Free Republic

DES MOINES, Iowa - Sen. Hillary Clinton, unbowed by a third-place finish in the Iowa Democratic caucuses, hailed a "great night for Democrats" and said the strong turnout pointed for sure to the election of a Democratic president in November. She said she would "keep pushing as hard as we can." The former first lady, who had once held a commanding lead in polls here, congratulated caucus winner Sen. Barack Obama and the second-place finisher, former Sen. John Edwards. She promised cheering supporters she would take "this enthusiasm and go tonight to New Hampshire." The state holds its primary on...

LOS ANGELES (AP) - California's messy budget feud may have nicked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's popularity, but the weeks of frustration steeled his determination to change the way business is conducted in Sacramento, aides said Tuesday. Passage of the $103 billion budget is expected this week - nearly a month beyond the June 30 deadline. In recent trips around the state, Schwarzenegger has pointed to the delay as fresh evidence the Legislature remains outdated, inefficient and a handmaiden of special interests. The governor's agenda has yet to fully take shape, but aides said he is looking at ideas that range from...

While watching President and Mrs. Bush shaking hands with the Queen outside the Palace and then waving to the cameras, I was struck with the vision of Jackie Kennedy-ish style of Mrs. Bush. Very self confident and yet still one that knows just how to conduct herself in the presence of world leaders. She makes the former occupier of that post look like a pole-dancer. 4 MORE YEARS