The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from May 27th, 2008
McClellan's Memoir Stuns Washington
The sharp criticism in the former press secretary's new book dominates the morning shows. The longtime Bush loyalists blasts the President and top aides on Iraq, Katrina, the Scooter Libby scandal and more. NBC quotes a response from a former White House "senior adviser": "This book has left many of Scott's closest friends puzzled and shocked... He never expressed any reservations while serving. To do so in a highly publicized book is what makes people lose faith in those who work in Washington." Karl Rove on Fox News: "That doesn't sound like the Scott I know, it sounds like a left-wing blogger... If he had these moral qualms, he should have spoken out about them." McClellan to appear on NBC's "Today" show Thursday. Permalink
Dean's Michigan and Florida "Burden"
Boston Globe: "Whether Dean can broker a compromise and amicably resolve the Florida and Michigan crisis - and then stitch together his party after this year's bruising nomination battle - could go a long way toward determining who is the next president." Adds: "Some are skeptical about his ability to finesse such a delicate, high-stakes situation." Permalink
McCain, Obama Fight for the West
The Senators lavish attention on the region, considered up for grabs in November. New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada on both candidates' itineraries. Obama: "We want to send a message now that we're going to go after them, and I expect to win." Read more from Obama pool report. Plus: WashPost recaps their Monday visits to the Land of Enchantment. Permalink
Obama Aide Predicts Victory After June 3
The Illinois Senator's chief strategist David Axelrod tells NY Daily News: "We're very close now. When the primaries end, I think, we'll be where we need to be. ... We'll be at the number we need to claim the nomination." Campaign claims they have 49 delegates to go to reach 2,026 (the number without including Florida, Michigan). Permalink
Debate Over Women's Combat Roles
LA Times focuses on McCain's position that "only men belong in battle." Says Clinton, Obama declined to comment on their views. Paper says issue likely to be on the next president's agenda. Permalink
Competing for Tech Sector's Support
WSJ: McCain, Obama have started courting votes, cash from the technology industry. Paper: "So far, despite Sen. McCain's long history of involvement with technology issues, it is his Democratic rival who appears to be scoring more points." Plus: Obama also trying to bolster support from seniors -- a group that overly favors Clinton. Permalink
The Global Warming Divide
Politico: "John McCain’s tempestuous relationship with his own party will be on full display when the Senate dives into a major global warming debate next week." A key procedural vote has been scheduled for June 2. Permalink
Republican Branding
--NY Times looks at the impact of former NRCC staffer Christopher Ward, who is currently under investigation for political embezzlement. Permalink
Where They Are Tuesday
Obama: Las Vegas, NV Clinton: Pablo, Billings, MT McCain: Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ Bill Clinton: Arecibo, Lares, Ciales, Orocovis, Cidra, Puerto Rico Permalink
McCain Fundraiser Moved to Minimize Press
Spokeswoman Dana Perino says they were following the McCain camp's wishes by moving Tuesday night's joint fundraiser from the Phoenix Convention Center to a private residence. "The McCain campaign has a practice that's different, and that is that all of their fundraisers, regardless of location, are closed to the press." Read full press gaggle here. More, here and here. Permalink
DNC Lawyers: Michigan, Florida Delegates Can't Be Fully Restored
Party's legal experts write in memo ahead of Saturday's meeting that the two states must lose at least half of their delegates for moving up their contests. Says the Rules Committee doesn't have the authority to seat full delegations, something the Clinton camp has been advocating. Plus: Obama camp e-mails supporters asking them not to demonstrate Saturday. Comes after reports that Clinton supporters plan to protest. Permalink
Morning Show Summary
On ABC's "Good Morning America," George Stephanopoulos said the race is "almost certain to end" after the primaries next week. Predicted "several dozen" superdelegates will move to Obama shortly after June 3. Permalink
No Response Yet From Obama on Possible Iraq Trip
The Senator has not visited Iraq since 2006. McCain agreed to a joint trip with his Democratic opponent, telling the AP "it would be fine." Sen. Graham, a McCain supporter, floated the idea on Sunday. Permalink
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