The presidential race is still up for grabs and could go either way, according to two popular political commentators who spoke at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this morning. "Things that normally couldn't happen are happening," said Charlie Cook, publisher of The Cook Political Report. "We are in a strongly changed environment," agreed Stuart Rothenberg, editor of The Rothenberg Political Report.

Cook and Rothenberg spoke as part of the Chamber's Association Lecture Series in partnership with Leading Authorities and assessed the current political environment, including the presidential nominee and congressional races.

"Going into this election cycle, the playing field is tilted," Cook said. As an example, Cook highlighted Republican frontrunner Rudy Giuliani's position on social issues, which run opposite of the general party position, and Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton's growing lead in the polls, despite her past political failures. "She's not getting more likable but less unacceptable," Cook said.

As for Congress, both Cook and Rothenberg agreed that Republicans were unlikely to regain control of the House or Senate and, in fact, will likely lose seats. But they disagreed on how many seats, with Cook predicting Democrats will gain 3-5 members in the Senate and 4-5 members in the House. Rothenberg speculated that Democrats will win 2-3 additional seats in the Senate and 5-6 seats in the House.

To learn more about today's event, go to http://www.leadingauthorities.com/events/upcoming_events_details.htm/article/8035