The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from January 20th, 2008
McCain Goes Up on Florida Networks
Kicks off state advertising effort with his TV ad "Surrender," previously aired in New Hampshire. Watch it above. Permalink
Bob Novak (Mostly) HEARTS McCain
Conservative scribe/weather vane makes the case. "Even the GOP elders seem ready to grit their teeth and go along with McCain." Permalink
HALPERIN'S TAKE: A Dozen Things to Focus On That Aren't Getting Enough Attention
Last-minute radio ads in South Carolina and Florida. How Clinton, Obama, and McCain deal with the State of the Union (and the content of the State of the Union itself). Those still unexplained communications between John Edwards and his two rivals. How the Obama campaign tries to keep the Florida results from mattering one whit in the media's mind. Which candidates will still be around to participate in the California debates. How much of his own money Romney has spent when the new financial reports come out. If any of the candidates (in both parties) will agree to additional Super Tuesday debates. The potential strategy for lagging, underfunded candidates to run one- or two-state Super Tuesday campaigns. How Bill Clinton is deployed in Super Tuesday states (Red, Blue, or Purple). Hillary Clinton's under-the-radar use of entertainment TV shows to extend her Super Tuesday reach. Which campaign currently is best organized for the upcoming all-important two weeks, and which ones are having internal wars about how to allocate resources. Which candidates are best in control their public images. Permalink
Clinton Camp Fires Back Against Obama Criticism
Spokesman Howard Wolfson says Obama's anti-Iraq War record is "inconsistent," adds: "We understand Senator Obama is frustrated by his loss in Nevada, but facts are facts." Read more. A response to tough Good Morning America interview airing, in which Obama says Bill Clinton has developed "a habit" of making "statements that are not supported by the facts." Click above to watch. Permalink
Chuck Norris on McCain: "I'm Just Afraid the Vice President Will Wind Up Taking Over"
Huckabee ally goes after McCain's age at Texas fundraiser. "Can he handle that kind of pressure in that job?" Permalink
McCain Insists He Has Republican Support
Brushes aside suggestion his South Carolina win was due largely to support from independents. Also jabs at Giuliani, telling CNN he was supporting tax cuts while Hizzoner was "supporting a Democrat for governor of the state of New York." Permalink
Obama Campaign: Clinton Team Blocked Some From Caucusing
Campaign attorney, Nevada state director say Clinton site workers erroneously tried to cut off participation at 11:30 a.m. rather than noon. Obama campaign says a Clinton handbook supports its claim-- click here for more. Call for "complete review," but do not claim the issue affected caucus results. Update: Clinton team denies the charges as "false and frankly pretty desperate" while spokesman Wolfson lobs his own accusation of "intimidation and strong-arm tactics" by Obama representatives. Permalink
Connecticut Poll Results
From the Hartford Courant: GOP: McCain 39, Giuliani 16, Romney 11 Dems: Clinton 41, Obama 27, Edwards 9 Error margin: 5 points Poll conducted: Jan 9-17 Permalink
Wearing Their Sunday Best
Obama and Clinton target South Carolina and Super Tuesday African-American voters from separate churches. He: Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Read about it, see photos and read his remarks. She: Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem (above). Clinton talks about public service, faith, and Martin Luther King, Jr., in low-key and heartfelt (if not rousing) remarks. Update: Following service, the Rev. Calvin Butts endorses Clinton for president. Says he respects Obama, and his choice is not "race-based." The scene outside Clinton's Harlem event: Permalink
Another Red State Clinton Friend for Obama
And a woman to boot -- former Missouri Senator Jean Carnahan endorses the Illinois senator. And/but: Clinton gets superdelegate/Rep. Ed Pastor of Arizona. Permalink
ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS
Edwards said he's still going strong despite his defeat in Nevada, and Giuliani continued to talk up his standing in Florida. For a complete summary of Sunday's news programs, click here. Permalink
Disruptive Woman Arrested at Giuliani Rally
Insisted on speaking to the candidate, claiming a car in his entourage nearly struck hers. Later released. Permalink
On to Florida
Miami Herald: “The heavily Republican Cuban-American community, whose leaders are split among the candidates, looms as one of the biggest prizes." Politico: "Seven-figure TV buy starts on Monday,' adviser Steve Schmidt said in an e-mail." LA Times: "Florida becomes showdown state for GOP: It's a microcosm of the party: part northern, part Southern and part evangelical." More here and here. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
ABC: Show led with Clinton camp's response to Obama's critique of Bill Clinton. Then looked at Clinton and Obama's appeal to African-American voters, and their focus on heavily African-American South Carolina-- where Michelle Obama and Chelsea Clinton attended the same church Sunday. Second package looked at wide-open GOP race in Florida. NBC: Broadcast also led with Clinton and Obama's appeals to black voters, including Clinton's endorsement by the Rev. Butts. Analysts said Florida will pose a whole new challenge to Republicans due to its size and diversity. Bill Clinton sat down with Tom Brokaw, praised Obama as "profoundly eloquent" and said he understands if some support him because of his race. Watch interview here. CBS: Preempted by Chargers-Patriots. Permalink
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