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Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from March 10th, 2008

McCain to Visit Jerusalem, London, Paris

The presumed GOP nominee will lead a congressional delegation to Europe and the Middle East from March 18-21. Delegation to include Sens. Graham and Lieberman, both supporters. Other stops may be added. Permalink

Sunshine Riddles

Is a vote-by-mail election the solution to seating a Democratic delegation from Florida? Permalink

Study: March 4 Wins Raised Clinton's Media Profile

Project for Excellence in Journalism finds Clinton the focus of 60 percent of campaign stories from March 3-9, her most attention so far in 2008. Permalink

Obama: Rep. King's Comments "Inflammatory and Offensive"

Slams Iowa Republican's remarks about his middle name and the response of terrorists to his election while stopping to shake hands and get lunch at a restaurant in Columbus, Mississippi. Has no comment on Spitzer, hasn’t “seen the details of it.” Further dismisses Clinton suggestion of a split ticket, saying "I am not running for vice president and don’t intend to be vice president." Talked to reporters while picking up orders of catfish tenders and hushpuppies. Read full pool report here. Permalink

Obama: "They Are Trying to Hoodwink You"

Dismisses idea of running as Clinton's VP before raucous crowd in Columbus, Mississippi. Mocks Clintons for simultaneously challenging his readiness and floating him for veep. Click above to watch. "If I'm not ready, how is it that you think I should be such a great vice president?" Read more of his remarks here, or read full transcript here. And read Obama campaign "flashback" transcript of what Bill Clinton said about his veep search in 1992. Plus: A super smart Obama supporter breaks the code on the Clintons' veep rhetoric here. And: A press pool report from Obama's Jackson rally. Permalink

Wolfson: Obama Isn't Ready to Be Veep

But Clinton spokesman says on media conference call that he won't rule out possibility that the Land of Lincolner would pass the necessary national security threshold by the convention. Obama spokesman Bill Burton calls the line of reasoning "perplexing," asks reporters to call the campaign and ask about this Wolfson statement: "We do not believe that Senator Obama has passed the commander in chief test. But there is a long way between now and Denver." Listen to audio here. Permalink

David Gregory to Host MSNBC Show in Place of "Tucker"

NBC News White House correspondent will take Carlson's 6 pm time slot. Also in programming changes announced Monday: Carlson will move to a new position as "senior campaign correspondent" and Andrea Mitchell will anchor an hour each afternoon on the network. Permalink

Clinton Military Backers Keep Iraq Pressure on Obama

On media call with generals Wesley Clark and Joe Ballard, retired leaders attack Obama's experience and Samantha Power's comments. Gen. Wesley Clark: “What I have heard from the Obama campaign is a matter of serious concern.” Clinton supporters also criticize Obama for not opposing the war strenuously since arriving in the U.S. Senate. Wolfson: "Obama gave a great speech (in 2002), and then when he had an opportunity to act... he didn't do anything to end the war." But: Three other former military leaders vouch for Obama. Permalink

Democrat-on-Democrat Action

--Clinton camp sends out memo slamming Obama on offering "at least the fifth different explanation" for Canada/NAFTA flap. Read full memo here. --Clinton statement on record oil prices contains reminder that Obama backed "Dick Cheney’s 2005 energy bill." Permalink

Magnolia State Matchup

--Secretary of State expects 125,000-150,000 at the polls for Tuesday's primary. --At least half of voters expected to be African-American, who have largely supported Obama. --But Clinton could still put up a fight, reports TIME's Jay Newton-Small. --Obama has high hopes going into the contest. --Sampling of local TV reports here. Permalink