Archive - March 3, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Clinton Steps Into Indecision 2008

When Jon Stewart questions the candidate's judgment for appearing on "The Daily Show" before the biggest day of her political career, Clinton admits, "It is pretty pathetic." Watch clip above. She also uses airtime to remind viewers that her husband "didn't wrap up the nomination until June." Permalink

CLINTON WINS RHODE ISLAND

The New York Senator gets a New England boost. With 88% of precincts reporting: Clinton 58, Obama 48. Permalink

Recount Laws

Ohio: Margin of victory does not matter; loser by any margin can petition for a recount within five days of an election decision. Read full law here. Texas: Recount allowed only if the difference in votes is less than 10 percent of winner’s total votes . Deadline 5 pm local time Sunday. Read full law here. Permalink

Decision Time

Whatever the voters decide Tuesday. . . . some people will call for a certain New Yorker to leave the race. HALPERIN'S TAKE: Why Hillary Clinton is determined to fight on. Permalink

“The View” From the Campaign Trail

Mark Halperin and the ladies of “The View” talk about the latest Obama-Clinton developments.. . . ...while Clinton and McCain send their greetings to the ladies below. Watch Clinton’s message above, from the road in San Antonio, TX. Read her comments here. Watch McCain’s message above, from the road in Round Rock, TX. Read his comments here. Permalink

Obama Swiped on NAFTA in Clinton Radio Ad Up in Ohio

Negative spot details allegations about Obama economic adviser's overtures to Canada. "As Senator Obama was telling one story to Ohio, his campaign was telling a very different story to Canada." Read script here. Obama's campaign responds, calling the ad contains "flat-out lies" about a "discredited" report. "What is true is the fact that Senator Clinton said that NAFTA was a victory for her husband...." Read full response and campaign fact sheet. Permalink

Pro-Clinton 527 Ad Airs in Texas

Spot from independent American Leadership Project touts Clinton's universal health care plan. Click above to watch. Again makes indirect dig at Obama, noting that "speeches" don't "solve problems." Permalink

OBAMA WINS VERMONT

The Illinois Senator gets a boost from the Green Mountain State. 15 delegates at stake. Permalink

Obama Gets Heated Over NAFTA Questions at San Antonio Presser

Defends his economic adviser Goolsbee at press avail, saying conversation was taken out of context and is confident he simply parroted Obama’s NAFTA position. Click above to watch. When asked about it a second time, he says: “Nobody reached to the Canadians to try and assure them of anything. They reached out to Mr. Goolsbee” who thought he has having “a casual conversation.” Also takes a jab at his rival: “This notion that Senator Clinton is peddling that somehow there was contradictions and winks and nods has been disputed by all parties involved. What’s not disputed is that Sen. Clinton and her husband championed NAFTA.” Read transcript of presser here, and more from TIME's Jay Newton-Small here. Permalink

Winning Isn't Everything. . .

It’s the only thing. And she might win Tuesday. But just in case: HALPERIN’S TAKE: The 10 people Hillary Clinton will listen to to make her decision (IF she has a decision to make). and HALPERIN’S TAKE: The 13 people whose potential public calls for Hillary Clinton to get out of the race would have an impact on the media and other Democrats (if not necessarily on Clinton herself). Permalink

"This Has Been an Interesting Run"

Michelle Obama marvels at the presidential race-- and her husband's campaign-- at a Texas rally Monday. Click above to watch a clip of her stump speech. Plus: Set aside some time for a long New Yorker profile of the potential first-lady-to-be. Permalink

Canadians Put Out Artful NAFTA Statement

Distributed by Obama campaign, account of discussion with top Obama economic adviser does not quite answer the pending questions. But it is an interesting read-- click here. Plus: Change to Win union, which backs Obama, puts out statement denouncing Clinton and Canada as well-- read it here. Earlier, the Obama campaign accuses Clinton of lying on NAFTA charge. Statement refers to her "blatant distortion"-- read it here. For more on their continuing feud over NAFTA, click here. Permalink

Obama, Clinton Fight Again on National Security

Sen. Kerry, Rep. Chet Edwards defend Obama's national security credentials on media call. Kerry: "I think this ad does a disservice in terms of both the record as well as the truth." Listen to audio here. Also calls ad a type of "Karl Rove politics" that Texas Democrats aren't going to buy. Clinton releases negative Texas TV spot questioning Obama's preparedness to be president, cites him not holding any hearings on Afghanistan as subcommittee head. Watch it here, and read script here. Plus: Obama apparently running negative radio ad with General McPeak testifying on Obama's behalf, attacks Clinton for her war vote, not reading the NIE. Also, up with positive radio spot on economy. Listen to both ads here. More: Also, another new Clinton TV ad airing in Ohio on the economy. Watch it here. Read script here. And pro-Clinton 527 group "American Leadership Project" plans to make $500,000 ad buy in Texas on Monday. Permalink

Jury Selection Continues in Rezko Trial

Attorneys back in the courtroom at 9:45 am ET as they hope to select 12-member jury and six alternates by midweek. Judge expects opening statements to begin Thursday morning. Chicago Tribune: Rezko sported "the air -- and the wardrobe -- of the confident and successful power broker he had once been" during first day of jury selection Monday. Plus: An Obama campaign staffer was sighted in courtroom taking detailed notes. Get latest Rezko news here. Permalink

Obama Makes Two-Minute Appeal on Texas TV

Straight-to-camera ad highlights his biography, opposition to the Iraq War and his pitch for national unity. Click above to watch, and read script here. Extended spot ran across Texas Sunday night, will air again Monday night. Permalink