From the Campaign

 

Calling for Lincoln-Douglas Style Debates: Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams sent a letter yesterday to Obama campaign manager David Plouffe calling for Lincoln-Douglas style debates between Senators Obama and Clinton: “It is the American way to place our would-be leaders side by side to hear them articulate and defend their ideas; to challenge each other on their visions for the future …In the spirit of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, we make this proposal: Senator Clinton and Senator Obama will participate in a 90-minute debate in an open public forum.  Just the two of them — no questioners, no panelists, no video clips.” Read more.

By the Numbers: Yesterday’s daily Gallup poll “shows Clinton and Obama tied at 47% [with] Clinton…ahead of McCain in the general election.” Hillary leads Sen. McCain by 3 (47-44) whereas Sen. Obama leads only by 1. According to a new Newsweek poll, Hillary “has reduced [Sen. Obama’s] lead by more than half,” to just seven points (46-38). The poll also shows Hillary leading Sen. McCain nationally, (51-47). Read more and more.

Tougher, More Resolute: New York Times’ Bob Herbert writes: Hillary “is now widely seen as the tougher of the two candidates, the one who is more resolute, who will fight harder.” In contrast, Senator Obama has been thrown completely off his game…You can almost feel the air seeping out of the Obama phenomenon.” Read more.

Ground Work in Indiana: The Washington Post writes “Clinton Intensifies Ground Work in Indiana.” Read more.

‘Wowing ‘Em’ in Fort Wayne, IN: Yesterday, Hillary “roared into Fort Wayne” where over 3,000 people packed a local venue, awaiting her arrival. Said one observer: “‘I actually gave money to McCain for the primary, but I’m leaning more toward Hillary right now.’ Another voter said, ‘I’m not a Hillary supporter, but I came out to see what she was about, and I was actually impressed with what she had to say.’” Read more and more.

“Why I Support Hillary Clinton” Oregon Rep. Darlene Hooley writes in an op-ed today: “I support Hillary Clinton — not because she is a woman, but because she is knowledgeable, experienced and tenacious. She has been through political fire in the relentless attacks thrown at her in the ’90s. She has studied the issues, as an advocate for families, as first lady, and as a U.S. senator.” Read more.

Standing Up for Hardworking Families: Bonnie Brown, a WV delegate writes in an op-ed today: West Virginians need a president who will stand up for hardworking families - starting Day One. Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to lead us to a future where all workers are valued equally and all Americans have a chance to succeed. I encourage support of her presidency. Read more.

Previewing Today: Hillary returns to North Carolina, hosting a “Solutions for America” rally this evening in Wilmington, NC.

 

More People Have Voted For Hillary Than Any Other Candidate: “After last night’s decisive victory in Pennsylvania, more people have voted for Hillary than any other candidate, including Sen. Obama. Estimates vary slightly, but according to Real Clear Politics, Hillary has received 15,095,663 votes to Sen. Obama’s 14,973,720, a margin of more than 120,000 votes. ABC News reported this morning that ‘Clinton has pulled ahead of Obama’ in the popular vote. This count includes certified vote totals in Florida and Michigan.” Read more.

The Tide is Turning: “The voters in Pennsylvania have spoken. America is listening. And the tide is turning…Despite making an unprecedented financial investment in his Pennsylvania campaign, including millions on negative ads …Sen. Obama again failed to win a state that will be vital to a Democratic victory in November.” Read more.

$$$: The campaign has raised more than $3.5 million since PA polls closed last night…last night’s fundraising total the was the strongest ever.

Fighting for You: In last night’s victory speech, Hillary told voters, “I’m in this race to fight for you, to fight for everyone who has ever been counted out …I need your help to continue this journey. This is your campaign and this is your victory tonight. Your support has meant the difference between winning and losing.” Watch here and read it here.

In Case You Missed It: The Washington Post reports that “unable once again to score a knockout, Sen. Barack Obama is likely to make his new negative tone even more negative.” Read more.

Closing the Deal? The AP asks: “Why can’t Barack Obama close the deal? …Unfortunately for Obama…it’s a question that bears repeating…The loss, despite a massive cash infusion and robust campaign presence in the state, underscores the persistent problems he’s had winning over many of the voters who form the traditional Democratic party base.” Read more.

On Tap: Hillary attends an event in Indianapolis, IN today…Tomorrow - joined by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Hugh Shelton - she returns to North Carolina for stops in Jacksonville, Fayetteville, and Asheville. On Friday and Saturday, Hillary campaigns in Indiana.

On the Air: In a new NC Ask Me ad, Hillary responds to veteran David Eichhorn from Hickory, NC: “It is one of the highest obligations of our president and Commander-in- Chief to take care of our veterans. We owe everything to those who have served us.” Watch it here… “Jobs,” airing in IN, emphasizes that “the next president has to begin putting the American people first. Your jobs, your health care, your futures.” Watch it here.