The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from April 10th, 2008
Cheney: Rev. Wright Comments Were "Absolutely Appalling"
Weighs in on the impact of Obama's former pastor -- without getting into how he thinks Obama dealt with the situation -- in an interview with Fox's Sean Hannity. Also says he doesn't think the President will listen to Clinton's call for him to boycott the Olympic openings, "I think he certainly indicated at this point he does plan to go, and I'd be surprised if he didn't." Read his full interview -- which also touches on the economy, Iraq -- here. Plus: Obama reflects on Wright being a campaign issue to Chicago TV station: "I think there is no doubt that we will see Rev. Wright comments re-circulating during a general election. I think there is no way of preventing that." And: Cheney tells Hugh Hewitt in an interview that though he has had his difference with McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee is "head and shoulders" over Obama when it comes to foreign policy. Read full transcript here. Permalink
Clinton Grows Frustrated By Party
"I really don't understand why the Republican Party very clearly decided what they were going to do, and the Democratic Party can't decide," she says, referring to Michigan/Florida delegate dispute. Again accuses Obama of not wanting the states' voters to be heard. Earlier: Pledges she will stick to Iraq plan, even if military disagrees. Permalink
Petraeus: I Will "Never" Run for Office
In an interview with NBC's Brian Williams, top Iraq commander tries to quell speculation that he has future political interests. "I've tried to say that on a number of occasions. Some folks have reminded me of a country western song that says, 'What part of 'no' don't you understand?'" Also says if his commander in chief ever said to "get out" of the war, he would listen: "I firmly believe whoever it is that is elected in the fall, will sit down and look at the various interests, try to figure out the competing risks, because there are risks beyond Iraq." Read excerpts here. Permalink
Dean: McCain's Age Unlikely to be Campaign Issue
DNC chair says the party's "higher ethical bar" makes it unlikely the 71-year-old's age will be a target. But acknowledges McCain's age is a concern among focus groups. Permalink
Obama Responds to Clinton With New Pennsylvania Radio Spot
Defends his record on energy, countering Clinton radio ad released Wednesday that went after him. Like Clinton's ad, also mentions his rival by name. "Across Pennsylvania, we're living the problems. An economy in shambles. Families struggling. Gas prices close to four dollars a gallon. What's Hillary Clinton's answer? Misleading negative ads." Listen to it here and read script here. Permalink
New National Numbers
From AP-Ipsos poll: Obama 46, Clinton 43 (unchanged from February). Head-to-head matchups: Obama 45, McCain 45 Clinton 48, McCain 45 Dates conducted: April 7-9. Error margin: 3.1 points. Permalink
Thursday Superdelegate Tally: Clinton 2, Obama 1
Former Pittsburgh Mayor Sophie Masloff plans to endorse Clinton at the Allegheny County Jefferson-Jackson dinner Thursday night. And: Former Ohio AFL-CIO President Bill Burga also picks Clinton. Third Clinton superdel in 36 hours. Meanwhile, Utah Democratic Party Chair Wayne Holland picks Obama, citing his ability to energize the party, economic plans. Permalink
McCain: I Wouldn't Attend Olympic Opening if China Didn't Change
Releases statement saying Bush should "evaluate" his participation in Olympics ceremonies based on Chinese policies and practices but falls short of flat out saying the President should boycott. Though does say he would skip the ceremony without changes by Chinese, particularly citing Tibet. Full statement here. Makes the same point on "The View" Thursday morning. Permalink
Democrats Batter Bush's Iraq Address
Clinton: "We’ve heard enough speeches that are long on promises, short on facts... The President refuses to face reality." Full statement here. Obama: "President Bush gave no answer to the most important question about the way forward in Iraq: how will we end this war that is not making us safer?" Full statement here. In morning address, Bush announces no acceleration in troop withdrawal, though he does order shorter deployments in Iraq. Watch video here. Says he will agree to many of Petraeus' and Crocker's recommendations, including an indefinite suspension of troop reduction in July following pullouts. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
Broadcasts lead with American's canceled flights. ABC: News of Bush's Iraq speech, noting it means a large U.S. presence in the country through the end of his presidency. Brief reaction clips from Clinton and Obama. CBS: Coverage of Bush's Iraq speech. Couric interviewed Petraeus on Iraq progress; acknowledged being "frustrated," but pointed to progress on the ground. News he has conducted "secret diplomatic missions" to Jordan, Kuwait, Turkey and other countries to convince them to stop the flow of fighters into Iraq. NBC: Like CBS, coverage of Bush's speech, followed by interview with Petraeus, in which he rules out holding public office. Permalink
McCain Proposes Economic Initiatives
In Thursday speech in Brooklyn, presumed nominee gets specific on plans to address the housing and credit crises, as well as gas prices and job security. "My plan is comprised of two parts: First is a tangible, near-term plan to address and relieve some of the serious problems that Americans are facing right now. The second part of the plan is to create the right medium and long-term environment for our economy to rebound and thrive." Read full text of remarks here. Clinton preempts speech with statement: Senator McCain is apparently of two minds on the housing crisis and neither seems to know how to steward the economy effectively." Full statement here. Permalink
Bloomberg Gives Credit to McCain in Introduction
Independent New York City mayor says before the presumptive GOP nominee's business roundtable in Brooklyn: "I got elected because of you." McCain was one of the few people to endorse Bloomberg for mayor back in 2001. Permalink
The Buzz on Obama
Reassures Indiana woman as he poses for a few photos at a cafe in South Bend that the buzzing in his pocket is just his cell phone. "I don't want you to think I'm getting fresh or anything." Read pool report here. He spent about 20 minutes discussing economics with three Hoosiers in South Bend, followed by a town hall with a heavy economic focus in Gary. Permalink
McCain Admires "The View"
Candidate joins the couch on the popular daytime show-- and ribs Obama for fidgeting during his recent appearance on the show. Click here to watch. Also discusses range of policy issues, including the economy, the Olympics, immigration, Iraq and his Veep list. Permalink
Rev. Wright to be Detroit NAACP Keynote Speaker
Obama's former pastor has agreed to speak to the civil rights organization at the annual Fight for Freedom Fund dinner April 27. Past speakers at event have included Obama, H. Clinton and B. Clinton. Permalink
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