Archive - December 18, 2007 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Giuliani's Kerik Woes Return

The Washington Post does the digging and brings back into focus the contact between Giuliani-Kerik-Ray. Permalink

For Anyone Covering or Working on the Iowa Caucuses

This is clearly the most important news of the day. And if you aren't in Des Moines, you probably think that that is meant to be a joke -- but it is not. Permalink

Magic Johnson: No Rookies Need Apply

At Iowa rally with B. Clinton Johnson says: "You don't want somebody in there that is young or a rookie at politics...We want somebody in there that knows what they're doing because this job is so huge." Question: Does Mr. Johnson remember what he accomplished in the NBA finals in his rookie year? NY Times wonders whether the Clinton team in Iowa waited "too long to try to humanize Hillary?" Earlier: Former NBA superstar talks up H. Clinton at a stop with the duo at a deli in Iowa. Listen to audio here. Permalink

UNDER ARREST

11 protesters led by national anti-abortion activist Randall Terry were arrested, charged with trespassing for refusing to stop blocking entrance to Giuliani's Manchester office, other businesses. Permalink

Huckabee, Romney Aides Take Off the Gloves

Strategists do battle on Hardball over taxes, clemency, flip-flops and more. Huckabee adviser Saltsman: Romney's "behind," "desperate." Romney adviser Comstock: Huckabee "taxed like the Clintons, he's parsing like the Clintons." Click above to watch video. Permalink

Bush '41: No Clinton Diplomatic Mission For Me

Says in statement to CNN that he “wholeheartedly supports” his son’s foreign policy, has never discussed an “around-the-world-mission” with the Clintons. Permalink

Romney Takes Huckabee Attacks to Palmetto State

Goes after surging rival on immigration, clemencies. "That, in my view, is not the right course." Also hits McCain and Giuliani-- but not as hard. Permalink

Huckabee Defends Christmas Ad

Says commercial invoking Christ is a harmless holiday greeting, denies it contains a subliminal cross. Earlier: On Fox, Ron Paul criticizes the ad, says it reminds him of warning about fascism. Watch clip above. Permalink

McCain Gets Cheeky on CNBC

Has witty responses on "Kudlow & Company" Tues. evening, calling Kudlow a "jerk," saying his admiration for Whoopi Goldberg "knows no bounds." Read full transcript here. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

CBS: Jim Axelrod led show with look at Clinton's "softer side" events in IA, quoted anon adviser saying she only reluctantly agreed to open up. Dean Reynolds said Obama is scaling back attacks, now working to woo ind's rather than Edwards backers. Campaign Notebook included Bonnie Raitt/Jackson Browne for Edwards, Thompson bus tour day 2, Romney in SC and his anti-Huckabee crime ad. CBS' Nancy Cordes traveled with Huckabee on corporate jet for TX fundraising trip. He again defended Ark. clemencies, noted that Romney praised Bush for commuting Scooter Libby's prison sentence. Jeff Greenfield hopped on campaign bus with upbeat McCain in NH. Bob Schieffer called Huckabee "best thing that ever happened" to McCain, since stopping Romney in IA could open door for McCain win in NH. Said Edwards should not be counted out of IA Dem race. ABC: Jake Tapper on Giuliani's choice to "largely sit out" IA and NH to focus on later states, an effort to "rewrite the rules of nomination politics." He's held 41 events in IA to Huckabee's 101 and Romney's 161. Banking that no single rival gains early-state momentum. NBC: Kelly O'Donnell offered package on McCain's comeback from his "political near death experience," including the boost he's receiving from recent endorsements. Permalink

Obama Gets Another Endorsement

Signs filmmaker Ken Burns (a NH resident) Tues., who says he's disappointed in Clinton's negative tone. Permalink

New Clinton NH TV Ad Stresses Bipartisanship, Getting Things Done

Features military benefits and McCain supporter Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Read script here. Permalink

TAKING A PASS

Bill Clinton on Des Moines street chooses not to repeat charges about Obama's (in)experience. Click above to watch video. Permalink

NAUGHTY AND NICE

McCain sends two very different pieces to New Hampshire mailboxes. Lump of coal for Romney: a serial flip-flopper who "voters can't trust." Uplifting gift for everyone else: Holiday campaign mailer tells tale of candidate’s X-mas inspiration in Vietnam prison. Reverses pledge to not attack other candidates; McCain camp says Romney started it with his own negative mail. Permalink

CAUGHT ON FILM

ABC obtains photo of Romney attending 1994 Planned Parenthood fundraiser, which campaign earlier said he had "no recollection" of. Attended Mass. event with his wife, a donor, when they backed abortion rights. Romney responds: "I attend a lot of events when I run for office. I don't recall the specific event... I'm firmly pro-life today." Permalink