Nader on 2012: Sadly, Obama’s a Shoo-In

It certainly appears so, based on re-election prospects: Dana Milbank

(NEWSER) - President Obama looks like a man who's having fun lately: He's singing Al Green , playing with a marshmallow cannon science project, hanging out with Super Bowl winners. And why not? The president "just might be the luckiest man alive," writes Dana Milbank in the Washington Post . The economy —and his poll numbers —are improving, he's raising a lot of money, and his GOP opponents "are shaping up to be as formidable as, well, marshmallows." More»

Followed by Rick Perry

(NEWSER) - Michele Bachmann's ascent continues: The Minnesota congresswoman surged into second place behind longtime GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney in a new national poll. Romney is the first choice for 30% of Republican primary voters, while Bachmann snagged 16%. Behind her is Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who still hasn't decided whether to actually run, with 11%. President Obama still leads his Republican challengers: 48% of those polled would vote for him today versus 41% for Romney. Against Bachmann, Obama would win 50% to 35%. More»

First expense reports offer a glimpse into each campaign

(NEWSER) - Want to get to know your 2012 candidates better? Take a look at what they're spending campaign cash on, courtesy of expense reports obtained by the Washington Post . The first major spending reports of the campaign reveal that the candidates have spent about $32 million so far.

• Tim Pawlenty: You can tell the "upstart" candidate is focused on Iowa because he's spent $200,000 at businesses in the state. Total spent so far: $2.5 million, and a large percentage of that went toward payroll—odd since his top aides are working for peanuts . (Funny tidbit: He spent $7.07 at a Godfather's Pizza restaurant—that, of course, is the pizza chain formerly run by his opponent, Herman Cain.)
• Mitt Romney: The "establishment" candidate spent money on, not surprisingly, security and consultants—plus $750,000 at businesses in New Hampshire. More of his budget—18%—goes to administrative expenses than any of his GOP opponents. Total spent so far: $5.7 million.

And, simultaneously, not-so-rich ones

(NEWSER) - President Obama's 2012 machine is revving up early, and his campaign is using all its assets to pull in wealthy donors—while also courting the small Internet donors that fueled his grass-roots machine in 2008. The Washington Post takes a long look at the fundraising push, which has included everything from cocktail parties to one-on-ones with Valerie Jarrett to $44 bar get-togethers, depending on what group of donors is being pursued. And the campaign team isn't done yet: Future fundraisers will be even more creative, like the food tasting with the White House chef that's in the works. More»

One major donor says most has already been raised

(NEWSER) - President Obama wants to raise $60 million by the end of June, sources tell the AP —and one major donor says most of that amount has already been raised. Key fundraisers were asked yesterday to help with the push, which will benefit Obama's re-election campaign and the Democratic Party. Obama's advisers ultimately hope to match the $750 million he raised in 2008 or exceed it, with some estimating he could raise $1 billion this time around. More»