Archive - March 4, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

McCain Crowned Republican Nominee; Huckabee Bows Out

McCain wins enough delegates in Tuesday's contests to become GOP standard bearer. Speaking in Dallas: "We have won enough delegates to claim with confidence, humility and a great sense of responsibility that I will be the Republican nominee for President of the United States." Watch clip above. Read full remarks here. McCain to nab endorsement of President Bush Wednesday at noon ET at the White House. Will also go to the Republican National Committee to take the keys. Plus: Obama calls McCain to congratulate him, says he is looking forward to facing him in November. And: Clinton calls too. Huckabee ends his bid, congratulates McCain. Click above to watch. "Senator McCain has run an honorable campaign, because he’s an honorable man." Permalink

GET YOUR EXIT POLL DATA HERE

MSNBC: Most in Texas, Ohio think NAFTA takes jobs away. Read more. Watch video above. Fox News preliminary exit poll data from Ohio and Texas: Clinton leads among Hispanics, late deciders and women in Texas. Obama leads in both states on electability and his ability to inspire. Read the numbers here. Watch video above. More exit poll data from: CNN: In Texas, African-American voters coming through for Obama. Read more. AP: Independents a powerful force in all four states. Read more. Permalink

Clinton Seeks to Stop Super Defections

Politico: New Yorker tries to thwart Obama plans to announce a “package” of new superdelegate supporters. Permalink

Obama Gains Three Tuesday Superdelegates

South Carolina Democratic party chair, Texas vice chair and Georgia DNC member lend their support. Permalink

Ron Paul Retains Congressional Seat

Easily holds back challenger Chris Pedenor for seat in Texas's 14th District. Permalink

Tom Brokaw Says Obama Has 50 More Superdelegates in His Back Pocket

NBC News superreporter cites a source “very close to the Obama campaign” who says the additional superdelegates are "ready to go public before too long." Watch video from MSNBC's "Morning Joe" above. Permalink

Cindy McCain Goes All Political Again

While introducing her husband at Houston event, reminds voters that she has two sons in the service. "Everybody's talking about that call at 3 o’clock in the morning...I want him to represent my son at 3 o’clock in the morning." Permalink

Dr. No Vote

Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean voted in Vermont, but only in local elections to maintain his neutrality in the presidential race. Dean to join Tuesday's "Daily Show" by phone following a report on the Rev. John Hagee and McCain. Permalink

Elephant on Donkey Action

Watch below to see McCain’s take-no-prisoners adviser Steve Schmidt draw the Iraq lines for the general election. "What Barack Obama wants to do is to withdraw our troops in a way that will allow al Qaeda to declare victory. . . ." Permalink

Fanning the Rezko Flames

On Day 2 of jury selection, Clinton campaign holds conference call with the media to highlight “Obama’s refusal to answer basic questions.” Just watch how they respond in Chicago. Get the latest trial updates here. Plus: Jury selection continues Tuesday, judge expects opening statements to begin Thursday. Read more coverage here. Permalink

Texas Challenge ‘Em

CONFRONTATIONAL SHOCKER: OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN LAWYER BOB BAUER UNEXPECTEDLY JOINS CLINTON CAMPAIGN MEDIA CALL TO CHALLENGE CLINTON CAMPAIGN'S RECORD OF CHALLENGING CAUCUS PROCESS. **To hear the combative exchange between Bauer and Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson, click here.** Clinton team uses call to accuse Obama supporters of a range of "outrageous" caucus abuses. For more blow-by-blow, click here and click here. Read laundry list of grievances in Clinton campaign memo here. Permalink

Obama Sets Expectations in Afternoon Press Availability

Says Tuesday's contests are "very very tight. We started 20 points behind in Texas and Ohio." Read full transcript here. But adds: "When we were winning those 11 races in a row, the theory was they had to blow us out in Texas and Ohio and I don't think that is going to happen." Read more. Plus: Clinton, in an interview with NBC, says she feels confident and thinks Texas may in play for the Democrats in November. Watch video here. "I feel good about both states, and we’ll want to see what the voters decide.” Permalink

Ohio Official Rejects Obama Poll-Watchers

A Deputy Assistant Secretary of State says poll watchers' campaign letters are not "legally sufficient" to gain access to polling places. See the Obama campaign's letter (PDF), and the official's email to poll workers. Campaign responds, calling the decision "wrong on the facts." Permalink

Clinton: "Never Underestimate the Intelligence of the Voter"

Former first lady stays upbeat outside Houston polling place. Repeats fact her husband didn't lock up nomination until June: "That has been the tradition -- that it usually lasted longer." Watch video here. Also calls her race with Obama "one of the most civil and positive primary campaigns that I can remember." Permalink

“City Slicker” Obama Pitches to Future Farmers

The South Sider stumps at the Houston Livestock Show as young voters show off their tractors. Read the Boston Globe's pool report. "I gotta admit, I'm sort of a city slicker." Permalink