Archive - February 1, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

The Clintons Do Not Want to Be Beaten by the Kennedys

Though Edward and Caroline side with Obama, two new Clinton ads trumpet the support of another Kennedy-- Robert Jr. Positive spots likens Clinton's support for the voiceless to his father's. One ad also includes Cesar Chavez's grandson. Click above to watch, and see second ad here. For scripts and more, click here. Running in California, Massachusetts, New York, Arizona. Permalink

The Ultimate Super Bowl Counter-Programming

Oprah Winfrey returns to the stump Sunday for a final pre-primary push for Obama in California. To be her first appearance for Obama since their three-state blitz two months ago. Obama: "She’s open to helping out in any ways that she can.” Will be joined by Caroline Kennedy. Plus: Grateful Dead will play a get out the vote concert for Obama in San Diego Monday. Permalink

Romney Concedes Most of Northeast to McCain

Banking on winning Massachusetts, splitting California and taking caucus states to survive Feb. 5. Passed up three opportunities at Friday press conference to pledge he'll continue past Super Tuesday. Permalink

LA Times Endorses Obama, McCain

Editorial board makes their choices: "Strongly endorses" Obama: Says he is "an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics." On McCain: "...the Arizona senator's conservatism is, if not always to our liking, at least genuine." Permalink

Obama Continues Assault on McCain

Says Arizona senator "fell in line" with Republicans after once agreeing with him on the Bush tax cuts."There was a time when Senator McCain courageously defied the fiscal madness of massive tax cuts for the wealthy...." Strafed his senate colleague at Thursday's debate, as well. Permalink

B. Clinton Faults Senator Kennedy Over No Child Left Behind

Points out the superstar Obama supporter worked with Bush on the law, and "neither one of them meant to mess it up." Follows a similar jab Thursday, when he named Kennedy and called the law "a train wreck." Permalink

New National Numbers

From Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll: GOP: McCain 48, Romney 20, Huckabee 19, Paul 5. Error margin: 6 points. Dems: Clinton 47, Obama 37. Error margin: 5 points. Dates conducted: Jan. 30-31. Read more here. Plus: Gallup's daily national tracking poll has: Clinton 44, Obama 41; McCain 39, Romney 24, Huckabee 17. Read more here. Permalink

McCain Declared Winner of Louisiana Caucuses

After more than a week, the January 22 contest is called for the Arizonan. Permalink

McCain Goes for "True Conservative" Mantle

In Super Tuesday TV ad already airing on national cable and select spot markets in 2/5 states, McCain cites Reagan,the surge, conservative record, and e-x-p-e-r-i-e-n-c-e. Watch it above. Read script here. Anticipates most every Romney/talk radio attack. Permalink

Clinton Camp Rails Obama Healthcare Mailer

In media conference call, campaign advisers called the flier "misleading" and "outrageous," likening it to GOP and "Harry and Louise"-style industry attacks. Traced by the Clinton campaign to Alaska, North Dakota. One speaker said it was as "disgusting" as a neo-Nazi march, though a Clinton spokesman disavowed the comment. Response from Obama camaign: "Presumably under Clinton’s plan those who do not buy health insurance will be penalized in some way...." Read full statement. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC: Led with business stories, then Super Tuesday. Stephanopoulos mentioned MoveOn, LA Times backing Obama, Sunday rally with Oprah and C. Kennedy. Clinton has new ad with RFK Jr. and Cesar Chavez Jr. Noted "hint of resignation" in Romney's voice. Report looked at Obama-Clinton "dream ticket." Cokie Roberts talked with women about a potential female president. CBS: After stories on business and Iraq, report looked at conservative ire against McCain, citing Rick Santorum, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Hugh Hewitt. Mentioned Obama/Oprah/C. Kennedy rally. Campaign Notebook looked at Obama's continued criticism of Clinton's Iraq vote, possibility of them sharing a ticket-- nameless Clinton aide said not to rule it out. NBC: Led with recap of Thursday's debate, focused on candidates' attempts to sell their electability. On the GOP race, reported on McCain's emergence as the front-runner and his struggle to win over the far right. Permalink

Democrat-on-Democrat Action

--Obama, at a press conference in Los Angeles questions Clinton's electability, revisits Iraq war vote, calling her explanation “inaccurate.” --Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, Obama supporter, holds a conference call on behalf of the campaign to clarify the Levin amendment regarding the Iraq war, argues Clinton's statement at the debate was incorrect. --Obama campaign returns to sharp rhetoric in daily supporter talking points after kumbaya debate. Read more here. Also puts out memo on policy differences discussed at debate. Read it here. Permalink

Republican-on-Republican Action

--Huckabee, on the trail in Oklahoma, characterizes Romney as dishonest and inconsistent, calling his actions "absurd." --Huckabee on MSNBC takes more digs at Romney, says he "always trying to be something" and this time it's a conservative. Chides him for suggesting Huckabee should drop out. Permalink

Obama Snags California SEIU, MoveOn.org

600,000-member union formerly backing Edwards endorses the Land of Lincolner, along with the 3.2 million-member liberal anti-war online group. Plus: Alma Rangel, wife of high-profile Clinton supporter Charlie Rangel, endorses Obama. Permalink

So We Know Who is NOT Endorsing Before Feb. 5

Dodd holds media availability Friday to say he won't endorse before Connecticut primary. Richardson advisers tell The Atlantic he won't endorse either before Super Tuesday. (But he'll watch the Super Bowl with Bill Clinton in New Mexico Sunday). Extra: Watch TIME's Tumulty on "The Daily Show" talking about her exclusive interview with Ted and Caroline Kennedy after the Obama endorsement. Permalink