Archive - February 28, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Joint Chiefs Chair Denounces Democrats' Iraq Plans

Asked about Clinton and Obama's plans for Iraq, Admiral Mike Mullen says rapidly pulling out would lead to "a chaotic situation" and "turn around the gains we have achieved." Obama and Clinton support timetables for drawing down troops. Permalink

Black Superdelegates Pledge to Stand Up to Threats, "Uncle Tom" Smears

Feeling renewed pressure since Lewis' switch to Obama, some of Clinton's black supporters -- who have said they are being "targeted, harassed and threatened" to flip by voters, groups -- are pushing back. California Rep. Diane E. Watson: "I can hold the ground. … I would lose my seat over my principles.” Permalink

Obama: "Remember New Hampshire"

Sly Alamo reference from Texas-hopping Land of Lincolner, who warns, "Sen. Clinton is working tirelessly, as is Bill Clinton, in Ohio and Texas.... This race is extraordinarily tight." Plus: Read the rough transcript of Obama's plane press availability here. Permalink

Huckabee Takes on Obama

Goes after Democratic frontrunner in Texarkana on the cost of his proposals, saying: "If we were doing the Master Card commercial we'd simply say we know what some of the costs are. Some of the items on his agenda? Priceless." Plus: After the rally, spoke to the press about his displeasure over McCain's apparent refusal to debate. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Politics was second on each broadcast, after reports on the troubled economy. ABC: After economic report, a look at Clinton ad and Obama’s “immediate” response. Likened the Clinton ad to Johnson’s “Daisy” and Mondale’s “red phone” ads. Stephanopoulos agreed the ads are “tough stuff,” said both sides have now offered closing arguments for Tuesday. Mention that Obama campaign manager Plouffe sounded unusually confident in Friday conference call. Stephanopoulos said the “grey area” for Clinton's viability will be if she wins popular vote but loses among delegates Tuesday in Texas. CBS: After economy, brief mention of Clinton and Obama ads. Package on controversy over Hagee’s McCain endorsement, mention that GOP may now have trouble attacking Obama for endorsement by Farrakhan or other controversial figures. Final “For the Record” report offered extensive look at Clinton’s career from Yale Law School to the U.S. Capitol. NBC: With Lester Holt sitting in for Williams, program offered most positive package on Clinton in weeks after story on economic woes. Andrea Mitchell chronicled Clinton ad, Obama response. Looked at history of "controversial national security ads," noted Clinton "narrowing the money gap," being surrounded by former generals at Friday event saying she was qualified to be commander-in-chief. Tom Brokaw talked with "fired up" voters in Texas. Permalink

Obama Buys Two Minutes of TX, OH Air Time

On eve of the March 4 primaries, ads will air on local evening news at 5 pm, 6 pm and 10 pm or 11 pm on most stations in every market. Permalink

Farrakhan Not Dissuaded by Obama Denunciation

Despite being rejected in front of 7.8 million cable viewers, the Nation of Islam leader urges his followers to stick with the Illinois Senator. Sends statement to the press dismissing any attention drawn to his support as“mischief making intended to hurt Mr. Obama politically.” Permalink

Record Donations For Clinton Camp

Campaign reports $35 million raised this month, and 200,000 new donors. Clinton discusses her biggest-ever haul Thursday-- click above to watch. Campaign boss Maggie Williams full of confidence on conference call: "We believe we can win this thing." Click here to listen. But: Obama camp says they've raised "considerably more," and Atlantic reports they're expected to announce a take of more than $50 million this month. Permalink

Gov. Strickland Makes Case for Clinton in Ohio TV, Radio Ads

State's governor calls Clinton "a fighter," says she can create jobs for Ohio. Watch it above. Read script here. Also talks about her values, faith in radio spot. Listen to it here. Read script here. Plus: Another radio spot pushes her job agenda for the Buckeye State. Listen to it here. Read script here. Permalink

New National Numbers

From Pew Research Center poll: Dems: Obama 49, Clinton 40 Dates conducted: Jan 20-24. Error margin: 5.5 points. Read more here. (pdf) Plus: When asked who's most likely to win nomination, 70% of Democrats say Obama, 17% say Clinton. Permalink

Catholic League Head Criticizes McCain

Bill Donohue slams the Arizonan for accepting endorsement from Texas evangelist John Hagee. Hagee has been strongly critical of the Catholic church. Permalink

New Florida General Election Numbers

From Mason-Dixon poll: McCain leads Obama 47-37. McCain leads Clinton 49-40. Read more here. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC: Broadcast led with Clinton’s “startling” February fundraising total, part of the most upbeat network news piece about her prospects in weeks. Also included Obama’s “remember New Hampshire” comment about not underestimating her chances. His fundraising take is said to be above $50 million. Charlie Gibson visited Obama's sprawling Chicago HQ, scoring a rare interview with dreamy campaign manager Plouffe as well as the also-handsome strategist Axelrod. CBS: After report on the economy, story looked at Obama attacking Bush and McCain on the economy without ever mentioning Clinton. Detailed both Democratic candidates’ February fundraising, and said early Texas voters are largely black, well-educated and upper-income-- groups that generally favor Obama. Extensive “For the Record” report looked at Obama’s record in Springfield and Washington, as well as Muslim rumors, his ties to Tony Rezko and his membership at a Chicago church whose leadership some people have criticized. NBC: Led with Bush’s denial of an economic recession, Obama taking on the president, McCain on economic agenda. Mentioned Bloomberg ending speculation, but leaving it open about endorsement, and McCain deflecting concern over his eligibility due to Panama Canal zone birth. Week-long issues series looked at the candidates’ stances on Iraq War. Ended with package on devotion of campaign workers, volunteers. Permalink

Not Many Shopping Days Left

Texas and Ohio voters choosing up sides. HALPERIN’S TAKE: The good news for Obama and the good news for Clinton. Good news for Obama: a lot of joy at his events. Check out the fun dancing video above from Wednesday town meeting in Texas. Click above to watch. Permalink

Obama Slams Bush, McCain on Economy

In Austin, Texas rejects Bush's claim that the country isn't headed for recession, slammed both the president and McCain's economic policies. Blamed a "failure of leadership" in Washington, implying McCain was part of that failed leadership. Plus: Also blasts the pair on foreign policy in statement. Read it here. Permalink