Archive - December 15, 2007 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Newsweek Makes Edwards a Cover Boy

Mag gets it just right: "Even if he loses in Iowa's bigger cities, Edwards can still win by wrapping up smaller, far-flung precincts. Permalink

"When I Call Hillary's Headquarters, There's No Electricity. It's Scary."

WashPost reporter who broke Billy Shaheen story looks at Clinton's standing in New Hampshire, including some worried supporters (and some confident ones). Permalink

"Rotten" Giuliani a Turnoff to Many Women

Poll finds women favor Clinton over Giuliani nationwide, due mainly to his messy personal life. Dumping second wife in press conference didn't go over well. "I thought that was lousy...." Permalink

Richly MoDo

Super-influential New York Times columnists Frank Rich and Maureen Dowd do yet another pro-Obama (read: "anti-Clinton") Sunday tag team. Permalink

Romney to Trade Anti-Huckabee TV Ad in Iowa for Family Review

Hyper-produced spot will ring in the holidays. But Des Moines Register reporting suggests negative ads might still make someone's gift list. Permalink

Huckabee Strikes Back at Romney on FA Article

Accuses Romney of Iraq War flip-flop after Romney blasts Foreign Affairs piece tough on Bush. "Once again, Gov. Romney has highlighted his willingness to do an ‘about face....’" Read statement here. Earlier: Romney says Huckabee's "running from the wrong party" after his article denounces Bush's "arrogant bunker mentality." Permalink

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Obama Vows to Fire Staffers Who Peddle Anti-Clinton Personal Information Says he will not tolerate his campaign giving reporters information that challenges rival's ethics. "I have been very clear to my campaign. I do not want to see research that is involved in trying to tear people down personally. If I find out that somebody is doing that, they will be fired." Watch clip above. Permalink

Sunday NY Times: Obama "Brimming with Confidence"

Tale of two campaigns on Gray Lady front page. “His speeches are noticeably crisper, his poise is more consistent…” “He has narrowed his focus to a micro-level in Iowa, calling county sheriffs, local officials and prospective precinct captains when he passes through town.” Obama: “Whoever wins this caucus is likely to win the nomination and is likely to win the presidency.” Also: LA Times does its version of same, but more low-key: "His delivery is crisper, his footing more assured." Permalink

Giuliani Vows to "Get it Done"

To the Notre Dame theme music from football movie "Rudy," tells Tampa audience about his plans Saturday in an attempt to focus on second-in-the-nation mega-states (where he is stronger). Associated Press savages: "Giuliani's 'bold' vision for the nation sounded a lot like the same ideas he's been talking about for months." ++ Speech dissed by most national media, which ignores it. Read full text of remarks here. Permalink

Report: Giuliani Money Talks....and Walks

Nashua Telegraph says his Boston ad spending is going down, while level at NH's WMUR stays even. Permalink

Edwards Unveils New TV Iowa Ad

Another spot focuses on combating lobbyists, corporate greed. Watch it above. Permalink

Thompson Spends Saturday Shopping

As his opponents hit the campaign trail hard, he's spotted at the Neiman Marcus in the Tysons Galleria outside Washington. Permalink

More Reports of Pro-Huckabee Calls

Politico confirms that "Trust Huckabee" has moved into New Hampshire. McCain camp decries attacks: "Governor Huckabee should...urge his supporters to stop this activity attempting to smear John McCain or any other candidate." Read full release. Huckabee denies involvement, again: "As I’ve said before, our campaign has nothing to do with push polling and I wish they would stop." Read full release. Permalink