The Political Hoedown News Brief: The battle is over, but the war...

Barack Obama, junior Senator from Illinois, has become the presumptive Democratic nominee for the Presidency, pending validation at the Democratic National Convention this August in Denver.

He becomes the first black in America to make it out of the slate of primary candidates and ascend to the top of any national party's ticket in our nation's history. Support his ideas or not, that's one hell of a gold star next to his name.

Matt Saniie, congrats on a race well fought and won.

For more information, go here for the main story, here for some reaction, and through this magic door for Clinton's side.

Hillary Clinton, Senator from New York, has not conceded, but says she needs several days to work on her next step. I doubt highly it will end with her storming the convention.

McCain has his say also, but he's still being a lot quieter than he will be.

More on this later in the week, and then we'll take a break from politicking to write some bios on the two nominees, John McCain (R) and Barack Obama (D).


-Hooper

Read on, faithful few!

The Hooplah: He's more Obama now than man, idealistic and hopeful.

Great friend and political duelist Matthew Saniie, who single-handedly wrangled a quarter of Iowa's caucus-age teens, has a presence on the Interwebs! Support his blissful ideology and send him a message, letting him know that his time in the LoneStar State isn't for naught.

Then tell him to get crackin' on that policy.

-Hooper

Read on, faithful few!