As per The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, 50% of white women have a negative perception of Obama. Among white men, only about 20% have an unfavorable view, which hasn’t changed much from February. In general, divisions within a party settle during the general election, and though In the long run, women will watch Hillary Clinton’s reaction, how she’s treated by Barack Obama, suggested Celinda Lake, a Democratic strategist, right now white women prefer McCain over Obama by 49 to 41 percent.

Democrats usually get the White House by winning large margins of minorities and nearly splitting white women, while Republicans generally base their victory on their dominance with white men and half of the white women’s vote.

OBAMA CAN’T CONNECT WITH WHITE WOMEN
By David Paul Kuhn (Politico.com 5/29/08)
Abstract by Johana Nadler
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A summary of January 2007 medical checkup shows Obama fit as a fiddle. No excess body fat, BP of 90/60, total cholesterol of 173 with an LDL of 96 and HDL of 68. EKG and standard blood tests are good. One caveat though, he is a smoker, despite his numerous efforts to give up, and that could lead to strokes, heart disease and lung cancer. Whether Nicorette gum will help him quit smoking or not remains to be seen. Though there is a history of cancer on his maternal side, it should not predispose him because it is not on his father side. However, black men are generally at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, and Obama is regularly having his PSA checked.

Granted it looks rather sparse compared to the 2000 pages of medical records McCain provided, which cover the last eight years, who is to predict future illnesses for either candidate. Oftentimes, one used to face medical setbacks has a penchant for overcoming them and hence extending one’s longevity.

Bottom line, both presidential candidates are physically fit to take on the presidency.

OBAMA CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH
By Lauran Neergaard (A.P. 5/29/08)
Abstract by Johana Nadler
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Obama’s quick response to McCain’s criticism for not visiting Iraq: he plans to go there this summer.

I think that if I’m going to Iraq, then I’m there to talk to troops and talk to commanders,” he said in the interview. “I’m not there to try to score political points or perform. The work they’re doing there is too important.”

Allegedly, Obama was thinking of returning to Iraq since his first and last trip there as part of a congressional delegation, but the intense battle with Clinton for the nomination delayed his return. Interesting that he suddenly divulges his plans to The New York Times a day after McCain criticized him for failing to physically assess the situation in Iraq.

OBAMA PLANS TO VISIT IRAQ
By Nedra Pickler (A.P. 3/28/08)
Abstract by Johana Nadler
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