McCain Jokes with Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live.

Republican John McCain poked fun at his presidential campaign's financial shortcomings and his reputation as a political maverick in an appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

On election eve (Monday) McCain will make a quick stop in Roswell, NM around 3pm.

The presidential hopeful made a cameo appearance at the beginning of the show, with Tina Fey reprising her memorable impersonation of McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

McCain, who is trailing Democrat Barack Obama in most battleground state polls, also appeared during the show's "Weekend Update" newscast to announce he would pursue a new campaign strategy in the closing days of the campaign.

"I thought I might try a strategy called the reverse maverick. That's where I'd do whatever anybody tells me," McCain said.

And if that didn't work, "I'd go to the double maverick. I'd just go totally berserk and freak everybody out," the Arizona senator quipped.

Earlier in the show, McCain and Fey, portraying Palin, said they couldn't afford a half-hour campaign commercial on network television like Democrat Barack Obama aired earlier this week. They said they'd sell campaign products on the QVC shopping channel instead.

Among other things, McCain advertised a set of knives to cut through pork in Washington. His wife, Cindy McCain, briefly appeared to advertise "McCain Fine-Gold" jewelry, a play on the campaign finance law McCain authored with Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold.

Fey, as Palin, advertised a set of "Joe" dolls commemorating Joe the Plumber, Joe Six Pack and her Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

The pretend Palin also pulled out T-shirts saying "Palin 2012" and said she wouldn't be returning to Alaska after the election.

"I'm either running in four years or I'm going to be a white Oprah," she said.

UPDATED: You have to hear this prank call a couple of radio DJ's made on Sarah Palin. Hat tip to Democracy for New Mexico.

YouTube has most of John McCain's past Saturday Night Live appearances post online.

Mitt Romney Says McCain-Palin Picking up Undecided Voters.

I partially failed as a backback journalist today. While I had a busy schedule of interviews planned, I didn't shoot any photos. So, I don't have an original pic for this post, but all is not lost. We've got another original newsmaker podcast from our interview with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

On Saturday Romney spoke with John McCain supporters in three cities, Farmington, Albuquerque and Las Cruces. I caught up with him this afternoon at the University Hilton just before 2pm.

We talked about agricultural policy differences between the candidates, the new farm bill, "spreading the wealth", independent voters and McCain's humor, after all he's appearing on S-N-L in just a few hours.

Romney thinks the Republicans are picking a majority of undecided voters at the end of this long campaign and that the polls are tightening.



Other's, like LP at NMFBIHOP are NOT so sure of that. LP reports Obama still has a 7 percent spread in New Mexico.

Romney who also spent time in Farmington and Las Cruces today also talked to NM Independent's Heath Haussaman by telephone.

He told Haussaman: I think we’ve got a real shot here,” Romney said. “Two weeks ago it looked impossible, but the polls that we’re seeing now, the people we’re speaking with, the sentiment we’re seeing, suggests that this is winnable.

After the interview Haussaman posted this online commentary.

Also, if you missed my September interview with Gov. Romney you can hear it here.

McCain's Media Relations Go Limp after Reporter's Viagra Question.

I can't complain this year. I've had some good access to John McCain during his visits to New Mexico. Heck, last Monday, he called the 770 KKOB newsroom and asked to speak to me. He allowed me five minutes for this interview recorded before the campaign announced he would travel to New Mexico on Saturday. I was also invited in July to be one of five reporters in a local pool to ride in the back of McCain's Straight Talk Express. Listen to our discussion on the back of the bus here.

While local reporter's have had been continually granted access to McCain, the national press pool's access evaporated in July.

If you recall, it happened after a reporter, riding in the back of the Straight Talk Express bus asked him why health insurance companies covered men's Viagra prescriptions, but not some women's birth control drugs.

Today, Maeve Reston, the reporter who asked the question, wrote about the incident and how it may have impacted Sen. McCain's relations with the national media.

It wasn't my intention, but I played a role in shutting down John McCain's Straight Talk Express.

It happened on a warm July afternoon as McCain traveled from a West Virginia airport to a rally in Ohio.

On Saturday, In Albuquerque, at the Spanish Village, McCain, who was introduced by South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham, told the crowd Sen. Graham was his best friend in the Senate. Reston recalls this about her interaction with Graham on McCain's Straight Talk jet.

I remembered Graham's explanation in January about why McCain spent so much time with reporters. He said that McCain felt too many politicians had become like a guy in a toothpaste commercial -- you knew what he was selling but not what was behind the smile.

What McCain didn't like about other campaigns and wanted to change, Graham continued, was that "nobody gets behind the curtain."

Whether it was McCain's fault or ours, the curtain had been drawn tight.

Read Reston's story here. And re-watch the video of the Q & A here.




Note: I'm still waiting for access to Senator Barack Obama. And we've offered him equal time.

Embarrassingly Small Crowd Greets McCain In Albuquerque.

Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain left Albuquerque on Saturday afternoon just after 1pm. He probably wonders if his trip to Albuquerque was even worth it. While the state's Republican party says they handed out a little more than 3,000 tickets, less than 1,000 people bothered to show up for the Road To Victory 2008 Rally at Expo New Mexico's Spanish Village earlier in the day.

McCain, who trails in public opinion polls nationwide, and by double digits in some state polls, told the crowd that's he's always been a fighter, and it was too early for Democrat Barack Obama to start measuring the curtains in the White House. McCain vowed to fight on in the 2008 national campaign, but when he sees these small crowds, he must also see the handwriting on the wall.

A day after the Dow Jones tumbled another 312 points it was not surprising when McCain once again brought up Joe the Plumber's name, criticized Obama as the most liberal senator in Washington, D.C., and said he had the experience to guide America through it current financial crisis, help homeowners with their mortgages, reduce taxes and make America energy independent.

As Alaska Governor Sarah Palin might say: "You betcha," McCain begins his speech off with those two favorite words, "My Friends."

Listen to his rally address here:



McCain was introduced by South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham and his wife Cindy.

Local pols, including Rep. Heather Wilson, CD-1 Republican Candidate Darren White and former Interior Secretary and long-time congressman Manual Lujan also attended the rally.

White, I'm told, had a great line:

Even my dog Trixie (a pitpull) has stopped working on my campaign. It used to be: Wag For White. Now it's Pitpulls for Palin.

After an afternoon rally in Southern New Mexico the McCain campaign will jet off to Iowa.

Next up, Democratic Senator Barack Obama. He flies into New Mexico from Nevada this afternoon for an evening rally at UNM's Johnson field.

More than 10,000 highly-motivated democrats, many who have already voted early, are expected at tonight's event.

Obama will spend the evening in Albuquerque, but has no local press opportunities planned. We'll post the audio from Obama's speech later this evening . Tune in here if you want to hear the speech and avoid the parking hassles near the university.

For now there's time to grab a nap and wonder if the crowds will continue to diminish for McCain in the final stretch of this election.

UPDATE - 10/26/2008

Heath Haussamen covered McCain's trip Saturday afternoon to Mesilla. He reports the crowds were larger there. McCain was joined by Sen. Pete Domenici and Republican candidates Steve Pearce and Ed Tinsley.

Look at the photos and read Heath's report here.

McCain Still Pursuing New Mexico

The McCain-Palin presidential campaign today announced that John and Cindy McCain will participate in a Road to Victory Rally in Albuquerque on Saturday, October 25 ^th at the NM Expo Center.

The public is invited to obtain tickets by visiting any of the New Mexico Victory Offices listed below. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doors open at 8:00 a.m. MDT

Program begins at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Expo New Mexico

Meanwhile, Barack Obama will be in Albuquerque at UNM on Saturday night. My colleague LP at NMFBIHOP has details on his visit here.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley

McCain Criticizes Obama's Economic Plan and Claims Mickey Mouse is a Republican.

I first met Arizona Senator John McCain in 2006 during a Heather Wilson campaign rally at a local VFW post. Then, this summer I was invited to join him, along with four other local reporters, on his Straight Talk Express bus, for a 20-minute Q&A session in July as he traveled from the airport to his hotel.

In September, I ran into him again at El Pinto when he only had time to say a simple "hello." After he chose a mix of both red and green chile, and paid for Sarah and Todd Palin's first few jars, I told him to feel free to call me in the middle of October to give me an update on his campaign. John McCain agreed to do it. Boy was I surprised when he did. Actually, I'm not surprised. He's definitely a man of his word.

On Sunday afternoon, after former General Colin Powell endorsed Democrat Barack Obama, and while Sarah Palin was addressing a crowd of nearly 10,000 in Roswell, I got a call from campaign staffers that the Republican nominee wanted to talk to me and had time set aside for Monday morning, with just 15 days until the election.

As I prepared for the interview, I checked the polls, and realized he still trails Obama in New Mexico by 7-14% percentage points (depending on which poll you read), and I wondered if he had any regrets during his campaign, especially saying, "the economy is fundamentally sound," or picking an unknown, untested, but conservative, running mate. Certainly every question has been asked. I would simply try to find out what he needs to do to persuade New Mexicans to shift gears and cast a vote for him.

McCain's national press secretary Brooke Buchannan, who've you've read about on this blog here and here, called me right on time. After a few kind words with Brooke, and no mention of the brief interview with Sarah Palin, that almost got me kicked out of an earlier press pool, Mr. McCain was ready to talk.

We discussed the economy, voter registration fraud, western issues, solar and nuclear power, and a possible trip back to New Mexico before election day. This is the interview that aired on 770KKOB this morning:




McCain ends the interview promising to return to New Mexico soon. He did not give any date. Meanwhile, we've called the Obama campaign to offer them equal airtime, but have not heard back from them.

Barack Obama Called a "Terrorist" at McCain Rally in Albuquerque.

My colleagues at Democracy for New Mexico and NMFBIHOP heard our latest audio post following the John McCain at UNM on Monday. They point out that a supporter, or crowd plant?, shouted out an answer to a hypothetical question posed by the Republican presidential candidate, "Who is the real Barack Obama?"

The answer from this supporter: "Terrorist"

Watch the video above to hear for yourself. As a pool reporter, I was in the back of the room (behind the bleachers and camera risers) and was not able to distinguish the remark myself.

For more analysis on on this outrageous comment and the new tone of the campaign read the Talking Points Memo here.

It appears that with less than a month remaining in the campaign the political gloves have come off.

It's going to get much nastier, especially with the economy in a free fall and most of our 401ks turning into 201ks.

McCain Still Fighting for New Mexico's Five Electoral Votes!

With less than a month to go before America chooses a new president, the gloves are off between the two men who want the job. Republican John McCain rallied about 750 supporters on the UNM Campus in Albuquerque on Monday. He delivered his harshest criticisms yet of rival Barack Obama. McCain said he is the one who will deliver on change.

Here's the audio from McCain's short speech which he begins by recognizing the long national service of U.S. Senator Pete Domenici.



“You don’t have to hope that things will change when you vote for me and Sarah Palin. You know things will change, because I’ve been fighting for change in Washington my whole career,” said McCain.

About 100 Obama supporters, standing just outside the Student Union Building, could be heard by McCain supporters inside the rally chanting, "Vote for Change...Not McCain."

Despite the chants, Arizona senator pressed on with his criticisms of Obama. He said he's not new on the political scene and America knows him and trusts him to put his country first.

"You need to know who you're putting in the White House, and where the candidate came from, and what he or she believes."

McCain told the crowd that Obama get's "defensive" when asked about what he has accomplished in government.

"My Opponent's touchiness every time he's questioned about his record should make us only more concerned. For a guy who's already authored two memoirs, he's not exactly an open book," said McCain. "There are essential things we don't know about Senator Obama or the record that he brings to this campaign."

McCain departed the city just after 2pm to head to Nashville to prepare for the 2nd national debate on Tuesday night.

No word when McCain will return to the state where he trails Obama by 5 percentage points in recent polls, but some people believe it may be as early as Thursday or Friday to shore up support in Southern, NM.

John McCain in ABQ at UNM SUB on Monday.

DEVELOPING STORY

A rally is being planned for John McCain at UNM’s Student Union Building at 1pm tomorrow.

Doors to the event open at 11:30am.

The candidate will arrive in the Duke City just after noon, and leave immediately following the rally to prepare for his 2nd presidential debate with Barack Obama on Tuesday night.

A recent poll shows McCain trailing the democrat in New Mexico.

770 KKOB will cover the trip and have more details as they become available.

UPDATE - 12:40PM Sarah Palin will not be with McCain on this trip to Albuquerque.

UPDATE - 1:00PM NM Democrats plan a protest rally at UNM before McCain's arrival at 11am. Details as they become available.

McCain Suspends His Campaign and Delays Debate

As President Bush prepares to address the nation tonight in a speech dealing with the serious financial crisis facing the country, Republican Presidential hopeful John McCain says he’s suspending his campaign to return to Washington to deal with the crisis. He’s asked President Bush to appoint a bi-partisian panel to work on a bailout package.

McCain has also asked Barack Obama to delay the first presidential debate scheduled for Mississippi on Friday so they both can work on the market turmoil.

Earlier today in Dunedin, Florida Barack Obama accused McCain of being slow to speak out against huge salaries for Wall Stree executives.

“Suddenly McCain is talking like a hard-charging populist. I sure wish he joined me when I blew the whistle on the fired CEOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who tried to walk away with golden parachutes.

Bush’s prime-time talk is a dramatic gesture of last resort. The White House says if the government doesn’t take “decisive and bold action on a rescue package, the country could face financial calamity on main street, not just Wall Street.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has been criticized President Bush this morning, saying, “The President has been absent from what well may be the most important debate on economic policy in a generation.”

House Republicans met with treasury secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. House GOP Leader John Boehner (R-OH) is optimistic that republican and democrats will come together and devise a plan that will best service the American people.

“I do think that congress has a responsibility to act. And, I’m hopeful in the coming days we’ll be able to come together around a plan that will in fact stem this crisis,” Boehner said.

To read more about the possibility of “landing safely” read Heath Haussamen’s comments here.

Hispanic Chairman Apologizes for Racial Remarks

Fernando C. de Baca
A day after the Bernalillo County Republican Party Chairman was quoted in a BBC News story saying, “Hispanics consider themselves above blacks. They won't vote for a black president” Fernando C. de Baca is apologizing, and said he’s prepared to step aside, but only after discussing the matter with county leaders at a closed meeting on Tuesday.

On Saturday night, C. de Baca, who spent time as a staffer at the White House, called The Word, to talk about the story which was first posted on NMFBI late Friday afternoon. He told us he regrets everything that’s taken place.

“I’m prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep this campaign rolling, and to keep it center and focused on issues. I love everybody. Contrary to everything that’s been said about me I’ve never had any conflict with any group or individuals for that matter.”

C. de Baca said, "It’s truly unfortunate. I was asked by one of the bloggers to help him understand the history of New Mexico, visa via Hispanics, and how they interacted with the Native Americans, and Blacks, you know African Americans.”

The 70-year-old thought he was relating stories from 60 years ago when he was just a kid, and believes he was quoted out of context in the article after the reporter told him he was writing for a world audience and needed to explain New Mexico’s cultural history to readers in Africa, China, and around the world.

Indeed, the BBC's post title, “Latin Class” indicated the story was at least partially written to include a historical perspective. Reporter Jon Kelly includes his opinions throughout his BBC blog post without putting C. de Baca's comments into any context, but the reporter certainly questions himself writing:

I wasn't sure about this, though. Virtually all of the Hispanic voters I spoke to told me they were supporting Obama.

One local media analyst suggested to The Word, "I could just as easily believe that this is an out of context quote by a foreigner who doesn't understand the historical culture. If he [C. de Baca] was putting it in the context of his grandfather's statement of 60 to 70 years ago, then Kelly has put C de Baca in a box. And the bloggers have triggered reactions that may be inappropriately premature and some have acted hastily.

C. de Baca's remarks come the same week that Democratic Governor Bill Richardson launched, "Hispanics for Obama," and only days after the start of National Hispanic Heritgage Month.

Listen to the full interview, word for word, and hear C. de Baca’s explanation for the quotes he says were taken out of historical perspective.


Note: The recording was made off a cell phone speaker phone so the quality of the sound is not optimal.

C. de Baca told The Word:

In the course of talking to him [BBC Reporter Jon Kelly], I explained that some of the older generation people, like my grandfather, would always tells us as youngsters that Hispanics came here, I guess it was their way of having us, lifting our spirits, and they would say remember your ancestors came here as conquerors. And those were his [grandfather’s] words. And then they would draw the comparison of the other groups, the Native Americans and so on.

C. de Baca also insisted:

The point I was trying to make was that there is a generational difference between those folks who were born before the civil right and those born in more recent periods. Young people today, whether they be Hispanics, or some other race or ethnicity, they can’t relate to any of that, and so that’s what I was trying to convey. The point I did to make to him, was that in my humble opinion, the older set of Hispanics would probably not vote for a black for president, but that the younger ones would flock to vote for him [Obama] conceivably.

Earlier in the interview C. de Baca said, “A lot of young people, who have no memory of this [civil rights movement], and can’t quite appreciate what was taking place during that time expect as a historical matter.

I sincerely apologize to all the members of the African American community, and of course to the community at large for any misunderstanding my comments may have brought about.

Bloggers and the public wasted no time criticizing C. de Baca’s reported comments. The original NMFBI story was posted on the Daily Kos and later on Digg and Reddit.

Member of both parties were also quick to distance themselves from C. de Baca.

Republican Darren White was the first to issue a statement:

Chairman Fernando C. de Baca’s reported comments are reprehensible, ignorant, and completely unacceptable. “Someone who holds these beliefs has no business holding a leadership position in any political party

Saturday afternoon, Martin Heinrich issued this demand:

I find GOP Chairman de Baca's comments offensive, short-sighted, and horribly racist. Spewing such bigotry proves once again that the GOP leadership of Bernalillo County is far too out of touch with New Mexican voters, who – regardless of political party – are a proud people who celebrate our cultural and ethnic diversity. GOP Chairman de Baca should step down and apologize to all New Mexicans for his disgusting display of intolerance. And if he fails to do so voluntarily, then I would hope that Darren White and the rest of the Bernalillo County GOP party leadership oust him immediately.

The campaign of Obama’s Republican opponent, John McCain, was quick to denounce C. de Baca’s comments. Spokeswoman Ivette Barajas said.

Mr. C. de Baca’s comments are extremely offensive and insulting. We believe that Mr. C. de Baca’s comments in no way reflect the beliefs of New Mexico Hispanics. He has no affiliation with our campaign.

Bloggers also jumped on the bandwagon denouncing C. de Baca. Heath Haussaman wrote:

It seems C. de Baca is out of touch with reality. The opinion he expressed and which he apparently holds is outdated, racist and sad. I agree with White: Someone who holds such beliefs has no business holding a leadership position in any political party.

C. de Baca said many of individuals and groups condemned him prematurely by issuing their statements and blogging their opinions. He claimed they never called him to check on the veracity of the comments, or ask for his side of the story. But, C. de Baca told The Word that he’d spoken to several party leaders, including NM GOP State Party Chairman, Allen Weh, who declined to publicly comment on the matter.

C. de Baca cited his leadership roles, as a staffer in the White House, and says he has always gone out of his way to recruit “people from all races and ethnic lines, to make the Republican Party as open to the entire population.”

He said his conversation with Weh was very candid, and that he’ll attend a meeting with his executive board, at the county level, to discuss the matter and determine his future. C. de Baca said that his meetings have always been open to the public, but this is sort of a “personnel meeting”, where I want to hear from the county party leaders to determine what is best for the party

If C. de Baca is ousted or resigns he won’t be the first county chairman to resign this year. In July, the chairman of the Sandoval County Republican Party quit after a heart attack, leaving the organization facing an election for new leadership less than three months before the November general election.

Photo Credits: MG Bralley

Obama Rallies Hispanic Voters in Northern New Mexico

Governor Richardson and Barack Obama in Espanola
Photo by Mark Bralley

The 2008 presidential race took a scenic swing through Central and Northern New Mexico on Thursday.

After spending the night in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Democrat Barack Obama met with Native American Tribal Leaders in the morning, ate lunch at a locally owned and operated restaurant in the Town of Bernalillo, and then meandered north, past Santa Fe, to greet anxious supporters in Espanola at a "Change We Need" rally. Most supporters waited for more than three hours under a late, but still hot, summer sun to see their candidate for the first time in person.

AFP reporter shields his computer
with an umbrella and waits for Obama.

Just before 2 pm, Obama casually strolled onto the main stage, at the Plaza de Espanola, more than 90 minutes late.

Once comfortably settled in front of his teleprompter, Obama didn’t waste any time talking about today's hot button issue, the growing financial crisis and turmoil in the economy.

"We are in the midst of the most serious financial crisis in a generation. Perhaps the worst since the Great Depression," Obama said. "Everywhere you look, the economic news is troubling. Just this morning, we learned that the Fed had to act with central banks around the world to maintain the functioning of our financial system. But for so many Americans, it isn’t really news at all."

Obama claimed, "600,000 workers have lost their jobs since January. Home values are falling. Your paycheck doesn’t go as far as it used to. It’s never been harder to save or retire; to buy gas or groceries; and if you put it on a credit card, they’ve probably raised your rates,"

"In so many cities and towns across America, it feels as if the dream that so many generations have fought for is slowly slipping away," Obama said.

He also pledged to end the war in Iraq, and vowed he will make sure veterans are honored when they return from their service in the Middle East.

To hear Obama's address click the pink audio play arrow.



Obama was introduced by Governor Bill Richardson.



But it was Espanola Mayor Joe Maestas, who may have gotten the biggest laugh from the crowd, when he thanked them for visiting.

Onlookers without tickets!

“You just doubled the size of Espanola,” Maestas told the large crowd, estimated by the campaign to be around 10,500 people.

Not all of those who came to see Obama were inside the plaza. The campaign said they only printed 7500 tickets, but democrats who wanted to see their candidate found plenty of space, with a view, along side streets.

Obama praised Governor Bill Richardson and Congressional Candidate Ben Ray Lujan, Jr.

"Governor Richardson is one of the finest public servants of his generation," said Obama, who may believe will pick Richardson for a cabinet post if elected in November.

The New Mexico Independent reported:

Gov. Bill Richardson was clearly at ease in front of the friendly audience, joked with the large crowd about the perceived voting irregularities in Rio Arriba County, saying Rio Arriba can guarantee 102 percent of the vote for Obama after November’s election.

Obama put a smile on the face of northern Dem congressional contender Ben Ray Lujan at the start of his 35 minute speech.

Obama Calls Lujan “a hot shot."

Lujan, one of five local speakers at the Rally, said, "We need a leader who will get our country back on track, put our families first, your family first, that leader is Barack Obama. Later Obama recognized Lujan, who faces Republican Dan East, as an "up-and-coming" leader.

Si Se Puedo

Most the battleground states (Florida, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico) have large Hispanic populations, and Obama's trip to Espanola was aimed at shoring up their vote.

"I’m not taking a single Hispanic vote for granted in this campaign. We’re meeting with Hispanic leaders, and reaching out to Hispanic organizations, and holding Hispanic voter registration drives across America. And if you help me organize and get people to the polls to cast their votes on November 4th, then I promise you – we will win New Mexico, we will win this election, and we will change America together, " said Obama.

Salon Magazine writer Mike Madden, who attended the rally, wrote:

In the most closely contested state in the nation, it will all come down to who is better organized -- and whether Obama can get Hispanic voters to the polls.

Obama asked the Hispanic community here "to start actually voting your numbers. Start flexing your muscles. Right here in New Mexico, you'll be the difference maker. Don't stay home -- just remind yourself, si se puede. Yes we can."

During the speech, the Illinois Senator ignored one issue close to Hispanic voters, Abortion. But, earlier in the week, Obama responded to a question on abortion and Hispanic voters with the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Obama, who’s been talking with former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker, and his economic advisers says he’ll convene a meeting with his top economic advisors to discuss the passage of a Homeowner and Financial Support Act. Obama says that would establish a more stable and permanent solution than the daily improvisations that have characterized policy-making over the last year.

Obama believes his policies will provide additional capital and liquidity to the financial markets. He pledge to help families to re-structure their mortgages on more affordable terms so they can stay in their homes.

“We’ve made a good start but we need to do much, much more. We cannot forget that there are many homeowners who are in crisis through no fault of their own, and a solution that does not have them at its core is no solution at all.” that does not have them at its core is no solution at all.

NM Republican Party Chairman Allen Weh didn't waste anytime critizing Obama following the event.

His [Obama's] solution for the economy is to raise taxes on everyone, subsidize non productive parts, and torpedo a fragile economy making it worse. Obama’s never had to cover a pay roll, never had to make any executive decisions, and wants New Mexican’s to believe he’s the guy to solve our economic problems. He doesn’t have near the experience to handle the job he’s asking Americans to give him, and more and more people now understand that.

But Obama assured the crowd that if their annual income is below $250,000 their taxes would not increase "a dime."

After leaving the rally, Obama attended a private fundraiser in the North Valley. According to FBIHOP New Mexico the candidate raised another $1.7 million for his war-chest. Last month Obama raised reported over $66 million dollars, and supporters donated another $9 million at a fundraiser with Barbara Streisand earlier this week in California.

It was Obama’s 5th trip New Mexico which has been considered a battle ground state, but two new polls now show Obama-Biden with a healthy (outside the margin of error) lead in the state.

UPDATE: For more photos and videos check out Democracy for New Mexico and two flickr sets here and here.