President Elect Barack Obama just announced his choices for his national security team.

Who is the media talking about?  Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Who makes news on his own?  Bill Clinton sending out his APPROVAL of Obama selecting Hillary as SOS.

What's happened to General Wesley Clark?  Where is he?  He may have been a Hillary Clinton supporter in the beginning but he came out swinging for Barack Obama soon after the primary.  Why isn't he being offered a position in the Obama administration?  He would have been great as Sec of State or Sec of Homeland Security.

Anybody know where he is and why he's been shunned or ignored?

It's finally official: President-elect Obama will appear with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in Chicago on Monday as he names her secretary of state, a remarkable reunion of once-bitter rivals.

The news conference at a Chicago hotel is scheduled to begin at 10:40 a.m. Eastern.

Barack Obama just insulted or at the very least thumbed his nose at some of his supporters by selecting Senator Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State and therefore bringing back the Clinton Dynasty to the front pages of our news papers, websites and blogs.

Many of us wanted to be rid of the Clinton family and the Bush family.  For different reasons of course but the last thing I voted for was to see Hillary and Bill back in the White House or even near by it.  The same would go for any Bush family member.  I voted for change.  Not only change in policy but change in appearances, vision and leaderships.  For at least the next 4 years, we'll hear very little about what President Barack Obama is doing with respects to the economy and foreign policy; instead the media we'll be following Hillary and Bill Clinton around like little puppy dogs.  They'll be working 24/7 to get that 'breaking news' story to tell.  We'll be back to square one with Bill Clinton and his sex life and discussing when Hillary will announce her run for 2012.

Political pundits will be waiting anxiously to hear about policies made or supported by Hillary (not President Obama as they could have been) pertaining to our allies and enemies.  They will talk for weeks about whether this idea/plan was her pushing Obama into a decision or not.  The credits will most likely be given to Hillary and if anything wrong happens, Obama will receive the honor - they will see to that.

Just look at the way Hillary, Bill and their political hacks 'controlled' the media during the primary.  They were able to convince the media that she still had a relatively good chance of beating Obama even up to the very last State that voted.  They did it again during Obama's Vice President Selection period.  They manipulated the news, leaked false information and sometimes out and out lies, to get their way.  Lastly, they manipulated the media into forcing Obama (if he had any doubts before) into selecting her as his Secretary of State.  They knew he couldn't risk alienating his base at this time by turning her down once again.

I'm afraid that not only will Obama and his base pay for this decision; but Americans' in general, will-- as well.

Will I continue to support the man; of course.  I'm willing however, to admit failure when I see it.  This is a major error on Barack Obama's part.

This administration was to be about change, new faces, new ideas, new goals.  Instead, it appears we're headed for 4 more years of Clinton stories.

I pray the stories won't override the Obama agenda and his plans for America.

It's tempting to actually feel sorry for President George W Bush these days.Today, President Bush stopped by Campbell to thank some of the troops for their hard work. Did you hear about that; probably not.

After spending what seemed like hours waiting, the troops finally got to see and hear the President. The President basically repeated his same old speech, not budging even an inch on his opinion about going to Iraq. In fact, he didn't even admit that he was currently negotiating with the Iraqi's for a withdraw timeline of 2011:

"The war in style Iraq is not over," he said about the conflict that has claimed at least 4,200 members of the military. "But we're drawing closer to the day when our troops can come home. And when they come home, they will come home in victory," he recalled that his 2001 visit to the base came shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the beginning of the war in
Afghanistan.

"That November day, I said, `Once again, you have a rendezvous with destiny,"' Bush said. "And today there is no doubt that you upheld this motto. You have done your duty. ... You have taken the battle of the terrorists overseas so we do not have to face them here in the United States Bush said that in Afghanistan, U.S. troops removed the oppressive Taliban regime, which harbored terrorists who planned the Sept. 11 attacks. In Iraq, U.S.-led forces toppled Saddam and paved the way for a young democracy. Removing Saddam Hussein was the right decision then, and it is the right decision today," he said...

With Saddam gone from power, our mission turned to helping the Iraqi people defend their freedom against violent extremists, including al Qaeda. In 2006, our efforts were faltering. So I reviewed our strategy and changed course. Instead of retreating, I ordered more troops into Iraq.

After the speech, he shook hands with some of those on the stage.  I wish I had a video of this it would be much more interesting; but at one point Bush literally shoved his way between a woman soldier and another man soldier for a photo op.The lady didn't seem to pleased.

Here's the really odd part of his visit.  It was barely mentioned in the online media.  USATODAY had a back page of 4 paragraphs about this visit.  CNN other than having the video of the story when it occurred doesn't have any thing listed on their site that I can find.  I can't find anything about it on MSNBC's site.

What's even more telling - The Drudge Report had nothing about his visit and Fox News of all places has the story on its back pages listed under a small headline saying "Bush defends overthrow of Saddam Hussein".

What's scary about this is; this man is still able to declare war on anybody and he can write executive orders that could be binding for ever, yet we ignore him as though he were gone to Texas already.

Perhaps the REAL position President elect Barack Obama has offered to Senator Hillary Clinton is to be his National Security Advisor (NSA).  She 'is' a hawk after all and as he's stated in the past, he wants opposite views -- not 'yes' people.

NSA people don't have so much of a public job.  They work more 'behind' the scenes.  This would be giving Hillary a very important job; but also keeping her out of the mainstream media's eye.

Would Hillary be able to work without cameras starring at her?  That would interesting to see -- wouldn't it?

Perhaps it's really Governor Bill Richardson Obama has offered the Secretary of State position -- after all, he's the one with actual negotiating experience with our allies as well as some of our enemies.

President Elect Barack Obama ran his campaign saying the lobbyists needed to be taken out of Washington.  He said during a debate with Hillary Clinton and John Edwards that lobbyist definitely have influence on the politicians and that this influence must stop.  He said they would not have access to his administration.

Hillary Clinton during this same debate said, when asked if she would continue taking money from lobbyists, "YES I will, these lobbyists are people like nurses, etc..." 

Watch the video of this debate.

Now that Obama is soon to have his own administration -- what is one of the first things he does?  He is reported to have asked, who else, but Hillary Clinton (one of the biggest lobbyist friend in Washington) to be his Secretary of State.

Do you suppose that each country she visits as SOS might 'also' have lobbyists working for them?

Either one of these men would be superior to this position.  Clark has served his nation for many years in the Army, he was Supreme Commander in Bosnia and has traveled the world talking to many of our allies as well as our enemies.  So has Governor Bill Richardson.

The problem of using Richardson is, it would take him away from a needed State governorship.  Wesley Clark is not currently serving in government.  He has been in the private sector for a few years now and is well known for his campaigning with Democrats and the Clinton's.  He would be perfect for the job.

As for Hillary Clinton being Sec of State - this should NOT happen.  She should either stick in the Senate and help Kennedy pass health care for all, and maybe even try to take Harry Reid's position as Majority Leader...or she should be given the Secretary of Health cabinet position.

I am predicting that President Elect Barack Obama will be nominating former Senator Chuck Hagel for his Secretary of Defense soon.

Hagel has been against the Bush administrations foreign policy since day one.  He's more in line with Barack Obama's views.  He's a Republican and Obama has already said he will have at least one republican in his cabinet.  Chuck Hagel would be the perfect man.

While Hagel may not agree with Obama's domestic policies, he leans toward the same views of Obama on the foreign side.  He's a military hero and has been friends with John McCain for years but spoke against McCain during his campaign this year.  Hagel supported Obama most of the time while never to my knowledge, endorsing him.  Hagels wife endorsed Obama.

Chuck Hagel - Secretary of Defense.  Great Idea.

Hillary Clinton plans to accept the job of secretary of state offered by Barack Obama, who is reaching out to former rivals to build a broad coalition administration, the Guardian has learned.

Obama's advisers have begun looking into Bill Clinton's foundation, which distributes millions of dollars to Africa to help with development, to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. But Democrats do not believe that the vetting is likely to be a problem.

Clinton would be well placed to become the country's dominant voice in foreign affairs, replacing Condoleezza Rice. Since being elected senator for New York, she has specialised in foreign affairs and defence. Although she supported the war in Iraq, she and Obama basically agree on a withdrawal of American troops.

Clinton, who still harbours hopes of a future presidential run, had to weigh up whether she would be better placed by staying in the Senate, which offers a platform for life, or making the more uncertain career move to the secretary of state job.

President Elect Barack Obama sir, you will be forever sorry you made this choice -- I'm sure of it.

Just as this article stated, Hillary had to weigh up which position would be best for her next run for the Presidency.  Who do you suppose she will be looking out for during the next four years; President Obama's administration or her very own future? 

What better way is there to undercut your enemy while 'appearing' at the same time, to support his every word; be the man's Secretary of State.  Gain a few supporters while making behind closed deals of for your own future.

Hillary Clinton will be in the same position that Senator John McCain was this year, too old by 2016 to run for President, so her next best chance is to run in 2012 -- giving Barack Obama only 4 years to be President before she challenges him. 

If she herself doesn't undermine Obama's foreign policy, President Bill Clinton will do what he can behind closed doors.  He wants Hillary back in the White House just as much as she wants to be there.  They proved that during the past 22 months.

These two people use to be my heroes.  I knew they weren't perfect but I never really saw the 'real' them.  Now I think I have.

Hillary Clinton plans to accept the job of secretary of state offered by Barack Obama, who is reaching out to former rivals to build a broad coalition administration, the Guardian has learned.

Obama's advisers have begun looking into Bill Clinton's foundation, which distributes millions of dollars to Africa to help with development, to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. But Democrats do not believe that the vetting is likely to be a problem.

Clinton would be well placed to become the country's dominant voice in foreign affairs, replacing Condoleezza Rice. Since being elected senator for New York, she has specialised in foreign affairs and defence. Although she supported the war in Iraq, she and Obama basically agree on a withdrawal of American troops.

Clinton, who still harbours hopes of a future presidential run, had to weigh up whether she would be better placed by staying in the Senate, which offers a platform for life, or making the more uncertain career move to the secretary of state job.

President Elect Barack Obama sir, you will be forever sorry you made this choice -- I'm sure of it.

Just as this article stated, Hillary had to weigh up which position would be best for her next run for the Presidency.  Who do you suppose she will be looking out for during the next four years; President Obama's administration or her very own future? 

What better way is there to undercut your enemy while 'appearing' at the same time, to support his every word; be the man's Secretary of State.  Gain a few supporters while making behind closed deals of for your own future.

Hillary Clinton will be in the same position that Senator John McCain was this year, too old by 2016 to run for President, so her next best chance is to run in 2012 -- giving Barack Obama only 4 years to be President before she challenges him. 

If she herself doesn't undermine Obama's foreign policy, President Bill Clinton will do what he can behind closed doors.  He wants Hillary back in the White House just as much as she wants to be there.  They proved that during the past 22 months.

These two people use to be my heroes.  I knew they weren't perfect but I never really saw the 'real' them.  Now I think I have.

It started out being two Obama advisors saying Obama was 'considering' Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State.  That rumor stewed for a day and a half across the airwaves. 

Late this afternoon more scoop is released that, yes indeed, Hillary did visit with Obama in Chicago yesterday. 

Tonight, sources are saying the President Elect Barack Obama has offered the position of Sec of State to Senator Hillary Clinton - with one reliable source saying that Governor Bill Richardson 'also' met with Obama today about the position.

Now on The Drudge Report, they have headlines saying, "NYT ON CLINTON/OBAMA: 'Associates of both Democrats cautioned that their conversation was mostly general and that no job was offered'..."

Do any of you remember the wild rumors about Barack Obama offering (or not) the VP slot to Hillary Clinton in July and August of this year?  Remember those of us that called them false, that the Clinton's were trying to negotiate for the position?  Some of us said the Clinton's were warning Obama, of consequences if he didn't select Hillary.

Well folks, I'm thinking somebody in the Clinton camp is pushing, once again, for something.  Is it the Sec of State position?  I don't know, I don't think anybody really knows but the parties involved.

I still think if Hillary is in the cabinet, it should be Secretary of Health because that's supposedly been her life long dream (or so she claimed during her campaign - get universal health care for all).  But, if one stops to think for a moment - what would 'really' be a surprise to all of us?  Could Obama name her as his Secretary of Defense?

I'm serious.  You don't have to have military service to be one.  She's a war hawk remember and she has a plan to get out of Iraq now.  She's got Washington, Congressional and diplomacy experience.  She's worked with the troops over the years and 18 million people thought she qualified as President - so doesn't that give her even more clout as Sec of Def?

We'll see what happens, but I think most of the hype in the media is negotiations going on AGAIN.

I will remain very disappointed in Barack Obama if he does allow her to be his Sec of State.  She will out stage him in the media simple because of 'who' she is.  She will undermine his goals with other nations - I'm sure of it.  Remember folks, she would love nothing better than to help him lose that 'attraction' from voters he just received on November 4^th so that she could run again in 2012.

I can hear her now, "I warned you folks, he just didn't have the experience required to do the job.  I warned him that the direction he was taking was wrong while in his cabinet, but he wouldn't listen."

President Elect Obama will be very sorry if he even considers her to be in his cabinet - he will not be able to control her or her husband Bill Clinton.

It's best to leave her in the Senate where other Senators have control of 'her'.

Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC is reporting that two Obama advisers have told NBC News that Hillary Clinton is under consideration to be secretary of state...

Other Democrats known to want the State Department post are Sen. John Kerry and Gov. Bill Richardson. A possible compromise choice would be former Sen. Tom Daschle.

No way!  I don't believe it. 

Number one, she fought President Elect Barack Obama's vision of diplomacy and his plans of talking to our enemies during the campaign. 

Number two, she is a Senator.  The Senate, Harry Reid and President Elect Obama will need every Senator they can get their hands on if they want to get any really tough bills passed - especially health care.  Aren't they currently working hard to win in Alaska, Minnesota and Georgia.

The best man for the job would be Sen Tom Daschle because he wouldn't take up any current Democrat's position like Hillary, Kerry or Richardson would.  However, the best man because of his experience would be, Governor Bill Richardson.

I pray this offer wasn't part of the deal for her and Bill's cooperation during his campaign against Senator John McCain.  If it was, it sure proves what I've said about Hillary and Bill all along.  They are out for number one, not the Party or the American people.

One can only imagine how Barack and Michelle Obama felt today as they woke up and got out of bed today (if they even went to bed - that is).  Just imagine how their campaign staff and immediate supporters feel today, the politicians that have worked along side them in their quest - how do they feel?

The same goes for John and Cindy McCain and their campaign and supporters.

But to be fair to the Obama team, they've been at this for 21 months straight with maybe a week of vacation all total.  

I would imagine at this point, they are just 100% relieved to see it all end.  

Oh sure, they'd love to win and will all be heart broken if they don't, some even angry; but as far as the campaign itself goes - it's GONE!  WaHoo!  

And if either of them win tomorrow it will be the "We're Number One" cheers through out the night and next few days.

But...if they are anything like me, just a regular political nutcase that watches every political show they can get my hands on and listens or reads all they can about the candidates, even dreams or stays up at night thinking of ways to combat the current issue of the day - they will have massive 'withdraws' for weeks to come now.

It's like being an alcoholic I suspect.  You drink every hour, every day, and every week for months and suddenly the 'high' is gone; only this time it's from constantly being on edge and in 'attack ready mode'  - the 'high drop' knocks you for a big loop!

I caught myself just last night thinking of ways to combat the Reverend Wright issue again, only to realize seconds later, it's too late - what will be will be!

What the heck will people like me do now?

Hopefully we stay involved, listen to what the next administration plans on doing, watch what they end up doing and react to those things on a daily basis.  It's not as exciting as a campaign (game) but it can keep the 'high' tuned up for the next go around.

I congratulate all those that were directly involved in this campaign.  You ALL are miracle workers.  I envy you your ability.

Good luck and may you learn from your mistakes and help others to see theirs.

What if John McCain wins the November 4th election? What happens if he wins by just one state as in the previous presidential elections? What happens if Barack Obama wins the popular vote but loses the electoral vote? Exactly how will Americans react to yet another unforeseen result on their Election Day?

Let's take a quick look at what the polls are telling Americans today. According to Realclearpolitics.com, there is not one national poll that shows Senator John McCain ahead. When it comes to the usual battleground states (Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nevada, North Carolina and Indiana) not one poll has John McCain ahead as of 4 days away from Election Day.

Let's look at how Americans feel about President George W. Bush and his administration's actions over the past 8 years. Bush currently has about a 30% approval rating. According to a CBS poll, 81% of Americans feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. McCain's approval ratings are around 52% and Obama's is 64% according to an ABC poll.

Now let's compare the rallies that Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain appear at. According to the media stories, it is Barack Obama that gets 10's of thousands of voters to show up, whereas John McCain is lucky to get a few thousand (unless he has Governor Sarah Palin with him, then there's more - but nothing compared to Obama's rallies).

Let's also look at who from the other side is supporting the enemy sort of speak. John McCain has gained Independent Joe Lieberman and a speech writer named Wendy Button from the Democrat side. Senator Obama has Jim Leach, Lincoln Chafee, Douglas W. Kmiec, Jackson Andrews, John Martin, Francis Fukuyama and Colin Powell just to name a few.

What Republicans have had favorable comments about Obama: Peggy Noonan, George Will, Rich Lowry and William Bennett to name just a few. These same folks had unfavorable comments toward McCain.

According to the media and political pundits, Barack Obama, barring any major development or scandal showing up, will win on Tuesday with anywhere from 280-320 electoral votes.

Going back to the original question, how will supporters of Barack Obama feel if he loses narrowly? What will they do about it, if anything? I'm afraid to say it but because of previous losses and they way they were supposedly 'lost', and because of the things Obama's supporters have been told for the past two months where things stood in the election, I'm almost certain there will be riots and people getting hurt.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating violence; I'm afraid of it happening.

It won't just be 'just' another political loss. Voters will feel cheated in a huge way. They will feel lied to by the media, the political pundits and the 'other side'. They will not believe any so-called 'facts' that are later reported.

Those 'newly' registered voters that actually voted will most likely refuse to ever vote again. They won't trust the system. I know I won't and I've been voting for 40 years now.

If Obama's losing, I sure hope polls start showing that BEFORE Election Day instead of once again getting voter's hopes up and then just knocking them down once again.

Don't forget, Rachel Maddow on MSNBC at 8pm central time will be interviewing Barack Obama one on one.