The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from April 19th, 2008
Anti-Obama Robocalls Hit Pennsylvania
One call from the Clinton campaign pounds Obama for supporting "the Bush-Cheney energy bill." Another hits him for a health plan that "fails to deliver health care for every American, just what the HMO's and pharmaceutical companies want." A third robocall advertises a Bill Clinton event. Permalink
Obama Campaign Repudiates Its Own Surrogate
After Obama media call focuses on Clinton's misstatement on Bosnia, with retired military supporter Walter Stewart suggesting Clinton now lacks "moral authority" to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, campaign distances itself: Spokesman Hari Sevugan: "We obviously do not agree with that sentiment." A second retired military Obama supporter had said: “If she’s gonna tell stories like that is as candidate, what will she do when she’s standing in front of Congress? ... How do you expect your troops to follow you if you’re not providing good leadership?” In Saturday memo, Wolfson calls the Bosnia call "the most outrageous attack of the campaign." In afternoon call with reporters, Clinton spokestrategist Wolfson also seeks to raise the stakes for Obama in Tuesday's primary. Noting his record-breaking ad spending, says: "He is doing everything he can, spending as much as he can, in order to win the state of Pennsylvania... If Sen. Obama fails to win in Pennsylvania, it will be another blow in his efforts to convince Democrats that he will be our best standard-bearer in the fall." Also calls on media to press Obama over gun rights questionnaire, calls on him to release his tax returns from his years in the Illinois Senate, hits him for his connection to former radical William Ayres. Permalink
Clinton Responds to Health Care Ad With Dig of Her Own
In York, Pennsylvania, says Obama's negative ad is "kind of curious because my plan covers everybody, and his leaves out 15 million people, just leaves them out in the cold.” Clinton team also issues memo attacking the health care ad, and holds afternoon conference call to call it "both false and misleading." Spokestrategist Wolfson says ads may be airing on radio, as well. Obama campaign reacts to the attacks, calling them "laughable." Read more. Ad is one of two spots airing statewide between Saturday and Tuesday's primary. Says Clinton's health plan "forces everyone to buy insurance, even if you can't afford it." Click above to watch. Second ad touts Obama's Keystone newspaper endorsements, includes negative swipe at Clinton. Click above to watch. Permalink
Sunday NY Times Looks at "Wrenching" Defections from Team Clinton
Paper studies "steady erosion" of longtime loyalists, whose defections spark hard feelings. Sen. Kerry, an Obama supporter, is "dead to us," says a prominent Clinton backer. Gov. Richardson: "The relationship has become very strained." Permalink
Obama on Keystone Race: "Let's Face It, It's Not Pretty"
In tough comments about his opponent, accuses Clinton of "slash and burn politics" and "throwing everything at me and seeing if something sticks." Comments in Paoli made during "whistle-stop" train tour aboard antique 1930 lounge car. Read pool reports of his journey. Earlier pool report here. Joined by Sen. Casey on his eight stops from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. Watch video of his departure from Philadelphia. Part of pivotal final weekend for both candidates before Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary. Permalink
Super Saturday for Clinton, Obama
Both candidates score superdelegate endorsements. Clinton wins Buckeye Rep. Tim Ryan, citing her ability to boost the economy of northeast Ohio. Earlier: Obama snags Nebraska Democratic chairman Steve Achelpohl. Permalink
Clinton: No "Whoop-De-Doo" Speeches From Me
Tells audience in West Chester, Pennsylvania: “I don’t want to just show up and give one of these whoop-de-do speeches, and just kind of get everybody whipped up... I want everybody thinking about what we want to do starting on Tuesday.” Click above to watch. Also says economy, Iraq War and rise of China pose tough challenges. "We have got to realize that our future really depends on who the next president is, this is not a throw-away election." Permalink
Obama Draws Campaign's Largest Crowd in Philadelphia
Some 35,000 gather in Independence Park on a warm Friday evening to hear the White House hopeful. Watch video here. WashPost: "The sea of people sprawled across nearly three city blocks." The Atlantic's Ambinder was there. Permalink
Chelsea Clinton Hits Philly's Gay Bar Scene
"We love your highlights!" she's told outside a bar on Carmac Street, with Gov. Rendell looking on. Offers post-midnight discussion of education policy. , 7:10 AM
Carter Holds Second Meeting With Hamas Heads
Former president spends an hour with the group's leader and his deputy, after four hours of meetings Friday. U.S., Israel strongly object to the Damascus meetings. Permalink
Pennsylvania Potpourri
-- WashPost: Many Keystoners say they were not offended by Obama's San Francisco comments --Middle-class angst common among Keystone voters this year -- Some black Democrats growing cold to Clinton -- African-born Pennsylvanians excited by Obama's run Permalink
Rezko Released From Jail
Former Obama fundraiser to remain under house arrest in his suburban mansion as corruption trial continues. Had been in solitary confinement since January. Permalink
McCain Team Sees Rise in Toss-Up States
Strategists say up to 24 states could swing to either party in November; twice as many as 2004. Meanwhile campaign beefs up staff, announces 100+ top donors. Permalink
Critics: McCain Too Loose With "Al-Qaeda"
Some say the Senator oversimplifies a complex enemy when he speaks of "al-Qaeda" fighting in Iraq. Permalink
Saturday Surrogate Action
For Clinton: --Ted Danson in Indiana --Sen. Menendez in Pennsylvania For Obama: --Virginia Gov. Kaine in Pennsylvania --Sen. Durbin in Indiana For more Saturday surrogates-- including governors, Senators and entertainers-- click here. Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
The Political Schedule
The Page on the Go
Read THE PAGE on your Mobile Device
Bookmark thepage.time.com on your mobile device for an easy to read version of Mark Halperin's The Page.
