HuffPost Invites 08 Candidates to Online Debate

CNET claims that Reuters reports (a few snippets):

" that one of the most widely read U.S. political blogs is inviting candidates for the 2008 presidential election to hold an online debate, a first that would confirm the Internet's reach and influence. "

"2008 is going to be critical, in terms of the coverage of the election," Huffington said. "We are working to put together the first primary online debate among candidates and working out the logistics of how this is going to happen."

"The Huffington Post has sent debate invitations to declared candidates for the 2008 race, including Democrats John Edwards and Sen. Chris Dodd, and has held informal talks with the campaigns of likely candidates, Huffington said."


Read the rest here. Intriguing idea.

I have a hunch JRE might accept such an invitation.

Central Illinois Dem Touts Fairness for 2008 Primary

From the Bloomington Pantagraph:

SPRINGFIELD -- A top Illinois fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards says moving the state's 2008 primary election to boost U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's chances is a bad idea.

David Dorris, a trial lawyer from McLean County, said Thursday that a proposal floated Wednesday by House Speaker Michael Madigan "just doesn't sound right to me."

"There's something that just strikes me that it's not right to manipulate the date for one specific candidate," said Dorris, who has hosted a number of big-dollar fundraising events for the senator from North Carolina.

Madigan, who also is chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, suggested that Illinois should bump its 2008 primary date from March 18 to February 5. He said the move would help Obama build momentum if he decides to run for the White House.

The earlier date would put Illinois on track to hold its primary election after Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Otherwise, the winner of presidential primary sweepstakes could be decided by the time Illinois traditionally holds its primary in the latter part of March, Madigan said.

Obama has not formally announced his plans to run for president, but a spokesman said he welcomes a change in Illinois' primary date.

"Obviously, Sen. Obama is working through his decision whether or not to run for president. But he is proud Illinois can play a larger role in determining the nominee in 2008," said spokesman Tommy Vietor.

Dorris and his family have contributed more than $400,000 to state and federal candidates, including Edwards, Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who will have to sign off on the proposal if it is approved in the House and Senate.

Wonder how this will play out.

Folks I talk to down here like Obama or Edwards. HRC isn't even close.

This and That

Sen. Chris Dodd of CT is running. And he's going to hang out in Iowa on Thursday. How exciting it is to have another NE politician who thinks s/he can win because most of the Dems are concentrated there.

Convincing Iowans will be very different. Perhaps he can will add to their issues debate and see where they think Dodd really stands. If Dodd is even a little bit disingenous, as some Iowans I have talked to think about Hilary, he's got Sisyphus' battles ahead of him.

Meantime, it's been rumored at Capitol Fax Mike Madigan, Speaker of the Illinois House of Reps, is trying to help Sen. Barak Obama along by attempting to move up the primary from the 3rd Tuesday in March to Feb 5. The Illinois State Board of Elections is where...Chicago. But he will have to convince Dems at the DNC Feb 1-3 meeting this can be done, considering it's been set in stone for some time where the first primaries and caucuses would be and when.

Well, sure it would help Obama in that the 3rd Tuesday is generally spring break and might help GOTV, especially in Chi-Town. But it might help other candidates too, such John Edwards, to get the young voter's attention. Edwards has the most techie organization for this race...and I think he can find ground booters too, especially some of us in downstate Illinois.

Meantime, you can catch JRE on Larry King Live tonight, and on Jay Leno too. It will be fun to see JRE's reaction to John McCain's doctrine on LKL.