Headlines from March 31st, 2008

Where They Are Monday

Clinton: Harrisburg, Fairless Hills, PA Obama: Lancaster, Allentown, PA McCain: Meridian, MS Bill Clinton: Portland, Salem, Bend, OR Permalink

Treasury Secretary Announces Sweeping Financial Reforms

Paulson unveils 218-page plan in Washington to overhaul market regulations, give the Fed more power. "A strong financial system is vitally important - not for Wall Street, not for bankers, but for working Americans." Read full speech here. Earlier tells WSJ: "Everywhere I look, I see the plumbing hasn't changed to meet the realities." Plus: Clinton preempts the speech, sends out her own call to action Monday morning. Read more here. Permalink

Chelsea Clinton Pushed on Lewinsky Again

Questioner at North Carolina State event argued that since her father was president at the time, it is the public's business how the affair affected her mother. She pushed back, saying: "It's none of your business...I'm sure there are things in your family that you don't think are anyone's business either." Permalink

Gore Says No Thanks to "Broker" Role

Laughs off idea of helping to settle Democratic race on CBS' "60 Minutes." Click above for video. Likens idea to being "a modern Boss Tweed." Watch complete interview here. Permalink

HUD Secretary Resigns

Alphonso Jackson makes brief statement, releases letter in Washington. "There are times when one must attend more diligently to personal and family matters...." Read letter here. Had come under fire for allegedly steering federal housing contracts to political allies. Obama responds: Resignation "serves as a stark reminder of what’s at stake in this election." Read full statement. Clinton responds: "Secretary Jackson’s resignation ends a tenure at HUD marked by an indifference to Congressional oversight powers, cronyism, and corrupt contracting practices...."Read full statement. Permalink

Morning Show Summary

Clinton spokesman Wolfson, Obama strategist Axelrod, Pennsylvania's governor and Senator and more-- click here for a full summary. Permalink

Donkey-on-Donkey- and-Elephant Action

Obama campaign Monday talking points take on Clinton and McCain on lobbyist statements/ties. Read them here. Permalink

Ickes: Clinton's Point Man on Superdelegates

LA Times profiles the aggressive Clinton aide and confidant. "Ickes once got so carried away that he bit another political operative on the leg. Now, some 35 years later, at age 68, he has mellowed so little that it could happen again." Permalink

Bush Prods Congress as He Leaves for Europe

In brief remarks at the White House, President calls for Congress to pass FISA reform as well as housing legislation and a free trade deal with Colombia. Read remarks here. Later departs for week-long trip to Eastern Europe. Permalink

Snipergate vs Wrightgate

Two instant classics: -- NY Post with Bosnian little-girl-greeter-grown up and countrypersons slamming Clinton tale with a covey of quotes. -- New Yorker with a nuanced, fascinating read on Rev. Wright's theology and history. Which will have more influence on talk radio and cable planners? Permalink

Scrutinizing Subprime Lender Ties in the Campaigns

Newsday: Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams earned about $200,000 on the board of a Long Island subprime lender that charged prepayment penalties -- something Clinton wants to eliminate. Daily News: Two of McCain's top advisers were recently lobbyists for Ameriquest Mortgage, "a notorious lender in the mortgage meltdown." Permalink

Pennsylvania Potpourri

--Both Democrats courting Philadelphia's gay vote. --Obama focuses on personal interaction in his bid for the Keystone State. Permalink

Obama Leads on Texas Caucus Tally

Holds and edge of 60% to 40% in convention results reported through Sunday night, though half of the delegates had yet to be counted. Houston Chronicle: "Obama emerged with a majority of the state's at-large presidential nominating delegates and possibly a majority of all Texas delegates." Permalink

Headlines from March 30th, 2008

Obama Pennsylvania Bus Tour: Day Four

Starts Monday off with town hall meeting in Lancaster, followed by stop at a gas station in Lititz, where he'll speak and hold a press availability. He'll then make two pooled stops in Reading as they head east before ending with a rally in Allentown. On Sunday, Obama told a rally at Penn State University's campus that he would "turn the page and write a new chapter in American history." And he stressed the economic needs of North Carolina's voters during a phone interview from the bus. Also plans to tape an interview with NBC's "Today" in the afternoon, along with a slew of local media interviews. Permalink