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Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from April 3rd, 2008

Jimmy Carter Drops Strong Hint for Obama

Former president tells Nigerian newspaper: "My children and their spouses are pro- Obama. My grandchildren are also pro- Obama. As a superdelegate, I would not disclose who I am rooting for but I leave you to make that guess...." Permalink

Where They Are Thursday

Clinton: Beverly Hills, CA Obama: Chicago (no public events) McCain: Jacksonville, FL Bill Clinton: Altoona, PA; Pikeville, KY Permalink

Friday Night With Some W-2s?

Media, Obama campaign brace for classic "document dump" of the Clintons' tax returns at the deadest part of the news cycle. Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson says on media call: "She said late last week that they would be out within a week and so you can count on that." Developing... Permalink

Air America Host Suspended for Clinton Remarks

Afternoon radio host Randi Rhodes was suspended "indefinitely" Thursday for repeatedly using vulgar language likening Clinton, Ferraro to a prostitute at an event near San Francisco late March. Air America chair Charlie Kireker said the radio network “encourages strong opinions about public affairs but does not condone such abusive, ad hominem language by our hosts.” Plus: Ferraro responds to comments on Fox, says she should be fired, while reiterating that her own comments weren't a big deal. Permalink

Corzine: I Reserve the Right to Switch My Super Vote

Clinton-supporting New Jersey governor tells CNBC he has the option to flip to Obama if his candidate can't carry the popular vote. Watch video here, and read the transcript here. Remains positive about Clinton, emphasizes he thinks Clinton will win the popular vote in the end. Watch "Morning Joe" discuss his comments here. Permalink

Candidates Weigh in on Unemployment Claims Hitting 2-Year High

Clinton responds: "Today’s dismal jobless claims report is a reminder that we are in the midst of a growing economic crisis and Senator McCain has yet to answer the call of economic leadership." Obama responds: Figures "the latest indicator of how badly America needs fundamental change from Bush-McCain policies that have been devastating for working families." Number of new applications for unemployment benefits jump to 407,000 for the week ending March 29. AP: "It's fresh evidence of the damage to the national economy clobbered by housing, credit and financial crises." Permalink

McCain Shoots National Security Fire on Democrats

GOP nominee-presumptive hits Obama and Dean on morning TV. On MSNBC on Obama: Said he has "no experience or background at all" in national security, questioned his reference to a "strike force" in Iraq. Watch video here. On Fox News Channel, responded to Howard Dean's comments that McCain is exploiting his military record: "You’ve gotta expect those things from someone like Mr. Dean and move on...I think it was Bob Dole that said you don’t want to get in a wrestling match with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it. I'll have to keep that in mind." Watch video here. Permalink

Where They Are Friday

Obama: Fort Wayne, IN; Grand Forks, ND Clinton: Memphis, TN; Grand Forks, ND McCain: Memphis, TN Bill Clinton: Pembroke, Laurinburg, Monroe, Charlotte, NC Permalink

SOURCE: RICHARDSON SAID OBAMA CAN'T WIN

New Mexico Governor, in talks with both Clintons about his endorsement, is said to have been the one to argue that Obama did not have the experience necessary to beat McCain. A Clinton associate reacts: “Bill Richardson is clearly embarrassed that he broke his promise to them.” Read full quote here. New report comes in wake of ABC News report that Hillary Clinton told Richardson that Obama can't win. Still gurgling Richardson-Clinton back-and-forth also centers on dispute over whether New Mexican pledged to former POTUS that he would not endorse Obama. Permalink

North Carolina As THE Democratic Battleground

Essential reading: Per the Raleigh News & Observer, Clinton and Obama's campaigns "are treating North Carolina as though the presidency depends on it." "If Obama wins most of the black vote, he will need to win only two of seven white voters. Obama is expected to have strong support in metropolitan areas among professionals, students and liberal activists. He also has been doing very well among independents, who may vote in the primary." "The Clinton campaign appears to be targeting women, white blue-collar workers, Hispanics, Lumbee Indians and more traditional Democratic voters." Obama campaign on with paid TV ads focuses on voter registration. Plus: USA Today looks at how North Carolina could end the Democratic nomination fight. Permalink

Rev. Wright's Church a Home for Young Obama

Profile says candidate-to-be was moved to tears by Wright and searching for a community to join. Permalink

McCains Mix Money and Politics

AP looks at how Cindy McCain's millions from the beer industry has boosted John McCain's political career. Permalink

Pennsylvania Potpourri

--TIME's Karen Tumulty talks to Clinton-supporter Gov. Ed Rendell about his push for the New York Senator. If Clinton loses? "I like Barack. If he's the nominee, we'll bust a hump for him." --Philadelphia Inquirer does a wrap-up story of Obama's bus tour, including Obama quote reflecting on the past few days. --Philadelphia Daily News asks the candidates why neither Obama or Clinton have tried one of their famous cheesesteaks during their visits. HALPERIN'S TAKE: What Hillary Clinton has to do to really "win" Pennsylvania. Permalink

Is That the Ticket?

McCain and Florida Governor Charlie Crist back on the trail together Thursday in Jacksonville. Another Sunshine State round of speculation will ensue. Permalink

Morning Show Summary

McCain was a guest on all three cable shows, Obama communications director Gibbs talked on MSNBC's "Morning Joe." Read The Page's full morning show summary here. Permalink

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