By Steve Clemons

Senator Obama’s campaign has amended some of what it sent my way on his experience with Europe and with European leaders.

Senator John McCain just sent the following Christmas and holiday message to his supporters — and I thought it worthwhile to post here. It surfaced emotions I felt when I saw the brilliant and disturbing Alex Gibney directed film, Taxi to the Dark Side which opens nationally on January 11th.

For those who want to watch the daily ticks in who’s up and who’s up less in the early primaries, this may be useful news: Reuters, C-SPAN and Zogby International have joined forces to poll Americans on the 2008 presidential election, starting with polls in the key U.S. presidential primary and caucus states.

John Edwards is surging on populist themes, but Matt Cooper thinks American business should not worry too much if he wins. Edwards’ Senior Economic Adviser Leo Hindery is mentioned in the Cooper article. I’ve had numerous discussions with Hindery — who is not anti-global but is pro-American industry and pro-American middle class.

The Times of London has picked up on the issue that Senator Obama has not convened a policy related hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Europe and added to this something I reported yesterday — which was that Europe does not figure into Obama’s travel profile.

Barack Obama has often said that he would like to have Republicans serve in his Cabinet if elected President. I think that this is a very smart move — as the only way to get back to results-producing government is to win over enough dissident Republicans to generate a new, workable political equilibrium.

On Facebook, of which I’ve become a fan, there is a Google interactive travel map titled “Cities I’ve Visited.” I’ve ticked off 227 cities listed in 42 countries. Each place has a little pin in it noting Steve Clemons has been there.

Laurie Rubiner, Legislative Director on Hillary Clinton‘s Senate Staff, is departing her position by the end of the year — i.e., in two weeks. Rubiner has been one of the reasons why Hillary Clinton’s Senate legislative profile has been praised by so many.

A regular TWN reader sent this endearing picture of his pup, Nickee. I empathize completely with the dog and feel up to my neck in all sorts of stuff. More tomorrow.

Fidel Castro has just given the world the opportunity to ponder a new direction for Cuba. Castro has issued a statement that is vague but nonetheless signals that he sees himself departing the political front line and making room for a new set of leaders.