The above is a snapshot (as of Monday, 5/21/07) of how the blogosphere and the net at large are relating (read: linking) to the candidates' websites online.

The Online Mindshare Ranking = the average of a candidate's website Technorati, Alexa and Quantcast rankings, further weighted by the site's Google Page Rank.

... Shit happens? Er, that doth indeed seem to be what Team Obama learned tonight.

Michael Arrington does a fine job of describing the lil' transgression on the Obama network (as well as its rapid resolution). I'll just leave you with an exemplary snapshot of the issue that 'twas at hand:

Trying not to do too much here by way of politics. But, couldn't resist this one.

Sen Joseph Biden of Delaware announced his exploratory committee today. Just so happens, though, that on this very day the New York Observer released its interview with Biden where he attacks just about everyone on the planet, and offers this bit on Obama that since ignited a firestorm across the net:

Mr. Biden is equally skeptical—albeit in a slightly more backhanded way—about Mr. Obama. “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,” he said. “I mean, that’s a storybook, man.”

Dare I say - an inauspicious start [end?] of one's campaign for President of these United States.

Gotta love the intersection of politics and public relations - especially when sprinkled with an ever so subtle hint of desperation. Yesterday, former New York Governor George Pataki lobbed this Hail Mary in an attempt to further his quest for the White House:

Governor Pataki, breaking ranks with President Bush and the front-runners for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, says he opposes the president's plan to send more than 20,000 additional American troops to Iraq.

It's been a pleasure watching Daily News reporter Ben Smith in action (and not just b/c he's my partner in crime).

As I write, Ben is busy showing the world what exactly it means to be an intrepid reporter in the digital age - weaving a story online and off, in print, on the web and on air.

Yesterday, Ben launched the "Giuliani Papers" Scandal - which was both featured on the cover of the Daily News as well as on the front page of the News's website. Both debuted around 3:00am.