The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from February 14th, 2008
The King of Primetime
McCain talks to Larry King Thursday night about Romney's endorsement, radio talk show host criticism and his "100 years in Iraq statement. Watch clip above. Permalink
Clinton Wins New Mexico
Almost a week and a half after Super Tuesday, the state Democratic Party announces their caucus winner. Final statewide count gave her 48.8% of the vote, compared to his 47.6%. Delegate count: 26 at stake for Democratic race. Clinton: "New Mexicans want real solutions to our nation’s challenges." Full statement here. Permalink
Clinton Campaign Re-Plays the Rezko Card
Clinton spokesman Wolfson, asked about her unwillingness to release her tax returns by National Journal’s Linda Douglass, turns topic to indicted Obama fundraiser: “How many business meetings did Senator Obama attend that Mr. Rezko was at? What was he doing at those business meetings? What favors did Senator Obama perform for Mr. Rezko?” Read the full exchange here. Read more about Obama-Clinton's nuclear Thursday here. Permalink
Axelrod, Wolfson Spar on NewsHour
Top aides to Obama and Clinton started off all lovey-dovey, praising the other’s candidate (and each other), but quickly turned to a debate about character and the issues. Politely (but pointedly) slammed each other's candidate on who can better bring about change, experience, their economic plans, and debate-about-debates. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
ABC: After report on Illinois school shooting, news of Clinton trying to "regain momentum," Obama dismissing demand for a Wisconsin debate. Mention of NY Times story on John Lewis, also late word of Bill Clinton comment about Obama not being "part of any of the good things" of the 90s. CBS: After several other stories, political segment led with confusion, and fear, over possible Lewis defection to Obama. More of Couric's interview with Michelle Obama, discussing the Obamas's first date and the impact of the race on their young daughters. NBC: Led with campus shooting, then turned to politics. Said McCain's backing by Bush 41 is "a Good Housekeeping seal of approval" with the party, covered McCain-Obama's campaign financing spat. Investigative piece looked into Obama's nuclear leak legislation, noting the language was weakened and the bill never passed. Noted the energy company is one of the Senator's biggest contributors. Watch it here. Permalink
Romney Endorses McCain
"Even when the contest was close and our disagreements were debated, the caliber of the man was apparent." Calls McCain "a true American hero." Read full remarks here. Watch clip above. Associated Press: "Romney collected 280 delegates during his run through the early primaries and caucuses, more than enough to put McCain over the total of 1,191 needed to clinch the nomination." Huckabee responds on CNN: "Most people are saying it looks like McCain is the inevitable nominee, but I'm not most people." Permalink
New Clinton Ad in Texas
Positive spot pledges to stand up for America's military and veterans. Click above to watch, and read script here. "She'll never stop fighting for those who fight for us." Permalink
Democrat-on-Democrat Action
--Clinton sharpens her attack on Obama in Ohio, saying "words are cheap" and suggesting his speeches "don't put food on the table." --Obama camp goes after Clinton's stepped-up attacks: "Clinton may have said that attacks and distortions are the ‘fun’ and ‘exciting’ part of the campaign, but they’re exactly what everyone else in America is tired of.” Read statement here. Clinton camp responds here. --Obama camp releases memo from supporting union leaders questioning Clinton's record on trade agreements, saying it will bring her trouble in Ohio. Read it here. --Clinton camp responds saying "the Obama campaign repeats a charge that's been widely criticized as bogus." Full response here. Permalink
McCain: "I Will Take My Campaign Everywhere in the United States"
Promises a spirited election battle Thursday in front of supporters in Burlington, Vermont. Click above to watch. Permalink
House Holds Bush Aides in Contempt
GOP leaders walk during the House vote targeting White House chief of staff Josh Bolten, former counsel Harriet Miers for not complying with U.S. Attorney firing subpoenas. Permalink
Former R.I. Republican Sen. Chafee Endorsing Obama
Lincoln Chafee says Obama would best restore American's credibility. Speaking on media call, says it was Obama's stance on the Iraq war that influenced his choice. Listen to audio here. Left the GOP last year and became an independent. And: N.J. superdelegate pledged to Clinton switching to Obama. Permalink
Quinnipiac Polls in Ohio and Pennsylvania
Ohio: Clinton 55, Obama 34 Pennsylvania: Clinton 52, Obama 36 Dates conducted: Feb. 6-12. Error margin: 4.1 points. See general election match-up results and more here. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
ABC: Broadcast’s third story looked at “strange bedfellows” Romney-McCain endorsement, suggested it seemed “grudging or strained.” Video of McCain criticizing Democrats on earmarks. Next package cited Maggie Williams’ influence in Clinton’s “bareknuckles attack” against Obama Thursday, mentioned Obama's debate response ad. Reported a Clinton staffer reassured black lawmakers in Washington Thursday, mentioned internal strife between Penn and Grunwald. Brief mention of Clinton’s New Mexico win. CBS: After two stories, news of the Romney endorsement and Clinton’s New Mexico win. In interview with Couric, Michelle Obama minimized value of Washington experience, said her husband offers other valuable work experience as an organizer, professor, etc. Acknowledged his “healthy ego,” but said he’s been humbled on the trail. More of the interview Friday. NBC: Led with school shooting in Illinois, then turned to Romney’s McCain endorsement, chronicling how the formerly fierce fight turned into “a partnership.” Covered McCain’s jabs at Obama on earmarks, experience. Then, moved to Clinton’s New Mexico win (noting Obama still holds delegate lead) and her stepped up attacks. Called her campaign “struggling” with “tempers flaring” between top advisers. Permalink
Obama Hits the Pages of People
Illinois Senator does a Q&A with the mag in the issue available on newsstands Friday. Permalink
McCain Dances With His Own Party
--Warming to McCain, Mary Matalin says on "Morning Joe" that she thinks the conservative personalities are helping him, says he already has a narrative, suggests he focus on elaborating on conservative policies. Watch video here. Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
The Political Schedule
The Page on the Go
Read THE PAGE on your Mobile Device
Bookmark thepage.time.com on your mobile device for an easy to read version of Mark Halperin's The Page.
