The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from April 24th, 2008
Obama Woos Union Activists on Day Off
Speaks to the annual convention of the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which has already endorsed him, while home in Chicago Thursday with no scheduled public campaign events. Tries to rally the union vote -- a critical part of neighboring Indiana's electorate, which heads to the polls May 6. "You were fighting with me in Wisconsin, you're fighting with me in Indiana, and I understand some of you just came back from Pennsylvania." Permalink
Clinton Goes After McCain on Katrina
Criticizes her Republican rival at evening Asheville, North Carolina event. "Senator McCain said he might want to tear down the Ninth Ward instead of rebuilding it, but I went to the Ninth Ward after Katrina and met with people there and saw the destruction and I saw the resilience in their eyes, and they deserve our help to rebuild and regain their lives and their homes." Comes after McCain spent all Thursday touring Hurricane-ravaged parts of New Orleans, and criticized the Bush administration's handling of the disaster in "one of his harshest assessments yet of the Bush presidency." Read more here. Permalink
Pelosi Voices More Opposition to "Dream Ticket"
"I don't think it's a good idea," the House Speaker says on CNN's "Larry King Live" of a Clinton-Obama or Obama-Clinton ticket. "There’s plenty of talent to go around or (create) a good strong ticket." But adds that her opinion is not based on animosity between the two. "I don’t think that we should thrust the vice presidential choice onto the presidential nominee. That’s her or his decision to make." Pelosi has cast doubt on the pairing several times in the past. Read transcript here. Permalink
Rev. Wright: My Words Were Twisted
In PBS interview to air on "Bill Moyers Journal" Friday, Obama's former pastor defends his controversial comments, suggests Obama distanced himself only because he needed to. Also denounces his attackers-- clip above for a clip. Wright will also address the National Press Club in D.C. Monday. Permalink
McCain: Hagee Not Comparable to Wright
Takes indirect dig at Obama while speaking to reporters by saying conservative pastor Hagee, who has been criticized for anti-Catholic comments, endorsing him isn't the same as attending his church for 20 years. Watch video above. Permalink
McCain Team, North Carolina GOP Disagree on TV Ad
State party Communications Director Brent Woodcox tells The Page a controversial ad tying Obama to Rev. Wright is still scheduled to air early next week during 6 pm newscasts. Earlier: Top McCain strategist Charlie Black tells TIME's Michael Scherer the commercial had been pulled at their request, but later finds out it was a miscommunication with state party officials. But at least two TV stations are refusing the ad. Read more here. Permalink
Obama to Appear on "Fox News Sunday," Ending "Obama Watch"
Appearance will halt Chris Wallace's timer, which measured time since Obama agreed to appear on the show. Last week's "Obama Watch" clock: 765 days, 13 hours, 54 minutes, 47 seconds. Permalink
Obama Nabs Oregon Superdelegate
Rep. David Wu jumps on the Land of Lincolner bandwagon. "...I believe that he is best suited to turn the page on this sorry episode in American history." Permalink
Clinton Supporter Challenges DNC to Seat Michigan Delegates
Clinton-backing DNC member Joel Ferguson files paperwork to challenge party's decision, proposes to count state's delegates based on Jan. 15 primary results. The Michigan superdel says it would be fair to give each elected delegate half a vote, superdelegates should retain a full vote. Obama was not listed on the ballot in Michigan. Permalink
Wilder: Nation May Not Be As Ready for Black President as Polls Say
The first elected black governor and current Richmond Mayor Doug Wilder -- an Obama supporter -- says his candidate is approaching the race issue the right way and thinks the country is ready for a black president, but doesn't want the polls to fool him on how ready. "Let's not kid ourselves again, the issue of race will not disappear; but I don't think it will predominate." Adds even if Obama runs against McCain in November, the election "will be closer than any polls will suggest.'' Permalink
Jon Stewart Takes On Carter, Dean, Gingrich, Reid
All four to drop by "The Daily Show" over the next two weeks. Will be Sen. Reid's first appearance on Comedy Central's faux news show, and President Carter's second, former Speaker Gingrich's third, DNC Chair Dean's fourth. Permalink
WHERE TO NEXT
TIME's Joe Klein on Obama vs. Clinton: "The nomination is, obviously, his to lose. But the presidency will not be won if he doesn't learn that the only way to reach the high-minded conversation he wants, and the country badly needs, is to figure out how to maneuver his way through the gutter." Plus: TIME's Karen Tumulty proposes three endgame scenarios. Permalink
Karl Rove Loves Barack Obama
Not so much. Wall Street Journal op-ed slices likely Democratic nominee (and Clinton), under the cover of analysis. Permalink
Super Battle
Wall Street Journal front-pager: After Pennsylvania, 15 House Democrats strategize at Clinton HQ about courting superdelegates. LA Times: Many undecided superdels plan to wait until the final June 3 primaries to make their choice-- but not much longer. NY Times: Some insiders wonder if race is hurting Obama among key voting groups -- and ponder electability. NPR: Missouri Rep. Cleaver: "We have a process that appears to be about as stupid as human beings could put in place." Plus: Talking Points Memo reports Clinton-supporting Indiana Sen. Bayh is pressing state House members to delay their endorsements. Permalink
North Carolina Excited to Make Its Choice
AP reports Tar Heel residents are eager to play a real role in choosing the nominee, with officials expecting a record turnout. The primary offers 115 national convention delegates up for grabs, the most among remaining contests. HALPERIN'S TAKE: The North Carolina primary. Permalink
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