Archive - April 12, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS

Jimmy Carter, National Security Adviser Hadley, as well as Obama and Clinton surrogates on Sunday's morning shows. Click here for a summary. Permalink

For the second night, the networks lead with Obama and Clinton's "bitter battle." ABC: Recapped Clinton's continuing attacks against Obama. Noted that both are Ivy League-educated millionaires, suggesting Clinton may be overreaching. Reporter said some Pennsylvanians are especially offended comments were made in San Francisco, almost "behind their backs." NBC: Also recapped Hillary and Bill Clinton remarks, as well as Sunday show commentary. John Harwood said Clinton camp sees a major opportunity, while Obama camp hopes she overreaches. Said Obama's campaign manager said Clinton "sounds like Annie Oakley and Billy Graham at the same time." Permalink

WE WAIT

HALPERIN'S TAKE: Who we are waiting to hear from on Obama's "bitter" remarks. Permalink

Mark Salter: McCain's "Alter Ego"

Boston Globe profiles McCain's "closest aide" and political wordsmith. "Salter has transformed his boss into a character worthy of literature, enlivening his inner conflicts and drawing out his motivations." Plus: Sunday NY Times looks at McCain and "steady hand" Charlie Black. , 6:30 PM

After Shots at Obama, a Shot of Whiskey

Bottoms up for Clinton Saturday night in Crown Point, Indiana. Click above to watch. Permalink

Clinton Foundation Backed by Firm Aiding Chinese Crackdown

Internet firm Alibaba arranged 2005 Chinese speaking tour for former president, made unspecified donation to his foundation. Site also cooperates with government Web censorship, urges readers to inform on Tibetan activists. Permalink

Garin: Superdelegates Should Consider Obama's "Bitter" Remarks

Clinton's new topper says statements would be "damaging" to him in a general election. Also says Obama implies in comments that working-class people are "small-minded." Read more here. Part of flood-the-zone campaign effort to characterize Obama's remarks as out of touch with working class voters. Read more here. Permalink

Obama Lunches With Low Dollar Supporters

Sits down with five donors flown in from across the country in Indiana Saturday. On the menu: Spread of burgers (beef, chicken and Portobello mushroom), salad, fruit salad, brownies, ice tea, and sodas. Read pool report here. Permalink

Obama, Clinton to Face Pennsylvania Voters Monday

Both candidates scheduled to address manufacturing leaders in Pittsburgh, and then face the Democratic City Committee Monday night. Permalink

U.S. Says Iran Top Threat to Iraq

After week-long focus on the war in Iraq, officials conclude actions by al-Qaeda are less of a problem in the country than actions by their neighbor Iran. Washington Post: Senior U.S. officials say shift has "sparked a broad reassessment of policy in the region." During their Washington visit, Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker barely mentioned al-Qaeda in the country, spoke at length about Iran. Permalink

NY Times on the Money Game

Paper of Record plays big two essential reading stories: -- Struggles of GOP conservative group Freedom Watch -- as part of overall look at outside group questions. -- Clinton strategist Harold Ickes' other job -- president of a for-profit databank that has sold its voter files to both candidates for their get-out-the-vote efforts. Permalink

Bush Raises Money for GOP

Family from all over -- including Mom and Dad, brother Jeb and his wife -- joined the President at his last appearance at the annual Broken Spoke Ranch fundraiser Friday night where he raised $3.5 mil for the RNC. White House spokesperson says Bushes might also be tending to daughter's wedding details, President plans to clear some brush during their stay in Texas. Permalink

Clinton to Focus on Trade Enforcement at Manufacturing Forum

Clinton proposes a series of steps to strengthen U.S. trade enforcement and crack down on Chinese trade policies she says are unfair at the American Manufacturing forum in Pittsburgh Monday. Plans to say: "We need solutions to fix our trade laws, build a strong manufacturing base, and stand up to China and say that unsafe toys and unfair currency practices are unacceptable." Both her and Obama will speak at the forum. Crowd will consist of steelworkers, some employees from US Steel and Allegheny Technologies. Permalink

Surge in Democratic Voter Registration in Upcoming States

Boston Globe: "More than half a million people have registered to vote or switched registrations this year" in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Indiana, assuring they'll have a say in the contested Democratic race. Permalink

Smiley Leaves Joyner Radio Show

The 11-year contributor to the nationally syndicated show told host Tom Joyner he won't continue biweekly commentary, citing fatigue, busy schedule. However: Joyner indicates Smiley's exit could have something to do with criticism he was getting for taking tough stance on Obama, saying he wasn't attentive enough to African American issues. Permalink