as Absent-Minded Duel Personality, Warmonger McCain for president. Obama’s thoughtfulness (attention to detail and applying wisdom) is much better quality than an empty- hot- headed McCain.
Take a look at a joke of a handwritten note. Don’t be afraid to look at his note.
http://weneedobama.blogspot.com/2008/08/secret-mccain-russia-memo-leaked.html
Just in case you didn’t go there this is what McCain wrote…”Fear is our friend (and the only way I can win)”. It is a joke; but so reasonable.  McCain, the septuagenarian, has constantly used national security as one huge FEAR CARD.

nobody but Obama
Obama-Biden...kinda rolls off your tongue...doesn't it?  I hope it's Biden...even though lately I have been worried he should choose Hillary.  I just hope this time, the Democrats know how to win.
Hmmm same state Hillary Clinton was born and raised.
Elliott, Los Angeles (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 3:20 PM)

+++++++++++++++

Perfect!  You totally cracked me up!!!


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