Date for Zimbabwean presidential run-off set; why Tsvangirai must (and will) stand

Zimbabwe's presidential run-off has been set for Friday, 27 June. Movement For Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who scored the most votes in the first round of polling and nearly won a victory outright, has said, after much foot-dragging, the he will contest the election. For his embattled country, which has suffered under the incompetent, oft megalomaniacal leadership of strongman Robert Mugabe, Tsvangirai's decision is undoubtedly the right one.

Corruption, Inflation, and Violence- Mugabe's Shattered Legacy:
In 1980, Zimbabwe became one of the final African countries to break the shackles of colonial domination and win its independence as a sovereign state. A passionate, charismatic maverick by the name of Robert Mugabe led this charge to liberation, and the country's populous responded by making him their overwhelming pick to serve as Zimbabwe's first head of state.

However, in the nearly thirty years during which Mugabe has been in control, Zimbabwe, once a paragon of progressivism and hope in a gloomy African sociopolitical scene, has scene its status decline to the extent that it now represents one of the most afflicted, desperate countries on the African continent and in the world.

During the early part of his tenure, Mugabe stressed things like education and a workable approach to redistributing the country's vast farmlands, which were disproportionately possessed by wealthy, white agribusinessmen, who'd come to control most of Zimbabwe's wealth under imperialism. However, as the years went by, Mugabe became more concerned with his own legacy and retention of power than advancing the country whose independence he'd worked so hard and effectively to create in the first place.

Makoni the Trailblazer:
The offshoot of Mugabe's effort to consolidate power was a muted national political dialogue, which left reasonable critics within the opposition often shunned from political discourse, or removed from the scene altogether in the form of mysterious deaths and outright murder. Indeed, until very recently, when Mugabe's former Finance Minister and Zanu-PF party mate, Simba Makoni, chose to challenge the untouchable strongman, the little opposition that did exist to the president's suffocating hold on Zimbabwean political power received only scant support from voters, frightened that any form of dissent would lead to their firing, persecution, or worse.

However, when Makoni entered the fray, it sent a powerful message that things had gotten so bad in Zimbabwe, even Mugabe's former political henchmen had grown leery. And, with inflation hovering near 100,000% and climbing, who could blame them? Interestingly, it was not Makoni himself who capitalized on the newly emboldened Zimbabwean electorate, as he failed to secure even 10% of the vote in the first round of presidential elections. It was, rather, the MDC's Tsvangirai who routed the competition and, according to official counts, which were surely rigged to prevent an outright victory by the MDC leader, registered just under 50% of votes cast.

Tsvangirai to Stand:
Now, after at first suggesting he'd boycott a run-off contest against Mugabe, Tsvangirai says he will stand to become only the country's second president since winning independence. The challenges he faces in taking down the Mugabe warmachine (and, since losing his stranglehold on voters' habits at the polls, his operation truly has become more an arbiter of violent than political operations) are immense. It is not so much the preference of voters Tsvangirai must win over in order to prevail but rather the ability to avoid the downside of large-scale, systemic vote-rigging (a downside, which, to be sure, has no 'up'), as well as serious threats to his personal security and that of his supporters and family. There's simply no reason to believe or expect that Mugabe won't do everything in his power to retain control. However, thankfully, Tsvangirai has come to understand that, without a bold play for political control in his country, Zimbabwe will slip further and further into the misery and desolation currently making life there so bad.

Hopefully, his bold efforts will be rewarded with victory and a brighter day for the citizens of Zimbabwe.

California okays same-sex marriage, Bush in Israel for 60th, and McCamley hits the airwaves (finally)- Friday bloggin' from Duke City

The morning sun is climbing higher, and I find myself in Winning Coffee House in Albuquerque's wonderful, and wonderfully progressive Nob Hill community, just off of the University New Mexico's campus. The place is a mixture of students, hippies, punks, and, I'm sure, one or two anarchists. Anytime I come in, I'm delighted by the flutter of eclectic conversations and am usually inspired with one or two good ideas. Hopefully, the atmosphere this morning will motivate the New Mexico Progressive to lay down an enjoyable, comprehensive entry to end your work week. Enjoy!

On a day when California became only the second state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage (Massachusetts did so in a landmark decision in May 2004), President Bush was in Israel to mark the country's 60th anniversary as sovereign state. The U.S. and Israel have enjoyed a special, if, at times, tumultuous relationship since President Truman made the U.S. the first country to recognize Israel's establishment declaration on Friday, 14 May, 1948.

Now, President Bush has made the creation of a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority a cornerstone of his desired foreign policy legacy. Still, conditions on the ground (as I experienced them first hand during a trip the region in late March and early April, as well as my observations through readings and conversations with Palestinians and Israelis living or traveling in the Middle East) suggest that this, like so many of the embattled president's past proposals, will represent yet another Bush initiative that falls by the wayside.

Now, let's turn to California.

Same-sex Marriage Legalized in California, Could Become a Campaign Issue:
In a landmark ruling yesterday, the California Supreme Court overturned a ruling that had banned same-sex marriage, making it the second state in the country to legalize such unions.

The Court was divided on the issue, and it's 4-3 decision was elucidated in an opinion statement by Chief Justice Ronald George, who argued that, based on the Court's ruling to overturn a ban on interracial marriage sixty years ago, it could not now maintain such a ban on same-sex unions, today. George said the state's constitution gave each citizen a clear and unwavering right to 'form a family' orientation, regardless of sexual orientation.

The law will go into effect in 30 days, unless the Court places a stay on it, which is not expected.

Political Implications:
Immediately, right-to-life groups in California began mobilizing to get signatures for a referendum that would appear on ballots in November to alter the state's constitution and make make same-sex marriage illegal. Such efforts could have a significant on local and statewide races in California come November, as they would mobilize social conservatives who might otherwise stay home from the polls, to get out and cast their vote in favor of the referendum, as well as more conservative candidates.

On the surface, this type of a development would represent a boon for the campaign of GOP Senator John McCain, who hopes to make California competitive for Republicans for the first time since 1988. However, McCain still struggles making his case to conservative wing of his party, and he will likely need a right-wing running mate to shore up their support come November. If he does go this route, it is doubtful whether conservative voters lured to the voting booths of California in order to express frustration over same-sex marriage will support McCain over minor, more conservative presidential candidates.

The issue of same-sex marriage has a track record of influencing national elections. In 2004, in the key swing state of Ohio, a referendum to ban same-sex marriage helped Bush supporters to mobilize voters in conservative pockets of the state, such as Cuyahoga County and other, more rural locations, who might not have otherwise braved the late-fall cold to cast their ballot. If McCain plays his cards wisely in terms of selecting a running mate, he could utilize the potential uprising against the California Supreme Court's recent ruling to make the state competitive. And, make no mistake, if California comes into play, Democrats have a fresh bag of issues with which to deal.

Bush Visits the Holy Land (or at least part of it):
On Wednesday, 14 May, President Bush was in Israel to mark the 60th anniversary of the country's founding and bolster ties to embattled Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, who faces accusations in an ongoing corruption probe (see entry from Thursday, 08 May). Bush's trip the region doubled as a basis for talks in his mission to secure a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority before he leaves office next January. Of course, winning peace in the Middle East has become something of a final year swan song for U.S. presidents, with former front-man Bill Clinton scurrying to do the same in the closing months of his administration in 2000 and early 2001.

One thing separates Bush from his predecessor- incompetence. O.K., this quality may not separate 'W' from all former presidents, but the degree to which he displays it must come close to having no precursor. We reported on Wednesday of Bush's attempt to assuage the grieving of families whose relative have served, or are currently serving, in the war in Iraq, by giving up one of his favorite pastimes- golf. Aside from being an absolute slap in the face to those who continue to suffer from this grueling conflict, the gesture further illustrates the president's absolute inability to comprehend the breadth of issues and emotions that surround him.

Turn to his current trip to Israel. His objective is to work with Israeli and Palestinian leaders alike to come up with an accord that will meaningfully and positively affect the lives of citizens in Historic Palestine. In order to do this, it would seem as though the president would want to visit and speak with stakeholders of all different perspectives, particularly Palestinians, who have borne the brunt of economic desolation more so than their counterparts in Israel, but whose violent attacks on the Israeli state constantly give pause to ongoing peace talks between Arab and Western leaders and dominate the headlines in Western media.

Having visited the West Bank just over a month ago, I know that ordinary Palestinian citizens and families want peace, security, and an opportunity to thrive economically. Indeed, it is the lack of the latter that inspires a great deal of the suicide and rocket attacks that endanger entirely innocent Israeli populations, especially those just north of Gaza. In an absolute and unconditional sense, such attacks are inexcusable, monstrous, and must stop- period.

However, if Israeli and Western leaders want to encourage such a cessation in these horrific acts of violence, the quickest and most effective way for them to do so would be to step-up efforts to offer economic opportunity to the Palestinian people. As I toured the West Bank, I came to numerous villages in which dozens of shops had been boarded up, and young men lined the streets, sitting idly, watching us as we passed. During discussions with some of these young folks, I learned that many, indeed most, of them were educated, often having earned masters degrees or doctorates in the hard sciences, accomplishments that should entitle them to a lucrative financial existence and career in which their intellectual capacities were fully utilized.

However, this was simply not happening. Instead, due to political instability within the West Bank and Gaza, which makes virtually non-existent the type of foreign direct investment necessary to spur job creation and anything close to full employment, these men were sitting on street corners, passing the hours idly, and feeling the resentment and anger build up inside themselves. Such anger, it seems, always requires an outlet, and it was easy for these men to target Israel and its main broker, the U.S., for their disaffectedness.

Whether you agree or disagree with their conclusion, the fact of the matter remains that it is such idleness and resentment that breeds much of the violence currently plaguing Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Quelling these dangerous sources requires on the ground research by policymakers at the highest levels, which leads me to the conclusion that President Bush, if he truly hopes to win a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority before leaving office, should have visited the West Bank to fully observe the daily living conditions of Palestinian citizens. Anything short of such on the ground observation will leave this, just like many past efforts of his, doomed to failure.

McCamley Hits the Airwaves (finally):
It seems as though I do most of my political research, at least in terms of the Land of Enchantment's upcoming primary elections, perched atop a treadmill. As I saddled up and hit full stride during my morning run today, across the screen came the young and bold 2nd district Congressional candidate, Bill McCamley. Vastly outfundraised and, this blog has argued, outworked by his opponent in the 2nd district's Democratic primary, Harry Teague, McCamley had remained conspicuously AWOL from the television airwaves since the campaign season hit full steam.

However, this morning, McCamley opened an empassioned ad in which he decries the special interests dominating Washington, which, he claims have led to the pinch working class families currently feel at the pump, as well as the reality that nearly 50 million Americans still cannot afford health insurance. Hard-hitting, direct, and altogether forceful, McCamley's spot seeks to present the candidate as the people's choice and gives no mention of his primary opponent. McCamley also cites his middle-class background and reality that, at some points, his own family could not afford health care.

Teague Maintains Popular Edge:
Despite its clear, concise, and admittedly compelling message, McCamley's ad leaves this blogger unconvinced that he is the candidate most aware of, and committed to, the problems vexing ordinary New Mexicans. As a preface, I admire the work McCamley has done as a policymaker on the Dona Ana County Commission, as well as an organizer in economic and renewable energy development initiatives in low-income communities across New Mexico. Now, he's put himself in the thick of a race that could return a Democrat to Congress from Southern New Mexico for the first time in more than a generation. Hats off indeed to Bill McCamley. However, let's get to some real talk.

Harry Teague knows real hardship and has spent his life working to ensure that others do not have to experience the same type of struggle he and his family did when he was a young man. Teague has also spent no time taking his eye of the troubling issues that challenge middle-class Southern New Mexicans, such as affordable health care, rising fuel costs, the war in Iraq, and myriad other problems that leave thousands calling for new, bolder leadership in Washington.

While McCamley has, at times, strayed from the positive messages so badly needed to be articulated by reform candidates in '08 elections, Teagues has never taken his eye off the ball. This is a guy who dropped out of high school in order to work for less than $2/hour to pay his sick father's medical bills. This is a guy who did not know what it was like to have electricity in his home until moving to Hobbs during the middle of his childhood. And this is a guy who has provided the ultimate gift of a college education to dozens of his employees' children, whom otherwise would have had an extremely difficult time affording a tertiary degree.

Across New Mexico, thousands of individuals and families currently experience the challenges once felt so profoundly by Harry Teague. I see this struggle everyday in my classroom in Navajo Nation, in which, each day, I work with more than eighty students who do battle with poverty, health problems, and, in many cases, domestic strife, on a daily basis. While I've only been a teacher for nine months, I will never forget the names and stories of the students I teach. Their dreams, dramas, and triumphs will touch and inform my life forever. I believe that Harry Teague, having battled and prevailed in similar circumstances has built his public career and current campaign for Congress around the cause of improving life for those people who do not know the dream of equity, do not dream the dream of college, and who cannot, for reasons beyond their control, imagine breaking the ravaging bonds of poverty.

These folks must be at the heart of our progressive ideal to create a more equitable country. Their stories must drive our work to create and expand political, economic, and social opportunities in low-income communities. And their plight should solidify in our minds the realization that, as Dr. King said so many years ago, we can never be who we ought to be as people, until all others are as they ought to be. We are connected in our struggle for justice- Harry Teague understands this, and his understanding underpins his current campaign for Congress and would inform in the most profound way imaginable his work in Washington.

Signing off from Winning's- this is the New Mexico Progress.

Edwards Backs Obama, Bush gives up golf, and primary season hits a fever pitch- super duper Wednesday bloggin'

Obama Picks up Superdelegates and Super Endorsement from Edwards:
Coming just hours after Hillary Clinton walloped him in West Virginia's Democratic Primary, Senator Barack Obama picked up the backing of two more superdelegates, closing further the gap between him and the coveted total of 2,026 (the total is one greater after a key Democratic victory in an open House seat race in Northern Mississippi- no, you didn't misread that; Dems. are even winning in Mississippi) delegates needed to secure the Democratic nomination for president.

However, the major political news of the day came earlier this evening when, in a surprise appearance alongside the Illinois Senator, former Senator and vice-presidential and presidential candidate John Edwards announced his endorsement of Obama. Speaking to a raucous and flabbergasted crowd of cheering supporters in the otherwise GOP stronghold of Grand Rapids, Edwards claimed that it was time for the Democratic Party to coalesce around a candidate capable of building the 'One America' Edwards touted so vociferously during his run for the White House.

Moreover, speaking largely to the disaffected Americans who've seen their lot suffer under seven-plus years of President Bush, many of whom include the blue-collar and working-class voters currently vexing the Obama campaign in terms of courtship, Edwards stated his belief that Obama's dedication to, and understanding of, the real problems facing ordinary problems makes him the right person for the job of president at this time.

While both candidates severely courted Edwards for an endorsement, some pundits wonder how much effect it will have at a point in the race when Obama has all but sewn up the nomination. Still, Edwards' backing is important in at least two regards. First, it injects a blast of enthusiasm and excitement into a campaign in the midst of a laborious and protracted nomination battle, which runs the risk of outlasting voters', at times, short attention spans. Secondly, it gives Obama street-cred from a true-blue populist Democrat in Edwards and says to those voters currently skeptical that he's got the goods on kitchen table issues, something on which the Clinton Campaign has repeatedly taken him to task. Edwards' endorsement is at once meaningful and exciting to this progressive blogger.

Shocking the Conscience and Boggling the Mind: Bush Seeks to Appease Iraq Victims and their Families by Giving Up...Golf?
I had a hard time believing it, but, during my drive home from school, as I tuned into 'Democracy Now', it was reported that President Bush, in an effort to show respect toward the continuing difficulty facing victims of U.S. fighting in Iraq and their families, will give up one of his favorite hobbies- golf. Now, I'm not one to get visibly perturbed or lose my cool often, however, this one nearly sent me through my sunroof.

It's bad enough that Bush's silly and short-sighted foreign policy got the U.S. into the current quagmire in Iraq, but, instead of easing to the beating drum of logic and crafting a sensible policy of withdrawing our brave daughters and sons in uniform from this endless misadventure, Bush believes he can somehow ease the suffering of hundreds, even thousands, of families by giving up golf? How dare he- how dare he!

Let's get into some real talk for a second. First off, few dispute that the job done by our brave young women and men in uniform has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Without adequate protection, serving extended tours of duty, and lacking bold and thoughtful civilian leadership, our military stewards have carried out every task assigned to them with braveness. Sure, there have been missteps, indeed their have been many, but, far and away, our soldiers deserve commendation, not the slap-in-the-face insult conjured up by President Bush' meaningless gesture. Rather than continue to hodge-podge and poke around the problem, Bush should display the true leadership that has so clearly missed his seven years in office and call for a serious change of course in Iraq before the American public does it for him this November.

Primary Heat in the Land of Enchantment- 03 June is Coming Quick
As I work through my morning rug at the Gallup Fitness Center, the only thing I seem to see lately during the brief intermissions before 'KOAT's Action 7 News Weather on the 7s' (which, by the end of my hour-long journey, I more than a half-dozen times...meteorologist Jason Stiff and I are good buds now) are campaign commercials decrying one candidate or speaking of the truly superhuman qualities of another. Sometimes, I tune in, other times, I don't. However, one things that invariably strikes me about these adds is how indicative they are that primary season in New Mexico is heating up. With that said, it's off to the races and a briefing on the current status of the key races, as they stand in the eyes of your humble blogger.

CD-3: Shendo Taking Flight?
As I blogged on Monday evening, the longshot candidacy of Benny Shendo, Jr., seems to be winning many new backers. As I drive to work in Navajo Nation, I can't miss the unmistakable signs of his 'Progressive Democrat' campaign and reflect to myself- 'wow, there's a candidate that's really doing things the right way'. Shendo has gone town to town, community to community, to spread his progressive message of hope, equality, and inclusion. I respect his fight, especially given the setback he faces in not possessing the financial ability to hang with better-financed candidates like front-runners Ben Ray Lujan and Don Wiviott on the airwaves.

The buzz is that Shendo's chances of scoring an upset win and capturing the Democratic nod in District 3 on 03 June remain slim, but he'll get my vote, as well as those of many others' truly committed to a progressive future for Northern New Mexico.

CD-2: Teague Bringing the Heat, Pressuring McCamley on All Fronts:
Some candidates lead with words- others let their actions do the talking. While Dona Ana County Commissioner and Democratic candidate for Congress Bill McCamley has traveled the vast expanse of New Mexico's 2nd District touting his progressive credentials and bashing the ties of opponent and former Lea County Commissioner Harry Teague to the oil and gas industry, Teague has quietly put up more miles on his vehicle, and more hands in his own, while traveling Southern New Mexico than his voiceful counterpart.

Several weeks ago, McCamley's campaign released a poll that put him more than 20 points ahead of Teague in the race for the Democratic nod in CD-2. More recently, the Teague campaign countered with numbers of his own suggesting that he had earned a more than two-to-one edge in the race, despite a high level of undecideds. New numbers are expected out soon, but, with Teague owning both the airwaves and community meeting places of District 2 voters, it will be difficult for McCamley to overcome his older and, apparently, more disciplined opponent to win the nomination.

CD-1: Heinrich Jobless?
Martin Heinrich remains the Democratic front-runner in the Land of Enchantment's ever-closely contested 1st CD, but recent allegations that he's never held a real job and, if he did, failed to properly obtain a business license for it, has forced his campaign to answer some serious, and seriously uncomfortable, questions about the fitness of its candidate to lead.

Vastly underfunded and lacking a solid base, it is unlikely that any of Heinrich's primary opponents can mount the type of challenge necessary to knock him from the driver's seat. Still, his troubles on the issue of employment could come back to bite Heinrich in November, when he'll likely square-off with Bernalillo Sheriff Darren White, who enjoys widespread appeal amongst Republican and moderate Democrats alike. Will the Dems. let New Mexico's 1st slip through their hands again in 2008?

GOP Senate Primary Battle: Wilson and Pearce Getting Ugly
I must say that the vast majority of those early-morning political diatribes I view from my home atop the treadmill come either from the campaign of GOP Rep. Heather Wilson or Steve Pearce, her House colleague and opponent in the Republican primary to replace outgoing Senator Pete Domenici. Surrogates have also come into play, with national conservative value groups coming to the aid of Hobbs native and District 2 Rep. Pearce and more moderate voices backing Wilson, who proclaims her campaign to be that of a 'common sense conservative'.

Pearce has the polling edge and is backed by history that suggests that conservative candidates win Republican primaries in New Mexico, but his missteps in debates and sightings at campaign rallies nation-wide at which alarming comments on race have been made give pause to some Republicans concerned about his chances to defeat unopposed Democratic nominee Tom Udall.

Wilson would likely stand a better chance of going toe-to-toe with Congressman Udall in the general, but in a year when Democrats are poised to widen their margin in both the House and Senate, as well as retake the White House, it would take a mammoth effort on the part of Wilson to stop Udall from moving into the Upper Chamber. Time will tell if she'll even get that chance.

Udall a Shoe-in?
Yes- in fact, disregard the above subsection. Udall's got this one in the bag!

Comin' at you with all the heat of a New Mexico summer sun, this is the New Mexico Progressive, your one-stop shop for the latest beat in progressive politics on the state, national, and international levels. Have a wonderful Thursday, and stop in again soon!

Clinton wins West Virginia, Obama picks up more superdelegates, and Congress halts additions to U.S. strategic oil reserve: big-time Tuesday politics

On a day when Democratic front-runner Barack Obama picked up four more critical superdelegates, Hillary Clinton took a decisive win in West Virginia and vowed to continue her unlikely bid for the party's nomination. Also, in seeking to halt the ever-climbing trajectory of gas prices, Congress voted to stop daily additions to the U.S. strategic oil reserve in hopes of injecting a new supply of oil into the market and reduce consumers' pain at the pump. With President Bush readying for what could be the final Middle East voyage during his time in office and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert reporting progress in talks with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas, Tuesday truly was full of hard-hitting political action. Settle in, as we come with the latest.



Clinton Scores Victory, Vows to Press On:
As predicted, Hillary Clinton picked up a sizable victory over rival Barack Obama in the West Virginia Democratic Primary on Tuesday, capitalizing on the state's large population of blue collar, socially conservative voters in doing so. Her campaign has already begun making the case that Tuesday's win raises further questions about Obama's ability to appeal to working class voters, whose support will be critical in swing states like West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania come November. Clinton aides maintain that their candidate's victories in those states' primary contests makes her a stronger candidate than Obama to take on GOP nominee John McCain.

Obama Keeps Up Momentum:
Meanwhile, Senator Obama spent Tuesday campaigning in key electoral states and ushered in Clinton's win by speaking to voters in the critical Midwest state of Missouri, in which he scored an unexpected and late-breaking victory on Super Tuesday. Earlier in the day, the Illinois Senator continued his march toward the 2,025 delegates necessary to capture the nomination, picking up the support of three new superdelegates, including former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Colorado Governor Roy Romer, as well as New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

With these pick-ups, as well as the surge of superdelegates into his column since impressive showings last Tuesday in North Carolina and Indiana made his nomination appear all but in the bag, Obama stands poised to gain enough delegate support to reach the necessary minimum to claim victory before primary voting wraps up on 03 June. In the latest count, Obama has 1875.5 delegates to 1,1712 for Clinton and needs a mere 149.5 to win the nomination. Since last Tuesday, moreover, Obama has picked up at least new supporters, a pace that, if continued, would seal the deal for the Illinois Senator by the end of May.

Next week, the Democratic contest casts a spotlight on Kentucky and Oregon, which are seen by some as potential battleground states in the November election. Though Oregon went solidly for Senator John Kerry in 2004, President Bush came within a few thousand votes of winning it in his initial bid for the White House, and McCain has already spent significant time and money in the state looking to lay a framework for upset.

Kentucky, on the other hand, is a state that has gone red in the last couple of cycles but that former Democratic President Bill Clinton picked up in 1992 on his way to Pennsylvania Avenue and won again in his reelection campaign in 1996. Now, his wife claims that she has the populist appeal and support amongst socially conservative and moderate voters to place it back in the blue column in a race against McCain. Obama counters that his 'trans-partisan' approach to political gaming will make possible victories in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and even rural places like South Dakota and Kansas, wherein voters seem to look more into a candidate's personal qualities and capabilities as a decision maker than party allegiance. Whatever the case, next Tuesday's results will have implications that reverberate well after the Democratic nomination is decided.

Congress Moves on Oil Prices:
With oil prices setting record highs on an almost daily basis, Congress took steps today to inject more product into the market, in hopes of bringing consumer costs under control. In one-sided votes, the House and Senate passed measures that would halt increases to the country's strategic oil reserves until at least the end of this year. The strategic oil reserve is a vast holding of oil that the U.S. keeps in order to guard against price shocks in the time of disaster, whether environmental, political, or otherwise, in oil producing states. The oil is held in large, underground salt domes in the Gulf Coast and receives a daily boost of nearly 80,000 barrels per day.

Still, with petrol prices approaching $4/gallon and global oil prices showing no signs of slowing their ascent, many lawmakers made the argument that price shocks were already well underway. It made no sense, they said, to continue stashing oil away when consumers are already feeling the pinch when they try to summon adequate funds to fill their gas tanks, often having to cut food, medicine, and other key items from their family budget in order to get from point 'A' to point 'B'. By releasing that nearly 80,000 gallons of oil into the market, Congressional members hoped to increase supply enough to create a significant reduction in petrol costs.

Still, critics counter that adding this amount to daily supply would do next to nothing to stop rising oil costs. 77,000 gallons, they argue, constitutes a mere 1/10 of one percent of daily global oil production, and making it available for purchase stands little chance of benefiting the average American consumer. However, it does, they maintain, prevent the U.S. from contributing to its national security in the form of increased oil reserves.

In the final analysis, both proponents and critiques are right. In terms of the former, Congress does need to take the limited steps within its power to halt rising oil and gas prices. With strategic oil reserves by no means at alarmingly low levels, it seems reasonable to release some of their inflow into the market for consumer use. Still, the numbers don't lie, and this measure will most likely not help gas buyers all that much.

The real answer, and the dirty business that Congress and the Bush Administration have failed to do, is creating a comprehensive energy policy that weans the U.S. off its dependency of nonrenewable resources, like oil, which are produced, to a significant degree, in politically unstable locations. Indeed, until lawmakers, business leaders, and the public, more generally, uncover the discomforting truth that a vast change in lifestyle may be the only real way to halt our current energy crisis, change on the level it is needed may be far off- unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn't pause for such indecision.

Join us tomorrow for version 'Wednesday'. We'll do our best to bring you the news fresh, hard-hitting, and with a side of personality. Thanks for stopping in, and come on back soon.

Bloggin on a May weekday

Just when you thought that the mighty New Mexican spring-time winds had done their damage and called it a year, the gusts were out in full steam today, starting their howls before the sun made its first appearance and lingering even as I put words to screen and come your way with the latest hard-hitting political action from the Land of Enchantment. It may be windy, but, if you like campaign excitement, New Mexico's the place for you. Buckle up, and settle in for the latest commentary.

Shendo Getting a Second Look in CD-3?
With front-runners Ben Ray Lujan and Don Wiviott locked in a heated contest for the Democratic nomination in the race to replace outgoing Congressman and senatorial candidate Tom Udall, former Indian Affairs Secretary Benny Shendo, Jr., has quietly worked himself into the race and is getting a second look from many voters (this blogger included) across Northern New Mexico.

Boasting a wealth of experience working in areas across the policy spectrum at the cabinet level in the Land of Enchantment, Shendo has mapped out a progressive platform and is passionately taking his message to voters. Himself a cultural cornucopia, Shendo hails from the Jemez Pueblo and speaks several Native American languages, Spanish, and English.

Some 3rd district voters, myself included, have been less than inspired by Lujan, who serves on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission and is son of state House Speaker Ben Lujan, or his rival Wiviott, who is a wealthy realtor from Santa Fe, who initially planned to compete for Senator Domenici's Senate seat before the grandfather of New Mexican politics announced his coming, premature retirement and ushered in a groundswell of interest from better-known Democratic candidates, including Udall and, briefly, Duke City Mayor Martin Chavez.

Little polling exists to confirm Lujan's and Wiviott's front-runner status (or, for that matter, pick up on a possible surge by Shendo), but each candidate has flooded the airwaves in recent weeks with ads touting their progressive credentials and strong-minded ideals to our country's and state's most vexing issues, including finding and implementing an aggressive, workable exit strategy from Iraq or making New Mexico the leader in the U.S. push for innovation in wind and solar renewable energy resource development.

Shendo, a less well-funded candidate, cannot afford the airtime of his two more prosperous opponents, but unlike his similarly financially-suited counterpart in the 2nd District, McCamley, has refrained from slamming his opponents with negative press releases and public comments and, instead, mobilized his support at the grassroots level in order to affirmatively promote his campaign to a disaffected electoral community thirsting for change in Washington.

With Congressman Udall having enjoyed wildly high approval ratings as the 3rd district's go to guy on The Hill, the next representative from the state's youngest Congressional District will have some mighty big shoes to fill. However, with his affirmative, no-holds bar appeal to voters' better judgment, Benny Shendo, Jr., is showing voters and his opponents alike that he is in this race to win and will stop at nothing to spread his progressive message before voting on 03 June.

Happy Mother's Day and a dose of politics for your Sunday

On a day when mothers across the country finally get the token of appreciation of which their daily commitment, love, and affection is so very deserving, we offer a bit of political commentary to go with your afternoon celebration. Hopefully, mom got the gift(s) she wanted for her big day, but, if this blogger is anywhere near the mark, for most mothers, spending time with loved ones represents the best gift imaginable. Mothers, this day's for you.

What's Next for Clinton:

Obama-Clinton?
With Barack Obama's victory in the Democratic nomination battle in the bag, political pundits on Sunday morning talk shows focused their attention on entertaining thoughts regarding what Hillary Clinton would do after conceding the race.

Some suggested she could have her sights set on becoming Obama's running mate, reckoning that doing so would leave her well-positioned to be the party's candidate come 2012, were Obama to lose to Republican John McCain in November.

Others, however, argued that Clinton has never been keen to sharing the spotlight, particularly in a subordinate position. It is also unlikely, skeptics maintained, that Obama would open the door to Clinton and all the baggage, both good and bad, that that name brings with it, even if Hillary expressed her desire to run as his VP.

Adding Clinton to his ticket could bring several demographics into the Democrats' camp come November that Obama might otherwise have trouble courting, including low-income, blue-collar workers, some of the New York Senator's most ardent female supporters, as well as those who, sadly, still cannot bring themselves to support an African American candidate for president. Indeed, a website has been launched encouraging whomever eventually captures the Democratic nod to choose their rival as VP for the sake of unifying the party (together08.com). Interestingly, however, the site gained a great deal of steam after Obama's victory and narrow loss in North Carolina and Indiana, respectively, last Tuesday, and this blogger suspects that the site's flood of signatures came largely from disgruntled Clinton backers finally reconciling themselves to the near certainty that she will not win the nomination.

Personally, the idea of an Obama-Clinton ticket, while somewhat appealing, just doesn't cut the mustard. I don't endorse the old-style politics that the Clinton campaign has played in courting support and, more recently, trying to wrestle it away from Obama. Moreover, I've viewed Clinton as chameleon-like at times, trying to be all things to all people in order to pick up votes. For example, she at once courts the backing of blue-collar union voters, a key constituency of the Democratic Party, while maintaining that it is perfectly legitimate for elite superdelegates to determine the fate of the party's nomination.

She's also, if indirectly, played upon people's fears of Obama's ties to Islam, with surrogates sending pictures of Obama in traditional Somalian garb to the Drudge Report, hoping this would stir fears in voters' minds that the Illinois Senator is, in fact, himself a Muslim. To me, this was and is inexcusable, largely resembling the smear tactics employed by Karl Rove and company in 2000 to remove Senator John McCain from the tough GOP primary battle. If you recall, the Bush Campaign, after getting trounced by McCain in the New Hampshire primary, launched push polling in South Carolina in which it suggested to voters that the Arizona Senator had fathered an illegitimate child with an African American mother. McCain subsequently lost that state's contest, erupted in anger at the Christian Right, and watched his chances of capturing the GOP nomination go down the drain.

The idea that Clinton would utilize a brand of campaigning in any way similar to these disgusting tactics both resembles the type of politics we need to get away from to progress as a country, as well as a critical reason why I find it extremely difficult to back the notion of an Obama-Clinton ticket.

Senate Majority Leader:
A more likely scenario, I think, and one that was articulated by a good number of pundits in Chris Matthews' roundtable discussion this morning is the idea that Clinton would take over the reins from Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Reid is rumored by some to not like his position as party leader all too much, and his reserved personality has led many to question his leadership credentials. Moreover, despite entering the majority with big goals, Senate Democrats have failed to produce much of anything in terms of substantive legislation, let alone actualize the bold proposals they articulated upon taking control in January 2007. Reid, of course, is not entirely to blame for such failures, but, as Majority Leader, the buck must and does stop with him.

With that said, some surmise that a passing of the torch from Reid to Clinton is a likely scenario. There are even some reports that Reid has recently, in attempts to, as a good Democrat hoping to unite the party for November, told Clinton he'd be willing to give up his position and offer her a graceful exit from the primary race. Still, though an ardent proponent of the importance of Federal government, it is less than clear whether or not Clinton could content herself within the confining walls of the Senate Chambers. Her career, as some pundits have pointed out, has been one characterized by ascension: from First Lady to Senator to Democratic front-runner for the White House. Remaining in the Senate would represent a significant and perhaps unacceptable alteration in her political journey.

Governor of New York:
Some who question the likelihood of an Obama-Clinton ticket but still believe that the latter has her sights set squarely on making another bid for the presidency argue that she may make a run for her state's top executive position in the Empire State's gubernatorial election in 2010. Adding executive experience to her resume would further strengthen an already impressive track record and make her an even more attractive national candidate in 2012, were Obama to falter this November.

Still, a Clinton run for governor is unlikely for at least two reasons. First, Clinton has never been fond of state politics. Indeed, she's made a career of lobbying for change at the Federal level and, as many stated on this morning's talk shows, Washington is much more of a home to the Senator than Albany ever would be.

Secondly, New York's recently appointed Governor, David Patterson, is thought by many to have his sights set on becoming the state's elected leader come 2010. It is extremely unlikely that Clinton would challenge the charismatic and well-liked Patterson in a primary duel. Moreover, a loss in a primary contest at the state level would likely quash any notions of a future Clinton presidency.

Then What will she Do?
In this blogger's opinion, Clinton will not be Obama's VP in November. She will work vigorously for him during the general election campaign and seek to portray herself as a gracious loser and warrior for the Democratic Party, in order to win or maintain the good graces of party leaders and position herself for another run in 2012, if McCain defeats Obama. If Obama were to defeat McCain, which, given current political winds and the Obama Campaign's impressive and growing dynamism, is an extremely likely possibility, Hillary Clinton, at 67, would still be able to mount another bid for the White House. Moreover, after eight more years of dedicated service to the American people and Democratic Party in the Senate, as well as making possible eight years of a Democratic Administration by bowing out gracefully and enthusiastically supporting Obama, Clinton will have won herself many new supporters, including, perhaps, yours truly.

The path in front of Hillary Clinton is uncertain. However, she would be well-advised to conclude that the '08 presidential election is about more than herself. It is about a country desperately in need of new, forward-looking leadership and progressive solutions to its people's most vexing problems. It cannot be easy for someone who once thought it her destiny to occupy 1600 Pennsylvania to step aside in her quest for the White House, but one thing she has undoubtedly learned over the course of a productive and in many ways admirable career of public service is that life rarely follows a predictable path.

Bloggin' in the Evening: Catastrophe in Burma, and Obama clips Clinton in race for superdelegates

Whether morning or night, the time is always right for some hard-nosed political bloggin'. Thanks for stopping by for the coverage- now, let's get it started.

No Time for 'Democracy' in Burma:
As tens of thousands of Burmese citizens clung to survival Saturday, the country's ruling military junta insisted, in many cases with the barrel of a gun, it is reported, that its citizens take part in a national referendum on reformation of the country's constitution.

The election, military leaders said, is a key step on the country's path toward a democratic election in 2010. But even the most ardently pro-democratic outsiders, who already viewed the junta's pledges in support of, and movement towards, citizen-run government with much skepticism, were outraged by the junta's devotion of any resources toward an election at a time when as many as 100,000 Burmese have died due to a cyclone that hit the country one week ago and hundreds of thousands more now live on the brink of death, in light of severe food and clean water shortages.

Burmese officials have been criticized this week by leaders of the United Nations and World Food Programme for their unwillingness to allow aid workers enter and make deliveries in the country more quickly. Moreover, some argue that generals have labeled food aid as home-grown and are using the distribution of the high-energy biscuits provided by foreign donors as a propaganda tool to show cyclone sufferers that the government is doing its part to restore order and quell the suffering of the masses.

Still, signs of hope emerged today as foreign aid workers were able to, in fits and start, get some of their vital materials into the country, and a U.S. aid plane is said to have been given clearance for a delivery on Monday. However, with hundreds of thousands of citizens fighting for survival, every minute in which aid is denied those hardest hit is one minute too many and could bring the already unconscionable death toll ever higher.

Obama on the Move, Overtakes Clinton in Superdelegate Tally:
Building on a swath of new superdelegate support announced Friday, Obama, on Saturday, picked up the backing of five new supers from Ohio, Arizona, Utah, and two from the Virgin Islands, who'd previously given their endorsement to Hillary Clinton.

with the party elite coalescing behind the idea of an Obama nomination, Clinton's days in the race for the presidency are numbered.

According to the AP, Senator Obama now leads Clinton 276-271.5 in the critical race for the party leaders who will, ultimately, decide the Democratic nomination. Having trailed Obama in the contest for pledged delegates for some time, Clinton had relied on the support of superdelegates in her capmaign's math for the nod. Many of these officials, pundits reckoned, would remain loyal to Hillary because of ties established with the Clintons during their time in the White House. However, even allegiance to Bill has not prevented many from detracting to the Obama camp, with notable examples including New Mexico Governor Big Bill, as well as Joe Andrew of Indiana, a former head of the Democratic National Committee, who took the helm with the backing of Bill Clinton in the late 1990s.

Losing her edge among superdelegates further muddles Clinton's potential for winning the nomination. She now trails Obama by a margin of nearly 170 delegates, pledged and super, and would need huge margins of victories in the remaining six electoral contests, as well as a sharp turning of the tides in superdelegate momentum for Obama, in order to overtake him.

In short, this won't happen. As party leader and former Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern stressed on Thursday in changing his allegiance from Clinton to Obama, it has come time for Democrats to come together behind their likely nominee and build a winning strategy for victory in November. That nominee is Barack Obama; Clinton would do well to acknowledge this reality and exit the race soon.