Archive - March 12, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Conservative Leader Says McCain Must Work to Win Evangelicals

Family Research Council's Tony Perkins says winning the religious right in the general election will not be "automatic" for the Arizona Senator. Cites McCain's legislative record as cause for concern in Evangelical circles. Permalink

Ferraro Steps Down From Clinton Campaign

Former VP candidate Geraldine Ferraro resigns seat on campaign's finance committee amid controversy over her comments about Obama. CNN releases her resignation letter: "The Obama campaign is attacking me to hurt you. I won't let that happen." Previously said: “If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position.” Permalink

Pittsburgh Mayor to Endorse Clinton

Boston Globe reports Luke Ravenstahl will back the New Yorker on Friday. First public superdelegate commitment for the New Yorker since Texas/Ohio wins. Permalink

Peril in Threes

HALPERIN'S TAKE: Obama's three biggest problems right now. HALPERIN'S TAKE: Clinton's three biggest problems right now. Permalink

McCain: Romney Has "Big Role to Play"

Presumptive nominee sees his former opponent in "a lot of different roles in a Republican administration.” Adds: “There is nothing but goodwill between myself and Governor Romney." Watch video. McCain's comments come day after Romney expresses interest in being VP. Permalink

Clinton Campaign Answers Back on Pennsylvania

Memo punches back after Obama team downplays Pennsylvania's importance. Notes that Obama has lost six of the seven largest states, and says Pennsylvania's swing voters are crucial for a November victory. "If Barack Obama cannot reverse his downward spiral with a big win in Pennsylvania, he cannot possibly be competitive against John McCain in November." Earlier: Obama campaign memo calls the Keystone State "only one of 10 remaining contests, each important." Plus: Pro-Obama governors release memo rebutting "'big state' spin," repeat themes in conference call. Read more here. Update: Counter-counter-punch from Obama team, which releases their own tounge-in-cheek annotation of the Clinton memo. Permalink

Obama: "Tough Talk is Not a Substitute for Sound Judgment"

Candidate appears with retired military leaders in Chicago, says "This moment, in this election, is our chance to put an end to a divisive politics that has done nothing to keep America safe." Read full remarks here. Plus, pre-framing: Clinton camp sends out memo questioning the Illinois Senator's commander in chief credentials. Read full memo here. And: Clinton camp touts military supporters in lengthy memorandum. Read full memo here. Permalink

Clinton Cuts Into Obama's Delegate Lead

NY Senator picks up five delegates from late-deciding districts in NY and Colorado. Cancels out Obama's five-delegate lead from Mississippi. Permalink

Clinton to Donors: “We're Gonna Win This”

Gives spirited pep talk to fundraisers in private DC session. “I'm a fighter. When I get knocked down, I get right up.” Many participants reportedly want stronger leadership from DNC Chair Dean on Florida/Michigan dispute. Permalink

Obama: Seating Existing Michigan/Florida Delegates "Defies Logic"

"I don’t think anybody would think that was fair," he says Thursday, claiming he would have lost every contest in the country if he had not campaigned or advertised. Democrats hope for 30-day review period and an April 12 vote on the plan. Permalink

Brotherly Love Talk

Clinton heavyweights Rendell, Nutter, and Penn discuss Penn. (the state, not the man) on 11:30 am ET media conference call. Developing..... Permalink

Dean Makes Florida Visit

In midst of delegate controversy, DNC chair attends Wednesday fundraiser in the Sunshine State. Reportedly in contact with members of Florida's congressional delegation to discuss resolutions. Permalink

Clinton Adds Her Voice to Florida/Michigan Push

Sends out statement pressing DNC to seat disputed delegates or hold new primaries. "The results of those primaries were fair and they should be honored. " Read full statement here. Earlier: Letter from campaign manager Williams to Obama counterpart Plouffe urges agreement on supporting original votes (hah!) or new primaries. Read the letter here. HALPERIN’S TAKE: How realistic is it for the Sunshine State to go postal? EXCLUSIVE TO THE PAGE: The Florida Democratic Party's Mark Bubriski has the party's answers here. Plus: Florida's House Democrats announce they oppose any new primary vote. And: Obama campaign has its own reservations about a mail-in solution. Permalink

Obama Campaign Hesitant About Mail-In Revote

Campaign manager Plouffe says there are "real questions" about the security and legality of a mail-in primary vote in Michigan and Florida. "In the state of Oregon... it took well over 10 years to get comfortable doing this...." Permalink

Obama's Name Raised Again in Rezko Trial

Former Obama fundraiser's attorney mentions senator in discussion of Illinois health care reform. Obama is not suspected of any wrongdoing. Latest Rezko trial news here. Permalink