Last night, the Democratic Party made history. Check out this great picture from our friends at the Huffington Post.

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Barack Obama (D-IL) has been a rock star in Democratic politics ever since his 2004 keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, MA. Obama has been coy, to say the least, about the possibility of a Presidential run and until now has denied any interest in a bid in 2008.

But, it seems that with all the talk of what a run would look like for Obama, he is beginning to consider throwing his hat into the ring.

From the NYTimes:

Senator Barack Obama, the first-term Illinois Democrat who has emerged this year as one of the most popular figures in his party, said Sunday that he was considering a run for the White House in 2008, a shift in position that he said had come in response to many Democrats’ pressing him to join the field.

Some have speculated that all this talk of a possible run is simply a PR strategy to sell lots of books. Regardless of its legitimacy, it certainly highlights how an Obama Presidential campaign could be the big story in 2008.

Below is a large portion of the email that Mark Warner sent to supporters this morning. Very odd if you ask me, but I’m sure we’ll get all the details soon as to why he’s decided not to run. One thing is for sure- this shakes up ‘08 in a major way.

I love this game called politics.

From Mark Warner:

Nine months ago, I left the office of Governor in Virginia. I was immensely proud of what we had accomplished. We faced historic challenges and got real results.

Upon leaving office, I committed all my time and energy to Forward Together because we need a new direction in America.

Everywhere I’ve traveled, I found hope that we could turn this country around. That Americans are looking for leaders who at this moment of enormous challenge for our country can actually bring us together and get things done.

I’ve heard that regardless of the depth of dismay at the direction President Bush has taken our country, rank and file Democrats are energized, and want ours to be a party of hope, not of anger.

I am especially proud of the work we’ve done in supporting those kinds of candidates throughout America…

…But this has also been another kind of journey—one that would lead to a decision as to whether I would seek the Democratic nomination for President.

Late last year, I said to Lisa and my girls, “Let’s go down this path and make a decision around Election Day.”

But there were hiring decisions and people who’ve put their lives on hold waiting to join this effort.

So about a month ago, I told my family and people who know me best that I would make a final decision after Columbus Day weekend, which I was spending with my family. After 67 trips to 28 states and five foreign countries, I have made that decision.

I have decided not to run for President.

More after the jump.

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