Archive - March 20, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama: Country Needs "Less Spin" and "More Straight Talk"

Tells CNN's Larry King that Clinton's "kitchen sink strategy" is just what he is trying to change about politics. Click above for an excerpt. Also Thursday: Clinton and Obama conversations with young veterans from Iraq air on MTV. John Edwards a guest on NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Permalink

Source: Obama Goes on Pennsylvania TV

First to do paid television ads in Keystone State for the upcoming primary. Expected to go on the air in the next day in biggest statewide markets: Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre, Youngstown. Already on radio. Now: Clinton’s move. Developing... Permalink

Fox News Poll Measures Rev. Wright Effect

Poll asked Democrats if Obama's relationship with his former pastor gives voters doubts about his candidacy: Yes 25%, No 66%. Do you believe Obama shares Wright's views? Yes 24%, No 57%. Poll conducted March 18-19. Error margin: 6 points. Read more, including national numbers and head-to-head matchups here. Permalink

Obama: "I Don't Want to Watch Myself"

Mingling in a West Virginia sports bar, candidate jokes that he watches sports on hotel TV's to avoid news reports on the campaign. Read press pool report. Permalink

McCain Aide Suspended for Circulating Obama-Wright Video

Campaign says Soren Dayton has been suspended for pushing racially-charged video that uses controversial words of Obama's pastor to portray candidate as unpatriotic. McCain spokeswoman Hazelbaker: "We have been very clear on the type of campaign we intend to run and this staffer acted in violation of our policy." Declined to say how long he is suspended for. Permalink

McCain Takes Step Toward Public Financing

Filing papers with the FEC to create a separate campaign account that would enable him to make public money go further raises eyebrows. But campaign spokeswoman says McCain is still undecided and it was a "procedural move" intended to "give the campaign as many options as possible." Permalink

Michigan Re-Vote Prospects Stall

Legislature adjourns Thursday without taking any action, leaving do-over prospects "dim." Clinton camp blames it on Obama: "When it comes to the Michigan and Florida primaries, Senator Obama seems to only be capable of saying no..." Full statement here. Obama camp response: "We support a fair solution that allows Michigan Democrats to participate at our National Convention this summer." Full statement here. Sen. Levin says: "We will continue to work with all interested parties to seek a way to ensure that Michigan's delegates are seated at the Democratic National Convention." Earlier: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee co-chair tells Boston Globe there's no chance they'll approve states' delegates without a re-do if it could tip outcome of the race. Leaves both states searching for solutions that don't involve new votes or counting the January votes. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC: After report on Midwestern flooding, a look at Obama mired in the race issue. News that Clinton team seems to be warning superdelegates about potential danger to Obama posed by Rev. Wright, included suspension of McCain aide for promoting Obama/Wright video on his Web site. Mentioned Obama's "typical white person" remark in radio interview and subsequent explanation that he was referring to white people of her generation. Next, a package on McCain's international trip, including his flub over Iranian extremist groups and retort citing an Obama misstatement about "the president of Canada." CBS: Political block led with suspension of McCain aide for forwarding Wright video, then report on the dilemma facing superdelegates this year. Concluded that many believe in such a strong Democratic year, "it shouldn't be this hard." NBC: Led with Midwest flooding, then turned to economy. Noted Clinton’s $30 billion economic plan, Obama tying Iraq war to economic woes. “Doing the math” package said Clinton is trailing by 700,000 in popular vote, 150 in elected delegates and holds narrow lead on supers. Highlighted Clintons reportedly courting supers using Wright controversy, but said math shows Obama is “tough for Clinton to beat.” McCain package detailed his economic stances, added he plans to give more detailed economic proposals, big speech within next few weeks. Permalink

Obama, McCain Battle Again on Iraq

The Democrat gives his second consecutive speech pegged to 5-year anniversary of the Iraq War. "At a time when we’re on the brink of recession...ordinary Americans are paying a price for this war." Read full text. McCain campaign again fires back with a statement. McCain also returns fire over his recent flub of extremist groups, noting that Obama once expressed interest in meeting "the president of Canada." Permalink

Obama Campaign Hits Clinton Hard on NAFTA

In media call, spokesman Robert Gibbs demands an apology for Ohio workers for her NAFTA statements in light of Clinton White House docs. Obama's David Axelrod: "It does make you wonder if this was one of the reasons why there was such a reluctance to get those records out there on a timely basis." Listen to full audio here. Plus: Also sends out memo slamming her on issue, calls it part of "disturbing pattern." Read it here. Clinton spokesman Singer responds: "Once again the Obama campaign is demonstrating that Senator Obama's words can't be trusted." Full statement here. Permalink

Clinton: "I Do Not Understand What Senator Obama is Afraid Of..."

Goes after Obama for not voicing his support for a re-vote in Michigan and Florida in Terre Haute, Indiana presser. Read remarks here. Earlier: Speaking at a diner in Terre Haute, Clinton and Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh listen to voter concerns, tout Clinton's economic proposals. Bayh spoke nearly as much at the roundtable as Clinton did, with one voter suggesting the Hoosier should be her VP. Permalink

How She Can Pass Him

Make no mistake: Obama will be the Democratic nominee unless something dramatic happens. Clinton needs a combination of luck, skill and Obama errors to overtake her rival -- as well as strong performances in the remaining contests and debates. But she still has a chance. HALPERIN'S TAKE: How is Clinton faring in her efforts to wrest away the nomination? Permalink

McCain Rakes in the Cash in London

About 100 donors -- including American ex-pats and tourists -- lunched on duck salad and plates of fish on beds of greens as they asked the candidate questions about the Middle East, North Korea, global warming and a host of other issues. Permalink

Obama Backers Highlight Race

Sens McCaskill and Kerry both bring up Obama’s race in talking about the candidate. McCaskill: Obama the first black leader to “come to the American people not as a victim, but rather as a leader." Kerry: Being black can help Obama "bridge the divide of religious extremism" due to his roots in “a place of oppression.” Plus: Obama refers to his grandmother as a "typical white person" in Philadelphia radio interview. Permalink

Libby Disbarred by D.C. Court

Ex-Cheney aide -- who was convicted last year in CIA leak case -- will lose his license to practice law in D.C. until at least 2012. As is standard custom, he also would lose any bar membership he might hold in any other states. Permalink