The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from April 4th, 2008
Another Clinton Claim Disputed
NY Times casts doubt on tale of Ohio woman losing her baby and dying for lack of medical insurance. Hospital denies Clinton's story-- often repeated on the stump-- that woman was turned away because she could not afford $100 fee. Watch video here. Story comes shortly after Clinton retracts claim about landing in Bosnia under sniper fire as first lady. Permalink
Much of Clintons' Donations Went to Clinton Family Foundation
Tax records show bulk of former first couple's charitable donations went to family's foundation, which gives to various causes. Plus: A Clinton family backer: “While Senator Obama has a made a good start towards this [standard] by putting out several years, he has a long way to go. He talks about transparency but on the issue of taxes it is time for him to back it up.” Read full quote to The Page. More on the Clintons' tax records here. Permalink
Army to Shorten Afghanistan Tours
Combat tours will be reduced from 15 months to 12 months beginning this summer. Permalink
All Three Candidates Reflect on Dr. King to NBC's "Nightly News"
In McCain live interview and taped Clinton, Obama interviews the candidates discuss their interpretations of MLK's message, racial progress since his death. Read transcript of Clinton interview here, read Obama transcript here and McCain transcript here. Earlier: All three candidates honor King on the 40th anniversary of his assassination. --McCain says in Memphis he was wrong to oppose the King holiday. Full remarks here. --Clinton, also in Memphis, calls for a cabinet-level "poverty czar." Position has been advocated by King's family. --Obama says in Indiana that King's work remains unfinished. Full remarks here. Also speaks on Tom Joyner's radio show. Permalink
Pennsylvania Union Members Still Split on Democrats
Democrats at state AFL-CIO convention still appear divided between Obama and Clinton. , 6:15 PM
Obama Topper: Split Michigan Delegates 50-50
After Michigan Democrats officially kill do-over primary option, Obama campaign manger Plouffe releases statement. "A 50/50 split of the delegates is an eminently fair solution... Senator Clinton should accept an equitable solution that allows Michigan to participate fully in the convention.” Read full statement. Clinton earlier on CNN: "The Democratic Party is going to have to come to grips with whether we want to be like the Republicans, or whether we will be true to the voting rights record of this party.” Permalink
Obama-Backing Unions Call for Penn's Resignation
Change to Win chief says Clinton adviser should go after meeting with Colombian ambassador to discuss a free trade agreement. "It’s time for Senator Hillary Clinton to send her vaunted ‘chief strategist’ Mark Penn packing..." Teamsters leader says Penn's meeting calls into question Clinton’s own credibility on the trade pact, which Clinton opposes. Penn says Monday's meeting was an "an error in judgment." Full statement here. Campaign claims Penn was acting on behalf of his communications/lobbying firm, not the campaign. Permalink
Clinton Donors Press Dean on Delegates
Attendees say donors got heated with Dean at Thursday meeting for not doing more to seat Michigan, Florida delegates. New York Observer: "Dean, who was there to appeal for more fund-raising for the party, found himself on the defensive for not being aggressive enough in pursuing a solution to the problem." Permalink
Obama Swings At Clinton, McCain on Economy
In press availability, responds to Clinton’s jabs that he is “timid” and “unenthusiastic” on the economy by saying “I have been ahead of her on some of the critical steps that have been needed.” Says McCain is “behind the curve” on economic issues, thinks U.S. should stay on the sidelines. Also discusses MLK, Iraq, Colombian Free Trade Agreement in Q&A. Read pool report here. Clinton camp responds: "Barack Obama just doesn’t get it. He’s recycling old false arguments about a stimulus debate that happened three months ago..." Full statement here. Permalink
Breaking Down Pennsylvania
Mark Halperin dissects the geographic and demographic battles for Keystone State -- from the new issue of TIME -- here. Permalink
McCain to Get Secret Service Protection
Candidate tells "Fox News Sunday" he has agreed to receive protection within the next few weeks, "if not earlier." “I think that it’s important... that we recognize the inevitable," he says, though he notes "it inhibits my ability to have close contact with people.” Full interview to air Sunday. Permalink
Candidates React to Disappointing Job Numbers
Unemployment report from the Labor Department shows the U.S. economy shed 80,000 jobs in March. Clinton: "It’s time the President and John McCain recognize the r-word: reality. Our economy is in serious trouble...." Obama: "It’s time to turn the page on a Bush-McCain approach that tells Americans who are struggling that ‘you’re on your own’...." McCain emphasizes compassion and contrast: "Across this country, many Americans are hurting. It is imperative to restore the economic foundations for America's families and small businesses... Despite today's news, the Democrats will continue to advance their anti-growth agenda." Permalink
"Ellen" Explores Clinton's Family Ties
Spoofs Clinton's distant relationship with Madonna on show to air Monday. Excerpt plays on Friday's "Morning Joe"-- click above to watch. Permalink
McCain Camp Nudges Obama on Public Funding
McCain spokesman says in statement: "As the McCain campaign moves toward the option of public financing, we hope Senator Obama will keep faith with his pledge to the American people.” Comes after reports McCain returned about $3 million to donors who have given money for his general election campaign he could touch if he opts for federal money. Permalink
New Indiana Numbers
From Indiana's WSBT-TV, WISH-TV, WANE-TV and the South Bend Tribune poll: Clinton 49, Obama 46. Dates conducted: March 31-April 2. Error margin: 5 points. Read more here. Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
The Political Schedule
The Page on the Go
Read THE PAGE on your Mobile Device
Bookmark thepage.time.com on your mobile device for an easy to read version of Mark Halperin's The Page.
