Archive - April 15, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

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Politics up to the Minute

Michelle Obama More Earnest Surrogate Than Comedienne on "Colbert"

Wife of Democratic frontrunner more than survives her first late-night appearance on Comedy Central’s “Report.” She delivered numerous on-message lines -- talked about the honor of running, and said things like “I am a firm supporter of Barack Obama.” At the close of the segment she said, “I am hopeful that this is going to be over before the convention... This has been a good fight. It has prepared whoever comes out of this nomination to take on the Republican.” Then she patted the actor playing Ben Franklin on the arm as she left the stage. Watch video above. To see what Colbert said (and did) to her click here. Permalink

British PM to Meet with Candidates Thursday

Gordon Brown will sit down with each for 45 minutes at the British Embassy Thursday morning. Both Democratic candidates were interested enough that they will quicky return to Washington following Wednesday's Philadelphia debate. Permalink

Michelle Obama: "Maybe I'm Out of Touch" (said with sarcasm)

Impassioned spouse tells fired-up-and-ready-to-go Haverford, PA crowd about her husband's humble origins. Also says: "You know single parents love their children too....but maybe I'm out of touch." Watch video above. Permalink

B. Clinton: Older Voters Aren't Falling for Obama

Referring to Obama’s “cling” comments in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, the former president points to an age gap in some polls to try to defend his own record, his wife’s candidacy. “Because once you've reached a certain age, you won't sit there and listen to somebody tell you there's really no difference between what happened in the Bush years and the Clinton years; that there's not much difference in how small-town Pennsylvania fared when I was president, and in this decade." Permalink

New LA Times/Bloomberg Indiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina Polls

Indiana: Obama 40, Clinton 35. Pennsylvania: Clinton 46, Obama 41. North Carolina: Obama 47, Clinton 34. Dates conducted: April 10-14 (Obama "cling" story broke April 11). Error margin in each state: 4 points. Read more on these polls here. Permalink

McCain Plays "Hardball"

Senator fields questions from MSNBC's Matthews, packed arena of Villanova University students. Hits many familiar themes, including national security, climate change, spending. --Says it would be "difficult" to put Tom Ridge on his ticket due to his support for abortion rights. "The respect and cherishing of the right of the unborn" is a "deeply held belief of mine." --Keeps up pressure on Obama over accepting public campaign funds. --States that Obama is not elitist, but his comments were: "The fact that (Americans) like to hunt has nothing to do with their economic condition... Their faith is something that goes on in bad times and in good." Read more here. Permalink

Obama Uses Clinton's "Cling" Criticism Against Her in New Pennsylvania Ad

Highlights soundbite of some audience members jeering at Clinton in Pittsburgh earlier in the week in new 30-second television spot. Announcer: "There's a reason people are rejecting Hillary Clinton's attacks. Because the same old Washington politics won't lower the price of gas or help our struggling economy." Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

Obama Laughs Off "Elitist" Charge

At event in Washington, Pennsylvania, Obama says he's "amused" at being labeled an elitist after "bitter" remarks. Click above for video. Notes he was raised by a single mother, and his wife also comes from humble means. "That's when you know we're in political silly season.'' Denies that attacks against him bear racial overtones. Also Tuesday: Marvels at "fuss" over his remarks, says his words are being misunderstood. Permalink

McCain: Corporate Greed “Has to Be Checked”

Candidate sounds populist notes in Tuesday interview with CNBC’s Larry Kudlow. Says it “ain’t right” for corporate leaders to cash out while cutting jobs. And denies that last week’s housing proposal is at odds with tougher previous comments. Read full transcript. Permalink

Pin the Flag on the Candidate

Obama sports Old Glory pin at afternoon event with veterans. Flag was given to the candidate by a disabled vet. Candidate offended some last year by declaring he does not wear flag pins on his lapel. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Politics took back seat to Pope’s arrival. ABC: Political block led with McCain’s economics speech, stressing proposed summer gas tax holiday. Commentators suggested plan may be costly, even with spending cuts. Clip of McCain’s new ad on the economy, suggestion he’s trying to show “he gets it” after being slow to show concern about slowdown. CBS: News of (unidentified) poll showing Clinton maintaining Pennsylvania lead. Report said Obama’s comments are still getting attention, though PA polling shows they may have limited impact. Some in campaign hope Pope’s visit pushes the story off the front pages. Word that Obama is spending $2 million a week on PA advertising, and recap of McCain’s economics speech. News that Sen. Specter’s cancer has returned. NBC: Led with Pope’s arrival and comments on the sexual abuse scandal. Turned to McCain’s economic speech, noting gas, income tax proposals, light jabs at Dems, GOP and Bush. Showed critics say his “math doesn’t add up.” Moved to Obama denying possibility of racial undertones in “elitist” charges, mentioned Clinton discussing race and gender in the campaign with the AP. Highlighted Sen. Specter’s cancer returning. Permalink

Obama to Outspend Clinton 5-to-1 on Pennsylvania Cable in Last Week Before Vote

New figures from National Cable Communications show Obama has pre-ordered $465,000 worth of ads for cable TV compared to Clinton's $91,000 in the last week of campaigning. Spending allows him to pursue voters on some specialty channels including ESPN, MTV, Soap Opera channel, Fox News, where Clinton has little to no presence. Plus: Spokesman/strategist Wolfson on media call claims Obama is spending $3.3 million on Pennsylvania TV ads this week -- double the amount coming from Clinton. "He is spending massively to win Pennsylvania." Permalink

Power Couple

Amidst all the big-feet journalists at the Philadelphia Democrats' Jefferson-Jackson dinner Monday night (David Broder, Gail Sheehy, and Gail Collins) were the two media mavens pictured above. One is Jill Abramson of the New York Times. Who is the other one? Answer here. Permalink

McCain Aide: We'll Keep Pounding Obama Comments

Top aide Steve Schmidt calls the Democrat's remarks about small-town Americans "condescending and elitist," says the campaign will continue criticism "for the duration of Sen. Obama's candidacy." Says on media conference call: "The reality is this is an important and defining moment in the race," and opens "a window on how Barack Obama views the people of this country." Permalink

Barney Frank: Someone Should Quit No Later Than June 3

Bay State Democrat and Clinton supporter says trailing Democrat should drop out by final primary date- even if it's Clinton. On "bitter" comment, says Obama had "very legitimate point to make" but chose his words poorly. Plus: Uncommitted North Carolina Rep. Price criticizes Clinton for response to the "bitter" feud. "It seems to me that he's stating the obvious... I think it's most unfortunate that opponents simply pounce, particularly opponents in his own party." Permalink