February 29, 2008
Posted: 09:03 PM ET

From
CNN=Politics Daily is The Best Political Podcast from the Best Political Team.

CNN=Politics Daily is The Best Political Podcast from the Best Political Team.

(CNN) — National security has taken center stage just days before Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama go head-to-head in delegate-rich Ohio and Texas. Clinton released a new ad targeting voters' sense of security for themselves and their children. Obama fired back with an ad of his own trumpeting what he asserts is his superior judgment on issues of national security. Jessica Yellin reports from Houston, Texas.

National security was also on John McCain's mind Friday.  The Republican front-runner hammered Clinton and Obama, suggesting their pledge to renegotiate NAFTA might endanger Canada's continued support of the U.S. military effort in Afghanistan.  McCain also battled controversy as a Catholic group challenged McCain to reject the support of an evangelical pastor in Texas.  Dana Bash reports.

Will the nation's largest minority voters make history in 2008 by determining the outcome of the White House race? John Zarella takes a look at Latino voters, an important demographic group in key states on the electoral map.

Finally, Jennifer Mikell brings you this week's Trail Mix — a look at the most memorable moments out on the trail.

Click here to subscribe to CNN=Politics Daily.

–CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

Filed under: Alan Keyes • Barack Obama • Best Political Podcast • Hillary Clinton • John McCain • Texas


Susan   March 1st, 2008 2:06 am ET

While I am an Obama supporter, the comments made by your political movie stars tonight were inane. Who cares what movie stars who play politicians think? And when one of them called Senator Clinton "chubby" and made some comments about her ankles, I was not remotely amused. Let the promotion of rich, anorexic women happen between the covers of People magazine. I watch CNN for the news - maybe I need to stick with the newspaper.

DIVINE   March 1st, 2008 2:00 am ET

knowing the militry or the world leaders,is one thing,making the
right decision for the goodness of the entire country is another.
Hillary + George Bush + John Mccain failed the entire country
when the time came to invade Iraq.Thus Hillary is = George Bush =
John Mccain when it comes to Judgement. you might be as experience as experience itself but when you lack the GOOD JUDGEMENT, YOUR EXPERIENCE IS USELESS. American wants a
president who has the courage and good judgement and not a president who is experience, courageous and has a poor judgement.
OBAMA is = GOOD JUDGE,HOPE AND COURAGE .

MATTHEW   March 1st, 2008 1:49 am ET

I THINK THE WOMEN OF AMERICA NEED TO GET OFF OF THE FACT THAT CLINTON IS A WOMEN. WE NEED TO VOTE FOR SOMEONE THAT CAN RUN A COUNTRY. IT IS A PROVEN FACT THAT CLINTON CAN NOT EVEN RUN HER OWN HOUSE HOLD LET ALONE A COUNTRY. OBAMA HAD COME FROM NOTHING TO POSITION THAT HE IS NOW AND SHOULD BE GIVEN THE RESPECT AS SUCH. WE DO NOT SEE OBAMA GOING AROUND PLAYING THE RACE CARD BUT YET WE SEE CLINTON GOING AROUND PLAYING THE WOMEN CARD. LETS GET REAL PEOPLE, WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, IF CLINTON GETS INTO OFFICE HER HUSBAND WILL BE MAKING ALL OF THE TOUGH DECISIONS. I DO NOT WANT A FOLLOWER IN OFFICE I WANT A LEADER AND OBAMA HAS PROVEN THAT HE IS A LEADER.

hardbuck   March 1st, 2008 1:30 am ET

I want to know why the superdelegates have to go with the popular vote and not with the seasoned voters who put them in office. seems the popular vote is mostly first time voters {colledge kids} and wont vote in any other election but the presidency so it seems the superdelegates should vote for the one they think who the people who voted for them and will be there voting again for them would want as president, not the popular vote! Do I make since or just stuck on stupid?

deb in az   March 1st, 2008 1:11 am ET

taking a look at nafta is a good idea…….. i really dont think that the canadians have done anything to violate nafta……..but mexico really has…. with nafta the borders would have been under control if the mexican government would do their fare share. but its seems as if the mexican government reaps the profits and ignores the agreements that they made….. so yes take a look and if mexico wont hold up their end then make changes…………..

Tim in Colorado   March 1st, 2008 1:03 am ET

I live here in Colorado, a state that went for Mitt Romney. Although, I'm a delegate for my county and in May when we go to the state convention I'll be voting for Mike Huckabee, not John McCain. I support Huckabee because he supports the fair tax, the only senseable solution to our broken tax system. The Fair Tax means no taxation on income, that means you get your entire check! The tax would be a flat tax that would be built into the products we buy(the same thing corporations are doing already), and the stores we buy from would be responsible for giving the taxes to the government(no more filing taxes). The greatest thing is that it's fair to all people, not just the rich. Every citizen under the poverty level would recieve a rebate check on a regular basis that would insure they would not be taxed. Only new products would be taxed, not used items! How would the government operate then you ask, well, since the tax is built into the cost of the products we buy, it would tax all the foreigners that come to the US and by products but pay no tax, it would tax all illegal immigrants because they couldn't avoid buying products. That alone would cause an immediate increase in revenue to the government! And since drug dealers and prostitution rings don't usually report there earnings to the government, they go untaxed and we honest americans pick up there tab. But, under the Fair Tax they could not avoid taxation because they have to buy products at the same stores as we do, and that's were they'll pay there dues. That's only one of the many great ideas that Mike Huckabee runs on. So, want to make statement? Do you want to poke your eye in the Republican establishment? Tired of being told by the media who the next President is going to be? Well, join with me and millions of others in a last ditch effort to stop McCain! Lets show McCain what we think about him not debating for the rest of the country to see where he stands. I'm tired of the of being told to stop following my conscience for the sake of the party. Let the party fall, because I'm going to stand for what is right! Not what's expediant for the party!! This delegate is voting for one man, and his name is Mike Huckabee.

Dayahka   March 1st, 2008 12:42 am ET

Bill Clinton was 46 when inaugurated and he was qualified to make judgment calls at 3AM, I take it, but Obama at 47 is not qualified–and why, pray tell? Is this an age matter or is it covert racism? Is Hillary playing the race card again: a white man of 46 can make decisions, but a man of a different color, even if older, cannot. Is that it? Shame on you, Hillary, shame, shame, shame.

Lucile   March 1st, 2008 12:37 am ET

CNN, we're just very surprised that our commentary support for Hillary were not posted? Are you persuaded by obama too? Those polls who had been released in Texas were all lies and you will be surprised for the result, I challenge you. I am also wondering, when there is endorsement for Obama it is immediately published but with Hillary there's no publication we can't read any, like the endorsement of University of Texas for Hillary and the endorsement of ex governor of Texas.

Geeorgino, Miami, Florida   March 1st, 2008 12:34 am ET

Bill Clinton said to a crowd in Philadelphia on October 25, 2004:

" If one candidate brings hope and the other candidate brings fear- you should follow hope"

I am following what Bill Clinton said…I am following Obama…
Talking of division on the Clinton camp! What a mess Husband politics against wife’s politics!!! Really the end of time!

Ron   March 1st, 2008 12:31 am ET

Hillary is tough on this issue and anyone that wants advice better talk to Hillary

Gaby   March 1st, 2008 12:31 am ET

OBAMA is on top of his game.

GO OBAMA 08

David   March 1st, 2008 12:29 am ET

At some point the media (CNN) will quit taking sides and really look at the facts- O’bama seems to copy everything Hilary is for- just like his (just words speech) COPY. Another point every other news journalist uses Hilary’s middle name- but what’s up with O’bamas middle name- is it taboo to mention his middel name? I hope you have to eat crow! CNN!
-David

AE   March 1st, 2008 12:20 am ET

Please CNN , I'm so tried of hearing Soledad, Susan and Jessica as your best political team, when in fact they are the adoring fans of Obama. They are so biased in their comments, they have always a ready advertisement or answer for Obama, every time they pretend to give the candidates equal time. They hate Hillary and I think they are with the Obama's campaign.
Obama missing' in action, in all important votes needed, just shows he is talker and not a doer.
Hillary is the most qualified and the best candidate for president. She is a hard worker, smart and experience ready to be president.

Taruna   March 1st, 2008 12:13 am ET

All i can understand is that. CNN=POLITICS , does'nt seem to be correct any longer,

bucking under pressure to serve the interests of the Clintons, just coz she whined that the media does not give her attention..wow! what spineless creatures..

All i saw and heard today was Clinton in some form !..God is unbelievable..now that CNN has to buckle under pressure..

All in the name of the freedom of the press !

TA   March 1st, 2008 12:13 am ET

All i can understand is that. CNN=POLITICS , does'nt seem to be correct any longer,

bucking under pressure to serve the interests of the Clintons, just coz she whined that the media does not give her attention..wow! what spineless creatures..

All i saw and heard today was Clinton in some form !..God is unbelievable..now that CNN has to buckle under pressure..

All in the name of the freedom of the press !

Don Fitzgerald, Chicago   March 1st, 2008 12:10 am ET

What is Senator Clinton taking a page from Senator McCain's playbook and become a prophetess of fear. Those two would make a great ticket, running under the banner of Fear. Common Democrats, we are better than that! Let's stop with using the cornerstone of the Republican platform: FEAR. Let's champion democratic ideals, not Republican fear-mongering.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.

BNS   March 1st, 2008 12:08 am ET

I'm tired of the "I was against the war from the start" argument. When he became a Senator and could actually cast a vote, he voted the same as Clinton.

I was against the war, too — from the beginning, just like him. But I don't think that makes my judgment better than Clinton's. He claims this superiority on ONE issue - one that he didn't even really vote on.

Besides, he is good at hearing someone else's idea and then criticizing or building on that idea. Rarely has he developed anything on his own.

Toby   March 1st, 2008 12:04 am ET

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."–onathan Swift

VOTE NADER 2008

Byron in CA   March 1st, 2008 12:00 am ET

I just heard Rush Limbaugh say that all republicans in Texas should vote for Clinton instead of obama. My first thought was that it showed how ridiculous the election was in some areas. But then it made me think what many have said on here and have been told was ludicrous by so many about Republicans having an agenda to vote for obama in the primaries to keep Hillary from being the nominee. All of a sudden it starts to look even more feasible and not so ludicrous.

Anonymous   February 29th, 2008 11:56 pm ET

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY WILL GUARD THE BORDERS

HILLARY IS A GODDESS OF FREEDOM LIKE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY~

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY IS A WOMAN NOT A MAN! Why is freedom symbolized by a woman?

IMAGINE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY IN THE LIKENESS OF HILLARY and THE WORLD WILL WITNESS the TRUE POWER OF FREEDOM IN ACTION

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY IS HILLARY IN ACTION~

Woman are peacemakers, protectors, caretakers and givers of life, hope and truth.

Would the statue of liberty have the same power to inspire and liberate if IT WAS A SYMBOL OF A MAN?

If the statue was a man would it hold the torch of freedom?

Men are violent by nature. They love to play war games. Men love to fight, mame and kill. Their first natural reaction to conflict is to fight.

Think about it? Would there be WARS if the world was made up of women? Would there be Wars if the world was runned by women?

Men love symbols that represent war: war games, guns, knives. blood. They give movie titles names like "THERE WILL BE BLOOD". Men create the wars and women and chidren suffer and die. Unfortunately men die too. Men destroy themselves.

IF YOU A LOOKING FOR REAL CHANGE HIRE A WOMAN FOR THE NEXT AMERICAN PRESIDENT. HILLARY IS A WOMAN! PEACE WILL NEVER HAPPEN WITH A MAN IN CHARGE - THERE WILL ONLY BE MORE OF THE SAME.

America grasp this Golden opportunity "To wittness and experience the Statue of Liberty in Action"

CRYSTAL   February 29th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

HILLARY CLINTON NEEDS TO RETHINK THINGS NOW. SHE THOUGHT THAT SHE HAD THE CAT IN THE BAG WHEN SHE CAME INTO THIS DEMOCRATIC RACE NOW THAT SHE IS BEHIND IN THE RACE SHE IS WILLING TO TRY ANYTHING TO GET AHEAD WHICH I DOUBT (SERIOUSLY) WILL DO HER ANY GOOD.I GUESS THE NEXT THING FOR HER TO DO IS WHAT GEORGE W. DID CHEAT! I FEEL SO SORRY FOR HER, SHE IS STARTING TO FALL APART AT A RAPID PACE. THE TRUE HILLARY IS NOW COMING TO THE SURFACE. I'M GLAD THAT ALL THIS CAME OUT BEFORE THE PEOPLE MADE THE TERRIBLE MISTAKE OF PUTTING HER IN THE WHITE HOUSE. THANK YOU HILLARY FOR LETTING YOUR TRUE COLORS SHINE THROUGH!

Indiana Bob   February 29th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

I see where black superdelegates are being persuaded and threatened by Obama supporters to switch their vote from Clinton to Obama. Not because he has a better stand on policy issues. Not because he would make a better president. But simply because he is black. How racist!! How pathetic!!

Harold   February 29th, 2008 11:26 pm ET

How you trust Hillary Clinton when she refused to release her Tax recorded.

Bill   February 29th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Hillary Clinton = link at top of page in bright blue

Barack Obama = no link, in fact no mention

CNN have distorted reports today in favour of Clinton all day long. Perhaps Bill Clinton has made one of his 'phone calls'?

CNN please contact me by email so that I may lay a list of bias reporting to your chief editors.

Allison Marie   February 29th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

National security hands down Clinton. McCain way too pro-war, Obama, not enough substance, nice words.

CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT

WHAT'S RIGHT FOR AMERICA

CLINTON/08

GO HILLARY, GO HILLARY!!!!

Laurence "Keeping it real"   February 29th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

The best and most important thing that Barack Obama needs to do now is watch his back. It's getting real nasting, and it's all pointed right at him. Not another '68, please not another.

Grif   February 29th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

Your Neighbours are 2 klm's away. Not 8000 Miles away. Sick on Religion… Where are your priorities.

Judy   February 29th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

Hillary has experience but yet she is not running her campaign like she has more experience. We have seen her run low on funds, refusing to release tax returns, crying, yelling, showing boxing gloves, focusing in on the smallest thing, backing off of NAFTA, being Pro NAFTA, issuing a 5 point plan, trying to draw attention to herself after McCain and Bush went after Obama instead of her. It's all a little boring. Now her husband is talking about she is for change and experience. Who really is copying who?

Obama in 2008

Trev   February 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Sorry. To continue… I think both CANDIDATES are fair game. However, the idea of calling 49% (at this point in the race) of the Democratic electorate idiots is not a good strategy to win the general. Just food for thought.

Hillary 08 (without the hate)

Trev   February 29th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Let me get this straight. Canada stops helping the cause in Afghanistan because of NAFTA. I am not going to Canada bash because they have the right to set their foreign policy. Seems to me, however, that Canada is a little more forward-thinking than that.

BTW, good to see that both sides of Obama's mouth are working well. He calls HRC's ad fear-mongering. Then he runs his own fear-mongering ad. I think his initial response was far more effective. I respect Obama, it is just clear to me that he is not a leader on a variety ot issues. He claims to have been at the vanguard of the anti-war movement when he was not in the Senate (and after he hedged his bets in his book). His universal healthcare plan costs more and is not universal. His economic plan is good, though it is based direclty off material that HRC had out almost a year ago.

One more thing. I would like to request that Obama supporters stop calling HRC supporters stupid (or any equivalent term). I think both CANDIDATES

Peter Canada Obama 08   February 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Yes we can, Democrats make up your mind comes Tuesday to begin new shapter in the race for the whitehouse.

It will favours Obama at the end of the day, because democrats will like to see someone nominated this Tuesday and if Hillary made gain from this Tuesday context it is bad for democrats. McCain is the nominee for Republican and Democrats don't want to spend their time fighting for nominee when Republicans are campaigning for November General election.

Indiana Bob   February 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

Clinton argues that she would be ready on day one. And she would be. Obama argues that he would be right on day one. Not so fast!! Right because he made a speech against the war as an Illinois state senator? He didn't vote on the war because he was not a U.S, Senator. Hillary was a senator from the state of New York when the vote on the war came up in 2002. One year after 9/11. As a Senator from New York, she could not vote against the war if there was any possibility that Iraq or Sadam Hussein was involved in 9/11. And there were such accusations at that time.

It is hard to pin Obama's record down on any issue because when he has had the opportubity to vote, he has voted "Present" on too many occasions. He doesn't have the political guts to vote "yea" or "nay" and let his record speak for him. I want a president with the guts to make a decision. I support Hillary Clinton!!

Peter Canada Obama 08   February 29th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

t is right Hillary, Obama was missing in action to chair NATO on Afghanistan. Yes missing in action to produce a better campaign is the right judgment at this point in time.

Hillary wasn't missing in action that is why she can't manage her campaign. Her campaign money were not well handle and as a result, she has fallen behind.

Right Judgment matters a lot Hillary and the White House is for a person that will make good judgement on behalf of million of Americans.

With Hillary's new statements if you really think about it, it favours Obama. Obama has proven that he can produce good result with his time. So, therefor. He did used his time for American service with little sleep and even haven't seen his kids because of his service to the country he loves.

Sue   February 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

HIllary is right! Please let this war vote go away. If Obama was in a position to vote who knows….he can say whatever he wants but one never knows till they are in a situation. I also feel we only know what we hear in bits and pieces. If we had the opportunity to sit down with Hillary she would have a chance to explain exactly what went on and why. So she wants us out of Iraq, she is ready to get the process started and she can do it. If Obama did not think much of the ad why then did he put out a similar one? He follows Hillarys lead…ALWAYS!!!
Go Hillary!!! Can we ever have a POSITIVE article JUST about Hillary and what she has done? Asking too much?

Paulette   February 29th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Barack Obama has much potential and promise and I admire the man However- He is simply NOt experenced enough at this time–We aloos need to know much more about him Currently he has been running an American Idol kind of campaign-

AND if there are any skeletons in his closet– the Republicans who spent far more years than we want ato count trying to destroy Hillary and Bill Clinton and in the end could not– Will do the number on him and he will be powerless–

If she is elected ( and she is the best MAN or woman for the job) she can concentate on getting us back to prosperity and have the other countries in the world respecting us again-( and fearing us) as need be!

The republicans want Obama to be nominated and then they will hit him with all they have– (and i am sure they have alot) or they will have some sort of last minute terror scare come up- and the voters will be so fightened about Obama's too many unknowns ( as to his true strength or abilty to do the right thing under fire) )

This scare will cause the voters to vote for McCain and all will be lost–
WE all need to think of what is happening very careafully– there is too much riding on this election ( supreme court nominees) ending the war correctly - getting the eocnmy back on track– getting New Orleans rebuilt– and making surre we all hjave affordable health car and on and on

Barack go for VP( for now) and let Hillary do her work to get us back to greatness- and then it will be your chance to dothe same thing–

IF you love america do the right thing and ask to be VP Hillary has the experience and proven track record for fighting for middle america and can beat McCain in any debate with her knowledge!–

Think of consequenses that Mccain could win if you do not do the Dream team of us having you both God Bless

Susan Norton   February 29th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

I was against the Iraq war from the very beginning. Does that mean that I have the judgment to be President of the U.S.?

Byron in CA   February 29th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Mr obama is taking credit for anti war statemets he made that at the same time he made them and after were voiced by a majority of the Democrats including Hillary. He fails to mention he wasn't the first to say them but instead tries to imply he was the only one. He's also stating that he didn't vote to go to war, though fails to mention that he held no public office. He also fails to mention that over 80% of the country supported going to war with Iraq at the time Hillary gave her vote.
Now he has to figure out a way in the last few days before the elections in Texas of Ohio what to neglect to tell the Latino voters. Most likely all they'll hear will be the same repitition of what he's been saying for the last year. More change and hope without the fine details of what that means is all I've seen and I'm guesing those in Texas and Ohio are feeling the same frustration in him. People are paying attention and waiting for the fine print from obama, who still repeats the same tired old speeches from last year, without filling in the dots.

Wayne Peltier from Canada   February 29th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

A message to John McCain from Canada - NAFTA has nothing to do with Afganistan. For you to imply that it does belittles our intelligence and our mission in Afganistan and makes you look like a moron. News to McCain - Canada opposed the IRAQ war (as did most of the world) - and we didn't join the US in Afganistan - we joined the UN mission in Afganistan! Whatever happens with NAFTA, whether it is renegotiated or not, will NOT impact in the least on our mission in Afganistan because we are not there with you, we are there with leading a UN force and our decision to stay or go will be based on Canadian interests, not ties to NAFTA. Ridiculous!!

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