Archive - June 6, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama's Shimansky Problem

In an exclusive interview with The Page, Reba Shimansky says she will vote for McCain and not Obama in November. To read her full statement explaining why, click here. Permalink

Who Won the Week?

In this week's TIME, The Page tallies up the rounds. Iraq, economy, party solidarity and work ethic -- all up for grabs. Find out the answer here. Permalink

Where They Are Saturday

Clinton: Washington, DC Obama: Chicago, IL (no public events) McCain: TBA (no public events) Permalink

Democrats' Congressional Agenda to Match Obama's

Leaders in the House and Senate say coming bills will showcase Obama's platform. Some plans would face vetoes-- and let Democrats argue that Obama must win for his legislation to become law. Permalink

Obama to Kick Off Two-Week Economic Swing

The "Change that Works for You" tour will begin with a speech at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh Monday. Campaign says he'll hold "events with voters where they work and where they live, discussing the challenges we face and his plans to turn the economy around." Read more here. Permalink

McCain Sticks By Stance on Everglades Preservation Measure

With the landmark Florida wetlands as his backdrop, the Arizonan fends off questions from reporters about his opposition to the legislation, citing the bill's overwhelming pork. Instead proposes a stand-alone appropriations bill for Everglades preservation that "at least matches" what the state government and the legislature has pledged to spend. Calls the Everglades a "national treasure," says he knows of "no record Senator Obama has on any aspect of this issue" and challenges him to come up with a plan of his own. Gov. Crist joins him at the event, said he is "right" in his reasoning for not supporting the original measure, agrees a stand-alone bill would be better. Comes after day of back-and-forth between campaigns over the issue. Get all the details here. PHOTOS: Check out McCain's fan boat tour of the Everglades here. Permalink

He's Going to Disneyland

Outside Clinton's DC farewell party with staff, campaign chair McAuliffe says he's off to the Magic Kingdom with his five children. Click above. On the race, says "It was very close, but now we do everything we can to help Barack Obama become the next president, because it's about the issues." On Clinton, says "she will do anything she can to help Barack Obama. If he wants her to travel every day, she'll do that." Permalink

Tiny Monkey God, Rubber Band, Texan's Handkerchief

TIME’s White House photo blog looks into the presidential candidates’ -- sometimes odd -- lucky charms. See the gallery here. Permalink

Obama Makes Surprise Stop at Chicago Olympic Rally

The Illinois Senator drops by a local event celebrating Chicago being one of four finalists to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Says in short remarks: "Bringing the Olympics to Chicago will be a capstone of the success we've had in...transforming Chicago into being not just a great American city but a great world city." "In 2016 I'll be wrapping up my second term as president, so I can't think of a better way then to be marching into Washington Park...as President of the United States and announcing to the world, 'Let the games begin.'" Watch video above. Read pool report of event here. Also jokes about him living only two blocks away from where the Olympics would be held, says he'd walk over to the games. Permalink

Poll: Majority of Dems Want Obama-Clinton Ticket

From CNN/Opinion Research poll: 54% of Democrats nationally think Obama should name his former rival as his running mate, while 43% do not. Dates conducted: June 4-5. Error margin: 4.5 points. Read more results from this poll here. Permalink

Head of EMILY's List Feeling "Anger and Grief"

In an e-mail to supporters, Ellen Malcolm makes clear she's still coping with Clinton's loss. "Those of us who have been wholehearted supporters of Sen. Clinton feel disappointment and sadness, even anger, that this opportunity to elect a fine candidate and the first woman president is passing us by." Also says Obama has "inspired millions of Americans and shown that he is more than ready to take on John McCain." Permalink

Oil Surges to New Record

Crude leaps more than $10 a barrel to $138 and change-- the most ever. Analysts predict that prices could hit $150 by July 4. Meanwhile, the Dow plummets some 400 points, or 3%. Permalink

Obama Blasts GOP Block of Climate Bill

"This is a failure of our politics and a failure of leadership," he says in a statement. Also turns issue on McCain: Says he "claims leadership on the issue but opposes this bipartisan bill... The American people and those watching us around the world had every reason to hope that we would act... We can’t afford more of the same timid politics when the future of our planet is at stake." Comes after Dems fell a dozen votes short of getting votes to end a GOP filibuster on the bill, which would have required major greenhouse gas cuts, forcing Reid to pull the legislation from consideration. Permalink

Obama Repeats Willingness to Negotiate Public Financing With McCain

The presumptive Democratic nominee tells USA Today he'd accept public funds -- which would restrict his spending -- only if McCain agrees to curb spending by the RNC. He says: "I won't disarm unilaterally." Obama has expressed a similar sentiment in the past before he effectively clinched the nomination. Plus: According to officials, the DNC has $4 mil cash on hand compared to the RNC's $53.6 million. Permalink

Obama Denies Rumor of Wife Using Derogatory Remark

The Illinois Senator scolded a McClatchy reporter who asked about an alleged video that supposedly depicts Michelle Obama uttering a remark that could be offensive to whites. “We have seen this before. There is dirt and lies that are circulated in e-mails and they pump them out long enough until finally you, a mainstream reporter, asks me about it." Adds: "If somebody has evidence that myself or Michelle or anybody has said something inappropriate, let them do it.” Permalink