Archive - April 14, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

New Clinton Pennsylvania Ad Highlights "Bitter" Comments

Features Keystone supporters offended by his comments about small-town Americans. Click above to watch, and read script here. "I'm not clinging to my faith out of frustration and bitterness. I find that my faith is very uplifting." Clinton source: "Starts tonight (Monday) - significant buy" of TV time. Permalink

Rendell Says "Cling" Ain't No Big Thing

Clinton-backing Pennsylvania governor downplays potential damage to Obama from San Francisco remarks. Tells reporters before Philadelphia party dinner that it could cost Obama "one or two points at the margin" in the Keystone State primary. "But by the time November rolls around, I think this comment will be long forgotten." Permalink

B. Clinton Keeps "Bitter" Alive

Says at campaign rally in Corydon, Indiana that throughout seven stops in North Carolina, "Everywhere I go there are all these people with signs, saying I'm not bitter - I'm not bitter." Quotes several anecdotes he picked up from voters. ABC's Sarah Amos says his comments were well-received but "not entirely accurate." For instance, she says there were no signs at his rallies saying "I'm not bitter," as he claimed. Permalink

Stephanopoulos Looking Forward to the Democratic Debate

Ahead of Wednesday night's broadcast TV 8 pm primetime Pennsylvania primary debate -- also being moderated by Charles Gibson -- Stephanopoulos notes its importance. "There hasn't been a debate in weeks and the stakes couldn't be higher, there's no question about that ... It's the first debate since Texas and Ohio and a lot has happened since then." Permalink

Rep. Davis Offers Abject Apology to Obama

"I offer my sincere apology to you and ask for your forgiveness," Kentucky Rep. Geoff Davis writes to Obama. He earlier referred to Obama as a “snake-oil salesman” and a “boy.” Read full letter. McCain spokesman Brian Rogers: “Obviously these comments are unacceptable and Congressman Davis’ apology was the right thing to do.” Obama spokesman Burton fired back against Davis' original comments, calling them "outrageous," "absurd" and "offensive." Read his statement here. Permalink

Obama: "I Will Never Walk Away From the Larger Point That I Was Trying to Make"

A defiant Obama once again addresses “bitter” comments in speech to the annual Associated Press meeting, instead turns the table on McCain, Republican Party. “If I had to carry the banner for eight years of George Bush's failures, I'd be looking for something else to talk about too.” Watch video here and read full remarks here. McCain adviser Mark Salter responds: “It’s hard to keep a straight face when you’re accused of being out of touch by a guy who thinks the whole country is worried about the high price of arugula or that you hunt ducks with a six shooter.” Earlier: McCain, when asked about Obama's remarks in a Q&A session at the AP annual meeting, says, "I think those comments are elitist." Watch video here. Demures when pressed whether Obama himself is elitist, saying he doesn't know him well. Plus: Refers to his open relationship with the press in speech but doesn't hold back his "constructive criticism" of them. Read full remarks here. Permalink

Republican-on-Democrat Action

McCain hits Obama via Carter: Says in statement that meeting with Hamas would be "a grave and dangerous mistake." Throws down challenge to Obama: "If Senator Obama is not decisive enough to condemn former President Carter, how can he be strong enough to deal with the threat they pose to America and to our allies?” Permalink

Michelle Obama to Sit Down with Stephen Colbert

Tuesday's "interview" with the comedy star will be her first late-night TV appearance. Candidate's wife has not publicly commented on her husband's "cling" remarks. Plus: Clinton-supporting Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell to be a Colbert guest Wednesday night, and Associated Press reports that Clinton herself is scheduled to appear Thursday Permalink

Limbaugh on Obama: "This is Who He Is"

Has (predictably) strong reaction to Obama's "bitter" comments in opening of Monday's broadcast. Says Obama is surrounded by bitterness, highlighting past remarks from Rev. Wright and his wife Michelle. "Barack Obama hangs around people who are bitter to the core. His entire inner circle is filled with almost insane rage.... Barack Obama has been attracted to extreme radical elements his entire life." Listen to audio segment here. McCain topper joins in. Read Rick Davis' fundraising pitch here. "These hard working men and women aren’t 'bitter'...We are up against a large fundraising hurdle." Permalink

British PM to Meet With Candidates on U.S. Trip

On his three-day visit to New York, Washington, Boston, Downing Street aide says Gordon Brown plans to talk shop with all three White House contenders. Aide: “This is a good chance, before things get too frenetic, to have a relaxed chat with the potential next U.S. president." Permalink

Evening News Roundup

All three networks led, again, with furor over Obama comments. ABC: Looked at the day's "bitter feud" among all three candidates, and both Democrats' attempts to look comfortable with working-class Pennsylvanians. Included clip of new Clinton ad featuring supporters criticizing the remark. Report from small-town Columbia, PA found some residents offended, while others thought Obama's words were being twisted out of context. CBS: Recapped the fourth day of attacks against Obama, as well as Obama's latest defense. Mentioned, but did not excerpt, Clinton's new ad. Report also mentioned Clinton's "woman-of-the-people pose" of the last few days with an ounce of skepticism. NBC: Led with Obama’s “bitter” comments, noting all three candidates accusing each other of not connecting with blue-collar voters, focused on soundbites on remarks Monday. Highlighted Clinton getting some jeers at Pittsburgh event, new TV ad featuring Keystone supporters, her campaign’s argument that comments make him vulnerable to GOP attacks. Noted Obama made similar comments on Charlie Rose four years ago; their campaign hopes Clinton’s aggressiveness on issue “backfires” so she'll look “bitter on the trail.” Added comments didn’t stop Obama from getting two local Pennsylvania paper endorsements. Permalink

Clinton Launches "Ask Me" Ad in North Carolina

Senator responds to letter-writer concerned about high gas prices. Click above to watch. Talks up R&D funds for clean energy, hybrid cars, etc. Permalink

Clinton: "I Don't Think He Really Gets It"

In Pittsburgh remarks to the Alliance for American Manufacturing Clinton continues to hammer Obama hard for his "bitter" comments. “I don't think he really gets it that people are looking for a president who stands up for you and not looks down on you." Watch video above. Read full remarks here. Plus: WashPost points out Clinton's Pittsburgh remarks met with some jeers. Obama, in his remarks to the group earlier: Goes on the offense taking toughest jabs at Clinton, referencing her weekend campaign stop at an Indiana bar and demoted strategist Penn. Also reiterates he may have chosen his words badly, adding "It wasn't the first time and it won't be the last." Watch video above. Read full remarks here. Permalink

Obama's Name Raised at Rezko Trial

Government’s star witness says candidate and his wife attended a 2004 party for a British billionaire at Rezko’s home. Obamas are not accused of wrongdoing. Permalink

Iraq Violence Flares; Inflation, Oil Prices Rise

Car bombs kill at least 50 in two crowded areas at lunch hour, in one of Iraq's deadliest days in months. Meanwhile, wholesale inflation figures show raw material prices rising faster than expected, and world oil prices touch record highs in Asian trading. Permalink