Archive - June 5, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

In this week’s TIME, Karen Tumulty chats with Obama about how he got the job done, credits three aspects of his campaign that may have put him over the top. Also in this week's mag: Joe Klein weighs Clinton's ability to unite the party. Permalink

McCain, Obama Chat

McCain calls to congratulate his general election opponent Wednesday night. Politico: The two shared a "short, friendly conversation" around 7 pm. The two also discuss their plan to hold additional debates. Permalink

Obama: "This Isn't the Tony Rezko I Knew"

Chicago Tribune says the presumptive Democratic nominee was "saddened" to hear his former confidante was convicted on 16 of 24 counts in his corruption trial. Also says the case stresses "the need for reform" to prevent similar "abuses" in the future. Permalink

Clinton's Female House Supporters Push for Veep

Politico: Lawmakers including Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Tubbs Jones "were planning to write a letter demanding that Clinton be on the presidential ticket." “There are a lot of members of Congress who feel this way. That way, we can maximize party unity and the odds of winning the election." Permalink

Obama Has Cash Advantage, Expected to Bypass Federal Funding

LA Times: The presumptive Democratic nominee has raised three times more money than McCain so far -- something likely to keep him from subjecting himself to the limitations of public money in the fall. Plus: Politico reports on how Republicans fear "Obama's money machine", after a review of campaign finance data shows the GOP will struggle to compete with him. Permalink

Obama Heads to the Old Dominion

Former Governor and Senate candidate Mark Warner and Rep. Boucher will join the Illinois Senator at a town hall in Bristol, Virginia midday Thursday. Sen. Webb and Gov. Kaine will speak during his rally at the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow Thursday evening. Kaine, Webb and Warner have been mentioned as Veep possibilities, though the Richmond Times-Dispatch says they're "probably long shots." Daily Press: "For the first time in decades, Virginia promises to become a critical battleground in the race for the White House." Plus: WashPost says Obama's appearance in Prince William County -- with its construction, congestion problems -- might give some attention to the issues. Permalink

Morning Show Summary

Networks led with Clinton's coming withdrawal, ongoing veepstakes speculation. On NBC's "Today," Andrea Mitchell said many congressional supporters were "angered and embarrassed" by Clinton's decision not to concede Tuesday. On conference calls, 23 House members and eight Senators encouraged her to pull out. In another interview clip, Obama said he wants Bill Clinton involved in his campaign. Govs. Rendell and Richardson also on "Today." Rendell repeated hesitations about Clinton joining ticket, said he would not serve as VP. ABC's "Good Morning America" said Clinton has told advisers she is ambivalent about accepting the VP position. Stephanopoulos said DNC will adopt Obama campaign position of not accepting donations from federal lobbyists or PACs. Mary Matalin said adding Clinton would improve the Democratic ticket. On CBS' "Early Show," Rep. Rangel said Clinton did not challenge anything she heard on Wednesday conference call, touted "unity ticket." Lanny Davis promoted the idea of a "dream ticket" on "Fox and Friends" Mitt Romney and NJ Gov. Corzine on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Romney also on CNN's "American Morning" and "Fox and Friends" Permalink

McCain, Obama Unite on Senate Bill

The two lawmakers both sign on to a measure to open federal contracts to more public scrutiny. Permalink

USA Today: Jewish Vote Could Tip Battleground States

Paper cites states like Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey where a high turnout among Jewish voters could make the difference between an Obama or McCain win. Permalink

McCain Talks Up Crist's Veep Qualities

McCain talks to the St. Petersburg Times before a local fundraiser Wednesday night, says Gov. Crist has enough experience to be vice president. "Oh, I am sure that in many respects Charlie Crist is qualified. He's had other offices. As we know, he was attorney general as well." But he suggests the decision is far from final: "We have a large number of people that we are considering, but I just don't mention anybody's name because then it starts a process that could end up in an invasion of their privacy." Listen to the interview here. Permalink