The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from May 25th, 2008
Bill Clinton: "I Have Never Seen a Candidate Treated So Disrespectfully"
The former President blasts the "frantic effort" to push his wife out of the race. Says in South Dakota Sunday: "I have never seen anything like it. I have never seen a candidate treated so disrespectfully just for running." Also slams media coverage of the race, says he feels as though he lives in a "fun house." Permalink
Obama to Grads: "Make Us Believe Again"
Stepping in for Sen. Kennedy, the Illinois Senator delivers the commencement address at Wesleyan University's 176th graduation. Watch him here. Audience includes Kennedy's wife, stepdaughter. Calls on graduates to hold on to their idealism, and to serve their communities and their nation-- read his speech. "No one is forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off this stage and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and all the other things that our money culture says you should buy. But I hope you don't.'' See more photos of Obama delivering his speech and receiving an honorary degree-- click here. Permalink
Biker in Chief
President Bush is named an honorary member of Rolling Thunder (and given an appropriate leather jacket) as the motorcycle group roars through Washington Sunday to honor the military. Read what the President had to say-- click here. Members of the group also press the president on boosting veterans benefits. Permalink
WashPost: Clinton Fighting for Popular Vote Win
The prospect of winning more votes than Obama is fueling her aggressive campaigning. Senior adviser: "She wants to end this with as many votes as she can." Plus: WashPost says few people in campaign still discuss future strategy, and superdelegates/insiders are miffed by her comments about RFK. Permalink
Obama Fronts Newsweek
Magazine's lead package examines the candidate and race in America. Permalink
McCain Topper's Lobbying Labryinth
NY Times examines the complex lobbying and political ties of McCain campaign manager Rick Davis. Paper of Record says his dealings "illustrate the limits of the guidelines" concerning lobbying and influence-peddling. LA Times: The strategists behind [anti-lobbying] efforts are senior aides with a more-than-passing resemblance to -- what else? -- lobbyists. Permalink
Clinton: Puerto Ricans Should Have Presidential Vote
Stumping in the commonwealth Sunday, the candidate also says she would allow the island to choose its political status during her first term. "All people are entitled to a representative form of government." Plus: Clinton ditches the pantsuit for floral islandwear (but stays in pricey footwear). Permalink
Clinton, Determined to Continue, Explains Delegate Math and RFK Remark
"Some took my comments entirely out of context," the Senator writes in front-page NY Daily News piece. Expresses regret if her comment caused any pain, but adds: "I was deeply dismayed and disturbed that my comment would be construed in a way that flies in the face of everything I stand for - and everything I am fighting for in this election." Also explains why she continues in the race: "I am running because I believe I'm the strongest candidate to stand toe-to-toe with Sen. McCain. Delegate math might be complicated - but electoral math is not." Politico's Harris: Story indicates how modern political journalism has "shredded the ideal of proportionality." Permalink
New National Numbers
From Newsweek: Obama 46, McCain 46, Undecided 8 Clinton 48, McCain 44, Undecided 8 Conducted May 21-22; Error margin: 3.5 points Read more here. Permalink
Obama: "I Think We Should Put it Behind Us"
The candidate responds to Clinton's RFK comment on his flight from Puerto Rico to Chicago. Calls remark "unfortunate," adds: "I think that when you’re on the campaign trail for 15 months, you’re going to make some mistakes. I don’t think Senator Clinton intended anything by it, and I think we should put it behind us." Also talks about McCain's age, Florida delegate, gas prices and his own hybrid car. Watch video, and read transcript. Permalink
Some NY Black Leaders Troubled by Clinton
Some say they, their constituents have been offended by comments from the Senator and her husband during the campaign. Brooklyn Assemblyman: "Once the campaign is over there has to be a lot of work to heal the wounds." Permalink
ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS
Talk of Clinton's comment about RFK dominated the Sunday shows, with her surrogates insisting the remark was distorted and overblown. Read a summary here. Permalink
Carter: Superdels Will Back Obama After June 3
The former President, and superdelegate, tells British TV: "A lot of the superdelegates will make a decision quite, announced quite rapidly, after the final primary on June 3." "I think at that point it will be time for her to give it up." Permalink
McCain Fundraising Picks Up
The Arizonan stays busy raising coin in California and elsewhere. He and the RNC together had $62 million in the bank last month-- $10 million more than Obama and the DNC. Permalink
Few Clues from McCain's "Social Weekend"
Reporters staking out the candidate's Arizona ranch gleaned little information about his gathering with three potential running mates. Permalink
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