Dem Campaign Chatter 8-31-2008

George Wenschhof

Today, Obama and Biden are in Toledo, Ohio and Battle Creek, Michigan - Dayton, Ohio, is where McCain announced Governor Sarah Palin as his VP pick.

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Obama receives 8 point bounce from Democratic convention, now up 49% - 41% in the latest Gallup Poll - McCain and Obama were tied as the Democrats began their convention in Denver. Gallup.com has more here. Let's see how the polling looks after the Republican convention.

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Wow! Hurricane Gustav is now a category 4 and may become a category 5 - it is anticipated to hit the gulf coast Monday or Tuesday at the latest. Mandatory evacuation has been ordered for New Orleans. It seems like just yesterday Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans and FEMA dropped the ball. Let's hope and pray for the safety of the families affected and for a minimum loss of property.

McCain tells Fox News he may alter the Republican convention due to Gustav. Thepage.time.com has more here.

Also, President Bush announced it is unlikely he will attend the Republican convention due to Gustav. Bush was scheduled to speak Monday night, although some Republican strategists did not want him to attend due to his low approval ratings. CNN.com has more here.

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Obama ad out after Palin selection - a 30 second ad is running which basically spells out McCain has now made his choice and America can not afford more of the same. Mentions McCain out of touch with the economic struggles Americans face, the 10 Billion a month spent in Iraq, and that McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. Watch the ad here.

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McCain decision to accept Public financing will impact the campaign - campaign boasts of raising 6.8 million since the announcement of Palin. However, as of the day McCain officially accepts the Republican Party nomination, his campaign will be limited to 84.1 million in spending the rest of the way. He was scheduled to accept the nomination on September 4 but that may be altered due to Hurricane Gustav. Bloomberg.com has more here.

The Obama campaign hopes to raise 200 million for the General Election.

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Yesterday, Obama and the Clintons attend memorial service for Stephanie Tubbs Jones - The popular and energetic Representative from Ohio died from a brain hemorrhage as a result of a ruptured aneurysm. The service was held at a Church in Cleveland, Ohio. TheHill.com has more here.