The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from February 13th, 2008
The Closer
NY Times Obama halo extends to the spouse in Thursday glowing profile. "Outspoken, strong-willed, funny, gutsy and sometimes sarcastic. . . ." Permalink
Clinton Spin Hurdle: Superdelegates
LA Times ed board latest to side with Obama on how supers should decide. Permalink
The Front-Runners Spar
Obama goes after McCain on his economic expertise in Wisconsin. "He said, 'I don’t understand economics very well,' and after what he said it shows...." ...While McCain says Obama needs to beef up the substance of his policies. "There's going to come a time when we're going to have to get into specifics." Sounds exact same anti-Obama themes as Clinton. Permalink
Obama: "I Want to Take it Down a Notch"
Prefaces a Wisconsin economic speech by saying it will be "a little more detailed, a little longer, with not as many applause lines." Permalink
Huckabee on Cayman Trip: "I Have to Make a Living"
Defends weekend Cayman Islands trip to deliver paid speech, noting his rivals still earn incomes. "I have to pay for their Senate salaries even if they're not on duty." Will address the Young Caymanian Leadership Awards banquet. Permalink
Clinton, Obama Keep up Sparring on Florida, Michigan Delegations
Obama camp accuses Clinton camp of trying to "rewrite rules" at the "11th hour." Permalink
McCain Manager Welcomes Age Debate
Rick Davis, speaking at a luncheon with Washington reporters, tells Obama to bring it on: "It’s nice of him to constantly point out how nice he thinks of John McCain and his half-century of service to our country...I don't think he can get that ["half-century" line] out enough." Permalink
New Obama Ad in Wisconsin
TV spot puts focus on economy, encourages Wisconsinites to vote Tuesday. Watch it above. Permalink
Democrat-on-Democrat Action
--Clinton camp sends out three memos accusing Obama of plagiarism in his Wisconsin speech on economic policy. Read the first memo here, the second memo here and the third memo here. --Obama camp responds: "If the Clinton campaign ever bothered to check their facts before attacking, they'd know that Barack Obama's comprehensive energy plan...was introduced a month before Senator Clinton's." Full statement here. --Obama snags endorsement of David Wilhelm, former DNC chair and campaign manager for Bill Clinton during his 1992 campaign. Permalink
Carville: "If She Loses Either Texas or Ohio, This Thing is Done"
B. Clinton's former political strategist and H. Clinton booster says it's do or die for the New York Senator after her Potomac Primary losses. "She’s behind. Make no mistake." Plus: Clinton advisers acknowledge they may not win in Wisconsin. Permalink
Limbaugh Talks to TIME
Read Jay Carney's Q&A with him here. Plus: Limbaugh mentions his interview with Carney on his program Wednesday, jokes he's turning into McCain by playing nice with the media. Listen to it here. Permalink
Clinton Shrugs Off Potomac Losses
"That's what I always thought would happen," she says of Obama's delegate lead. "Some weeks one of us is up, and the other's down, and then we reverse it." Notes her husband also lost Maryland's primary. Plus: New stump speech in Texas sharpens attacks on Obama, focuses on her experience. “There is a big difference...I am in the solutions business, my opponent is in the promises business.” Chief strategist Penn sends out memo outlining Clinton's path to victory. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
ABC: Politics came after reports on baseball hearings and economic stimulus package. Wrapped up Tuesday's contests, said momentum-driven Obama is on a "substance offensive" in Wisconsin, noting his "more detailed" speech at General Motors. Mentioned Wilhelm endorsement. Package looked at Clinton's "sharper message," including Wisconsin ad about debates, jab that Obama is simply in the "promises business." Republicans hardly mentioned. Next, yet another explanation of superdelegates. CBS: Wrap-up of Tuesday after baseball report. Report said Obama is lumping McCain and Clinton together over Iraq War. Noted Clinton is "much more energized," mentioned Wisconsin ad and her line deriding Obama and the "promises business." GOP report mentioned McCain nods from House leaders. Katie Couric interviewed Michelle Obama for Thursday's "Evening News"; in brief clip, said her husband does offer substance and "isn't all flash and fire and brimstone." NBC: Spent first chunk on congressional hearing with baseball's Clemens and his former trainer, then looked at Obama's sweep, new general election tone against McCain. Noted Clinton camp's downplay of Tuesday's losses, questioned if she could catch up. Highlighted how McCain stole Obama's "fired up" line, showed clip of McCain saying it would "be much easier" if Huckabee withdrew. Permalink
Texas Religious Leader Criticizes Clinton's Invite to Local Catholic College
Archbishop of San Antonio is criticizing St. Mary’s University for letting her speak there Wednesday night, citing her and other candidates' positions on abortion, other issues incompatible with church teachings. Permalink
Clinton Escalates Badger State Debate-About-Debates
New Wisconsin TV ad says "maybe he'd prefer to give speeches then have to answer questions" while touting her health care, economic plans. Watch it above. Read script here. Meanwhile: Clinton agrees to participate in MSNBC's Cleveland debate Feb. 26 despite spat over Shuster remarks. Permalink
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