The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from March 22nd, 2008
More Alleged Spitzer Sexcapades, This Time in Florida
Lawyer for Miami GOP political operative Roger Stone sent letter dated Nov. 19 to FBI saying Spitzer ''used the services of high-priced call girls'' while in Florida. Letter written after FBI agents asked to speak to Stone and he declined, wrote them instead. It reads: ''The governor has paid literally tens of thousands of dollars for these services." Also says while he believes it's true, he "cannot swear to its accuracy" because it's second-hand info. Permalink
Extreme Umbrage
Clinton campaign says Obama supporter retired Air Force Gen. Merrill "Tony" McPeak comparing Bill Clinton to Joe McCarthy is "an outrage" and "ought to be retracted." On Saturday conference call with media, Clinton advisers repeatedly point press to Obama campaign attacks on H. Clinton's character -- contrasted with Obama's pledge to change the tone of U.S. politics. Read more on the call here. Obama spokesman Burton responds: "Since the Clinton campaign had a news-less conference call, reiterating tired lines of attack with no basis in reality, instead of responding with a call of our own, we are going to give the press corps a break so that we can all enjoy this holiday weekend with our families and maybe even watch a little basketball." Also sends out opposition research memo listing B. Clinton's past comments on McCarthyism. Read it here. Clinton camp's Singer shoots back: "The Obama camp is so eager to give the press corp a break that it had their candidate do an event today where they dispatched one of their top surrogates to manufacture an attack on us. More words." More from Clinton camp on McPeak here. And: Clinton camp sends out memo on McPeak statements, says they're "not surprising." Read it here. Permalink
Ragin' Carville Compares Richardson Endorsement to Biblical Betrayal
Spirited Clinton adviser tells the New York Times that New Mexican governor's backing Obama during Holy Week was "appropriate" and "ironic" because it was like Judas selling out Jesus. Full must-read quotes here. Plus: Richardson, on ABC's "Good Morning America Weekend" Saturday, reiterated Friday talking points on endorsement, Clintons. Read more here. Permalink
Eggs for White House Easter Brunch
First lady's Easter Sunday menu includes eggs benedict, honey baked ham and a double coconut layer cake. Read full menu here. Plus: Check out Obama's Easter greeting here. Permalink
Obama Headed to Tropics
ABC News: Sources familiar with his plans say he's expected to go on a tropical vacation, most likely St. Thomas in Virgin Islands. Expected to leave Chicago Sunday morning, return Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Next campaign stop Wednesday in Greensboro, N.C. Campaign will not confirm plans. Permalink
Analyzing Senator Clinton
Mostly positive AP story says Clinton "surprised skeptics" with how well she fit in to Senate when she first arrived, notes she "did her homework" and created alliances with GOP leaders. "A junior senator in the minority party, she put her head down and went to work.... By most accounts she was seen as a serious legislator who tended to her state's interests." Former Sen. Daschle: "There was a lot of skepticism among many of her colleagues about the degree to which she would be a team player. ... She was sensitive to that concern and tried to address it." Permalink
Obama Ad Blitz in Philly
Inquirer: According to public records, campaign spent about $330,000 on 30- and 60-second spots that will run on six area stations through Monday, the state deadline for voter registration. Permalink
Obama Takes Message to Southern Oregon
Courts voters in Medford, a conservative corner of Beaver State, Saturday morning. Read pool report here. Speaks to overflow crowd Friday night in Eugene, talks some NCAA basketball with supporters. Read pool report here. Clinton camp says she and husband also have Oregon trips in the works. Permalink
WSJ: Clinton Camp Cuts Back on Spending
Paper says Clinton burns through February receipts faster than Obama, but shows they are being more frugal after donor complaints. Campaign holding more intimate campaign gatherings at supporters' houses, fewer lavish events. Staff and reporters flying on chartered campaign plane are getting cheaper boxed lunches. Permalink
Surrogates in the States
Actors Kal Penn, Zach Quinto and Rep. Elijah Cummings campaign for Obama in Pennsylvania Saturday. Permalink
An Insider's Guide to Picking Democratic Delegates
Learn all about the complex process of the DNC delegate math: click here for everything you need to know. Includes a list of the superdelegates. Permalink
Sunday NY Times Wraps Up McCain's Trip Abroad
Says presumptive GOP nominee offered "soothing tones" while overseas in the Mideast and Europe this past week. "It offered Mr. McCain the chance to begin testing his oft-stated hope that as president he would be able to repair America’s tattered reputation abroad by shifting course on some of the policies that have alienated its allies..." Permalink
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