Obama faces racism in West Virginia

Many blue collar Democrats are not ready for a black President.

Barack Obama Goes on Fox News Sunday

Barack Obama on Fox News Sunday, April 27, 2008

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.27.08

Obama and Clinton square off in Ohio.

Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama went head to head in Cleveland last night. The two had their final debate before the primaries in Texas and Ohio next week. Obama took on Clinton for her past position on the Iraq war, while Clinton attacked the Illinois senator on health care mailings and NAFTA. She also said Obama was unprepared to handle foreign policy crises. Clinton has upped her attacks on her opponent recently, after he took 11 states in a row.

The European Union is fining Microsoft for failing to obey an antitrust order. The EU is fining the corporation a record 1.3 billon dollars for charging its rivals too much for software information. Microsoft says the fine refers to past problems, and they're now working to make their product more open. This is the largest fine the EU has ever issued to a single company for this issue.

The U.S. dollar has hit a new low in Europe today. The euro reportedly soared to more than $1.50 and the British pound reached $1.99...making it more expensive for Americans to travel in Europe. This comes as reports released show the U.S. economy is slowing and predicts the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates. Meanwhile the sliding dollar caused oil prices hit a new high today...at $102 dollars a barrel.

Today is day three in the trial for the shooting of Sean Bell. Bell was killed on his wedding day by New York detectives last November...the 3 officials accused of the shooting say they thought Bell was reaching for a gun. The young man's father William testified in court yesterday, emotionally recalling the night of his death. Bell's father was with him celebrating his bachelor party, shortly before his death. The defense claims Bell was drunk and disorderly on that night.

Russert Plays the Farrakhan Card

Tim Russert moderating the Democratic presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, February 26, 2008.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.25.08

Nader jumps into presidential race.

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader says he's running for president again. This run would be Nader's fifth consecutive bid for the White House. Many Democrats fear that Nader could draw votes from whoever gets the party's nomination. That move could help the nearly-cemented Republican nominee John McCain win the White House in November.

Meanwhile, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama traded sharp words over trade this weekend while campaigning in Ohio. The rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination have blamed trade agreements for the loss of manufacturing jobs. Clinton accused the Illinois senator of misrepresenting her record on the North American Free Trade Agreement. The New York Senator has said she's hesitant about NAFTA, blaming countries for shipping jobs overseas. But, Obama accused the New York Senator for supporting NAFTA when her husband was president.

The brother of former Cuban president Fidel Castro is the new president of the communist country. Raul Castro took to his post yesterday after running Cuba's military for at least 50 years. The news came five days after the 81-year-old elder announced his resignation, citing his critical health condition.

Classes are resuming today at Northern Illinois University where six students were killed nearly two weeks ago. But there won't be any meetings in Cole Hall this semester where a gunman burst in and shot five students before taking his own life. Officials haven't decided what to do about the building yet. Since the incident, memorial services have been held to honor the slain and the 16 others who were wounded.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.22.08

Clinton attacks Obama for plagiarizing.

Senator Hillary Clinton questioned her rival Barack Obama's readiness to become commander-in-chief at last night's Democratic presidential debate in Texas. She criticized the Illinois senator for borrowing rhetoric for his campaign speeches and said he had a weak resume. Obama responded, calling her accusations "silly season" politics. Texas will hold its primary on March 4. Analysts say Clinton must win in that state in order to stay in the race.

But Clinton ended the debate much differently than she began. The emotional New York Senator made reference to her past political battles when her husband was in the White House. She said she had lived through some challenging moments in her life, but they're nothing compared to what goes on everyday in the lives of others across the country. Clinton added saying whatever happens, we're going to be fine.

Serb protestors who are enraged by Kosovo's independence attacked U.N. police in northern Kosovo today with stones, glass bottles and firecrackers. The police were guarding a key bridge in the divided city of Mitrovica (Mee-tro-veet-suh). This comes one day after demonstrators attacked the U.S. embassy in the capital of Belgrade. Protests have occurred ever since Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders declared independence from Serbia on Sunday. The U.S., Britain, France and Germany have formally recognized Kosovo.

A 28-mile virtual fence designed for the U.S.-Mexican border has been ok'd by the government. The fence will use radars and surveillance cameras to try to catch people entering the country illegally. The cameras are powerful enough to distinguish group sizes and see whether people are carrying backpacks that may contain weapons or drugs. Parts of the virtual fence have been constructed and are already working. More fences are expected to be built as early as this summer.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.21.08

McCain denies improper relationship with lobbyist.

Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is denying he gave special treatment to a lobbyist. Last night, the New York Times published an online piece that accuses the Arizona Senator of having a close relationship with a woman, Vicki Iseman, whose clients had business before his Senate Committee. McCain responded saying he had never done anything that would betray the public trust or make a decision that would favor a particular group. According to the paper, Iseman said she never received special treatment.

The Pentagon says it's confident that the Navy destroyed a toxic fuel tank of a dead spy satellite, eliminating a threat to people on Earth. That satellite hasn't worked properly since its launch two years ago, but has been orbiting with a full tank of toxic propellant. Without intervention, the satellite would have fallen to Earth by early March. Officials say the missile hit destroyed the satellite into small pieces of debris, which they say will burn up in the atmosphere over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will face off in a Democratic presidential debate this evening in Austin, Texas. It's the first time in three weeks that the two remaining Democratic White House hopefuls have debated. Since then, Obama has been on a winning streak, capturing 10 straight contests. That momentum has forced Clinton into a position where she must win contests in Texas and Ohio next month in order to stay in the race.

A famous piece of art that's a fixture in Washington, DC is moving to a new home. J. Seward Johnson's sculpture called "The Awakening" was disassembled yesterday at Haines Point where it sat for nearly 30 years. The five-piece, cast aluminum piece will take up residency at the National Harbor in Prince George's Country, Maryland. The statue, which had been on loan to the National Park Service, gives the impression of a bearded man rising from the ground.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.20.08

Obama's momentum grows after two state wins.

Senator Barack Obama is surging ahead in the Democractic presidential race after winning contests in Wisconsin and Hawaii yesterday. Those wins have solidified Obama's lead over rival Senator Hillary Clinton. That makes the contests in Texas and Ohio next month must-win battles for the New York Senator. On the Republican side, John McCain widened his lead yesterday in the GOP race for the presidential nomination. The Arizona senator won victories in Wisconsin and Washington State as expected.

White House hopefuls on both sides are taking a stance on Cuba following President Fidel Castro's resignation yesterday. Democratic Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton say the U.S. should be ready to respond to reforms in that country if the new regime indicates a willingness to change. Castro's brother Raul, who's expected to take over, has raised expectations for modest reforms. But Republicans are insisting that significant benchmarks be met before there's any response from the U.S.

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf says he intends to stay in office and work with the newly elected government. That's despite calls by the opposition to step down. The Pakistan People's Party of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto won most national assembly seats. The party affiliated with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came in second. If those two big opposition parties form a coalition and grab the support of smaller groups and independents, they could gain the two-thirds majority needed to impeach Musharraf.

Space Shuttle Atlantis and its crew are back on the ground. The shuttles touched down earlier today after a 13-day journey to deliver a new European space station lab. NASA wanted Atlantis to return as soon as possible to clear the way for the Navy to shoot down a dying space satellite. That could happen as early as tomorrow.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.14.08

Obama wins three more primaries.

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is now the winner of eight consecutive nominating contests. That's after he swept the Mid-Atlantic primaries yesterday, winning Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. The Illinois senator's success has reportedly put him ahead of his rival, Senator Hillary Clinton in the number of delegates earned. Obama apparently has 1,215 delegates and Clinton has 1,190. A candidate must receive 2,025 delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination.

And Republican White House hopeful John McCain has beat out former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee in all three of yesterday's GOP primaries. The former governor is vowing to stay in the race, pledging to be a solid, conservative, pro-life candidate as an alternative to McCain.

A man who's suspected in some of the deadliest terror attacks around the world and is now dead. Imad Mughniyeh reportedly died in an explosion in Syria earlier today. Mughniyeh was a Hezbollah commander who was considered to be a role model for Osama bin Laden. Hezbollah is blaming Israel for the man's death, but Israeli officials are denying involvement. Mughniyeh was suspected in the 1983 bombing on the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon and the 1985 hijacking of TWA flight 847.

Pro-baseball pitcher Roger Clemens is facing his accusers today at a congressional panel who've accused him of using steroids. That panel is examining performance-enhancing drug-use in baseball. Clemens' former trainer, Brian McNamee will be there along with Charlie Scheeler, an investigator for that eye-opening report that alleged dozens of players had used the drugs. McNamee says he injected Clemens with performance enhancers.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.06.08

McCain leads GOP race after Super Tuesday.

Arizona Senator John McCain has cemented his status as the front-runner for the GOP nomination following yesterday's Super Tuesday nominating contest. McCain won nine states yesterday, including California, New York and Missouri. That gave him more than a 300-delegate lead over his closest rival, Mitt Romney. The former Massachusetts governor won seven states in the contest, followed by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee. He won five states, including the West Virginia party convention.

Yesterday's results show Democrats are evenly split between New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama. Clinton grabbed about 41 percent of the delegates needed for the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama received 36 percent. The New York Senator took the majority of delegates in large states like California, New York and New Jersey. But Obama won more states overall, taking 13 over Clinton's 8.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is expected to meet with his top aides today to discuss the future of his campaign. That's after a disappointing Super Tuesday finish. They'll reportedly discuss whether to launch an advertising campaign in the upcoming primary states. Romney vowed late yesterday to press on, but his top advisers acknowledged skepticism. The former governor has spent more than $35 million of his personal fortune on his campaign.

At least 48 people are dead following a wrath of deadly tornadoes that tore through the South last night. The storms ripped through Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky, destroying homes and shopping mall. They also trapped students in a university dorm. Emergency crews are combing through areas today, searching for more victims who may have been overlooked.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.05.08

Voters go to the polls for Super Tuesday.

Voters from coast to coast are heading to the polls on this Super Tuesday... a pivotal day for the Democratic and Republican presidential hopefuls. Twenty-four states are voting in what is nearly a national polling day. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are in a virtual dead heat nationally for the Democratic presidential nomination.

On the Republican side, Arizona senator John McCain is heading into today as the front-runner. But former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is stepping up his attacks on McCain, declaring he's the true conservative. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who's still in the race, is aiming for a strong showing in the South.

Meanwhile, John McCain has won a key endorsement from former New York Governor George Pataki. That backing, coupled with the support of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, could play an important role in today's vote.

Former New York Yankees Pitcher Roger Clemens is on Capitol Hill today to testify about whether he used performance-enhancing drugs. His appearance comes one day after his Yankees teammate and workout partner, Andy Pettitte, gave a deposition there yesterday. Both players are part of a hearing next week that will reportedly focus on allegations made by the Mitchell Report that Clemens was injected more than a dozen times with human growth hormone and steroids. The 45-year-old pitcher has denied ever taking any drugs.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 02.05.08

Robert De Niro campaigns for Obama.

Stars are stepping out on the campaign trail to show support for presidential candidates. Robert DeNiro joined Democratic hopeful Barack Obama on stage yesterday at a rally in New Jersey. The actor said Obama has inspired him and is the one person he believes can bring change to the U.S. The Illinois Senator has also had continued support from Oprah Winfrey. Other celebrity endorsements came from Jack Nicholson...he announced his support for Hillary Clinton on a morning radio show yesterday.

Britney Spears' father is staying in control of her wealth for now. A Los Angeles court ruled yesterday to keep Jamie Spears as the conservator of her affairs...which apparently includes her 40 million dollar fortune. Her Dad will hold onto control until the pop star is healthy. This comes after a Spears lawyer argued against the decision. He said the pop star was strongly opposed to the decision, fearing it may cause more tension and estrangement.

Heath Ledger's family is now back home in Australia after an emotional week. The actor's father Kim and other relatives reportedly solemnly walked through an airport in Perth yesterday. Ledger's family was in Los Angeles for several memorial services in honor of the actor. He'll now apparently be buried in a family plot near the family's home. Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment last month. The cause of death is still unknown.

Sean "Diddy" Combs is taking on acting and producing in a new made for TV film. He stars and was the executive producer for "A Raisin in the Sun"...a film version of a 1959 Broadway play. The actor attended the premiere for the new release last night in New York. His co-stars Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald were also at last night's event. "A Raisin in the Sun" will air on ABC February 25.

Amy Winehouse apparently still plans on making an appearance at the Grammy Awards. The singer reportedly took a break from rehab to visit the U.S. Embassy in London...She was accompanied by her father and a nurse from the facility. Her rep says she was looking to get a Visa in order to attend the Award ceremony on Sunday. Winehouse is nominated in six categories. The singer checked into rehab for substance abuse treatment last month.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.04.08

Bush send Congress $3.1 trillion budget.

Congress received a $3.1 trillion budget from President Bush earlier today. The proposal, for the 2009 fiscal year, would provide a big boost in defense spending and protect his signature tax cuts. It would save in the area of government health care, by slowing the growth of Medicare and Medicaid. However, Bush's spending blueprint would still generate huge budget deficits...about $400 billion for this year and next. Democrats attacked his plan saying the budget leads to more deficit, debt, tax cuts and more cutbacks in critical services.

A new poll shows Senator Hillary Clinton losing ground to Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. This comes on the eve of the critical Super Tuesday nominating contests. The two are now virtually tied, which indicates the New York Senator has lost a comfortable lead nationally that she's held for months. Analysts say endorsements from Oprah Winfrey, Maria Shriver, and Caroline Kennedy has given Obama a lot of momentum in this campaign. On the Republican side, the survey shows Arizona senator John McCain as the clear Republican front-runner.

One person is dead following a suicide blast earlier today at an Israeli shopping center.
Eleven others are wounded. An Israeli police officer may have prevented a second suicide bombing from happening in the same place when the officer shot a man wearing an explosives belt. That man had been knocked down by the initial blast. A number of Palestinian militant groups have claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack was the first in Israel in more than a year.

And the New York Giants scored a last-minute touchdown over the New England Patriots to win last night's Super Bowl, 17 to 14. The upset shattered the Patriots' hope of becoming the first team since 1972 to complete a National Football League season undefeated. The win gives New York its first NFL title since 1991. Giants' quarterback Eli Manning was named the game's Most Valuable Player, a year after his brother, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, took the same honor.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.01.08

Clinton, Obama cordial in latest debate.

Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton set a new tone in last night's Democratic debate in Los Angeles. Unlike the last time the rivals took the stage together, Clinton and Obama almost hugged each other at the end, whispering into each other's ear. The night was filled with smiles and gentle joking as they pointed out their differences on Iraq, health care and the economy. This was the Democrats' last debate before next week's Super Tuesday contests.

Microsoft has made a $45 billion bid to acquire the Internet site "Yahoo." The world's biggest software maker is hoping that such a deal would challenge Google's lead in Internet search services and advertising. Yahoo says that it plans to evaluate the proposal promptly.

More than 50 people are dead after two bombs exploded in Baghdad today. Nearly 200 are wounded. It was the worst attack in the Iraqi capital for many months. Iraqi officials say two mentally disabled women were strapped with explosives and blown up by remote control in busy Baghdad markets. The U.S. military is blaming the bombings on Al Qaeda in Iraq.

Economists are hoping for more employment in February following a drop in jobs last month. There was a net loss of 17 thousand jobs in January. It was the first decline in employment in four years, raising new concerns about the risk of a recession. However, the drop was based on a preliminary reading, which could be revised later.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.31.08

Schwarzenegger to endorse McCain.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to announce today that he'll endorse Republican White House hopeful John McCain. The governor's backing could be key to the Arizona senator winning California in next week's Super Tuesday nominating contest. McCain is also set to receive endorsements from Georgia's two Republican senators in the next few days. Georgia will also participate in Super Tuesday.

Meanwhile, John McCain and his rival Mitt Romney traded fire in last night's debate in California as they fought for their party's top spot. Romney accused McCain of using dirty tricks and misrepresenting his position on the Iraq war. McCain said the former Massachusetts governor lacked the experience and judgment to be commander in chief. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee complained about the time given to McCain and Romney, saying he didn't come to umpire a ballgame between the two.

Voters for former Senator John Edwards are up for grabs. Yesterday, Edwards dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. At the time, he didn't endorse either of his rivals, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. But one of his aides says he may back one of them in the future. Political analysts say an endorsement from Edwards would have a significant impact on the race.

The Senate could debate an economic stimulus package passed by the Senate Finance Committee as early as today. The package would inject nearly $200 billion into the economy over two years to help ward off a recession. It's reportedly similar to a bill passed earlier this week by the House. But there are some differences. The Senate's eligibility caps are double those in the House version. President Bush backs the House version of the bill and has urged the Senate to abandon its efforts to pass a different measure.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.30.08

Edwards quitting presidential race.

Former senator John Edwards is reportedly bowing out of the Democratic race for president. He's expected to make the announcement in New Orleans this afternoon. Edwards has trailed former First Lady Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama in the early primaries.

On the Republican side, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is reportedly planning to quite his presidential run. This comes after Arizona Senator John McCain won Florida's Republican primary yesterday. Giuliani came in a distant third in that race. He's expected to endorse McCain at an event later today.

Congress has passed a 15-day extension of a temporary surveillance law that was set to expire later this week. The law was passed last year when the Bush administration warned of loopholes in its ability to monitor suspected terrorists. The extension is a means to buy time to decide on a permanent fix for the measure. President Bush is expected to sign the extension.

Attorney General Michael Mukasey won't say whether the controversial interrogation technique known as waterboarding is considered torture. The top U.S. law enforcement official is expected to clash with Democrats today over this issue at a Senate hearing. Mukasey did say waterboarding currently isn't being used by the CIA to interrogate suspected Al Qaeda members. But he said there are circumstances where the technique, which simulates drowning, is questionable as to whether it's illegal.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.29.08

Bush talks about economy, Iraq war in speech.

President Bush used his last State of the Union speech to call for a boost in the uncertain economy. He also spoke about recent progress in the Iraq war. In his address to the nation last night, he called on lawmakers to pass an economic stimulus plan quickly. Bush also said he would cut or eliminate more than 150 wasteful government programs in his budget for 2009, saving $18 billion. And he demanded Congress to rein in pork barrel spending, which is money for special projects often slipped into bills at the last minute.

Arizona Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney are neck in neck in the Republican primary as Florida voters head to the polls today. If McCain wins the state, his status as front-runner will be sealed. If Romney wins, the race for the GOP presidential nomination is anyone's game. Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who's concentrated his campaign in the Sunshine state, is reportedly trailing behind both McCain and Romney.

Senator Edward Kennedy says he and the Clintons will remain friends despite his endorsement yesterday of Senator Barack Obama for president. Kennedy says he doesn't harbor any ill feelings toward his old friends, Hillary and Bill. Senator Hillary Clinton is Obama's chief rival for the Democratic presidential nomination. At a rally yesterday, Kennedy said Illinois senator's ready to be president on day one.

And Bill Gates signed an agreement with the city of Paris today to form a digital partnership. That means the founder of Microsoft's foundation will train the unemployed in computers and give advice about starting-up the partnership. They'll also support corporations that develop software solutions to help protect the environment.

TPMtv: Sunday Show Roundup: Bill Clinton Pile-On

Coming off Saturday's South Carolina blow-out, the Sunday shows were a wall-to-wall Clinton pile-on. In today's episode of our weekly Sunday show roundup we bring you the high/lowlights.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.24.08

Economic stimulus package imminent.

A deal to boost the lagging U.S. economy with a $150 billion stimulus package is reportedly imminent. Government officials say an announcement on the plan could come as early as this afternoon. Final details are still being negotiated, but officials say the current outlines of the package would give individuals a tax rebate check for about $800. Families could get up to $1600.

Two new polls show Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani is slipping in Florida. Florida is a state he once called crucial to his presidential chances. The former New York mayor reportedly registers 15 percent among Republican primary voters. He's tied with former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who only has a fraction of the organization that Giuliani has in Florida. Polls indicate John McCain is at 25 percent in the state and Mitt Romney's at 23 percent.

And on the Democratic side, Barack Obama's big lead over rival Hillary Clinton has slipped slightly, but he still has the lead in South Carolina. That's according to a new poll just released two days before the state's presidential primary. The Illinois senator reportedly lost three points overnight and is now at 39 percent. Clinton stands at 24 percent. The shift apparently occurred since Monday night's angry debate between the two when they traded harsh accusations. Since then, John Edwards, who wasn't part of the argument, has climbed four points and is now at 19 percent.

People from Gaza are pouring into Egypt for a second day today. Yesterday, militants blew open the border separating Gaza and Egypt, allowing at least 400 thousand people to cross and stock up on supplies. At least 300 thousand Gazans have reportedly crossed today. Last week, Israel blocked off the territory after days of rocket attacks. That's prohibited deliveries of things like fuel and food.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.22.08

Fed cuts interest rates.

The Federal Reserve has cut two key interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point. The rate cut happened earlier today, just as stocks plunged at the opening bell. The Fed lowered its federal funds rate from 4.25 percent to 3.5. That rate affects how much people pay on credit card debt, home equity lines of credit and auto loans. It also lowered its discount rate three-quarters of a point to 4 percent. That rate determines what it costs banks to borrow directly from the central bank. This was the biggest rate cut by the Fed since October 1984.

Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama engaged in their most heated debate yet last night. Just minutes into the debate in South Carolina, the two exchanged sharp criticisms over health care and other issues. On numerous occasions, they interrupted each other and even turned to direct their responses to each other instead of a panel of moderators. Former Senator John Edwards tried to stay out of the heated exchange. South Carolina voters will go to the polls on Saturday for the first Democratic primary in the South.

Israel is allowing fuel and medical supplies into Gaza today after an earlier blockade left residents struggling with major power cuts. Last week, Israel closed all border crossings with Gaza after days of rocket attacks on the southern part of the country. That sparked massive protests and a fear from aid agencies that the move could turn into a humanitarian crisis.

President Bush marked the Martin Luther King holiday yesterday with a visit to Washington's downtown library named after the historic individual. The President, First Lady and D.C.'s mayor participated in a lesson for a handful children. Bush posted pictures on a bulletin board and taught the students how King fought to change unfair laws.