Jonathan Lemnitzer

National: Mitt Romney Drops Out

Summary: Mitt Romney dropped out of the race to be the Republican nominee for president on Thursday, Feb. 7. After a poor showing on Super Tuesday he was behind front-runner John McCain by almost 400 delegates and did not see himself as being able to close the gap by the convention. He also believes that by continuing his campaign he would only be hurting the Republican party's chance in the general election, by dropping out now McCain can solidify his status as front-runner and concentrate on strategy for the election in November. His chief rival now Mike Huckabee isn't much of a threat despite gathering large votes in evangelical heavy states.

Opinion: I love how one day candidates are vowing to fight on all the way to the convention they love to say. They love to talk about how it's not over until it's over and then what do they do a few days later? They concede. Mitt Romney however had every reason to give up. He had already spent $40 million of his own money and it was clear he was not narrowing the delegate gap with McCain despite receiving 4 million votes to McCain's 4.7 million. Second he has to be more worried about a democratic President entering the White House in January with over 15 million people voting in democratic primaries vs 9 million in Republican. I am glad to see him go.

International: Russian Arms Race

Summary: In a state council address Mr Putin criticized Nato's expansion and the US plan to include Poland and the Czech Republic in a missile defense shield. He said it was clear a new arms race was unfolding and that Russia would respond by developing more hi-tech weaponry. Recently Russia has announced naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It has also resumed its long range bomber flights, a tradition suspended since the collapse of the Soviet Union. High oil prices have provided the Kremlin with a huge inflow of cash.

Opinion: Putin is nearing the end of his term as Russian President and his statements are nothing new. He has revitalized Russia and made it relevant to the World again however his methods have been less than encouraging. He has rolled back democracy and increased Kremlin control. No party in Russia can challenge his own or even get much media attention. Huge oil revenue has allowed Russia to become somewhat prosperous after the lows of the 90s. He has often bee the foil to US and European plans in the UN Security council and his recent saber rattling will serve only to ratchet up the tension.