Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:
Making Friends
Barack Obama has had much success recently in obtaining endorsements from Democrats in swing states and those that traditionally lean Republican.
Among those to sign on with Obama this month are Senators Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Tim Johnson of South Dakota and Claire McCaskill of Missouri — and Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona.
The Politico reports there is widespread belief among many red state Democrats that Obama is more electable than Hillary Clinton. And they say Clinton's personality and past history make her too polarizing to win Independent and Republican-leaning voters.
A Clinton spokesman responds that she has tremendous support from people who have gone Republican in the past — because they feel she is most electable.
From the Pulpit
Obama has said the pastor of his home church does not speak for him on political issues. But what the pastor is saying is making headlines.
Reverend Jeremiah Wright Jr. of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ has given a top award from his Trumpet Magazine to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
Wright says Farrakhan "truly epitomized greatness." He calls him — "an unforgettable force, a catalyst for change and a religious leader who is sincere about his faith and his purpose."
Farrakhan has been criticized for statements some consider racist and anti-Semitic.
Obama told FOX News in a statement — "I decry racism and anti-Semitism in every form and strongly condemn the anti-Semitic statements made by Minister Farrakhan. I assume that Trumpet Magazine made its own decision to honor Farrakhan based on his efforts to rehabilitate ex-offenders, but it is not a decision with which I agree."
Letter of the Law
A federal court today ruled that an advertisement for a political documentary about Hillary Clinton cannot be aired on television and radio — without the disclaimer required of political ads. The disclaimer says in effect that the film is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Conservative activist David Bossie is executive producer of "Hillary — The Movie" — which examines the senator's alleged role in several scandals. He tells FOX News the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law requires a four-and-a-half second disclaimer in his 10-second ads. He expects to appeal today's ruling.
The Hillary film is being screened at some movie theaters and is available for purchase. But Bossie says it's tough to get people to buy a ticket or a DVD if they don't know about the movie.
Says Bossie — "Michael Moore advertised his movie. I want to advertise my movie."
Forced Feeding
The times — and the menus — are changing in the House of Representatives cafeterias. The new Democratic leadership has mandated what The Politico newspaper terms a revolution at the deli counters, grills and salad bars.
Gone are jello and processed cheese. In are pan-roasted Chesapeake rockfish with sweet potato fennel hash and yellow pepper relish, pears with stilton cheese and watercress, cumin-scented leg of lamb with almond couscous, along with bok choy, arugula and jicama — those are vegetables. And baked goods biscotti and focaccia.
And some old things have been renamed. The taco bar is now the "Taqueria" and the grill is "A la plancha"
Not everyone is totally onboard. Said one Republican aide — "I really don't like Nanny Nancy (Pelosi) telling me what I can and cannot eat for lunch. If I want to eat unhealthy, I should have that choice."
— FOX News Channel's Martin Hill contributed to this report.
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