Democratic Campaign Chatter 6-11-2008

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley shows Unity - In a good move by both the Governor and the Maryland Democratic Party, Maryland delegates met at the Governor's Mansion last night. Senator Barack Obama won Maryland decisively despite Governor O'Malley's endorsement of Senator Clinton. Only two (1st and 6th) of the eight congressional districts in the state were won by Clinton on the February 12 primary with 48 of the 70 pledged delegates being won by Obama. The 29 superdelegates appeared split with the Governor and Senator Barbara Mikulski among those who supported Clinton. Attorney General Doug Gansler and Representative Elijah Cummings were among the early supporters of Obama. Read more here.

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CNN Poll shows independents evenly split with 45% supporting Obama and McCain - This begins to show a shift in how Independents have voted in past Presidential elections. It also shows how much voters want a change in Washington and this should help the Obama campaign. The McCain campaign is targeting Independents and also disgruntled Clinton supporters. Read more here.

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McCain is also going after the Jewish Democratic support. McCain has the support of Senator "Joementum" from Connecticut, who was a former democratic vice presidential candidate. TheHill.com has a story entitled "Jewish Dem Donor joins McCain team". McCain is obviously trying to play on fear and fueling questions as to how much support does Israel have from Obama.

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Meanwhile, the Press continues to pile on in regard to Jim Johnson, a chair of the Obama vice president search team. Obama has tried to deflect this apparent tie between Johnson and the CEO of Countrywide Mortgage involving millions in loans but the press has dug in. The Wall Street Journal has a scathing attack piece today entitled "Friends of Barack" and the Washington Post has an article entitled "Obama's Choice of Insider Draws Fire". Obama who said that the naming of his vice president was his first important decision, may have to do more than respond with I am not going to hire a vetter to vet the vetters.

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Interestingly, today Obama meets with Illinois families on predatory lending. He continues his two week economic tour with a roundtable discussion on the credit crunch and his plan to help families with their debt. Read more here.

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Speaking of the economy, the New York Times has a good read entitled "2 New-Style Candidates Hit old Notes on Economy". They talk about how the candidates, although stressing change, have economic positions long associated with their respective political parties.