Archive - January 30, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Boring Benefits the Frontrunner

McCain laughs, smirks, virtually reclines in victory lap while Romney and two other guys flail to no end. (We couldn't write it if it weren't true.) Mark Halperin's grades: McCain: B Paul: C+ Romney: D+ Huckabee: D Read Halperin's full candidate report cards here. McCain/Schwarzenegger adviser Steve Schmidt does the thing he does in the spin room following the dust-free dust-up: Permalink

Ominous Signs for GOP in Florida

Economic fears, poll results, heavy primary turnout among Democrats suggest a tougher road ahead for Republicans. Permalink

The New Race: Four Candidates, 24 States and One Hectic Week

New York Times breaks down the nomination battles. "Rarely has either party witnessed a contest between two such formidable and evenly matched candidates." Permalink

This Week's Cover

David Von Drehle's cover story assesses the crucial part played by the youth vote and how Obama is both catalyst and beneficiary. Permalink

Clinton Campaign Confounded, Vexed by Obama's Tough Denver Speech

Clinton spokesman Jay Carson (above) sends around text of Clinton's Atlanta speech (read here) topped with this: "Please contrast these with the angry screed from Senator Obama today, which was certainly audacious, but not very hopeful." Reaction to Obama's toughest remarks to date, in which he tells 18,000 in Denver the race is a contest of "the past versus the future," saying rival is too polarizing to win the presidency, has taken up GOP positions. Read full speech here. Permalink

A Show of Support

Giuliani announces his withdrawal from the race and support for McCain at the Reagan Library in California. "He is an American hero, and America could use heroes in the White House." Watch clip above. Made first announcement of his decision aboard his campaign plane to California; denied any "deal" or quid pro quo in return for his support. Of his failed Florida campaign he said, "Obviously the strategy didn’t work." HALPERIN'S TAKE: 10 things Giuliani could have done differently. Permalink

Edwards Secures Vows on Poverty from Obama and Clinton

Withdrawing candidate asks for and receives specific commitments from both rivals to make an anti-poverty agenda part of their campaigns. “This is the cause of my life, and I know I have their commitment to engage in this cause,” he tells supporters in the Ninth Ward. Watch it above. Read full speech here. Plus: Edwards adviser Trippi tells Talking Points Memo that Obama and Clinton are "banging down the doors" for his endorsement: --Clinton tells MSNBC that she spoke to Edwards before his announcement, touted making poverty agenda part of her campaign. Watch video here. --Obama praises Edwards in Colorado speech, talks up former rival's poverty agenda as well. Read more from Obama here. Without media, Edwards stopped at New Orleans tent city to visit with homeless on his way to the speech. Thursday Los Angeles debate now Clinton-Obama one-on-one. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Political news led all three broadcasts. ABC: Led with Edwards' withdrawal, praise from other Democrats. Elizabeth Edwards said she's unsurprised Obama and Clinton are seeking his support. Then to McCain's win in Florida, Giuliani's withdrawal and endorsement. Quoted Rush Limbaugh's objections, but said Schwarzenegger nod could come as soon as Thursday. Stephanopoulos said Obama's "taunting" Denver speech was toughest yet on Clintons. CBS: Led with McCain's Florida win and his new momentum. Noted that Limbaugh et al are skeptical on global warming, taxes, immigration and that Romney has been hurt by Huckabee. Edwards report said "timing seems odd" for his departure, said staffers learned only Wednesday. As for endorsement, Edwards said to believe Obama too inexperienced and Clinton too indecisive. Jeff Greenfield said his supporters could scatter to both rivals. NBC: Led the broadcast on the day's dropouts, starting on package with Edwards. Concluded his supporters could go to either remaining candidate. Next, covered Giuliani's McCain endorsement, digging into the "reversal of fortunes" that occurred. Looked at what the top four candidates left are banking on for Super Tuesday. Russert weighed in, saying Super Tuesday could wrap it up for a GOP, thinks earliest the Dems will be decided is March. Permalink

Clinton on Husband: "This is My Campaign"

Former first lady doesn't deny asking B. Clinton to tone it down: "I want to keep it focused on what I offer to the country." He continues to stay under the radar on the stump, sticks to touting wife's record on the issues-- even in Obama's home state. Permalink

New National Numbers

From Gallup Poll: Dems: Clinton 42, Obama 36, Edwards 12 GOP: McCain 32, Romney 21, Huckabee 18, Giuliani 11 Dates taken: Jan. 27-29 (before both Giuliani, Edwards left the race). Error margin: 3 points. Read more here. Permalink

Edwards' Adviser Mudcat: Do Not Endorse Clinton

Says on MSNBC: "...being a rural American who's been completely devastated by the trade policies of the Clintons, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that he does not endorse Hillary Clinton." Watch it above. Permalink

Clinton Serenaded by "the Black Elvis" in Arkansas

At the Kitchen Express diner in Little Rock she was greeted by local icon "Belvis," who belted out a few lines of “One for the Money.” Permalink

Ted Kennedy to Hit the Trail for Obama Thursday, Friday

New number one surrogate will host "community gatherings" in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, NM Thursday and Los Angeles, Oakland, CA Friday. Details here. Plus: Caroline Kennedy on the stump with Obama Wednesday, introduces him at Colorado event. Read her remarks here. Permalink

Rush Limbaugh: "The Base Has Fractured"

Radio powerhouse delivers what he calls a “non-concession speech” in response to McCain’s Florida win, saying: “All the candidates on our side, for various reasons, are uninspiring or worse and so just as I predicted the base has fractured. Some going here. Some going there." Watch video here. Permalink

NY Post Backs Obama in Scathing Anti-Clinton Endorsment Op-ed

Hometown paper calls Obama "an untried candidate, to be sure, but preferable to the junior senator from New York." Plus: Clinton nabs colleague Washington Sen. Patty Murray, while Obama reels in former NJ governor Dick Codey (who used to be for Edwards). Permalink