Archive - April 18, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Clinton Blamed "Activist Base" for Defeats After Super Tuesday

Audio posted on the Huffington Post reveals Clinton railing against the Obama-backing group MoveOn.org before a small group of donors in February. Says MoveOn "didn't even want us to go into Afghanistan." "They flood into these caucuses and dominate them and really intimidate people who actually show up to support me." MoveOn.org: "Senator Clinton has her facts wrong again." Clinton spokesman Wolfson verifies audio's authenticity, insists intimidation occurred in Nevada, Texas. Permalink

Mini-Superdelegate Friday Harvest for Clinton

Two more superdelegates -- Clinton-supporting former New Jersey Govs. Florio and Byrne -- are added to the New York Senator's tally after being chosen Thursday as the Garden State's add-on superdels. Earlier: Ohio Rep. Betty Sutton -- also a superdelegate -- announces she's backing Clinton to follow the will of her constituents. Permalink

Obama: "Did You Hear Me Complain?”

Senator responds to Clinton team suggestions he's "complaining" and "whining" about Wednesday's debate. Answers question shouted as he exits his campaign plane in Williamsport: “You tell me, who’s been complaining about the press for the last six months? You tell me!" Permalink

Reid: “Probably True” Obama Didn't Say What He Meant With “Cling” Comments

Senate Majority Leader says in interview with National Journal he won’t take sides on the Democratic battle, but seems to cut Obama some slack for his comments on small-town voters, citing economic frustrations of Nevadans. “We're still outsourcing jobs under this administration, George Bush won't help us. We have all these trade deals that are driving people out of jobs... . Now, does that mean that they may focus on an issue out of their frustration? Perhaps so.” Also believes the nomination will be decided by mid-June “at the latest,” calls McCain “the new George Bush.” Permalink

AP Sees Time Running Out on Clinton

Grim analysis says Clinton’s odds of winning now slimmer than ever. “She undercut her own claim in Wednesday night's debate, answering 'yes, yes, yes' when asked whether her rival could win the White House.” Plus: TIME’s Joe Klein says race is “getting close to over." Permalink

National Numbers

From Newsweek poll: Obama 54, Clinton 35 Dated conducted: April 16-17; Error margin: 3 points. More, including head-to-heads, favorable/unfavorable ratings here. Permalink

Obama Hammers McCain on Economy in Erie

Targets his Republican rival for saying Thursday he sees “great progress economically” as he kicks off his final five-day tour through Pennsylvania. “You’re working harder for less, and you’re paying more for tuition, more for groceries, more at the pump. That’s what John McCain calls great progress.” Watch video above. McCain camp fires back: "American families are hurting and Barack Obama is being recklessly dishonest." Permalink

From the Center

OBAMA SCORES BACKING OF TWO SOUTHERN DEMOCRATIC ICONS Former Senators San Nunn (GA) and David Boren (OK) endorse the Land of Lincolner. Will boost national security cred of Democratic frontrunner. Read their endorsement statements here. Permalink

Romney: Obama a “Quintessential Politician”

The former candidate beats up on the Democrat, telling National Journal “he has subscribed fully to the kind of elitist view of America that has long characterized those of the most liberal persuasion in our country.” Offers glowing praise for McCain, as usual. Permalink

Clinton Keeps Up the "Heat" on Obama

Quotes former President Truman at Radnor, Pennsylvania rally today in response to Obama's criticism of the questioning in Wednesday night's ABC debate. Click above to watch Earlier: Candidate also tells Philadelphia's Fox 29 this morning: "When the going gets tough you can't run away." Watch it here and read more here. Obama camp response: "Considering the fact that Senator Clinton sat on stage at the last debate and complained to all of America that she always gets the first question, her blatant hypocrisy here is stunning." Read full statement. Permalink

McCain Releases Tax Returns

Reports nearly $259,000 in taxable income in 2007. Taxable and non-taxable income totals about $419,000. Gave $105,467 to charity, donated $177,000 from book royalties and paid $84,460 in taxes last year. Dig into his tax returns for 2006, 2007 here. Does not include Cindy McCain's tax information. The heiress to a major stake in Hensley & Co. of Phoenix, she is estimated to be worth about $100 million. McCain camp: "Senator and Mrs. McCain have kept their personal finances separate throughout their 27-year marriage. Accordingly, they have for many years filed separate tax returns." Permalink

McCain Advisers Detail Structure of General Election Campaign

Top aides tell reporters at a briefing Friday morning: --They now have a "Victory Chair" in all 50 states responsible for overseeing lcoal fundraising. --Campaign has named regional managers, hired new speechwriters, full-fledged media, polling teams. Permalink

Reich: "My Conscience Won't Let Me Be Silent Any Longer"

B. Clinton's first labor secretary and decades-long friend of the Clintons writes on his blog that he's for Obama. "He offers the best hope of transcending the boundaries of class, race, and nationality that have divided us..." Says he originally stayed out of the race because of "pull of old friendships" and reluctance as a teacher and commentator to be openly partisan. Permalink

Obama: Steel's Great; Beer's Better

After touring the Erie Bolt Co., candidate lights up at the Erie Beer Co. across the street. Marches straight over. “The steel was interesting, but beer!" Read Friday pool report. Permalink

Pennsylvania Countdown

Last weekend of the campaigning in the contest that could decide the contest. Wall Street Journal: "Anything less than a double-digit victory could solidify the perception that Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is the inevitable Democratic nominee, sparking a flow of superdelegates to his side." AP: Philadelphia's suburbs may be decisive on Tuesday. Permalink