2004 Presidential Election
John Kerry has won the Virginia and Tennessee primaries, according to AP via the Rocky Mountain News [February 11, 2004, "Kerry Romps in South; Clark Dropping Out"]. From the article, "As his remaining rivals scrambled for a last-ditch strategy to stop him in Wisconsin, Kerry retreated to his Washington home for two days of rest. He returns to the campaign trail Friday with stops in Wisconsin, which holds a primary next Tuesday, and Nevada, which holds caucuses on Saturday."
Here's the coverage from the Denver Post [February 11, 2004, "Kerry wins Va., Tenn. primaries"]. From the article, "With the enormous victories, Kerry expanded his primary-season dominance to the last region on his political scorecard. He has won 12 of 14 contests - on the East and West coasts, in the Midwest, the Great Plains and the Southwest. Party leaders began pressing for the nomination fight to end." I don't think that's going to happen. Howard Dean has decided to press on, probably to the convention. The Post article goes on to quote a Virginia voter, "Anybody but Bush," said Charles Edwards, 50, of Falls Church, Va., who decided to vote for Kerry as he entered his voting booth. "I'd vote for the devil."
Wesley Clark is dropping out of the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination according to the Associated Press. From the article, "The Associated Press has learned that Wesley Clark has abandoned his Democratic presidential bid after two third places finishes in the South. A senior adviser said the retired Army general will return to Little Rock, Arkansas, on Wednesday to announce his departure from the race. The source said Clark will pledge to work closely with the Democratic Party to support the nominee and other candidates across the country."
A Curious Stranger talks about it being a sad day with Clark dropping out.
TalkLeft looks at the issue of President Bush's National Guard Service.
Update: Joe Trippi has a weblog. He writes, "I certainly am not perfect -- I have made my share of mistakes, but doing the Dean campaign for money was not one of them."
Update: From e-mail from Wesley Clark: "Today, we end the campaign for the presidency. But the campaign for America's future -- for the future of all our families -- continues on.
You have proven what a General can do when he has the greatest troops in the world. I can't tell you enough how honored and humbled I am by your commitment, your spirit, and your sacrifice. Because of all of you, this has been a cause, as much as it's been a campaign.
Together, five months ago, we began our journey for the presidency. We had no money, no office, and no staff. All we had was hope and a vision for a better America.
Today, after traveling the country, after visiting with the American people, we end that journey even more full of hope and even more committed to building a better America.
I will support our Party's nominee, to continue this campaign until we take back the White House next November. This soldier stands ready for duty. It's not going to be easy. So I've got one bit of advice for our nominee: give 'em hell and never retreat.
As a general who spent thirty-four years fighting for my country, here is my pledge: I will do everything I can -- everything -- to make sure George W. Bush doesn't play politics with national security.
For me, this race has been one of the most liberating experiences of my life. I've been able to talk about what I believe in and fight for it. You've given me the greatest gift a person can receive: the support to make that fight real.
I'd like to thank all the foot soldiers in this battle: our terrific staff, our dedicated volunteers, our thousands of loyal supporters. Most of all, those who believed in me long before anyone even knew who I was: the people who drafted me into this race.
I want to thank my family for always standing by my side, especially my wife of 36 years, my best friend, and my partner, Gert Clark. She is the general's general, and I wouldn't be here today without her. I'd like to thank my son, Wes, Jr., and my daughter-in-law, Astrid. I am so proud of them and so proud of all they have done for this campaign.
I'm going to fight on, and I hope you will join me, until we win the campaign to create a new vision for America in the twenty-first century. Because I believe America's best days lie ahead. Today, I end my campaign for the presidency -- but our Party's campaign to change America is just beginning. This old soldier will not fade away. I'll be in the field and out in front, working the issues, supporting our candidates, and doing all I can to contribute to building a new and better America.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.
5:46:39 AM 
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