The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from April 28th, 2008
Obama Draws Over 18,000 in Chapel Hill
Supporters wait for hours before flooding into UNC's Dean Dome to see the candidate Monday night. Permalink
McCain Plans New York Fundraiser
The Arizonan will hold May 7 event hosted by NY Jets owner Woody Johnson. Some of the biggest names in NY finance and industry are expected to attend. The joint fundraiser with the Republican National Committee is expected to raise about $4 million. Permalink
Sen. Bingaman Endorses Obama
New Mexico Senator and superdelegate throws his support behind the Land of Lincolner. “To make progress, we must rise above the partisanship and the issues that divide us to find common ground. We must move the country in a dramatically new direction." Full statement here. What Bingaman (and his staff) has said in the past about endorsing here. Endorsement gives Obama the edge over Clinton in support from fellow Senators. Permalink
National Parties Square off on DNC's Anti-McCain Attack Ad
Top DNC officials defend their new TV ad blasting McCain's "100 years" comment about Iraq. "There's nothing false about this ad at all," Chairman Dean says on afternoon conference call, adding about McCain: "He is completely out of touch with where Americans are on the war." DNC General Counsel Joe Sandler calls legal challenges to the ad "baseless." RNC Chair Duncan responded to the ad Monday, calling it "false and defamatory" and illegally coordinated. RNC is asking networks not to run the spot, which begins airing on nationwide cable Tuesday. Permalink
Democrat-on-Democrat Action
--Clinton criticizes Obama for opposing plan suspending the gas tax during the peak summer driving months while on the stump in Graham, North Carolina. --Obama-backing Bill Bradley, asked about Rev. Wright, hits the Clintons on foundation donors and possible links to pardons or possible "investigations that were squashed" on MSNBC (an argument he has made before). Watch video here. On same network, Clinton honcho Geoff Garin accuses Bradley of changing the subject. --Clinton camp memo focuses on her economic plan, says while Obama "retools his stump speech to reach middle and working class voters," she'll continue pushing her same message. Read it here. Permalink
Republican-on-Democrat Action
--McCain camp slams Obama for refusing to support his gas tax holiday proposal. "It’s clear Barack Obama’s not strong enough to provide immediate relief at the pump, and it shows he doesn’t understand our economy or have the ability to deliver for hardworking Americans." Permalink
Democrat-on-Republican Action
--Clinton says McCain has not done enough to stop North Carolina GOP officials from running TV ads targeting Obama's relationship with Rev. Wright during a presser in Graham. Permalink
E. Edwards Keeps Up Criticism of McCain on Health Care
Wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards keeps the heat on the presumptive GOP nominee's plan in media call with Center for American Progress Monday. “If he’s talking about expanding Medicaid to cover chronic conditions…he is talking about the most radical expansion of government health care that has been proposed -- that I know of." Permalink
Evening News Roundup
Broadcasts led with gas prices and rebate checks. Rev. Wright coverage stressed ongoing damage he may be inflicting on Obama. ABC: Recapped Wright and reactions he prompted, noting April has been a bad month for Obama. Package said Obama has shifted stump style to counter "elitist" charge-- he now stresses his humble origins and similarities with ordinary voters. News of Bingaman and Easley endorsements, and tough reaction from Democrats to Supreme Court decision on ID laws. CBS: Looked back at Wright's speech, noting roadblock cable coverage and the headache it poses for Obama. Mentioned Easley's Clinton endorsement, but not Bingaman’s nod to Obama. Brief news of Supreme Court decision. NBC: Called Rev. Wright's speech an “unwelcome distraction for Obama,” who is trying to reach out to blue-collar voters. Noted Obama distancing himself, Wright being “defiant,” Clinton refusing to comment, McCain bringing it up. Mentioned endorsements — Bingaman for Obama, North Carolina governor expected for Clinton, both still wooing Elizabeth, John Edwards. Highlighted Supreme Court ruling on voter ID law in Indiana, cited ruling saying argument it disenfranchises some wasn’t enough to overcome state’s interest in discouraging fraud. Permalink
New National Head-to-Head Numbers
From AP-Ipsos poll: Clinton 50, McCain 41 Obama 46, McCain 44 Poll finds Clinton, Obama about even in the race for nomination. Dates conducted: April 23-27. Error margin: 3.1 points. Read more here. Permalink
Supreme Court Upholds Voter ID Laws
By 6-3 vote, the high court upholds Indiana law requiring voters to have photo ID. Considered most important decision on voting rights since Bush v. Gore. At least 20 states require ID at polls. Supporters claim the laws prevent fraud, while many Democrats and civil rights groups say the laws discourage voting by minorities, the poor and the elderly. Plus: Harry Reid called requirements the court upheld "roadblocks to democracy." Permalink
North Carolina Governor to Back Clinton
Gov. Mike Easley, a superdelegate, is expected to endorse the New York Senator Tuesday morning in Raleigh -- a week before his state's primary. Two will appear at an event at 8:30 am ET at North Carolina State University. Permalink
McCain Focuses on Health Care in "Call to Action" Tour
Kicks off week-long tour at Miami Children's Hospital Monday morning, discusses problems with the health care system focusing on skyrocketing costs. "My approach to transforming health care is to put families in charge." Full remarks here. From Florida, McCain will travel to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, and Colorado. Meanwhile: WSJ looks at all three candidates' health care plans, says none may offer an immediate cure to system's woes. Permalink
Obama Responds to Wright's Latest Appearance
"I just want to emphasize that this is my former pastor," the Senator says in Wilmington, North Carolina. Rev. Wright's statements "don’t represent my view, and they don’t represent what this campaign is about.” Repeats that he was offended by some of Wright's remarks, but adds, "he’s obviously free to speak his mind." On MSNBC's "Hardball," top strategist Axelrod says it's "unfortunate" the media is spending "hours and hours on the fulmination of one guy." Says he trusts Americans to separate the views of the two men. Earlier: McCain insists he believes Obama doesn't share Wright's views in three separate instances Monday. "I am leaving that issue to a dialogue between Sen. Obama and the American people.” For more on Wright's Monday appearance at the National Press Club, click here. Permalink
"HE DOESN'T LIKE OBAMA"
New Yorker quotes a Clinton adviser on 42: "I think this campaign has enraged him." Also quotes Rep. James Clyburn: "It's pretty widespread now that African-Americans have lost a whole lot of respect for Bill Clinton." Read the New Yorker piece here. Permalink
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