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OBAMA SPEECH IN FULL: A MORE PERFECT UNION — “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.” — Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy.
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Full Text Of Obama's Big Race Speech: A Big Break With Political Precedent — We have a full transcript of Obama's big race speech for you after the jump. He's set to deliver it in Philadelphia within moments. — Reading it, you can't escape the fact that in various ways it represents …
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Talking Points Memo, Open Left, Booman Tribune, American Street and Democratic Strategist

The Speech — Alas, I cannot give a more considered response right now as I have to get on the road. But I do want to say that this searing, nuanced, gut-wrenching, loyal, and deeply, deeply Christian speech is the most honest speech on race in America in my adult lifetime.


FIRST THOUGHTS: OBAMA'S BIG SPEECH — From Chuck Todd and Mark Murray — *** Obama's big speech: The last time a top presidential candidate gave an important speech on a sensitive topic was last December, when Mitt Romney talked about American faith. His speech drew favorable reviews …

The Obama Bargain — Geraldine Ferraro may have had sinister motives when she said that Barack Obama would not be “in his position” as a frontrunner but for his race. Possibly she was acting as Hillary Clinton's surrogate. Or maybe she was simply befuddled by this new reality …
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No More Mister Nice Blog, JustOneMinute, baldilocks, Hot Air, Debbie Schlussel, Dr. Sanity, Little Miss Attila and American Thinker

Have I missed the competition? — I read the various posts here on “The Corner,” mostly pretty ho-hum or critical about Obama's speech. Then I figured I'd better read the text (I tried to find a video of it, but couldn't). I've just finished. Has any other major American politician ever …

Obama's Lies — Not so much lies as a sort of slippery sleight-of-mouth. I'm starting to really dislike Obama. … Segregation was not “the law of the land” in the 1950s. It was the law in a minority of states. … If, as Obama seems to be claiming, those are the sentiments …

The speech — He hasn't started speaking yet here in Philly, but Drudge just busted the embargo, so I've posted the text after the jump. — It's quite a speech: autobiographical, embracing complexity, and answering questions about Wright — whose most offensive words, he says …

Reflections On Obama's Speech — If you're watching this speech in the suburbs of Philadelphia and are an undecided voter... please let me know what you thought. — For a biracial candidate living at the cusp of a postmodern era, Barack Obama's identity has been remarkably coherent and well-contained.
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Bluey Blog

The Politics of Grievance — Obama is no longer a post-racial candidate.

MoveOn Move In — Obama's speech was thoughtful, powerful …
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TBogg

Newsflash: Obama says “God bless America;” …
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ABCNEWS, Fox News, Hot Air, Gateway Pundit, Spin Cycle, The Corner, This ain't Hell … and National Review

The Politics of Obama's Speech
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The Carpetbagger Report

A McCain Gaffe in Jordan — AMMAN, Jordan — Sen. John McCain, traveling in the Middle East to promote his foreign policy expertise, misidentified in remarks Tuesday which broad category of Iraqi extremists are allegedly receiving support from Iran. — He said several times that Iran …
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Supreme Court hears historic gun-ban case — In what could be a historic decision, a majority of the Supreme Court Tuesday appeared ready to embrace the view that the Second Amendment creates an individual right to own a gun. — While that conclusion alone could elate many gun-rights supporters …
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New York Times
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U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to strike down D.C. handgun ban

For immediate release — The Federal Open Market Committee decided today to lower its target for the federal funds rate 75 basis points to 2-1/4 percent. — Recent information indicates that the outlook for economic activity has weakened further. Growth in consumer spending has slowed and labor markets have softened.


McCain's 67% Favorable Rating His Highest in Eight Years — Obama has a 62% favorable rating, while Clinton's is 53% — PRINCETON, NJ — John McCain's 67% favorable rating is the highest of any of the three major candidates running for president, and ties for his highest in Gallup polling history.
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Weekly Standard Blog, Examining Presidential …, Marc Ambinder, Wonkette, Wake up America and Hot Air
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Obama Seeks to Bridge Racial Divide Among Democrats
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Examining Presidential …

More On Imminent Death Of Michigan Primary.... This dispatch from the MIRS News Service in Michigan (no link)
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Clinton Widens Lead Over Obama In Pennsylvania, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Momentum Shifts To Her, But Racial Split Grows — The momentum in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary battle has shifted back to New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, who now leads Illinois Sen. Barack Obama 53 …
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