Election 2008

Fred Thompson is expected to formally announce his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president in 2008. Widely accused of running a shadow campaign, which violates federal law, Thompson is launching a wide reaching, multi-media parade that will preempt his official announcement after the upcoming GOP New Hampshire debate. Though his exploratory efforts resulted in disappointing financial contributions to his efforts, Thompson will announce his candidacy for president on September 6.

Republican presidential candidate, Rudy Giuliani, has made appearances and speeches in New York City during 9/11 memorial observations every year since 2001. This year, however, many are viewing his involvement as an opportunity for the Giuliani to increase his profile in the heated race for the White House in 2008. When the city announced that Giuliani would speak at this years observations, many family members of the vicitims decried the decision, stating they viewed his involvement while a presidential candidate as a photo-op.

NYT

The United Transportation Union formally endorsed Democratic presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton, today.  The 125,000 member union, which supports retired public transportation workers, said it would devout “considerable resources” to backing Clinton’s bid for the White House.

Connecticut senator, Chris Dodd, is also expected to pick up the endorsement of the firefighters union later this week.  Top tier candidates, John Edwards and Barack Obama, have not had any formal movements in organized labor, despite pushing strong moves for support.

The AFL-CIO, the umbrella group representing 55 labor unions, allowed its members to independently back candidates after failing to approve alternative measures.

Reuters

CNN is highlighting a feature in the Cuban communist newspaper, Granma, written by Fidel Castro in which he comments on past presidential administrations and the current race for the White House in ‘08.  He notes;

“Today, talk is about the seemingly invincible ticket that might be created with Hillary for President and Obama for Vice President.  Both of them feel the sacred duty of demanding “a democratic government in Cuba”.  They are not making politics: they are playing a game of cards on a Sunday afternoon.”

He also notes on the speculation of former vice-president Al Gore entering the race, and speaks with apparent fondness for former president, Jimmy Carter.