What used to be a clean democratic presidential campaign seems to have turned ugly. Since Senator Barack Obama’s win in Iowa, Hilary Clinton seems to have changed her strategy a bit. Monday night in South Carolina, the two faced off in an epic battle during the middle of the Democratic debate.

The pair had been sticking to the issues, until Senator Clinton and former President Bill Clinton started to interject what Obama believed were falsehoods. With that in mind, Obama took action and pressed the issue during the middle portion of the event. He asserted that Hilary was making false statements against him and even went so far as to say that he “wasn’t sure who he was running against anymore”. This obvious reference to Bill Clinton was loud and clear and sent a message to those within the Democratic Party – Barack Obama is tired of this stuff.

The next day, Obama’s South Carolina based campaign launched a group for South Carolinas to report any sort of falsehoods and dirty campaign tactics. The two will face off in that important state on Saturday, before facing off in a number of extremely integral primaries on what is being dubbed “Super Tuesday”.

Analysts have agreed that Obama’s stance against Clinton has only made him a stronger choice among some republicans and independents, who all seem more likely to cast their lot against Clinton than for any particular candidate. Though much is still up in the air in regards to the campaign, the next week should go a long way in deciding who will eventually become the Democratic candidate for President.

Fed Cuts Interest Rate
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke had to do something in order to preserve what appeared to be a fleeing economy this week. With global markets in flux and a lot of uncertainty over the future of the American economy, the Fed cut the national interest rate by three quarters of a point, its largest one-time reduction in nearly 20 years.

According to many economists, the move is one that comes with mixed reviews. Some feel that it was necessary in order to free up enough money for banks to allow people to keep spending. Others feel that it is just a band aid that does not address the real problems that are currently plaguing the economy. According to some, cutting the interest rate will do nothing to fix the problem in housing, as well the sub-prime crisis that is a result of too many people qualifying for home loans.

The rate now sits at 3.5%, almost two full points from its level last year. Some say that the cuts aren’t finished, either. Analysts have guessed that in the coming months, the Fed might cut rates as low as 2.25% in order to try to stimulate the economy. After yesterday’s announcement, the markets responded well, rebounding to save what looked like it would be a catastrophic day. In Europe, the markets responded so well to the move that they actually finished up from their previous level.

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