Archive - February 20, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

The Freak Show Cometh

Obama says he won’t get Swiftboated; Clinton says: yes. . . he. . . will. Permalink

Change to Win Considers Supporting Obama

Leaders of the six-million member labor coalition will discuss endorsing Obama in a Thursday morning conference call. Permalink

Jesse Jackson: Obama-Clinton Fallout Could "Irreparably" Harm Party

Says three rifts in Democratic race -- including black-Hispanic tensions, the role of superdelegates and the sour relationship between the pair -- could allow GOP to win in November if not addressed. Permalink

Ahead of Texas Debate, Another Texas-Sized Crowd

Obama packs 17,000 sellout into Dallas' Reunion Arena. Plays off rival's morning speech in New York: "Today, Sen. Clinton told us there is a choice in this race, and I couldn't agree with her more." The Dallas Morning News conveys how Obama and Clinton "are playing to big crowds with big speeches that snippets on television can't quite convey" Plus: Even when blowing his nose, Obama gets applause. Permalink

B. Clinton: Ohio, Texas Do-or-Die States

Says in Beaumont, Texas on the stump: "If she wins Texas and Ohio I think she will be the nominee; if you don't deliver for her, then I don't think she can be. It's all on you.” Earlier: Uses softer language as he campaigned for his wife in Galveston. HALPERIN’S TAKE: Who Hillary Clinton needs to stand by her now. Permalink

Lewis' Silence on Endorsement Prompts Congressional Challenger

Atlanta minister says he will run for John Lewis' house seat due to his "flip-flopping" in the presidential race. Permalink

Teamsters Endorse Obama

The 1.4 million-member iconic union officially back the Illinois Senator. Read more here. Group holds Wednesday evening impromptu media availability in Austin, Texas. Also picks up the endorsement of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Permalink

Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett Endorses Obama

Superdelegate is his fourth get of the day. Also picked up support from Wisconsin Rep. Kind and New Jersey leaders state Sen. Dana Redd (who had been a Clinton supporter) and party official Donald Norcross. Permalink

Pro-Clinton 527 Group Launches Ohio Ad

Spot from American Leadership Project praises Clinton's work for the middle class, notes that "speeches" don't create jobs. Click above to watch. Size of ad buy still unknown. Plus: Read the Obama camp memo comparing new group to Swift Boats Veterans for Truth here. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

The Democratic presidential race led all three programs. ABC: Led with B. Clinton stating the "harsh reality" that H. Clinton must win Texas and Ohio to have a shot at the nomination. Report said she is still campaigning hard with new ads, new offices, continuing to press the "plagiarism" charge and publicizing the Obama supporter unable to cite his accomplishments on MSNBC. Report on Obama mentioned him cutting into Clinton's air time Tuesday night and McCain "mocking" his oratory. Stephanopoulos said victory is now a "daunting prospect" for Clinton, and M. Obama probably defused her "proud" comment as long as she doesn't repeat the mistake. CBS: Lead report noted that Clinton must now win 57 percent of remaining delegates to overtake Obama in elected delegates. Mentioned large crowds in Texas for Obama and Teamsters endorsement, while Clinton tries to rally her "shrinking base." Video of B. Clinton's comment about Texas and Ohio. An unnamed Clinton aide said campaign is "grimly determined." GOP report noted McCain's "withering aim" at Obama, with comments from Charlie Black. Another mention of M. Obama's comment and Cindy McCain's response, as well as M. Obama's damage-control effort Wednesday. NBC: Led by officially crowning Obama "the frontrunner" after wins. Said his goal over next two weeks is to "look inevitable," while Clinton's is to excel in debates. Covered M. Obama's explanation of "proud" remarks, Clinton's NY speech, Obama crowd sizes. Turned to GOP, saying McCain is in general election mode, noted ... Permalink

McCain Versus Obama: Campaign Financing

McCain hits potential rival on campaign funding flap in Ohio parley with journos, calling Obama's hesitation to embrace public financing "Washington doublespeak." Read his comments here. Campaign releases research on Obama's campaign financing pledge. Response from Obama spokesman Burton: "John McCain is in no place to question anyone on pledges when he abandoned the latest campaign finance reform efforts...." For full statement and campaign research, click here. Plus: Obama writes in USA Today op-ed that he would "aggressively pursue" a public financing agreement with McCain if he’s the nominee, though admits one won’t be reached overnight. Permalink

M. Obama Elaborates on "Proud" Remark

"What I was clearly talking about is that I am proud in how Americans are engaging in the political process," she says in Providence. "For the first time in my lifetime I am seeing people rolling up their sleeves in way that I haven't seen...." Watch a clip of Wednesday's comments above. Read more here. Plus: Read reaction from the right about her initial remarks here. HALPERIN’S TAKE: Michelle Obama and the general election. Permalink

Obama Versus McCain: National Security

McCain calls Obama "naive" at Ohio press conference for supporting the bombing of Al Qaeda targets in Pakistan. Obama camp foreign policy adviser Susan Rice responds forcefully on Wednesday media conference call, accusing McCain of distorting Obama’s record. Listen to audio here. **Click here for video of McCain discussing campaign finance and national security at Wednesday's press conference.** Plus: Clinton camp says their not-qualified-to-be-commander-in-chief criticisms of Obama are appropriate, despite questions that they might be providing general election fodder for the GOP. Permalink

McCain: Not Looking for Breakthrough Veep

Said in Dayton, Ohio that facing either the first African American or first female presidential candidate wouldn't play a factor in his selection of a running mate. Permalink

"This Campaign Goes On!"

In defiant and emotional (but low-key) Manhattan speech, Clinton presents herself as the only choice for president. Watch video here. "That is all we’re asking. We’re asking to compare our records. We’re asking to compare our years of service. " Read speech excerpts here. Also cites MSNBC interview touted by her campaign with Obama Texas supporter who struggled to name a legislative accomplishment of his candidate. Obama camp responds here. HALPERIN’S TAKE: Who Hillary Clinton needs to stand by her now. Permalink