Archive - May 22, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

NY Mag: Bloomberg May Be on McCain's Short List

John Heilemann: A source says that after last week's brunch between the two, one of the participants left with the impression that Bloomberg was under serious consideration. And, from TIME: "The Key to McCain's VP Pick" Permalink

Obama: I Would Not Negotiate With Hamas, Hizballah

He says during a town hall meeting at a synagogue in Boca Raton that there's nothing more important than the U.S. bond with Israel, wouldn't openly meet with terrorist groups. Watch video above. Adds he would only meet with them if they denounce terror, recognize Israel's right to exist, and abide by past agreements. "As president I will do everything in my power to help Israel defend itself from these and and other threats." Chastises his opponents for trying to distort his position, accuses them of "counting on fear" because they aren't telling the truth. Permalink

Sen. Kennedy: "It's Good to Be Home"

Before heading out for a sail off Cape Cod, he talks to the media for the first time since his seizure and brain cancer diagnosis. Watch video above. Says he's enormously grateful to everyone at Mass General, expresses thanks for notes and letters from friends and colleagues in the Senate and his constituents in Massachusetts. Calls his Hyannisport compound "the best place in the world," and says he is taking it "one day at a time." Permalink

Obama, McCain Duke It Out Over Veterans Bill

Two leading candidates get out the brass knuckles over Sen. Webb's veterans benefits bill. Obama on Senate floor: "I can't understand why he would line up behind the president in opposition to this G.I. Bill. I can't believe why he believes it is too generous to our veterans." McCain hits back hard: "Unlike Senator Obama, my admiration, respect and deep gratitude for America’s veterans is something more than a convenient campaign pledge.” Obama's counterpunch: "These endless diatribes and schoolyard taunts from the McCain campaign do nothing to advance the debate about what matters to the American people.” Permalink

McCain, Rev. Hagee Call It Off

The presumptive GOP nominee rejects the endorsement of the controversial Texas pastor, while Hagee announces he's withdrawing his support. Move comes after audiotapes reveal Hagee says the Holocaust fulfilled God's will. McCain: "I find these remarks and others deeply offensive and indefensible." Full statement here. Hagee: "I am tired of these baseless attacks and fear that they have become a distraction in what should be a national debate about important issues." Full statement here. McCain's statement also swipes at Obama, with reference to Rev. Wright: "Reverend Hagee was not and is not my pastor or spiritual advisor, and I did not attend his church for twenty years." More, here Plus: McCain rejects the endorsement of Pastor Rod Parsley, a controversial televangelist in Ohio, as well. Permalink

The Torch Passed to a New Generation

Obama subs in for ailing Kennedy at Sunday’s Wesleyan University commencement. Read all about it here. Permalink

Obama to Tour Purple States

The Illinois lawmaker will visit New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado early next week. Obama has argued he can turn those purple states blue in November. Permalink

Gov. Paterson: We're Starting to See Clinton's "Desperation"

The NY Governor and Clinton supporter tells WAMC radio he doesn't think the DNC should change the rules for Florida, Michigan and isn't buying her popular vote claims involving those states. "I would say at this point we're starting to see a little desperation on the part of the woman who I support and I'll support until whatever time she makes a different determination." Adds: "I thought she was the best candidate and I thought she had the best chance of winning." Permalink

THE DEMOCRATIC FAMILY COMES TOGETHER

Bill Clinton sends “best wishes” to ailing Kennedy in phone message. Pair -- estranged since the Bay Stater endorsed the Land of Lincolner — has not talked since before Super Tuesday. Developing.... Permalink

Rove Subpoenaed in Justice Dept. Probe

House Judiciary Committee calls former Bush White House aide to testify as part of its inquiry into whether the Bush administration meddled politically at the Justice Department. Subpoena orders him to appear before July 10. He's expected to face questions about the U.S. attorney firings, prosecution of former Alabama governor. Permalink

Obama to Address Cuban Exile Group

The Senator will speak Friday before the Cuban American National Foundation in Miami. AP: "A daring move in a community generally more supportive of Republican candidate John McCain and even Obama's Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton." Permalink

Florida Legislator Files Suit to Get State's Delegates Seated

State Senate Minority Leader Steve Geller -- an uncommitted superdelegate -- sues the DNC to get full delegation seated based on January primary results. Says objective isn't to bolster Clinton, but to have will of Floridians reflected. Permalink

Clinton Camp Keeps Up Florida, Michigan Arguments

Senior advisor Harold Ickes and spokesstrategist Howard Wolfson hold morning media call. Ickes reiterates position that the Clinton camp wants all delegates from both states to be seated with a full vote. Also defends voting for the Florida, Michigan sanctions as a DNC member in the first place, says punishment was imposed and it's time to make sure the two states are included in general. Wolfson points to Axelrod NPR interview, says both campaigns agree the status quo is unacceptable. Plus: Clinton, Obama offer lengthy interviews to the St. Pete Times, focusing mostly on seating Florida's delegates. Read more here. More: NY Daily News says "busloads" of Clinton supporters plan to swarm the DNC's May 31 meeting on seating the delegations. And: DNC members are getting packages containing oranges with the words "Count Florida's Votes" on them from individual voters. Permalink

Petraeus: Iraqi Troop Withdrawals Possible This Fall

Speaking to a Senate panel, Gen. Petraeus says he will recommend a modest reduction if conditions permit. "I believe we are in a significantly better position in Iraq now than we were in late 2006 and early 2007." Watch the hearings LIVE here. During Armed Services Committee hearing, Clinton questions Petraeus on tracking down bin Laden, he responds by saying he's recently met with directors, there's a considerable priority on that. Obama also on Capitol Hill Thursday. Permalink