Democratic National Convention 2008 Recap: Video of Best Speeches
Fri, 08/29/2008 - 6:45am
We here at the Blue have spent this week eating, breathing, and sleeping the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. The event's over, Senator Obama has accepted the nomination, and it's time for a recap — so, here for your viewing pleasure, are the five most important speeches of this year's historic convention, as judged by yours truly, in chronological order.
Feature Articles
Eight States Where the African-American Vote Will Change the Race
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 11:00am
When party lines are drawn and an election looks close, the end result often hinges on turnout. Much has been made about the enthusiasm of Obama supporters compared to the collective apathy of McCain backers. Still, the polls say it's close. Having known this all along, the Obama campaign has something up their sleeve: organizing African-American turnout. Sure, this is no secret, but will all of this organizing make a difference or is it all a mirage? The answer is, it's real.
Oil Crisis of Epic Proportion on Horizon
By Josh Matlock
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 3:53pm
On December 26, 2004 the water off the coasts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand began receding. Some people recognized the receding sea as a warning and headed toward higher ground. Many others oblivious to the imminent danger ventured out on to the coast to investigate the rare sight. What followed was a deadly tsunami that swept up and killed close to a quarter million people. The warning signs were there, but few too many people understood what was about to happen.
Races That Could Surprise You: TX U.S. District 10
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 3:27pm
While the Texas state races are heating up, there's one national congressional seat that should be getting more attention. Democratic challenger Larry Joe Doherty looks to be making a strong contention for the seat held by incumbent congressman Michael McCaul (R) in Congressional District 10.
A New Energy Future
By Luke Metzger
Wed, 07/23/2008 - 11:00am
While the debate about our energy future rages among the Presidential candidates, a similar debate is quietly taking place here in Texas. A few weeks ago, the Governor's Competitiveness Council released a draft Texas Energy Plan to guide Texas' energy decisions in coming years.
Change Is Good
Wed, 07/16/2008 - 12:40pm
When Josh, Curtis, Karl and I founded the Blue about a year and a half ago, we never would have imagined that we would have risen so quickly in the Texas blog community. We've got all of you to thank for the success we've seen and hope to continue to see long into the future.
A Strategic Retreat Into Scholarship
Wed, 07/16/2008 - 12:14pm
There are some big changes coming both for the Texas Blue and for yours truly.
The Experiment Continues to Illuminate
By Joe Jaworski
Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:00am
Today, we mark 232 years since our nation declared its independence and launched the greatest experiment in democracy the world has ever known.
(Voluntarily) Moving Texas Forward
Tue, 07/01/2008 - 12:21pm
The 2008 TDP State Convention was not what I expected. The possibility existed for a massive Jets vs. Sharks standoff, a large rumble between Obama supporters and Clinton supporters that could go on for days in contentious protracted parliamentary procedure.
Recent Blogs
McCain Pulls A VP Deke
Fri, 08/29/2008 - 7:36am
Looks like McCain's running mate won't be who you think it is. EDIT: But it looks like we know who that will be.
We Have A Nominee
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 6:58am
Senator Barack Obama was officially declared the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party yesterday, when his former rival in the primaries, Senator Hillary Clinton, called for Sen. Obama's nomination by acclamation.
Obama Selects Biden As VP Candidate
Sat, 08/23/2008 - 2:37am
I haven't gotten my text message yet, but it's official: CNN reports, and Senator Obama's web page confirms, that he has selected Senator Joe Biden as his vice-presidential running mate.
Report: Chet Edwards A Finalist For V.P.
Fri, 08/22/2008 - 9:45am
The Dallas Morning News is reporting that unnamed Democratic officials are saying Representative Chet Edwards is a finalist for consideration for Senator Barack Obama's running mate.
Senator Obama is set to announce his choice tomorrow via text message before a public appearance in Springfield, Illinois.
U.S. Rep Stephanie Tubbs Jones, 58, Passes Away
Wed, 08/20/2008 - 5:10pm
The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones died today after a massive brain aneurysm. Tubbs Jones was a familiar face to many recently as a vocal supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. She stood out for her witty, outspoken but always positive nature. She will be missed. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.
U.S. Rep Stephanie Tubbs Jones Hospitalized
Wed, 08/20/2008 - 12:58pm
EDIT: Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has passed away. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.
Countering earlier reports, The Cleveland Plain Dealer says Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones is in critical condition at Huron Hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm last night. We'll have more for you as it's reported.
Brimer Still Trying To Sue His Way To Victory
Tue, 08/19/2008 - 3:30pm
As a challenger, you know you're doing a good job when the incumbent is so scared for his position that he is willing to take the hit in credibility from suing to try to take you off the ballot so he doesn't have to compete with you. By that metric, SD 10 candidate Wendy Davis is giving incumbent Senator Kim Brimer the race of his life.
GOP: Criminal Fundraising is OK, But Annie's List is "Corrupt"
Thu, 08/14/2008 - 11:38am
One thing the Texas GOP never seem to run short of are hypocrites.
One of the many Texas State House races to watch this year is House District 52 in Williamson County (also home to the best brisket in the world at Louie Mueller's BBQ in Taylor). The Democratic candidate for HD52 is Diana Maldonado, a rock star of a candidate who has received the endorsement of and funding from the progressive Texas PAC Annie's List.
"Illiterate Peasants" State Rep Primaried Out In Colorado
Wed, 08/13/2008 - 10:01am
Yesterday was primary day in Colorado, that square state to our northwest. In a bit of news that gives me hope for the other side of the isle, State Representative Doug Bruce (R-Colorado Springs) was defeated in the GOP primary in State House District 15.
DNC Parodies Cornyn Video
Tue, 08/12/2008 - 3:32pm
The DNC has finally responded with their play on John Cornyn's tacky "Big John" video. But, instead of going after Cornyn, the national party has gone after John McCain, linking him to big oil.
Big Oil Decides A Republican Primary
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 10:38am
Katy bar the door! The ever-increasing role that the Big Oil meme plays in all levels of our political system took a surprising turn last week in Tennessee. In the Republican primary for Tennessee's First Congressional District, incumbent freshman Representative David Davis lost to Johnson City Mayor Phil Roe 49%-50%. What was the primary reason for Representative Davis' loss? He took money from oil PACs.
"A Time Bomb Headed For A Banana Peel"
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 9:06am
With Representative Diane Delisi's (R-Belton) decision to retire from the Texas State House on July 31, Speaker of the House Tom Craddick (R-Midland) has appointed Representative Jodie Laubenberg (R-Rockwall) to chair the House Committee on Public Health.
Interview with HD 129 Candidate Sherrie Matula
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 11:00am
Our guest on this episode is Sherrie Matula, state house candidate for District 129. We talk about her race for the seat, the problems inherent in privatizing public education, and what reason Karl Rove would have for "stopping by" her district.
Might It Be Evan Bayh?
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 3:30pm
MSNBC is reporting that the Obama press team is scheduled to land in Indiana on Tuesday and not leave for almost 24 hours.
FL. Senator Says Obama Didn't Play Race Card
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 3:16pm
While the McCain camp is crying bloody murder that Obama is playing the race card, Florida Senator Mel Martinez, a Republican, says Obama has done no such thing.
Pollster.Com's Presidential Map: Friday, August 1, 2008
Sat, 08/02/2008 - 11:05am
Riffing off J-Michael's item about the closeness of the Presidential race in Texas, the fine folks over at Pollster.com have a great new feature running that will be like catnip for Presidential election junkies.
Pollster.com now has a front page national map with the polling averages state-by-state for the 2008 Presidential race, 2008 Senate races and 2008 Governor's races.
Straight Talk Express Stuck In The Mud
Fri, 08/01/2008 - 12:16pm
Eugene Robinson at WaPo discusses how quickly St. McCain has gone to mudslinging to try and get an edge on Obama.
McCain Ahead By Only 8 in Texas?
Fri, 08/01/2008 - 10:04am
A new Rasmussen poll shows McCain leading Obama by only 8 here in Texas, 52-44.
House Judiciary Committee Votes To Hold Rove In Contempt of Congress
Wed, 07/30/2008 - 1:22pm
I don't know if the attempt at a citizens' arrest fazed former presidential adviser Karl Rove any yesterday, but if I were him, I'd be more concerned about this morning's vote by the House Judiciary Committee in favor of holding him in contempt.
Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) Indicted
Tue, 07/29/2008 - 11:42am
Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has been indicted on seven counts of making false statements in his financial filings.
