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Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from April 2nd, 2008

Clinton-Supporting Rep. Cleaver Clarifies Obama Statements

In interview with Fox, Cleaver again predicts Obama will win the nomination, despite his support for Clinton. Says that still would not resolve race relations in the U.S. Watch clip above. Permalink

SF Chronicle: B. Clinton Had "Meltdown" in Private Meeting With Superdelegates

Attendees tell the paper that at a meeting with about 15 supers in California last weekend, he went on a tirade about Richardson endorsing Obama, the media and the entire nomination process. Read the key quotes here. Permalink

Dean, Florida Democrats Say They're Committed to Seating State's Delegates

Dean tells Florida lawmakers at Wednesday meeting that the party will do "everything in our power" to bring their delegates to the convention, adding it's critical Obama, Clinton are "comfortable with the compromises that have to be worked out." Also said discussions in Michigan are continuing. DNC, Florida Democratic Party and the state's Democratic congressional delegation release joint statement on combined efforts to work something out. Read it here. Clinton camp response: "Chairman Dean is clearly committed to seating the Florida delegation and we urge Senator Obama to join us in calling on the rules and bylaws committee to make this a reality." Full statement here. Plus: Dean also told the LA Times that superdelegates are not obligated to follow the popular vote or other delegates. “They should use whatever yardstick they want. That’s what the rules provide for.” Meanwhile: Republican National Committee’s rules committee passes plan which would keep Iowa first in the presidential nominating process. Permalink

New Polling Numbers

From Quinnipiac University poll: Pennsylvania primary numbers: Clinton 50, Obama 41. Dates conducted: March 24-31. Error margin: 2.5 points. Poll also includes head-to-head general election match ups: PA: Clinton 48, McCain 40; Obama 43, McCain 39. FL: Clinton 44, McCain 42; McCain 46, Obama 37. OH: Clinton 48, McCain 39; Obama 43, McCain 42. Read more here. Permalink

McCain Starts Compiling Veep List

Tells Don Imus on his radio show Wednesday morning he has begun "getting together a list of names" for potential running mates, is aiming to make an announcement before the GOP convention in September. Jokes with radio host: "I'd like to get it done as early as possible. I'm aware of the enhanced importance of this issue given my age." Plus: Washington Times: McCain advisers say he won't try to soften party's platform on abortion, same-sex marriage to appeal to more voters. Permalink

Clinton Proposes $7 Bil in Tax Incentives to Keep Jobs in U.S.

Says at economic summit in Pittsburgh Wednesday that her plan is to "insource" jobs so they are not lost to overseas competitors. Read more here. Clinton will also discuss her plan and her thoughts on Treasury Secretary Paulson's proposal on CNBC's "Mad Money" Wednesday at 6 pm ET. Permalink

McCain Discusses Navy Experience in Annapolis Speech

On day three of his "Service to America" tour, McCain stops at the Navy and Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis to talk about his journey from a Naval Academy rebel to an American committed to service. Will call on Americans to serve the country by serving each other in any capacity, including the military but also teaching, nursing or volunteerism. "The most important thing I learned here was that to sustain myself respect for a lifetime, it would be necessary for me to have the honor of serving something greater than my self interest." Read full text of speech here. Permalink

Lee Hamilton Endorses Obama

Top Democrat on the panel that investigated the 9/11 attacks, former Indiana Rep. plans to announce he's backing Land of Lincolner Wednesday. Hamilton says he views the Illinois senator as a champion of "the politics of consensus and not of partisan division." Permalink

Morning Show Summary

Obama appears on CBS, and MSNBC has Mitt Romney and Elizabeth Edwards. For a full summary of Wednesday's morning shows, click here. Plus: Elizabeth Edwards to be a Visiting Fellow at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government this month. Permalink

Richardson Op-Ed: "I Feel Compelled to Defend Myself"

Obama backer pens op-ed to explain endorsement of Obama over Clinton, despite his ties to the family, saying while he "seriously contemplated endorsing Sen. Clinton, I never told anyone, including President Clinton, that I would do so." Also denounces Carville's comments and overall negativity in the race. "Carville has made it very clear that this is a personal attack -- driven by his own sense of what constitutes loyalty. It is this kind of political venom that I anticipated from certain Clinton supporters and I campaigned against in my own run for president." Permalink