Archive - May 12, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

National General Election Matchups

From ABC News/Washington Post poll: Obama 51, McCain 44. Clinton 49, McCain 46. Dates conducted: May 8-11. Error margin: 3 points. Read more on the poll here -- including what voters think about Clinton dropping out, Obama choosing her as a running mate and how the candidates' age, gender and race may affect their votes. Permalink

Oh, The Expectations They'll Set!

Obama sets West Virginia bar at 80%-20%, citing something President Clinton said on the stump last week. Says in short South Charleston press availability:"I think President Clinton said that they are going to get 80% of the vote. We'll take him at his word." Read pool report of presser Q&A here. Plus: More from his quick stop at a local billiard hall in South Charleston, West Virginia here. And: Obama challenges both Bush and McCain on the economy during his Monday night rally in Louisville. HALPERIN’S TAKE: Previewing the coming week. Permalink

Begala to Brazile: “I'm Your Boo Again”

Two Democratic strategists — who clashed historically last week — figuratively kiss and make up in “The Situation Room,” on Begala’s birthday. Watch it above. Permalink

Pawlenty Jokes About Fishing, Football, Hockey — and Sex — With Wife

Minnesota governor and potential McCain running mate goes all funny on Mike Max’s radio show. Read the humor (attempt) here. Permalink

Bush Online and Unplugged

President to sit for first-ever video online interview with Politico’s Mike Allen and Yahoo News. Read more about the history-making deal here. Permalink

McAuliffe: In It to Win It Through June 3

Clinton chair tells MSNBC: “We are going through to June 3. I can unequivocally tell you we are in til June 3." Later says “She is going to be the nominee. She is going to win the general election.” Also said he believes Clinton will move ahead in popular vote, they just purchased media in Oregon, Kentucky. Watch video above. Permalink

Obama Talks Israel, Jews, Hamas, Middle East

In looong interview with The Atlantic, the candidate condemns Hamas and says Jimmy Carter was wrong to use the word "apartheid" to describe Israel. "It’s emotionally loaded, historically inaccurate, and it’s not what I believe." Also tackles Jewish settlements, Zionism and more. Update: House Minority Leader John Boehner uses interview to accuse Obama of calling Israel a "constant sore." Obama camp hits back, calling it a "dishonest and ridiculous distortion." Permalink

Monday's Super Battle

Hawaii Sen. Akaka endorses Obama. Read more from Obama's native-state Senator-- click here. Today's tally: Obama 4, Clinton 0 OBAMA ALSO GETS: --Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Keith Roark, announcing his endorsement at afternoon presser. --Maine Rep. Tom Allen, who cites the need for the primary campaign to come to a "graceful end." --Hawaii DNC member Dolly Strazar, who says the party needs to "pull together behind a single candidate." Plus: The NY Times on the "super difficult mathematics" when it comes to the delegate count. And: "Harold & Kumar's" Kal Penn writes to the last two undecided college superdels, urging them to vote Obama. But: Clinton strategist Geoff Garin warns against assuming the race is over. Tells MSNBC: "We've already had one unfortunate experience with a leader declaring 'mission accomplished' when it really wasn't." Click here for clip. Permalink

Obama, Clinton Take on McCain Over Climate Change

Obama camp statement: "It is truly breathtaking for John McCain to talk about combating climate change while voting against virtually every recent effort to actually invest in clean energy." Read more here. Clinton camp statement: "Senator McCain’s proposal simply does not go far enough to address the growing threat that the climate crisis poses to our children and grandchildren." Read more here. Comes after McCain kicks off his environmental agenda push, starting with global warming in a Portland, Oregon speech Wednesday. Read more here. Permalink

McCain, Obama Spar Over Veterans

The McCain camp lashes out at Obama following afternoon speech: “It is absurd for Barack Obama to question John McCain’s commitment to America’s veterans, when Obama himself voted against funding our nation’s veterans, and troops in the field during a time of war." Full response here. Comes after Obama criticizes McCain for not supporting the 21st century GI Bill: "...He is one of the few Senators of either party who oppose this bill because he thinks it’s too generous." Full remarks here. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Broadcasts all led with the Chinese earthquake and other natural calamities. ABC: Recapped the day on the stump. Stephanopoulos offered analysis of new ABC poll, said "wrong track" numbers and low Bush approval rating spell trouble for the GOP. CBS: Couric said Clinton is "hanging tough, but changing her tone." Report from West Virginia said Clinton is preserving the "bland and safe" parts of her speech, but holding back attacks on Obama. Said Obama will signal "he's moving on" by campaigning in Missouri as West Virginia results come in. NBC: Noted Obama taking superdelegate lead for first time in MSNBC count. Covered Obama's stop in West Virginia, him turning his "fire power" on McCain in speeches, plans to head to battleground states. Said Clinton "is not going away," cited aides saying she'll be in til June 3 despite money woes. Debated whether her staying in is good or bad for Obama. Mentioned Jenna Bush wedding. Permalink

Obama -- on Lone West Virgina Trip -- Touts Clinton's Support

The Illinois Senator says at Charleston stop that he understands much of the crowd will "probably support Senator Clinton" in Tuesday's contest. Read full speech here. Plus: AP looks at West Virginia savoring the spotlight ahead of Tuesday's contest. Permalink

Cindy McCain Drops Book

Viking says planned September memoir "has been canceled." McCain communications director Hazelbaker confirms the change of plans. Read her explanation here. Permalink

Wrong Track Nation

New ABC News/Washington Post poll shows 82% of Americans say the country is "seriously off on the wrong track," up 10 points from last year. Also finds Bush's approval rating at 31%. Permalink

Barr Announces Libertarian Bid

The former Republican representative from Georgia officially enters the race for the White House at Monday press conference. Watch him discuss his plans for Iraq during Q&A of presser in video above. Libertarians select their nominee at the party's national convention starting May 22. Barr is considered a frontrunner due to his national profile. Later says on CNN, "I'm not interested in being a spoiler, I'm interested in being a competitor." Permalink