Archive - June 4, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The presumptive Democratic nominee holds two evening fundraisers in NYC. --The first, on Park Avenue: About 200 attended, including Caroline Kennedy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ted Sorensen, paying $2,300 per person. Read pool report here. --The second was a 100-person dinner, including Harold Ford Jr., with plates $28,500 apiece. Read pool report here. Permalink

Campaign: Clinton to "Express Her Support for Sen. Obama" Saturday

Saturday event in Washington, D.C. will also thank her supporters, Clinton spokesman Wolfson says. Read more here. Event moved from Friday to allow more supporters to attend. Read statement here. Earlier: Clinton said goodbye to most staffers in her Arlington, Virginia headquarters. Many were informed to stop coming in after Friday, they'll be paid through June 15. Obama tells reporters he talked to Clinton. “I just spoke to her today and we're going to be having a conversation in the coming weeks." Plus: Boston Globe: New York Senator was expected to "hash out how and when to concede the race" and figure out a way to unify the party on afternoon call with top supporters. And: TIME's Joe Klein reflects on Clinton's historic campaign. Permalink

Obama: Iraq Trip Likely This Year

Obama speaks to all three networks before attending New York fundraisers ABC: The Democratic nominee-in-waiting says "I will almost certainly go to Iraq" and other foreign destinations in the next four or five months. Asked about Clinton's Tuesday speech, says it's "a tough thing" and "something that has to be processed." Also said speaking to his grandmother in Hawaii Tuesday helped "drive it home." NBC: Obama discusses his emotion Tuesday night, all the outpouring of support he's getting. Diffuses suggestions that he won't be able to unite the party. Says he and Clinton both need to catch their breath before talking Veepstakes, he'll look at a "whole range of options." Read transcript here. CBS: Asked about his "chemistry" with Clinton, says, "I like Sen. Clinton" but it is premature to talk about running mates. Permalink

New General Election Numbers

From CBS News poll: Obama 48, McCain 42 Dates conducted: May 30-June 3. Error margin: 4 points. Permalink

REZKO FOUND GUILTY

Jury convicts the Chicago developer -- and former Obama confidante -- on 16 of 24 counts in federal corruption trial. Rezko was charged with mail and wire fraud, aiding and abetting bribery, attempted extortion and money laundering in connection with an alleged scheme to corrupt a pair of state boards. RNC chimes in, saying in statement: "This is further proof that Obama’s high-flying rhetoric is just that and in no way represents the kind of change our nation demands." Permalink

Obama Taps Three to Lead Veep Search

Associated Press: Supporter Caroline Kennedy, former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson and former Clinton deputy attorney general Eric Holder, an Obama legal adviser, will manage the vetting process. Permalink

Obama to Use Six Consulting "Teams"

WashPost: Expanded staff "will handle advertising, polling and direct-mail efforts for the general election campaign." Permalink

Rendell Raises Doubts on Clinton as VP

On NY 1, the Clinton-backing governor says of her: "Generally a lot of politicians don't like to put somebody like that on the ticket. You know rule one for the Vice President is make sure you never upstage the President, right?... Hillary Clinton in some ways couldn't help but upstage, even if she was trying not to.” Adds: "The Obama campaign would have to make strict rules... about what President Clinton could and could not do during the campaign." Read more here. Also urges Clinton not to "bargain" with Obama about exiting the race: "You don't bargain with the Presidential nominee. Even if you're Hillary Clinton and you have 18 million votes, you don't bargain.” Plus: Clinton-supporting Rangel says she could have been "far more generous" during Tuesday speech after it was clear Obama clinched the nomination. Permalink

McCain, Obama Camps Agree to Work Out Additional Forums

McCain camp says reps from both campaigns have spoken, and "will be in close contact as we work together to make this idea a reality." Full statement here. Comes after McCain suggests at least 10 town halls once a week starting June 11 or 12 starting in New York City or Federal Hall until the week before the Democratic Convention in letter to Obama. Read it here. Earlier: A statement from Obama spokesman Burton calls the proposal "appealing," recommends the format be "less structured and lengthier." Full statement here. The first sanctioned debate is scheduled for Sept. 26 in Oxford, Mississippi. Permalink

Pelosi: Give Clinton Some Time

"This is very difficult, and people have to unwind from it in their own time," the House Speaker says. But adds that officials should now "rally around" Obama. "The people have spoken, the elections are over for the nomination." Permalink

McCain Launches Spanish-Language Radio Ad

New spot on the bipartisanship and the economy goes up in New Mexico and Nevada. Read script here. Listen to New Mexico spot here. Listen to Nevada spot here. Permalink

TIME: Rev. Wright Resisting Retirement

Sources say Obama's former pastor -- who was to officially have stepped down from his post at Trinity United June 1 -- is "hanging on to power in the church he helped build." Permalink

Rahm Chooses

First on The Page: Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel -- former Clinton aide and close Obama friend -- comes out from under his desk (metaphorically) and endorses Obama. Combative House leader watches fellow Land of Lincolner give AIPAC speech and then goes with him to meet with AIPAC executive board together. Emanuel spoke to Clinton by phone Tuesday to tell her about his decision. Permalink

Clinton Auditions as Obama Surrogate

In AIPAC speech, says there needs to be a Democratic president for Israel. Click above to watch. "I know Senator Obama understands what is at stake here." "I know Senator Obama will be a good friend to Israel." "Let me underscore: we need a Democrat in the White House next January." Also hits McCain: "He will continue the same failed policies in Iraq" and "weaken" America's security. Earlier: In first foreign policy speech of the general election, Obama discusses security in the region at AIPAC conference. Also spends time discussing his Iraq proposals, clarifying his position on Iran and willingness to meet with rogue leaders. Read full remarks here. Plus: McCain camp holds media call with Sen. Lieberman, Rep. Cantor on Obama's remarks, accuse him of walking back on his positions on Iran. Listen to audio here and read transcript here. BOTH FULL SPEECHES GET ROADBLOCKED CABLE COVERAGE. Permalink

Jimmy Carter Is No Dreamer

The former President and recent public Obama backer warns against choosing Clinton as VP. "I think it would be the worst mistake that could be made. That would just accumulate the negative aspects of both candidates." Permalink