Archive - January 16, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Combative B. Clinton Defends Nevada Caucus Lawsuit

On the stump, says at-large caucus sites were deliberately set up to have disproportionate impact, continues to deny he or his wife's campaign had anything to do with suit. "At one point during the exchange with the TV reporter, Mayor Ron Dellums tried to physically pull Mr. Clinton away, but the former president held his ground." Permalink

Clinton Goes Negative on Nevada Radio Against Rivals

New ad says Obama's financial backing and Edwards' votes make them pro-Yucca. Hits the Silver State's biggest hot button issue. Read script here, and dueling factsheets from Clinton here and here and Obama here. Obama supporters respond in afternoon conference call. Read more. Permalink

Clinton on “Nightly News”

Tells Brian Williams in Wednesday broadcast that her changed tone in New Hampshire probably won it for her: “You know, as a woman, I may have gone a little overboard in the beginning of this campaign to really make my case to be commander-in-chief...." Watch video and read interview excerpts. Permalink

TV Potpourri

On Fox News, Fred Thompson accused the Huckabee campaign of trying to goad him into a fight with McCain, which Huckabee chairman Ed Rollins denied. John McCain also appeared on Fox. Huckabee campaign manager Chip Saltsman appeared on MSNBC's Hardball with Romney adviser Bay Buchanan and McCain supporter Mark McKinnon. Permalink

Rove Mocks Clinton's Michigan Performance

"She's running against nobody and nobody gets 40% of the vote," former Bush political strategist tells RNC meeting. Watch ABC's video here. Lays out possible GOP attacks against both Democratic frontrunners. Hits Clinton on spending, “straight answers,” and White House records. Checks Obama on experience, liberalism and Illinois "present" votes. Repeats claim that Democrats in general are "irresponsible" on terrorism, national security. Update: Clinton spokesman Phil Singer responds: "Anytime you win a race by a 15 point margin it’s a great victory." Permalink

New National Numbers

From Pew Research Poll: GOP: McCain 29, Huckabee 20, Romney 17, Giuliani 13. Error margin: 5 points. Dems: Clinton 46, Obama 31, Edwards 13. Error margin: 4.5 points. Dates conducted Jan. 9-13. Read more here. Permalink

New South Carolina Poll has McCain out in Front

From Clemson University Palmetto Poll: McCain 29, Huckabee 22, Romney 13, Thompson 10, Paul 6, Giuliani 3. Error margin: 4.6 points. Dates conducted: Jan. 9-15. Read more here. Permalink

Finally, a Candidate for the Critters

Barack Obama touts his record of supporting animal rights. Permalink

Huckabee Backs Off Tough Immigration Stance

Says he would review U.S. policies but not necessarily halt immigration from countries that support terrorism. Permalink

For Dems, It's All About The Economy

Top three contenders focus Wednesday on strategies to avoid an economic recession. Clinton, Edwards stump in Nevada while Obama campaigns in California. Watch Clinton's interview touting her economic stimulus plan on CNBC here. Read transcript here. Plus: Romney tweaks his Motown economic pitch for southern voters. Permalink

Republican-on-Republican Action

--McCain strategist Steve Schmidt accuses Romney of pandering to voters in Michigan, likens his position shifts to John Kerry's, targets his "rather weak record" in Massachusetts. McCain's aides and allies also said they're far better prepared to deal with any attacks, unlike in 2000. Read response from Romney's spokesman. --Thompson hits Romney, other rivals for promising Michigan they'll "bail the entire state out." But denies an alliance with McCain. --Romney hikes expectations for McCain in South Carolina. --Unnamed Huckabee adviser issues a warning: "I think the free pass for McCain is over. The next few days in South Carolina will be rough and tumble." Permalink

Democrat-on-Democrat Action

--Obama aide Plouffe tells the Washington Post: Clinton should be considered the "prohibitive favorite" in Nevada because of her strong support within the state party establishment, large lead in early polling. --Obama hits Clinton for Nevada mailer: Says her flier attacking his health care, Social Security plans is a misstatement. --Obama prods Clinton for "political games" at Tuesday's debate. --Clinton hits Obama on the economy: Says you have to do more than inspire on Bloomberg TV. Watch clip here. Permalink

Obama Adds More TV Spots to Nevada Airwaves

Day after releasing two Spanish-language ads in the state, he puts up "President," a 30-second ad on health care, taxes, Iraq. Watch it above. Clinton team again objects to claim his health plan is "universal." Also reintroduces "Would," an ad that ran earlier in the campaign touting Washington record, accomplishments. Watch it here. Permalink

While the Rest Focus on South Carolina, Giuliani Stays Strong on Florida TV

New ad focuses on economy, promising "biggest tax cut in modern history.” Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Economic stories lead all three network programs. ABC: Lead economic package included Clinton at Nevada debate seeking more control over some large investment funds. Looked at the "chaos" in GOP race after Romney's Michigan win. Noted he's leaving South Carolina Thursday for Nevada, where he may do better. Clinton had some fun on her plane's PA system, welcomed reporters to "Hilforce One." CBS: Highlighted Romney in South Carolina, still focused on boosting jobs and the economy. Referring to jumbled GOP race, Bill Whitaker called him the "newest flavor of the day." Jeff Greenfield handicapped the upcoming contests. Katie Couric asked all the contenders about the worst advice they've ever given or received-- McCain said staying out of the Confederate Flag dispute in South Carolina in 2000. NBC: Lead economic report included Clinton saying new security rules may be needed on foreign trade. South Carolina GOP roundup noted Romney's leaving soon for Nevada, Mike Taibbi looked at Giuliani's big bet on Florida. Brian Williams spent the day with Clinton, who again criticized Obama's comment about not running bureaucracies. She compared that attitude to Bush's and said, "I intend to run the government." Permalink