Obama Intelligencer 2008 June 9

Clinton Factor
Senator Hillary Clinton may be out of the presidential race, but her influence may continue. She fiercely campaigned against Obama for the Democratic nomination, and her observations on his shortcomings will be themes the McCain campaign can now pick up. It may also be that Obama can’t rally the Democrats around himself without Clintons active assistance because of her popularity and influence in the party (Esler).

Democratic Party
Obama has called for the Democratic National Committee to stop accepting contributions from federally-registered lobbyists and political action committees. This is an extension of the policy he established for his own campaign during the primaries (Henderson).

Swing States: Michigan
Michigan may not be a lock for Obama in the general election, though there are still factors at play in his favor in this traditionally Democratic state. Obama’s chances in the state may depend on the African-American turn-out, and his campaign is organizing voter registration in communities with large African-American populations (Trowbridge).

Vice-President Speculation
One of the names tossed around for a running mate for Obama, besides the rampant speculation on Sen. Hillary Clinton, is Virginia governor Tim Kaine (Doyle).

Resources
Doyle, L. (2008, June 6). Obama heads for Virginia in attempt to storm Republican stronghold. Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/obama-heads-for-virginia-in-attempt-to-storm-republican-stronghold-841404.html, accessed June 6, 2008.

Esler, G. (2008, June 6). Why Obama can’t become president without Clinton…and McCain needs her just as much. Daily Mail (online). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1024591/Why-Obama-President-Clinton--McCain-needs-just-much.html, accessed June 8, 2006.

Henderson, N. (2008, June 6). Obama starts his race for the White House. Newsday. http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/nation/ny-usobam065715709jun06,0,3988649.story, accessed June 6, 2008.
Trowbridge, G. (2008, June 6). Obama, McCain vie for Michigan swing vote. Detroit News. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080606/POLITICS01/806060372, accessed June 6, 2008.