Archive - December 17, 2007 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

"I'm a Normal Person. I Have Emotions"

Romney chokes up in New Hampshire envisioning one of his boys dying in Iraq as part of stock campaign trail story he's been telling. Latest show of feelings comes one day after Romney got moist eyes talking about Mormon church on Meet the Press. Permalink

ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING

Clinton, childhood friend, grateful constituents all wear emotions on their sleeves at Iowa event meant to humanize her. Even "tracker" for rival campaign is apparently moved. Essential Reading: Politico's Smith on Clinton campaign's decision to feature her personal side instead of policy (cast as Wolfson triumphing over Penn). Adviser: “It’s been consistent throughout our focus groups and throughout our polling that the more they get to know her personally, the more people like her. We’re trying to pull her personal side through a little bit more.” Permalink

Bloomberg: No-Go on Schwarzenegger as Veep

Two pals had dinner Saturday, but Mayor says it wouldn't be constitutional to have a foreign-born #2. Plus: Says on Fox McCain couldn't do indy bid because "I don't think it would be possible for somebody at this point, unless they had a phenomenal amount of money" and/but getting on 50 state ballots is pie. Permalink

Bob Kerrey Calmly, Cooly Defends Using Obama's Middle Name

Clinton-backing former Nebraska Senator tells CNN that he intended to celebrate and embrace Obama's heritage -- not make mischief or do harm. Watch it above. Kerrey taking blogger heat for reference to Obama attending a "secular madrassa" in interview. Permalink

ROMNEY QUESTIONS HUCKABEE'S CRIMINAL "JUDGMENT"

NEW IOWA TV AD STARTS SOFT AND THEN PACKS A WALLOP Plays the meth card, the pardon card, the murderer card in TV spot on the air in Iowa Tuesday. Watch it above. Tagline: "On crime. The difference is judgment." Read Huckabee's response to the ad here. Meanwhile: Huckabee figuratively turns the other cheek in cozy new Christmas spot beginning Tuesday in IA, NH, SC. "What really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ and being with our family and our friends." Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

Giuliani Plays Strategist

Talks on "Hannity and Colmes" Monday night about decision to pull some ad spending from New Hampshire. Read his answer here, plus Hizzoner on Huckabee, Romney, negative campaigning, and more. Permalink

Obama's Dramatic Iowa TV Gambit

New ad steals Des Moines Register cred from Clinton, populist ethos from Edwards. Click above to watch ad. Read script here. Plus: On the stump in IA, Obama names Edwards in rare direct challenge on special interest records. As Expected, Clinton Touts Register Endorsement in New Iowa TV/Radio Ads "She understands the changes needed." Watch TV spot above. Read script here. Clinton campaign also running a companion radio ad in IA beginning Monday. Permalink

Richardson Rips Rivals, Media Over War

Says at campaign stop Monday: "I dare the media to tell the families of the 37 troops who were killed last month that this issue doesn't deserve front-page coverage." Permalink

Amidst the Chaos, National Poll Stability

From USA TODAY/Gallup: GOP: Giuliani 27, Huckabee 16, McCain 14, Thompson 14, Romney 14 Dems: Clinton 45, Obama 27, Edwards 15 Error margin: 5 points See comparisons with earlier polls. Permalink

Biden to Pakistan: Transition to Democracy Must Be "Real" For Continued Support

Delaware Senator warns President Musharraf during phone conversation Monday. Permalink

"Most Important, John Edwards Can Win"

Iowa First Lady Culver in the arena with her new man at high-energy Des Moines rally. Plus: Audio of Monday endorsement, via Radio Iowa. HALPERIN'S TAKE: A Millworker's Dozen reasons why John Edwards is strong in Iowa. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC/NBC led with presidential campaign blocks, casting races as exciting, tense, dramatic double-feature. ABC: Terry Moran from NH covering Lieberman-McCain endorsement, called overall GOP race a "culture clash" between conservative Christians (behind Huckabee) and fiscal conservatives, still up for grabs. Moran called new Huckabee ad "extraordinary" for including Christ reference. Also mentioned Romney ad and brief NH visit by Giuliani, scored because he didn't take questions and that "doesn't go over well." Kate Snow reported from Iowa, mentioned "softer side" Clinton rally and new TV ad, plus new Obama ad. ABC's Stephanopoulos called Huckabee Christmas ad "just ingenious," will make any Romney attack ads appear "Scrooge-like." Gibson also mentioned Paul's huge best-in-show fundraising take. NBC: Lee Cowan had package on recent slew of endorsements and how they'll play in Iowa. Lisa Myers package on Huckabee's commutations (all 1,023 of them), focusing on murderer James Maxell, including interview with victim's family unhappy with decision. DuMond case also mentioned. Reported that Huckabee factored in"redemption" as part of his decisions. CBS: Monday's "Primary Question"-- when did you last lose your temper? Some responses political (Obama: Bush vetoing S-CHIP), some not (Giuliani: Yankees losing playoffs; Clinton being woken by her dog). Richardson said he's working to control his "inner rage." Romney said he kicked a door recently at news coverage he disliked. Read more here. Permalink

Thompson Raises Iowa Expectations

Tennessean shocks the political world by telling Fox he won't be content with third place in the Hawkeye State. Watch clip above. Plus: He starts Iowa bus trip on a high, snagging endorsement of U.S. Rep. Steve King. TIME's Jay Newton-Small on his Iowa potential. "Things can change quickly...." Permalink

Kerik's Lawyer May Testify Against Him

Judge leans toward siding with prosecutors, suggests there's evidence lawyer could furnish ''compelling'' testimony against client. Permalink

Lieberman Embraces His Friend McCain

Says he's reaching across party lines (despite having a lot of other "friends" running for president) because he says McCain can get things done. Watch clip above. Plus: Democratic Leadership Council topper (and long-time Lieberman buddy) Al From "saddened" by his choice. Read full statement here. Permalink