Washington Whispers
Forget Florida as Dems Look West
The old story that presidential elections are won in Florida and Ohio appears to be wilting under the growing Democratic strength in the mountain West. Democratic strategists tell us that with Florida tilting more Republican and Ohio going the other way, it is states like Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico that will be the battlegrounds in 2008. Among the reasons, say Dems: a growing Hispanic population that leans left and independent voters angry with a fat and pushy federal government. "We've got a lot more places to play in 2008 than Florida and Ohio," says a party strategist.
If Once Wasn't Good Enough...
Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign isn't only a boon for conservative fundraisers and critics. Those who have a bone to pick with Bubba or his wife are also planning to use the campaign to air their grievances again. First up: Kathleen Willey, who alleges that President Clinton pawed her in the Oval Office, then bullied her so that she wouldn't tell. Clinton denies her story. Willey adds to her allegations in Target: In the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton. Why write it now? "I was so misrepresented and maligned and I know it was a while back, but I think this is a real important time with elections coming up to tell this story."
Twittering and More for 2008
Who are the biggest "twits" in the presidential race? Well, if you consider those utilizing Twitter, the popular bulletin board site, then the winners are soon-to-be-candidate Fred Thompson on the GOP side and Democrats John Edwards and Sens. Barack Obama, Chris Dodd, and Joe Biden. Among them, Thompson seems to be a big user, Twittering twice a week. And, says his Internet czar Pete Snyder, "he's not even in the race." Once in, "I think a lot of that will change," he adds, meaning more entries. As in life, Thompson is folksy when he Twitters. In England in June, he offered: "London is banning smoking in public July 1. I just had a nice cigar with my wonderful host as a tear rolls down my cheek. Cheers, Fred."
CNN's 'Cookie Lady' Still Treating Staff
A high-calorie tradition that started in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks is still going strong at CNN's Washington HQ thanks to the sweet tooth of Larry King Live senior editorial producer Carol Buckland. Surrounded by harried and hungry colleagues covering 9/11, she decided to bake some brownies one day and has been hauling in the treats every Monday since. "Feeding people is a nurturing thing," says Buckland. The "Cookie Lady" says she bakes 10 dozen every weekend. "It's not really that much," she says. Oh, yes it is, say fans wowed that she bakes everything--except the favorite Rice Krispies treats--from scratch. Newsman Wolf Blitzer is her biggest fan: "If left unchecked, I could become a cookie monster."
Paul Bedard's blog is at www.usnews.com/whispers
With Suzi Parker and Nikki Schwab
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