Archive - May 7, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Toni Morrison Sets the Record Straight on "The First Black President"

The Nobel Prize-winning author tells TIME that her famous characterization of Bill Clinton has been "misunderstood." "I was deploring the way [he] was being treated, vis-à-vis the sex scandal that was surrounding him. I said he was being treated like a black on the street, already guilty, already a perp. I have no idea what his real instincts are, in terms of race." Also says when she endorsed Obama over Clinton she didn't consider race, gender. " I needed something else, and the something else was his wisdom.” Watch video of her interview here. Permalink

McCain Shows His Sense of Humor

Pretends to angrily walk off the stage when Stewart presses him on whether Bush is more of a liability for him than Rev. Wright is for Obama during his 13th appearance on "The Daily Show" Wednesday night. Also says his Secret Service code name, he thinks, is "jerk" and his choice for Veep is Dwight Schrute from NBC's "The Office." Watch video above. Permalink

Clinton to Female Base: "I've Come Back Before"

Despite doubts being raised about her candidacy, Clinton spent Wednesday evening energizing 1,500 of her core supporters at a "Generations of Women for Hillary” fundraising event in Washington, D.C. “I’ve been counted out more than once. But thanks to all of you I’ve come back." Event helped her raise about $1 million for the campaign. Permalink

Navy Releases McCain's Military Record

The Associated Press details the documents -- mostly covering the awards he received, particularly due to his time in a North Vietnamese prison camp -- here. Permalink

Rendell Stays On-Message When Asked About Clinton's Prospects

The Clinton-backing Pennsylvania governor — who has a history of speaking his mind — stays in-line with campaign talking points on NPR’s “On Point” when discussing how Clinton can stay in the race. In 2000, Rendell (then the DNC chair) is well-remembered for publicly saying Gore should concede in 2000 after Supreme Court’s recount decision. Read the key exchange here. Permalink

Clinton Requests Second Meeting with Superdels

The Senator asked uncommitted House members to meet with her Wednesday evening-- but at least three said they'll take a pass. One says Obama has also asked for a meeting Thursday in Washington. Clinton earlier met with superdels at DNC headquarters. Politico: Names of five members she talked to: Rodriguez of Texas, McNerny of California, Carney of Pennsylvania, Mahoney of Florida and Spratt of South Carolina. Plus: Of 42 lawmakers interviewed by The Hill, "only four said they regarded the primary vote as decisive." Permalink

Obama: McCain is "Losing His Bearings"

Democratic frontrunner denounces McCain "smear" against him over Hamas. Tells CNN the Arizonan's claim that Hamas wants Obama to win is "offensive" and "disappointing." Click above. "For him to toss out comments like that I think is an example of him losing his bearings as he pursues this nomination." Tackles several other topics in wide-ranging interview to air on "The Situation Room," beginning at 4 pm ET. Permalink

Wednesday's Super Battle

Obama wins a fourth superdelegate-- a Virginia Assembly member who switched from Clinton's camp. Read more. Net gain: Obama 4, Clinton 1* Obama: The chair of North Carolina's Democratic Party, a North Carolina DNC member and a California DNC member sign on with the Illinois Senator. Campaign release here. Clinton: North Carolina Rep. Shuler endorses the New York Senator -- who won his western district -- despite Obama's statewide victory Tuesday. She also picked up Indiana Rep. Ellsworth, by winning his district. *Jennifer McClellan's switch from Clinton to Obama cancels out one of her two Wednesday pickups. Permalink

Feinstein Warns of "Negative Dividends" from Continued Fight

The Clinton-backing California Senator raises a warning flag about the nomination battle. "I think the race is reaching the point now where there are negative dividends from it, in terms of strife within the party.” Says she continues to back Clinton, but wants more detail about her strategy for victory. Plus: Clinton-supporting Bob Kerrey believes “if things stay the way they are now,” she will be out by June 3. Earlier: Former Sen. McGovern switches from Clinton to Obama. Says it's time for the party to focus on McCain. Listen to him on MSNBC, and read what he said on Fox. Permalink

Clinton Vows to Stay in the Race

The candidate tells reporters in West Virginia she has no plans to drop out in light of Tuesday's results. “I’m staying in this race until there’s a nominee... It's still early," she says after campaign rally. Click above to watch. Denies she is hurting the party by keeping her hat in. Permalink

McCain Camp Analyzes Indiana, North Carolina Results

Campaign manager Rick Davis lays out their findings in a memo Wednesday, defends his candidate against reports of nearly a quarter of GOP voters deciding against McCain in Tuesday's contests. "While the press is reporting on Republican crossover voting in the Democratic primaries, they are missing the real story: John McCain has nearly 20% support among Democratic voters." Read memo here. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC, CBS, NBC pushed the envelope and reported some Clinton insiders believe the race is over. CBS: Reported "several top advisers are suggesting to Hillary Clinton that she stay in through West Virginia, Kentucky and Oregon and then in two weeks, gracefully bow out." Also reported that "one of the Clintons' top strategists told CBS News that he had told Senator Clinton, ‘You can't win this nomination.’" NBC: Reported that prominent Clinton supporters say they are looking for an exit strategy before June 3 “to protect her political future and her husband's legacy." Also on the evening news programs: ABC: Led with politics, looking at "bleak" developments for Clinton. Mentioned loan to her campaign, McGovern endorsement, Feinstein comments. Said she met "furtively" with seven superdels in DC. Second package on Obama winning Clinton superdelegate, Plouffe's memo, plans for rallies geared toward the general election. Stephanopoulos said players are now waiting for Clinton's next move, outlined possible exit scenarios, including getting the veep slot. CBS: After cyclone report, news of advice to Clinton from “top advisers.” Report also mentioned Obama’s weaknesses Tuesday, especially with blue-collar voters. Jeff Greenfield looked at media reaction to Clinton, mentioned Feinstein's comments, examined exit paths. Then, brief mention of voter asking McCain about his temper. NBC: Led with Tuesday's contests, saying Obama is "tantalizingly close" to winning nomination. Noted Clinton was back on her feet in West Virginia, has her own timetable for the race. Mentioned her loan to campaign, said ... Permalink

AP: Obama Nets Most Delegates from Tuesday Primaries

Their election returns analysis finds he will pick up at least 97 elected delegates in the North Carolina and Indiana primaries, with 187 total at stake. Leaves Obama 178.5 delegates shy of the 2,025 needed to clinch nomination, according to AP count. There are 217 elected delegates at stake in final six contests. And: New York Times takes a look at the popular vote after Tuesday's races. Permalink

Limbaugh "Releases" Superdelegates to Obama

After months of promoting "Operation Chaos," in which the conservative talk show host pushed listeners to vote for Clinton to aid McCain, he pulls back on Wednesday and tells them to go for Obama. Adds: "He will lose. He will lose big and you supers know it....but go ahead. Go ahead and get in the tank for him." Though in "special" monologue he pushes Clinton not to drop out. "You've come too far to quit...this one, Mrs. Clinton, you do deserve." Listen to clip of broadcast here. Plus: Comes after Obama-supporter Sen. Kerry blamed Limbaugh for "tampering with" the Indiana primary. Permalink

Voter Asks McCain About Temper

The GOP Senator fields the question at Rochester, Michigan town hall meeting. "How dare you ask that question!" he jokes in response. Click above to watch. Reporters often ask about his temperament; voters rarely do. Plus: In opening remarks, McCain discusses history of slavery, oppression to point to importance of curbing human trafficking. Read them here. Permalink