Archive - January 19, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Giuliani Jumps the Gun on Florida — Attacks McCain and Romney on Taxes

Highlights “distinctions” against main rivals on record on Bush tax cuts. Plus: Giuliani campaign post-South Carolina statement congratulating McCain hits the same tax points. Read it here. Permalink

THE ONCE AND PRESENT FRONTRUNNER

McCain victory speech: "Thank you, South Carolina, for bringing us across the finish line first in the first-in-the-South primary. It took us a while, but what’s eight years among friends?" Read full speech here. Watch video here. On to Florida for Palmetto State victor -- tells the AP post-win: "We've got a long way to go." Redemption and renewal -- and some new challenges. McCain camp: "I am confident that voters in Florida will make a similar decision..." Full statement here. CNN election results (with 97% of precincts reporting): McCain 33%, Huckabee 30%, Thompson 16%, Romney 15%, Paul 4%, Giuliani 2%. Read exit poll analysis here. HALPERIN’S TAKE: What’s next for McCain? Permalink

Clinton Wins Nevada Popular Vote; Obama Claims More Delegates

Clinton at Nevada victory party: "I guess this is how the west was won!!” Watch video here. Obama campaign claims more delegates-- Clinton team disagrees. AP Nevada delegate count: Obama 13, Clinton 12. Nevada Democratic Party totals (with 98% precincts reporting): Clinton: 51%, Obama: 45%, Edwards: 4% Read more on the Democrats' Nevada caucus battle. HALPERIN'S TAKE: After Nevada, where the Democratic race stands. Permalink

Thompson Teases World

In South Carolina, makes remarks that sounds like a concession/withdrawal speech, but makes no mention of his campaign’s future. Watch video here. Finished third in “must-win” Palmetto State contest. Permalink

Hunter Quits Race

The California Republican dropped out after another poor showing in Nevada. Permalink

Romney Nevada Winner

Another victory for the former Massachusetts governor in the Silver State GOP caucuses. Totals via CNN (with 100% precincts reporting): Romney 51%, Paul 14%, McCain 13%, Huckabee 8%, Thompson 8%, Giuliani 4%. Republican rivals, focused on South Carolina, offered little competition. Read more on his victory here. Romney at afternoon press conference in Florida, pushed anti-Washington, economic message. Permalink

Nevada Charges Fly

Obama and Clinton campaigns trade accusations about negative campaigning, expectations in the Silver State. Read all about it here. Permalink

Jewish Senators Condemn Emails About Obama

Seven Democrats denounce "scurrilous" emails recently sent to the Jewish community. Not all have endorsed Obama. Permalink

Huckabee Trains for Marathon While Awaiting SC Results

Tells reporters after midday jog: "I feel like South Carolina is going to come though for us...I certainly feel like all the momentum is going our way right now.'' Permalink

A Divine Boost for Romney?

Question about Romney's religious faith in his Nevada win is met with a clap of thunder. Permalink

POLICY CORNER

Romney unveils economic stimulus package totalling about $250 billion, cutting corporate tax rate. WSJ: Plan similar to McCain's, except with a deeper corporate tax rate cut. NYT: Contains "sweeteners" for supply-side conservatives, older Americans and corporations. Permalink

What the Campaigns Are Emailing Out Saturday

Read the best of their e-missives here. Permalink

Obama's Strategy Shift: Now He's Hitting Back

In the past few days he's engaged in rebutting attacks from Clinton on his Social Security record, Nevada's Yucca Mountain site. Obama strategist Axelrod: "We came into New Hampshire on a high. The iconic rallies, combined with the polling, conveyed a sense that we were taking it for granted...This is a long process, and this is how you learn." Permalink