Archive - March 21, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama: I've Been in Pews for Some Wright Controversial Remarks

In most specific explanation yet, tells reporters in Portland, Oregon he was present during pastor’s condemnation of unspecified U.S. foreign, domestic policies but was unaware of some more extreme views such as his thoughts on AIDS and his saying “God damn America” as shown in videos. Added: "There's no doubt that we've had a turbulent couple of weeks...but we've had turbulent weeks in the past. People just don't remember them." Plus: Tries to clarify "typical white person" comment from speech, says it was a "continuation of the broader point that I made." Permalink

Richardson Hits Clinton Camp For Calling his Endorsement Insignificant

In first post-endorsement interview, says "I resent the fact" that Clinton camp is spreading idea that he is only influential with Hispanics and westerners. "You know, that’s typical of some of his advisers that kind of turned me off." Watch clip above. Read full transcript here. Further explains decision: "I owe a lot... to the Clinton family. But I served well. I paid it back in service to the country." Earlier: Clinton strategist Mark Penn says, "The time that he could have been effective has long since passed.... I don’t think it is a significant endorsement in this environment.” And/But: Politico points out that the Clintons were lobbying Richardson for his support eight days ago. Clinton's Singer: "Everyone in the Clinton campaign has the utmost respect for Gov. Richardson and many of us know him well. Mark was referring to the fact that Gov. Richardson didn’t endorse prior to his state’s primary and certainly didn’t mean to imply anything else...." New Mexico Governor endorses Obama in Portland, Oregon, cites his Tuesday address on race: "He appealed to the best in us.... As a Hispanic American I was particularly touched by his words." "You are a once-in-a-lifetime leader." Read full text of remarks here. Watch clip above. Also hold joint press availability following event. Read transcript here. Read more on Richardson endorsement here. Permalink

New Obama Ads in Pennsylvania

60-second spot “Opportunity” is largely autobiographical, touting his mother’s family history and Obama’s career path. Watch it above. Also: Launches two more 30-second spots in the state, "Toughest" on his ethics accomplishments and "Carry" on his bipartisan legislation as an Illinois Senator. Permalink

State Dept: All Three Candidates' Passport Files Breached

Spokesman Sean McCormack says same person who looked at Obama's on March 14 also looked at McCain's. Clinton's accessed by trainee in 2007. Watch video above. Employee who looked at Obama's and McCain's was the one disciplined, not fired Thursday night. Department is reviewing his status. Fired contractors identified. Obama says in Portland, Oregon: He wants Congress involved in passport probe. Watch video here. McCain statement: “...It appears that privacy was breached and I expect a thorough review and a change in procedures as necessary to ensure the privacy of all passport files.” Earlier: Rice said she has personally called Obama to apologize. Watch clip above. Washington Times source: FBI preliminary probe underway. Time.com: Controversy being compared to similar situation with B. Clinton in 1992. Permalink

McCain Meets Sarkozy, Campaign Plans Next Steps

Stops in Paris while on congressional trip, tells French President "I think our relations with France will improve no matter who is the president of the United States." Watch video of media avail here. Plus: As trip winds down, campaign manager Rick Davis sends memo recapping the week, says when McCain returns campaign will focus on "re-introducing him" to the American electorate. Read it here. Returns to campaign trail Monday, with Monday schedule placing him in California. Permalink

"A History of Misleading Voters"

Scathing Obama campaign memo offers the most direct assault on Clinton’s integrity by the Land of Lincolner in the entire campaign. Read it here. Obama camp's Plouffe and Obama adviser Greg Craig accuse her of "deceiving" the American people on Iraq War vote and a range of other issues. Denigrate her experience as first lady. Listen to audio of call here. In media call of their own, Clinton's Phil Singer goes after Obama camp, saying "It's no secret that the Obama campaign is in political hot water," and he's attempting to "change the subject." Listen to audio of call here. Also sends out memo touching similar themes. Read it here. Permalink

Politico: Clinton Backer Skeptical of Her Chances

One “important” adviser reportedly estimates her chance of beating Obama at 10 percent or less. Story paints a grim picture overall. Permalink

Tennessee Governor: Wright Controversy “Has Hurt” Obama

Superdelegate Phil Bredesen says there is “no question” of its negative effects, but does not think it will be important in the long run. "I think he's the recipient of the negative headlines this week, but I think that stuff will go up and down." Also reiterates calls for a superdelegate primary to decide the nomination. Permalink

Campaign Fundraising Totals

February FEC reports filed Thursday show: Clinton in debt $9 million, money nearly spent by month's end, while Obama with $30 million available. At least $20 million of Clinton's can only be used for general election; Obama raised less for post-primary season. The presidential candidates — current and dropped out — raised total of $790 million since race began. Plus: With exception of his week abroad, McCain’s held almost daily fundraisers since securing nomination to try to keep up with Democratic counterparts. Permalink

Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against DNC Over Stripping Florida Delegates

11th Circuit Court of Appeals says Florida voter -- who filed suit in 2007 accusing the DNC of violating the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause -- lacks standing. But said suit raises interesting questions on individual's right to vote in primary, left the door open to amend suit, carry on challenge. DNC comment: "As two US District Courts in Florida have found...national political parties have a constitutionally protected right to manage and conduct their own internal affairs." Permalink

Rev. Wright Was Clinton White House Guest

Photo surfaces of Obama pastor and then President Clinton from 1998. Event was where Clinton reportedly told assembled clerics -- at the depth of the Monica Lewinsky scandal -- that he had "repented." Clinton first lady schedules show she was present. New York Times says Obama campaign circulated the picture; there is also a "thank you" note. Clinton campaign Wolfson's reaction to the New York Times: “Urgent indeed — a picture — oooooooo!” Wolfson reaction to The Page: "The Obama campaign put this out? How pathetic." Clinton's Singer to the NY Times: "In the course of his two terms in office, Bill Clinton met with, corresponded with and took pictures with literally tens of thousands of people." Permalink

Inside the Mind of a Superdelegate

They will essentially pick the Democratic nominee – no matter who wins. Neither Obama nor Clinton can win with elected delegates alone. They both need more superdelegates. So forget (with all due respect) the remaining electoral contests, and begin to focus on: HALPERIN’S TAKE: What do the superdelegates really care about? Permalink