Archive - May 29, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Backs Away From Another Pastor

The Illinois Senator rebukes Chicago Minister Michael Pfleger, who mocked Clinton at some length during a visiting sermon at Obama's Trinity United last Sunday. Watch video here. Obama response: "I am deeply disappointed in Father Pfleger's divisive, backward-looking rhetoric..." Full statement here. Rebuke from Clinton spokesman Wolfson: "We are disappointed that Sen. Obama didn't specifically reject Father Pflegler's despicable comments about Sen. Clinton, and assume he will do so." Read full statement. Permalink

McClellan Hints at Obama Support

In Thursday interviews, Bush's former press secretary avoids committing to vote for Sen. McCain. Tells ABC News he is "intrigued by Sen. Obama's message." Plus: Hits similar theme in USA Today interview, saying "I have a lot of respect and admiration for Sen. McCain...I'm also intrigued by Sen. Obama." Politico: McClellan "is the third high-profile member" of Bush's original Texas circle to express interest in Obama. Permalink

Clinton on South Dakota Trail Hails McCain's Travel to Iraq

In potential/possible mild swipe at Obama, the New York Senator reminds voters twice that she has visited both Iraq and Afghanistan with McCain in the past. McCain has criticized Obama this week for traveling to Iraq just once, agreed to accompany him on a trip there. Plus: WashPost wraps up Clinton's Thursday South Dakota stops. Permalink

Reid, Pelosi, Dean Coordinate to Avoid Convention Fight

The Senate Majority leader says the three Democratic Party toppers have spoken recently, are figuring out how to get the nomination wrapped up shortly after next week's contests. Tells San Francisco's KGO Radio that supers will likely flock to a nominee a couple days after June 3rd, added Obama may even have the necessary number at that time anyway. Permalink

Clinton Supporters Plan Protest Outside DNC Meeting

Several busloads of backers from Florida, Michigan and some prominent supporters are mobilizing a Saturday protest outside the D.C. hotel where the Rules Committee is meeting. Well-known supporters expected to attend include fundraiser Elizabeth Bagley, Reps. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Corrine Brown and NOW President Kim Gandy. Clinton campaign has said they aren’t organizing the rally. Permalink

Gov. Jindal Auditions Again

Potential McCain running mate and Louisiana Governor appears on Fox News and CNN. Says "I've got the job that I want," but lays on praise for McCain and skepticism toward Obama. Click above for a clip. Sidesteps when asked if he would be interested in the VP spot, saying, "I dont think I'll be offered it." Permalink

Clinton Camp Hints at Staying in for the Long Haul

The New York Senator's traveling press gets info on signing up for travel with the campaign through June 6. Many have speculated that Clinton will bow out after the end of the primaries June 3. Spokesman Jay Carson: "There are a lot of places for us to go between June 4 and November." Plus: She also cites an old Arkansas adage when talking about her campaign by saying: "You can't tell how far a frog will jump until you punch him." HALPERIN’S TAKE: How the Democratic nomination fight could go beyond next Wednesday. Permalink

New National General Election Numbers

From Pew Research Center poll: Obama 47, McCain 44 Dates conducted: May 21-25. Poll also shows Obama’s favorability ratings among white women have dropped significantly in past few months. Read more here. Permalink

McCain to Skip Climate Vote Next Week

Despite stressing the issue on the stump, McCain says he won't be in the Senate to vote on a landmark bill imposing mandatory greenhouse gases limits. "I have not been there for a number of votes. The same thing happened in the campaign of 2000. The people of Arizona understand I'm running for president." Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Newscasts led with court ruling in Texas polygamist case, followed by reports on McClellan memoir. ABC: McClellan interviewed by Martha Raddatz, acknowledged he "fell short at times" in his White House role. Next, word of a global warming report the White House had sought to suppress, followed by news of Obama's health update. CBS: Broadcast led with Dan Bartlett and Condoleezza Rice responses to McClellan's book. Katie Couric posed tough questions to McClellan, who said the press were "complicit enablers" in the run-up to the Iraq War. Later, mention of Obama's health with footage of him playing basketball. NBC: Led with ruling in Texas polygamy case. Turned to McClellan, referencing "Today" interview, particularly Iraq criticisms, how former boss Bartlett questioned his sincerity. Noted Condoleezza Rice brushed aside claim that war was unnecessary. Reported that criticism of book has done little to dampen its impact, called it "more potent" than similar tell-alls. Highlighted Obama's medical report, saying only negative is family history of cancer, Obama being an off-and-on smoker. Permalink

Top Michigan Democrats Ask DNC to Seat Full Delegation

Rep. Cheeks Kilpatrick, Sen. Levin, UAW President Gettelfinger and DNC Member Dingell send letter to the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee ahead of Saturday’s meeting calling for all 157 delegates to count. Group argues the party has “selectively” enforced its calendar rule, citing New Hampshire's waiver. Read full letter here. Suggests a compromise of splitting the elected delegates 69/59 in favor of Clinton. Plus: Clinton-supporting DNC member Joel Ferguson breaks ranks with state party leaders, calls play "fatally flawed." Permalink

Republican-on-Democrat Action

McCain camp keeps the Iraq visit story alive. Spokesman Rogers pounds Obama's communications director for saying the candidate might travel to Iraq and examine how to withdraw U.S. forces. Rogers: "It’s unfortunate that Senator Obama continues to refuse to seek the facts but instead will go to Iraq, look our troops in the eye, and admit defeat." Read full statement. Permalink

Axelrod on McCain: “What Does All His Experience Get Us?"

Obama’s top strategist dismisses McCain’s foreign policy experience and trips to Iraq, saying he still lacks good judgment. “It is a question of a willingness to challenge policies that have failed. And he seems just dug in." Also defends himself on charge that he lobbied Chicago officials for a corporate client. Permalink

Obama's Doctor Says He's in "Excellent Health"

The Illinois Senator's primary care physician writes in letter distributed to the press that he "is in overall good physical and mental health needed to maintain the resiliency required in the Office of President." Also summarizes Obama's medical records from the last 21 years, highlighting minor problems like upper respiratory infections, skin rashes and his history of smoking, cancer in his family. Read the full letter here. Permalink

Michelle Obama Calms Supporters' Fear of Threats to Obama

When asked about her husband's security in the White House and Clinton's RFK remarks at a Phoenix fundraiser Tuesday, she reassures the crowd saying: "Send us good vibes. Pray for us. Think positive thoughts. But most of all, be vigilant. Be vigilant about stopping this kind of talk. It's not funny. You don't have to like Barack to dislike that kind of talk. Be vigilant about stopping that kind of talk." Permalink