The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from May 14th, 2008
Clinton, Campaign Meets with Top Donors
At Washington hotel and Clinton DC residence, 30-40 major donors talked about the state of her campaign with the candidate and her senior staff. Read an account of what happened here. Permalink
Elephant-on-Donkey Action
--McCain camp goes after Obama, saying his event in Grand Rapids, Michigan shows he relies on "divisive partisan attacks that only reminds Americans that he’s a candidate with no record of bipartisan success." Read more here. Permalink
***EDWARDS ENDORSES OBAMA***
The former presidential candidate announces his support at Grand Rapids, Michigan Obama rally. "The reason I am here tonight is because the Democratic voters of America have made their choice, and so have I." Watch video above. SEE PHOTO COLLAGE HERE. Clinton chair McAuliffe responds: "We respect John Edwards, but as the voters of West Virginia showed last night, this thing is far from over.” Flashback: So, did Edwards slip up and say "him" when talking to MSNBC's "Morning Joe" last week about who he voted for in North Carolina's primary? Watch video here. HALPERIN’S TAKE: Questions about Edwards' endorsement of Obama. Permalink
Clinton Acknowledges "White Americans" Remark Was a Mistake
Tells CNN that Rep. Rangel was "probably right" that her comments to USA Today were "the dumbest thing" she could have said. Click above to watch. Also gets emotional when talking about her daughter on the trail with her. Read interview excerpts here. Part of Wednesday national media push. --In interview with Fox News: She says she's staying in the race "until the buzzer sounds and there is a nominee..." More excerpts here. --In interview with NBC's Brian Williams: She says "I don’t believe in quitting. I don’t believe in being pushed out." Adds she's "disappointed" about NARAL's Obama endorsement. More excerpts here. --On the CBS Evening News, remains confident she will win nomination, says her "white Americans" comment was simply a reference to the AP story. Also appears on Univision. Permalink
SUPER BATTLE
Wednesday's tally: Obama 4.5*, Clinton 1 OBAMA GETS: Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor, Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, Indiana Rep. Pete Visclosky, College Democrats VP Awais Khaleel, Democrats Abroad Chair Christine Schon Marques. CLINTON GETS: Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women head Vicky Harwell. *Democrat abroad supers are worth 1/2 a vote. Permalink
Obama Launches Two Kentucky Radio Ads
Rep. Chandler and Lt. Gov. Mongiardo tape spots stressing Obama's faith and family. Permalink
**UNITY**
First on The Page: A new three-way agreement is being established between the Obama campaign, the Clinton campaign, and the Democratic National Committee to raise money for the general election. Read the DNC's release on the Democratic White House Victory Fund. For more on the agreement, click here. Permalink
Obama Apologizes for Saying "Sweetie"
The Senator leaves a voicemail for a Michigan TV reporter he called "sweetie" earlier in the day. "That's a bad habit of mine. I do it sometimes with all kinds of people. I mean no disrespect...." Permalink
Cindy McCain Sells Sudan-Related Investments
Wife of the presumptive GOP nominee sold off more than $2 million in mutual funds whose holdings include companies that do business in the African nation. Comes after the AP questions the investments following McCain's call for international financial sanctions against the Sudanese leadership. Permalink
NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses Obama
Million-member group says it's backing "the pro-choice candidate whom we believe will secure the Democratic nomination and advance to the general election. That candidate is Sen. Obama.” Read release here. Asked for reaction on media conference call, Clinton spokesman Wolfson says, "Surprised." Clinton-supporting EMILY's List shoots back at group, calls endorsement "tremendously disrespectful" to Clinton because of past ties. Read statement here. Update: Female Representatives gather on Capitol Hill Wednesday to discuss Clinton's "strong pro-choice record." Read more. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
Networks all mentioned Edwards' Obama endorsement at the top; ABC's first full report was Chinese earthquake. Programs give conflicting accounts of whether Edwards informed Clinton of his decision. ABC: After earthquake, live report from Edwards/Obama rally. Said Clinton "seemed a bit trumped" by the Edwards nod, timed for "maximum drama, maximum impact." Examined possible impact on white working-class voters, Obama's continued struggle to "connect" with them. Stephanopoulos said both campaigns had been courting Edwards. CBS: Lead report said Obama "took back the spotlight" from Clinton with Edwards endorsement, said it will be "almost irresistible for those in search of party unity." Said Edwards gave no warning to Clinton campaign and that Elizabeth Edwards did not come along. Mentioned McAuliffe's terse response. Clinton interview. NBC: Live report from Obama rally site said Edwards had hinted at the endorsement, and he did call Clinton to announce his decision. Clinton interview. Permalink
New Pro-Clinton PAC Plans Media Blitz
WomenCount PAC buys full-page ad in Friday's USA Today, and explores other venues to proclaim “unwavering support” for the New York Senator despite (or, because of) efforts to drive her from the race. Group -- led by longtime Clinton backer Susie Buell -- goes from idea to existence in just days, raising money from a standing start. Targets are the media, the public, and superdelegates. See the ad here. Read group's solicitation letter here. Permalink
Obama Sends Out Religious Mailer in Kentucky
Brody File: Flier mentions his conversion experience, highlights a large cross. Permalink
ON THE FLIGHT DECK
Clinton campaign chair McAuliffe, strategist/spokesman Wolfson and spokesman Singer hold afternoon media call on "the state of the race." McAuliffe says campaign has raised "7 digits" online since Tuesday-- "Financially, we're in very good shape." Wolfson insists delegate target is now 2,210. Asked if campaign doesn't have a tall mountain to climb, he responds: "We've got good walking shoes." Permalink
NRCC's Cole: "What We Have Now is a Deficiency in Our Message"
House GOP campaign committee big says on afternoon media call candidates can't run on fact that their district is historically Republican, party is suffering from a "loss of confidence by the American people." But: Adds he believes Republican ideals aren't being rejected, the party will do better once the presidential general election heats up and the Democrats have to be "forthright with their positions." Comes after party roiled from Tuesday's stunning special election loss in Mississippi. In statement following results Cole warns members not to depend on the party saving them-- read it here. Politico's Allen reports "whispers" among some House Republicans seeking to replace Cole with former NRCC chair Tom Davis. Permalink
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