The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from May 10th, 2008
Mother's Day
Clinton vows to continue her fight at New York fundraiser, but lays off Obama in remarks. In fabled Sheraton ballroom, takes her shots at the Bush administration, talks about issues, and takes written questions from the audience. Permalink
Clinton Tries to Soothe Superdelegate Supporters on Call
On private Saturday afternoon conference call she urges them to believe "this race is not over," tells them she knows what they are going through "is not easy." Also promises to promote Democratic unity following the primary race, claims there have been back-channel talks of some kind going on between the two camps about ensuring that. Permalink
Obama Slams McCain on Energy in Oregon Presser
While holding an availability after his event in Bend Obama says: "Now, I respect John McCain’s honorable service to this country, but what the American people need aren’t stunts; what they need are real solutions. And I hope that’s what John McCain offers when he comes to Oregon on Monday to talk about energy." Read his full remarks here. Plus: Read pool report of his tour of PV Powered energy company in Bend. Permalink
McCain's Obama Strategy
Required reading: Sunday Chicago Tribune piece analyzes how the presumptive GOP nominee has been characterizing his likely general election rival. "Day by day, week by week, McCain has been portraying Obama as inexperienced, self-entitled and effete, a candidate coddled by a loving press corps and lacking the judgment necessary for the highest office in the land." Permalink
Candidate Profiling
Looong Sunday NY Times piece focuses Obama's Chicago roots and how they've been able to take him this far. Permalink
McCain Camp Considering Asking Obama for Town Hall Debates
Politico: Two would agree to campaign in some states together, attend joint town hall meetings and debate each other without a moderator. GOP strategist Mark McKinnon: "The town hall meeting is John's best format. He's a natural campaigner up close with the public. That would test Obama's claims that he wants a clean fight on the issues." Permalink
New National Numbers
From Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll: Obama 46, McCain 40, undecided 9 Clinton 47, McCain 38, undecided 11 Dates conducted: May 1-8. Error margin: 3 points. To see how the candidates stack up on the economy, among different age groups and among African Americans, click here. Permalink
Clinton Weighs in on Lebanon-Hezbollah Dispute
Says in statement: "The United States must actively support the sovereignty of the Lebanese government and the independence of Lebanon." Full statement here. The two groups have been engaged in four days of street battles and Hezbollah supporters seized control of western Beirut on Friday. But: Hezbollah and its allies announced Saturday they would withdraw their gunmen, raising hopes for a political settlement. Permalink
Obama Illinois Supporters Suggest Clinton Should End Bid
Rep. Jan Schakowsky says Friday before a fundraiser for her re-election: "There really are no options left, so now the decision is really the exit plan." Meanwhile: Sen. Dick Durbin says he'd "counsel" Clinton to do the same. "This is a great moment for her to seize, where she can bring the party together, rally her supporters for the good of the cause..." Permalink
The Frontrunner to Campaign in the Battleground of West Virginia
Candidate adds events in the Mountain State Monday before Tuesday's contest. Plus: LA Times on how and why West Virginia is a problem for Obama in the primary -- and possibly the general election. Begs the question again: why can't the Democratic frontrunner win a primary in this battleground state? Permalink
NY Times: Aides Say Clinton Regrets White Voter Remarks
Paper slips line in Saturday story saying aides say she "regrets" telling USA Today Thursday that she has more support among lower income white voters than Obama. Meanwhile: Campaign strategist Howard Wolfson defends the remarks to Politico in interview airing on ABC7's "Capitol Sunday." Watch clip here. Permalink
Clinton Presses Electability, Targets Bush at Louisville Dinner
In a speech at the Kentucky Democratic dinner Friday night she keeps up argument that she would do better in a general election against McCain, criticizes the Bush administration. Permalink
NOW WHAT?
A McCain-Obama fall match-up looms, but Clinton is sticking around (for now). HALPERIN'S TAKE: The candidates' ledger sheets. Permalink
Today's The Day
Jenna Bush weds on the president's ranch in Crawford, Texas. Permalink
The '08 Race to the Middle
Wall Street Journal front-page story looks at how a McCain-Obama general election match-up "may break Washington's gridlock by reviving the long-dormant political center." Permalink
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