Archive - May 9, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Opens Door to Easing Clinton's Debt

The Senator muses about how to unite the party as the nominee: Tells reporters in Woodburn, Oregon: "Particularly when you’ve had a strong opponent, you want to make sure that you’re putting that opponent in a strong position so that they can work to win an election in November.” "Obviously, I’d want to have a broad-ranging discussion with Senator Clinton about how I could make her feel good about the process and have her on the team moving forward." Plus: Could there be talks between Obama and Clinton intermediaries about an agreement to get her out of the race? Click here for the outlines of a possible deal. Permalink

Clinton Goes After Obama, Slams Health Care Plan

The New York Senator criticizes rival's plan for promising universal health care to kids but not adults while campaigning at a local children's hospital in Portland, Oregon. "You've got to have a seamless health care system which covers every single person. My plan does, my opponent's doesn't.... How can anyone run to be the Democratic nominee and not have a universal health care plan?" Permalink

Super Friday Haul for Obama

Net gain: Obama 7, Clinton 1* OBAMA GETS: --Hawaii Rep. Mazie Hirono, New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne, who is switching from Clinton, Oregon Rep. DeFazio. --New Mexico's add-on super Laurie Weahkee. --South Carolina's Democratic vice chair, California DNC member Ed Espinoza. --American Federation of Government Employees head John Gage. The union endorses as well. CLINTON GETS: --Backing of Texas Rep. Ciro Rodriguez. --Endorsement of Pennsylvania Rep. Chris Carney. *Payne switching takes one super away from Clinton. ABC News, NY Times, others report Obama has taken the superdelegate lead. Plus: Other supers being reported for Obama Friday -- including Virginia DNC member Joe Johnson -- have been counted in some media tallies, not others. Permalink

McCain Hints At Support for Global Warming Bill

TIME's Eric Pooley reports on McCain's seeming support for an ambitious Lieberman-Warner bill. Legislation expected to hit the Senate floor next month. McCain is set to give a big speech on climate change Monday in Oregon. Permalink

New Clinton Oregon Ad Featuring Valerie Plame, Joe Wilson on Iraq

30-second spot focuses on the former CIA agent outed by the Bush administration leak scandal and her husband, a former U.S. ambassador, saying Clinton is the right candidate on the Iraq. Plame: "If you care about ending the war, we urge you to join us in supporting Hillary Clinton for President." Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

Trenton Mayor: "Bitter" is Worse Than "White Americans"

Clinton-supporting New Jersey Mayor Doug Palmer, one of her highest-profile African American backers, brushes off Clinton's USA Today interview on her white support. Instead points to Obama's "cling" remarks at a San Francisco fundraiser: "It was not like she was saying something behind closed doors. She said it to the media." Permalink

McCain Launches New TV Ad on Economy

Spot running in Iowa focuses on his pro-growth plans to jump start the economy. Watch it above. Read script here. How long it's running and size of ad buy unknown. Permalink

B. Clinton: West Virginia Vote Can Make "Earth Move"

Former president tells crowd his wife can still win the popular vote -- with their help. At a firehouse in Madison, says "Hillary can get eighty percent of the vote in West Virginia, and if only 100,000 people show up it is not enough. But if 600,000 people show up...than you will see the earth move. You can do it." Permalink

McCain "Fine" With Questions on Age, Rev. Wright

"Every issue that the American people want to be an issue, and it's part of their discussions, it's fine with me," the Senator says in New Jersey. Includes his age, Rev. Wright, and Hamas' view of Obama. Permalink

Obama Keeps Up Focus on McCain

In Beaverton, Oregon, the Illinois Senator highlights contrasts with McCain on the economy, taxes and health care. "There will be real differences on the ballot in November. And that’s what elections should be about." Prepared remarks show he doesn't once mention his Democratic rival. Read full text of speech here. Plus: McCain camp responds here. Permalink

Obama Campaign Woos Uncommitted State Party Chairs

Friday private parley in Chicago with senior campaign staffers intended to further consolidate support for near-presumptive nominee. Developing.... Permalink

Kennedy Says No Veep Slot for Clinton

Obama-supporter Ted Kennedy says he doesn't think a dream ticket is "possible" on Bloomberg Television's "Political Capital With Al Hunt," airing this weekend. Went on to say Obama should choose someone who "is in tune with his appeal for the nobler aspirations of the American people." "If we had real leadership — as we do with Barack Obama — in the No. 2 spot as well, it'd be enormously helpful." Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC: Led with growing certainty of Obama's nomination. Said Obama erased Clinton's last real advantage-- the superdelegate lead. Clips from Emanuel, Panetta saying race appears over. Kennedy quote saying Clinton should not be VP. Mention that Obama has signaled he may be willing to help settle Clinton's debt. Stephanopoulos said pressure on Clinton will grow. CBS: After report on cyclone tragedy, brief political report recapped day's events. Jeff Greenfield noted growing superdelegate flow to Obama, said no candidate has ever been nominated with so few large-state victories. NBC: Led with new Myanmar devastation images, turned to Obama’s superdelgate pickups. Said Obama “ignored” Clinton on the stump Friday, mentioned Emanuel on Obama being “presumptive” nominee, Kennedy rejecting possibility of Clinton veep. Showed Clinton fighting on, asked if she’s playing the “race card” with USA Today comments. Reported Obama didn’t rule out helping pay her debt. Permalink

Clinton Up With New West Virginia Ad

Positive spot airing statewide focuses on special interests, strengthening the middle class. "Standing up for people who weren't getting a fair shake, that's been the purpose of my life. And it will be the purpose of my presidency." Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

Rahmbo: Obama "Presumptive Nominee"

Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel — who has spent the Democratic contest uncommitted — all but declares the race over during the New Yorker Conference: “At this point, Barack is the presumptive nominee. Hillary can’t win, but something could happen that Barack could lose the nomination.” When asked if he’s pushing for Clinton to drop out, the former Bill Clinton aide quickly moves on by saying, “Next question." Read transcript of the exchange here. Update: Staffer insists Emanuel thinks Clinton can still win. Permalink