Archive - March 14, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Bush: McCain Will Preserve My Tax Cuts

"I think he will be good (with) tax cuts. I know he'll be a good, sound... fiscal watchdog," president tells CNBC Friday. Read transcript. Predicts a win for McCain, though he declines to handicap Democratic race: "I don't know who he's gonna run against. So we'll just have to wait and see." Earlier: President Bush acknowledges a "tough time" for the economy in New York. Read transcript of his remarks. Permalink

Clinton, Obama Agree to Rein in Attacks

Advisers say Thursday conversation on the Senate floor was about making efforts to stop supporters from crossing the line. Clinton spokesman Phil Singer: "They agreed that the contrasts between their respective records, qualifications and issues should be what drives this campaign, and nothing else." Watch video of the encounter here. Permalink

Democrat-on-Democrat Action

Clinton, Obama trade jabs over corporate oil interests in Washington. She says: "I think it’s time we kicked the oil men out of the White House. Unfortunately, despite a lot of talk about clean energy, Senator Obama voted for Dick Cheney’s budget-busting tax breaks for big oil. " He says: "Senator Clinton's taken thousands of dollars from oil lobbyists in this campaign, so she should know that we're not going to kick the oil men out of the White House by taking their money to get in." Plus: Obama slams Clinton for not disclosing her earmarks, calling it "part of a pattern of Hillary Clinton saying one thing, but doing another."Read full memo here. Permalink

Elephant-on-Donkey Action

--Bob Dole calls feminist writer Naomi Wolf an "anti-war extremist" after she characterizes McCain's support of an interrogation bill as hypocritical. Read full statement here. Permalink

In Harsh Language, Former White House Aide Denies Clinton's Experience Claims

Obama adviser Greg Craig, a former counsel to Clinton's husband, tells National Journal she is "misleading the American public" about her experience as first lady. "She did not sit in on national security meetings. She did not have a security clearance. She did not attend meetings in the situation room. She conducted no negotiations. She did not manage any part of the national security bureaucracy." "Senator Clinton and her supporters have in serious ways overstated, if not grossly exaggerated, the nature of her experience." Clinton campaign response here. Permalink

McCain Campaign Admits Error in Forwarding Negative Article on Obama

Despite a pledge to avoid "overheated rhetoric and personal attacks," the Senator's campaign forwards to reporters a sharply negative opinion piece about Obama on Rev. Wright matter. TIME's Michael Scherer reports a campaign aide later concedes "it was an error." Meanwhile: Obama campaign continues relative silence on matter (including no accusations about flame fanning or video purveying). Permalink

HALF NELSON

Florida Senator and Clinton supporter Bill Nelson proposes counting January primary results -- with state's elected delegates getting 1/2 a vote each. Flashback: The Page outlined the plan Thursday here. Sources: DNC Chairman has discussed such a plan with Floridians. Permalink

Rendell: Obama Would Beat McCain in Pennsylvania

Clinton-backing Keystone State governor says on MSNBC the Land of Lincolner could get to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue via his state -- but Clinton would have a better chance of topping the Arizonan. To see his comments on "Morning Joe," click here. Differs with Clinton strategist Penn's claim that Obama "can't win" the Keystone State. Permalink

What the Fall Will Bring

Wall Street Journal editorial page with double-barrelled hit. Her: editorial mockingly raises library record non-disclosure. Him: op-ed (complete with photo of arm-in-arm and smiling Obama and Rev. Wright) uses apocalyptic language to describe the relationship. Have at it, talk radio. Permalink

Morning Show Summary

NBC's "Today" and ABC's "Good Morning America" with more Rev. Wright coverage in the context of the race wars. Read full morning show coverage here. Permalink

Clinton's Role Disputed in Children's Health Program

Candidate often touts her 1990s work on SCHIP, but lawmakers remember it differently. "The White House wasn't for it. We really roughed them up." But: Clinton points to old words from Obama-supporting Sen. Kennedy (quoted in AP story downplaying Clinton's role): "The children's health program wouldn't be in existence today if we didn't have Hillary pushing for it from the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue." Permalink