U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today issued the following statement on Senator Barack Obama's remarks in last night's debate:
"In last night's Democratic debate, the American people saw two candidates arguing over how fast to retreat from Iraq at a time when military and political progress are undeniable to any objective observer. Today, thanks to the troop surge that Senators Clinton and Obama opposed, our soldiers have Al Qaeda in Iraq on the run. If Senators Clinton and Obama have their way, Al Qaeda in Iraq will be resurgent and given a new lease on life, putting U.S. forces back on the defensive.

Last week, Senator John McCain won the support of nine delegates from the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas in his presidential campaign. This is the first time the Commonwealth GOP is participating in any U.S. election, as the group was admitted to the national Republican Party after the 2004 election.

by Caleb Schaber

Here is a response from my friend Tym, a union worker at one of the CNN events, wrote after I told him I had tacos when I did the CNN debate as a journalist.

“You just got the standard catered fajitas deal for the press- I was working the crew. We got roast beef and cheesecake and other yummies. I was there until 11 pm tonight and will be back to finish tomorrows at 8 am. Its been like that all week. Other than sleep I've been pretty much living there since Sunday building the stage and stuff. Something like 50 hours total by tomorrow, about a grand of work. Yup, I'm definitely voting Democrat now.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Congresswoman Kay Granger, Congressman John Carter and Congressman Louie Gohmert have endorsed John McCain for president.

"I'm proud to be supporting John McCain's campaign for president because I am confident he is the only candidate who can lead our party to victory in November," said Congresswoman Granger. "I look forward to working closely with his campaign and helping John McCain carry the State of Texas."

"Texas voters who are looking for the candidate that best represents their conservative values need look no further than John McCain," said Congressman Carter. "John McCain's consistent support of our military men and women, along with his conservative voting record, offers concrete proof that as president he will work to keep our country safe, ensure our economic prosperity and promote the conservative principles we believe in."

Text and Photos by Caleb Schaber
Here is a photo essay of Obama's rally from Austin, 22 February 2008. According to an Obama spokesman, at least 20,000 were in attendence at this 9 p.m., Friday night event.

“I don't want to send another generation of American children to failing schools. I don't want that future for my daughters. I don't want that future for your sons. I do not want that future for America.”

Austin, Tex.--Outside the CNN presidential debate, hours before the debate was scheduled, Obama and Clinton supporters rallied for their candidates.

The above photo is some of the media outside and participates arriving several hours before the debate. This group in line were people from Houston.

ARLINGTON, VA -- At a press conference in Houston today, former President George H.W. Bush endorsed John McCain for president.

President Bush made the following statement on his endorsement:

"Today we are living in a time of war, a new and vastly more complex time of war. We also have more important challenges at home, chief among them, we clearly need to address those parts of our economy that demand attention. And at this critical time in history, the key point I want to make is the United States of America cannot be permitted to falter. Part of our Republican creed is a prevailing sense of duty. In the coming election, we do not have the luxury of taking a pass on our unique role and responsibilities in the world. And the indisputable fact that unites the greatest number of Republicans, most independents and many good Democrats is the fact that no one is better prepared to lead our nation at these trying times than Senator John McCain.

San Antonio, Tex.
By Caleb Schaber

“I have been to Iraq; I have been Afghanistan,” Senator Hillary Clinton said as she launched into her thoughts on the war in the Middle East.

Speaking of US soldiers, Clinton said “They have done everything they have been asked to do and it is time for them to come home.”

This statement was met with the largest applause of the night and then the several thousand people at the rally chanted: “Bring them home”

“There is no American military solution,” Clinton continued. “The future of Iraqi depends on their Government and the Iraqi people make.”

Austin, TX

Bill Clinton spoked to about 4700 Hillary Clinton supporters Saturday night. According to the Austin Statesmen, the campaign headquarters are the same one that local writer Kinky Friedman used, and Friedman's pink trailer with a giant cigar sticking out of was spotted near by.
For that story: http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/kelso/entries/2008/02/18/hillarys_austin_campaign_headq.html

San Antonio, Tex--As the noose of Senator's Obama's campaign tightens around Senator Hillary Clinton's bid for Presidency, she turns up the heat in Bush country.

Hillary has her supporters, but the Texas race may be the one that makes or breaks her bid for the presidency. Here is the audio of her 35 minute speech on the 13th of February at Saint Mary's College in San Antonio.

She filled the venue and hundreds of her supporters had stay outside because she filled the stadium to capacity. Our estimates are that there were probably 3000 people inside and at least a thousand outside--most of them, of course, her supporters.