Huck Flips on Clinton Cabinet Pick

"BRILLIANT"

Former G.O.P. presidential candidate Mike Huckabee tells a Little Rock audience that President-Elect Barack Obama's selection of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State is a "brilliant" choice.

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BUT just last month in Springfield, Huckabee told The Notebook that Obama's choices "look like we're just changing to the Clintons."

In THIS interview Huckabee said: "I think you could basically say if you like the Clinton administration, you're apparently going to love the Obama administration because you're going to have a lot of it."

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The Arkansas Associated Press now reports: "The former governor and candidate for the GOP presidential nomination said New York Sen. Hillary Clinton will have instant credibility as secretary of state — and her selection should benefit Obama by having her on the team as an insider, instead of outside, as a critic."

Huckabee was speaking at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

Blunt Calls Clinton "A Good Pick"

Congressman Roy Blunt says President-elect Barack Obama's selection of Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State is a good choice because it signals he may pursue a more centrist foreign policy than suggested during the campaign.
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***WATCH excerpts of our interview with Blunt ABOVE***

ALSO: SEN. KIT BOND REACTS, MUM ON CLINTON:

"President-elect Obama’s choice in keeping on Secretary of Defense Gates is a good one and sends a message to the world that a change in President does not mean a change to our policy of fighting terrorists. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee I understand the importance of playing offense in the War on Terror and I am hopeful that President-elect Obama’s National Security Team will continue to fight to give our military, law enforcement and intelligence community the tools needed to keep our families safe," said Sen. Kit Bond in a statement provided to The Notebook.

McCaskill Says Clinton Pick Shows Obama Wants To Be Challenged

Sen. Claire McCaskill said that Barack Obama's choice of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State shows that the President-elect wants to be challenged on his views.

McCaskill spoke on Fox News Sunday, opposite Senator Lindsey Graham. She tried to push back on claims that the two powerful personalities of Obama and Clinton may collide.

"Obviously, Barack Obama is going to set the policy, but he will listen to different views," McCaskill said. "He is not afraid to be challenged by people around him. He wants to be challenged," she said.

She went on to defend his choice of keeping on Secretary of Defense Bill Gates.

"Let me say this about Secretary Gates. Even though there may have been times I disagreed with him and maybe Barack Obama disagreed with him, this is a man who clearly holds the highest level of the military accountable for mistakes, which has been very impressive to all of us," she said. "He has solid relationships on both sides of the aisle. And what these picks say about Barack Obama is that the kind of change that he’s embracing is that you don’t just pick the people who were on your side during the campaign. You pick the best you can find. That’s an important change for Washington," she added.

MUMBAI
McCaskill said the attacks in Mumbai proved that the fixation on Iraq is misguided and that the real focus on battling Al Qaeda is in Pakistan.

"The Obama team is looking at strengthening the region and what Obama has said is that the terror threat we face is in Pakistan, not Iraq," she said.

AUTO BAILOUT
On the prospect of a potential government bailout for the auto industry, McCaskill said she'd only consider it if Congress gets a clear accounting of the companies' financial situation.

"We need to behave like a bank," McCaskill said. "And we need to make sure that we get all of those internal financials and that we feel comfortable that this is a good investment for the American taxpayer," she added.

But she also talked about the importance of keeping Americans working in the industry, and noted that she just bought a new Chevy hybrid pickup.

"I hope people think about Santa Clause and the auto industry this Christmas," she said.

Huckabee Says Obama Cabinet Appointments Don't Represent Change

"Looks Like We're Just Changing To The Clintons"

Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee raises a skeptical eye about Barack Obama's apparent Cabinet selections and explains why bailouts are hurting the Republican Party.

***WATCH CLIPS ABOVE***

Huck on Bailouts: "All the bailouts are ridiculous. It's not the purpose of the U.S. taxpayer to turn around and work real hard today to give money to people who are recklessly irresponsible in the way that they live."

Huck on Obama: "I think you could basically say if you like the Clinton administration, you're apparently going to love the Obama administration because you're going to have a lot of it."

Adds that while some of Obama's apparent selections show experience, "it looks like we're just changing to the Clintons."

Also says he'll pray for Obama's success

SWMO Clinton Chair "Can't Just Back Off Yet"

WATCH MY KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT ON THE OBAMA-CLINTON FALLOUT LOCALLY HERE

Hillary Clinton's southwest Missouri co-chair Angela Acree tells KY3 News that if Barack Obama doesn't select the former First Lady to be his running mate, it could dampen enthusiasm for his candidacy.

"I don't feel the level of commitment to him. I've spent a year working for her," Acree said. "If she's not on the ticket, I don't think I can get a lot of the people that were working for us before to work for Obama."

Claire Open To Republican as Obama's Veep

IN KY3 NEWS SATELLITE INTERVIEW, SAYS, "I wouldn't be opposed to someone who maybe was a Republican even . . ."

***DEVELOPING for . . . Tonight on KY3 News @ 10

Gracious To Hillary, Obama Claims Victory

MISSOURI SUPERDELEGATES FLOCK TO OBAMA

NIXON, CARNAHAN & TEMPORITI SIGN ON

Attorney General Jay Nixon, candidate for Governor:

"Sen. Clinton ran a strong campaign and she empowered millions of Americans to reach for their dreams. But after eight years of George W. Bush, Sen. Obama is the right candidate to bring about the change our country so badly needs.
“Missourians are ready for a new direction, both for our state and the nation at large. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and they’re looking for new leaders, with new priorities, to move us forward. Just like Missourians don’t want four more years of Matt Blunt’s policies at the state level, they don’t want four more years of George W. Bush’s policies at the national level.
“Democrats are already uniting behind Sen. Obama, and over the coming weeks, I expect to see many Independents and Republicans unite behind him as well. I look forward to joining Sen. Obama on the campaign trail this fall as we fight to change the direction Missouri and the nation.”

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan:

“Barack Obama has secured the requisite number of delegates to become the nominee of the Democratic Party. He has my complete support and will receive my vote at the Convention.
“With the many challenges facing our country – from the high cost of health care and the fragile state of our economy to the war in Iraq and global warming – it is clear that we need a dramatic change in leadership. Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama are extraordinary leaders with a passion for change and clarity of purpose that will serve our country well. It is my hope that in the days ahead both the Senators and their supporters can join together in achieving that common purpose.”

Missouri Democratic Party Chair John Temporiti:

“I want to commend both he and Senator Clinton for running an issue based primary that has energized Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike. As Missouri Democratic Party Chairman, I now urge all Americans to unite behind Senator Obama’s campaign and the ideals he has promulgated these past months. Not since John F. Kennedy have I witnessed a candidate that has energized and captivated the American people, especially our young voters, like Barack Obama has.
“The election this November will quite simply come down to whether the American people deserve change or more of the same. It will be a privilege for me to cast a vote at the Democratic National Convention for Barack Obama as our next President of the United States.”

Hillary Makes Her Case

CLINTON'S BEST HITS

NO CONCESSION, CLAIMS POPULAR VOTE WIN, SWING STATE SWAGGER . . . ALSO GIVES SHOUT OUT TO THE OZARKS

Local Clinton Supporter Will Take Her Cues From Hillary

***THE DEMS REACT***

RECONCILATION?

Craig Hosmer, Greene County Democratic Party Chairman:

"A lot of it depends on what she says tonight and what she does over the next few days. Does she throw her support behind him unconditionally or wait for some kind of offer on the ticket? I know there are superdelegates in Missouri, two or three who are going to support Senator Obama, who have not indicated it yet . . . This is going to be all resolved sometime Wednesday or Thursday."

. . .OR RELUCTANCE?

Angela Acree, Springfield Clinton Supporter & Delegate:

"I'm not going to concede until she does. If she wants to take it to the convention, I'm going to be there. I'm not going to do anything other than vote for Hillary Clinton. Even if she released her delegates, I'd vote for her at the convention . . . I'll absolutely support (Obama) as the nominee, if he's the nominee. Am I going to work and mobilize the kind of organization I did for Hillary Clinton? I don't know. I'm still in denial. A lot of her southwest Missouri supporters don't know what to do yet. If he picks her for vice president, I think the whole entire organization down here would work hard for them as a team. If he doesn't, I don't know if I'll stand on a street corner holding signs in the cold weather."

Timing The Endgame

HOW HIL' TURNS OFF THE LIGHTS

1. It's unlikely that Hillary Clinton will formally concede the Democratic nomination Tuesday night.

2. It's likely that she appears gracious towards Barack Obama in her speech Tuesday, and uses the evening to celebrate the 17 million voter movement she created.

3. It's unlikely that much of the political pack will spend a great amount of attention on the results in South Dakota and Montana tonight.

4. It's likely that Hillary Clinton's New York event is the hotter ticket than Barack Obama's St. Paul rally.

5. It's likely that most of the remaining superdelegates are ready to declare for Barack Obama, but are waiting to do so to allow the primary process to officially end -- as well as show due respect to Mrs. Clinton.

6. It's likely that if Barack Obama has the necessary delegates to clinch the nomination Tuesday night, Clinton will acknowledge that fact in some cursory way.

7. It's unclear if Barack Obama will officially have those superdelegates before he speaks Tuesday night.

8. It's unclear if Clinton will formally end her campaign Wednesday or Thursday.

9. It's unclear if Clinton will hint towards any possibility of a unity ticket in her speech Tuesday night.

10. It's possible that even Hillary Clinton isn't completely sure what she'll say when she steps on the stage to speak tonight.

Obama's SUPER Friday

SKELTON TOUTS HIL'S SWING STATE APPEAL

Barack Obama has picked up 7 . . . that's right, SEVEN superdelegates today.

ABC News reports he now has taken the Superdelegate lead over Hillary Clinton for the first time.

Meanwhile, The Page's Mark Halperin reports that Missouri Rep. Ike Skelton has signed a letter to Democrats boosting Clinton's swing state appeal.

"Pennsylvania was not just a victory for Hillary Clinton. It was also a wake- up call for superdelegates, forcing us to ask ourselves two essential questions: 1) Which candidate can carry the magic 270 electoral votes to win in the fall? 2) Which candidate is most likely to help our fellow Democrats in down-ballot races? We believe the answer to both of these questions is Hillary Clinton," wrote Skelton in a letter signed by a group of Congressional Clinton supporters.

Verbal Cues

TIE GOES TO THE RUNNER

OBAMA BLOW-OUT IN CAROLINA;

INDIANA CLOSE

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report HERE

What Will She Do?
Watch splices of their dueling victory speeches above

DID IT END?
Chris Matthews: "Yes"
NBC's Chuck Todd: "It may have just ended."
(Points to Missouri as pivotal Obama win)
Tim Russert: "We now know who the Democratic nominee's going to be, and no one's going to dispute it."

LOOKS LIKE IT'S OVER . . . SMELLS LIKE IT'S OVER . . .

BUT REALLY?

Obama Takes North Carolina

Projection comes with no hesitation @ 6:30

Now . . . How Big?

INDIANA too early to call . . . Clinton holds 30-thousand vote lead, but Indianapolis and northwest Indiana yet to report

Guam Divided

Obama wins territory by 7 votes; Hil & Barack split the 4 delegates, 2 a piece.

Obama 50% 2,264 votes
Clinton 50% 2,257 votes

Guam Votes

Yes, It's Come To This

Distant Pacific Island Territory Chooses

4 DELEGATES AT STAKE

Reports show that nearly every village exceeded the expected number of votes

OBAMA is favored

With 63% reporting . . .

Obama 54%, Clinton 46%

Can Either Take Two?

***POLLWATCH***

INDIANA, NORTH CAROLINA

New polls out of the Tuesday primary states of Indiana and North Carolina bode well for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Insider Advantage has the freshest data, and the polling firm shows Clinton with a lead in Indiana and closing in North Carolina.

INDIANA
Clinton 47%
Obama 40%

NORTH CAROLINA
Obama 49%
Clinton 44%

The Real Clear Politics averages show a split decision, with Clinton wielding a 6 point average lead in Indiana and Obama holding an 8 point average lead in North Carolina.

So what's really a win Tuesday? Who's more likely to pull of a sweep? And how does the media set the expectations bar for margins?

Ike Backs Hil'

TIME's HALPERIN SNAGS IT

The Missouri Democrat and superdelegate announces he’s picking the New York Senator because of her support in rural America, commitment to national security.
The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee is the last of state’s four Democrats in Congress to endorse.

Paging Jay Nixon . . .?

Clinton's "November" Case

SPRINGFIELD BACKER BOOSTS HIL'

QUEEN CITY ATTORNEY ANGELA ACREE EXPLAINS CLINTON'S APPEAL TO RURAL VOTERS AND WHY SHE'S MORE ELECTABLE IN THE FALL

"I think she talks with them, instead of give speeches to them."

***WATCH CLIP ABOVE***

McCaskill Won't Ever Tell Clinton To Drop Out

ROAD TO AN ENDGAME?

McCaskill To KY3: "I think there's a lot of superdelegates . . .
who don't want to say who they're for."
ON MSNBC TODAY: "There will be controversies about the Clintons that will also be an issue in November."

Sen. Claire McCaskill refused to say under what circumstance Hillary Clinton should get out of the presidential race, but added that despite her win, the math remains unforgiving.

"Somebody needs to explain how the math works," McCaskill told KY3 News.

Missouri's junior senator was again on the front of the battlelines the day after, appearing on MSNBC mid-day Wednesday.

"Those superdelegates are paying very close attention and they know a couple of things. They know that Barack Obama's candidacy has excited a whole new generation of voters for our party. They know that Barack Obama has competed under the rules in every state for every delegate, and is winning and will win the pledged delegates. And frankly, to take this away from a candidate under those circumstances would be a brazen move for a party that cherishes the fact that we want everyone to participate," McCaskill said.

"It was always her state, we narrowed the gap, there were no independent voters that were allowed to vote yesterday, and that's one of Barack Obama's strengths," McCaskill added.

On what happens if Clinton takes the popular vote: "I'm not sure that Senator Clinton can come out ahead in popular votes, especially if we're counting the states that played by the rules, as opposed to states that knowingly violated the rules in the way they held primaries," McCaskill said.

On the possibility of Obama going negative: "It's a very difficult decision . . . People do need to remember there will be controversies about the Clintons that will also be an issue in November."

Let's Keep Playin'

SCRAPPY CLINTON KEEPS ON TRUCKIN'

Asks Supporters to logon to HillaryClinton.com to donate

2 WEEKS UNTIL NORTH CAROLINA, INDIANA

WATCH the best lines from her victory speech ABOVE