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Todd Hicks' Blog
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Hello Everyone-
Just a few days until the Wisconsin Primary’s and several of the Presidential Candidate’s and their team’s are in the process of arriving in our State.
I don’t know about you, but the race is already tighter than I had anticipated on both sides.
It was just a few months ago that I heard a political pundit say, “I think someone forgot to tell John McCain he’s pulled out of the race”. That’s what’s so exciting about the race for the White House in 2008.
Several opinion polls point towards John McCain clinching the GOP Nomination.
On the Democratic side, the race is so close; it’s pulling a record number of people to the polls.
Barack Obama certainly has momentum behind him as he wraps up a big win in Washington State (my home turf).
It seems that Hillary Clinton has taken quite a few hard knocks from the media, voters and fellow candidates in the last few weeks.
I think she is probably in the process of realizing a dream she was so sure she would achieve may be out of her reach, but you can’t count her out just yet.
Political Experts are watching Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio. These are 3 extremely important states for Delegates and Super Delegates.
If she doesn’t win there I think her team will have to seriously look at her campaign.
I’m sure some will agree that when she has a streak of bad luck, it continues for quite a while.
Today (2/12) the front of the Wausau Daily Herald had McCain, Huckabee, Clinton and Obama on the front page, but while the photos of the rest of the candidates were accurate for color, Hillary’s hair was green. Coincidence? I guess you’ll have to be the judge.
Finally, I found a comment on Bill Maher’s show on HBO to be really interesting. Maher or one of his guests said what an exciting time it was to have both an African-American and a Female running for President. They added that many in the Democratic Party think it is all but certain they will have a President in the Oval Office in 2008.
But it might not be that simple because of a scenario that many have never considered.
Some political experts say the Republican Nominee may select a Female, African-American as their GOP running mate, like Condoleezza Rice? Can you imagine how the dynamics of the race would change!
Just a thought!
Todd
Hi Todd,
First time comments for me. Politics has temporarily left the spotlight for central Wisconsin but as one of those responding said, too many of us watch the news, but do not see.
Having watched politics from my grade school days and having voted in every election starting in 1968, it would seem that nothing should surprise us anymore, but somehow, there always is another surprise to be sprung on the public. It is my belief that part of the problem is the media. Too many stories are simply intended to get viewer numbers. While even those reporters who do know how to report a story (5 "W's" and the "H"), they simply are not given an opportunity because of time constraints, not wanting to offend advertisers, and so on. Additionally, many people are just so 'disenchanted' with the whole political and economic scenes that they just tune it out. Too often we have heard politicians make campaign promises to fix things, but it never happens.
There is ample reason that it never happens if we take the time to look at things. First, we cannot overlook the fact that whether it is 'city hall', the 'state capitol', or Washington DC; politics has become a "self-serving" job for too many people. When 'new blood' gets elected, he has to fight a well established system already in place and either they become part of a "corrupt system" or they are a one term official.
Some of us remember the late 1960's to the mid 1970's. We had demonstrations on campuses. We had race riots in a number of larger cities. And let us not forget that we had a number of assassinations. Prior to that period, candidates for president were chosen in 'smoke-filled-back-rooms'. As a result of the "discontent" we were given what appeared to be change. However that 'change' was in appearence only. Nothing has really changed as is evidenced by what happened in this years primaries, specifically in Florida and Michigan. I'm not going to say it is a conspiracy, but I am going to say that there is (was) a definate attempt to "fix" the primary results.
Most of us have watched election results on any of the networks. We know from this that as a result of polls, surveys, and previous election results a very good estimate of what election results will be can be 'forcast'. Based on that information, the sequence and dates of the primaries are determined. In case you have not guessed, the GOP was to allow McCain to have his day. The DNC hierarchy felt that in light of the current status of the economy, and the unrest about Iraq, that it was time to test the waters with a minority candidate. Hillary Clinton was never in the running because Bill was (simply put) excess baggage. Barack Obama was their boy. He could deliver a prepared speech with excellence, and he had no appearent baggage. This is why it was so important that Florida and Michigan could not get out of line. These were states that would likely go for Hillary, and that would upset the momentum and possibly their plans. After all, they had already set the schedule for the DNC convention so that the party's nominee could deliver his "I have a Dream for America" speech on the anniversary of Dr Martin Luther Kings "I Have A Dream" speech that he so eloquently presented during the 1963 march on Washington.
My biggest disappointment this election cycle is that "I do not see any of the remaining candidates as a really good option for the White House."
Hi Todd!
Long time watcher.. First time blogger..Lifetime fan of yours! Where do you get all of that energy and wit so early in the morning.. Sorry, I digress.. In response to the blogger who is STEREOTYPING all media as being democrats..So often times..people watch the news without really listening-- believing only what they want to. The reality is the campaign coverage should be focused on the democratic party right now because HELLO look at how close the race is. Obama has 1,369 delegates rivaling Clinton's 1,267.
McCain has already taken the Republican nomination with 1,033 delegates compared to Huckabee's 247.. As a journalists it's your job to report the facts.. But the fact is.. the major race right now is in the democratic party.. Guaranteed after August, there will be a lot more attention given to the Republicans.
Funny how we see channel 7 as a Democratic Platform? No, not really, it's expected from the media.
You spend lots of news time for Obama and Clinton, yet you spent one minute for Huckabee and nothing for Mccain. I understand not mentioning Mccan, since he did not show up.
Y'all tout Obama and Clinton and how much you cover the candidates? Isn't that shaded and biased journalism? I am sorry, you should cover BOTH sides of any issue-politics included!
They say y'all are a liberal media, funny how it is true. isn't it?
12/27/07
The beginning of 2008 is just days away and many of us are already preparing our New Years resolutions.
For some of us, the resolutions we had last year are the same as those for 2008.
A survey I recently glanced over showed 40% of those polled said they were successful in fulfilling their resolutions...unfortunately, I wasn't one of them!
Some of my goals this year are, eating better (working in a newsroom can be very hazardous to ones health, with all the donuts, cookies and candy), getting more exercise (I can't say I'm always motivated at 8:00 AM to go to the gym) and volunteer more of my time.
If your reading this blog, I wish you and your family the very best in 2008.
Todd
12/02/07
Considering there are several inches of snow outside, I thought this might be a good time to talk about holiday travel.
I've received several questions about websites and ways to save money on travel.
I have a number of websites I visit on a regular basis looking for the ultimate travel bargain.
If you still haven't booked your holiday travel, then you better get going! I love staying in the very best hotels, but I also don't like to pay full price.
Which is why there are a couple of websites I use for a bargain.
One of those is www.sidestep.com, which compares hundreds of travel sites all at one time, this is a great website to check if your in a hurry and it will show you which website has the lowest price.
Another is www.luxurylink.com. Luxury Link specializes in luxury travel auctions.
I planned a trip to Rome a couple of years back and stayed in a stunning hotel (Hotel Exedra) overlooking the Piazza De Republica for a great price.
If you want to plan a trip for the family and are looking for a great trip, check it out.
As far as destinations, for warm weather I love Hawaii or small islands in the Caribbean like St. Johns, Barbados and Martinique.
However, I think one of the most overlooked places for a warm weather getaway is right here in the United States.
The Florida Keys can provide a quick escape without all the hassles of having to obtain a passport.
I suggest flying into Miami and driving down to the keys rather than flying into Key West.
Its a great drive and considering the exchange rate of the Dollar overseas, its an excellent bargain.
Happy Travels!
Todd
Respond to Todd's blog here: 
Hi Todd,
I sent this to Chad too. I watch every morning. You also do a great job. I have a question about the snowmobile trail thing. If 2/3 of the deaths are related to drinking, and well over 2/3 of the people out there are drinking than statically wouldn't that mean that you are more likely to die if you don't drink? Very few people die by getting hit by a drunk on a snowmobile like is the case with cars. With snowmobiles people hit trees and rocks and fall off going too fast. That being the case, if you're relaxed your chances of surviving are much better. If 2/3 of the people who don't die on snowmobiles have also been drinking than clearly that number means absolutely nothing. Why is it that when one person uses poor judgment people are ready to take away freedom from everyone else?
I found Rome to be interesting, exciting,fab, but enjoyed by far Tuscany, could have stayed in Siena for a long time. Would love to go to Italy again.
Paris is yet another big city, much more to France than Paris. Same with London, once you've seen the sights, done the museums, art galleries and been to the theatre, get out and see the country. Just my opinion. Kris.
I agree... there are two type of people...people than want something new and those who prefer the safety of what they know.
I prefer to see new things like you. I would love to explore the country-side in Italy and France.
Thanks for the travel tips...I too am thinking about going somewhere warm! I have used the site Luxuy Link and found it to be excellent. I know the hotel Excedra you stayed at in Rome...sounds fabulous and would like to hear more about that Rome trip as it is a dream of mine.However, Paris is in my sights for Feb., any tips Todd since you seem to know how to travel. Thanks!!! Janet
Yes... I would stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Paris, its called the George IV.
There is also an underground tour in Paris that is amazing.
I hope to go to Paris in 2008 as well.
Todd
Interesting your story on Matt Damon, Todd - he always seems like a classy guy to me.This is not such a A-list celeb story as yours but I was on a British Airways Chicago -London flight some years ago ( still do that trip several times a year) and was sitting in the upper deck on a 747. I could hear some high jinks and hilarity going on down in First Class and all of a sudden somebody ran up the staircase & as I was in the front row I found myself staring into the mischievous eyes of Chris Farley ( the late, of Saturday Night Live & movie fame). He had wanted to see what was up the stairs & to go in the cockpit as we all could back then. What a nice guy he was - he was travelling with his mum !.....no entourage.
I'll never breathe the rarified air of First Class but Business Class is sweet when I can - hate to have to fly steerage!.
Enjoy watching you Todd, hope you stick around here.
Thanks for the kind words!
I don't know, I think Chris Farley was pretty "A" list.
I've only flown on the upper deck of the 747 once, and it was on TWA no less.
There are several new start-up airlines that offer Business Class only flights at a pretty good fare.
Some of these are Eos, Silver Jet and Maxjet. They mainly fly between New York and London (Gatwick, Luton and Stansted), and they offer very attractive fares.
Silver jet costs around $2,400 round-trip to London, which is considerably less than the majors.
Check out their websites!
Todd
This week actor Matt Damon has been in the news because he was named the sexiest man alive by People Magazine.
A co-worker at WSAW asked me if I have ever met Matt Damon in my travels... and indeed I have, many times in fact.
I use to fly between New York and London just about every week. In the airline industry. If you want to see stars... there are two routes that are full of celebrities. New York-London and New York-Los Angeles.
I met Matt four of five times on the New York-London flight and a couple of times on the New York-Los Angeles flight.
The reason I was so impressed with him is not because he is a movie star, but because he always remembered my name.
Although he always had a seat in First Class, which run anywhere between $7,000-$10,000 one way, he was always very casual and down-to-earth.
It just shows how using someones name can make a life-long impression.
Ive also met some not so nice celebrities, but that will have to be the subject of another blog in the future...(stay tuned)
Todd
Todd,
You are my inspiration. Wow. I can't believe you met Matt Damon that is super neat. You should have asked him to find you a really good tv job and a starring role on some sort of tv show or something.
This is too funny,
I was talking to someone tonight who lived in Roswell New Mexico, and I asked him about UFOs,
he said he now lives in MSP, and I told him of a friend who was on the news there.
I decided to find you Todd, and here you are talking about UFOs, too weird!
your Blog is perfect for you!
It sounds like you are very well liked in Wisconsin good for you.
I spent quite a bit of time there when I was in High School. It is a great area.
Keep up the great job Todd!
Kat
Todd!
I miss your fun stories. I'm glad I checked out your blog! Stay in touch.
Love,
Ang
Hi Todd,
We love Daybreak! I understand you have a background in travel. Do you have any favorite places for a warm weather getaway, and suggestions for good deals?
Thanks.
The Andrews
To the blogger who is shocked Todd believes in UFO's. Do you even know what that acronym stands for? "Unidentified Flying Object." That doesn't mean he believes aliens are flying around. Everyone does a great job at Channel 7 -- but Todd is one of the people I take MOST seriously.
Thanks for the comments, one of the best things about morning television is you can be serious and have a little bit of fun later on in the show.
you seriously believe in UFO's??
how am i suppose to take you seriously now on the news?
I saw a clip on the web of you and Bao the other morning, I am pretty sure I heard a saquatch, bigfoot, or maybe Yeti screaming and scaring the both of you. Unfortunatley he just escaped the frame of the shot. I have heard you can tell a sasquatch from its odor. Is there any truth to it?--jacktastic
Yes Jack... That was Chad who was just out of frame. But he doesn't smell!
hi my name is sam i'm from tomahawk wisconsin. i have never seen a ufo i wish i could. but i dont know what to look for in the sky for me to see one can u help me out. thank you
The last blogger is absolutely right. Channel 7 did need someone like you. You're definitely in the right profession.
Thanks for the kind words!
Todd, you sound very smart and well traveled. How does Wisconsin compare to other parts of the world? While I know it may not be the most exciting, I'm sure you have found out there are many very nice people here. Its nice to see someone on the morning show thats know what there talking about when it comes to world politics and issues. They needed someone like you.
Prof. Kroening
Prof., While Wisconsin isn't Europe or South America, it's still very nice. I especially like the cheese.
There has been alot of talk recently about Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich comments regarding seeing a Unidentified Flying Object during the recent Democratic debates.
Thursday (11/1) morning on "Daybreak" my Co-Anchor Bao Vang asked me if I had ever seen a U.F.O., and the answer is "yes".
I worked for an airline for many years and have logged alot of miles, mostly to Europe and South America.
In the cockpit there have been times objects have been pointed out to me that are rather unusual looking and move at incredible speeds.
I'm not saying what I was seeing was from another planet, but rather perhaps objects or unknown military aircraft.
During our web segment, we featured a story about a hunter in the Eastern portion of The United States that "allegedly" captured a photo of an unknown primate on his infrared camera.
Some are calling it a young "sasquatch" or "Bigfoot", but some are saying they are skeptical until the photo is proven valid.
In the age of cell phone video and cameras, you never know what you may catch on tape.
