The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from June 7th, 2008
"I Endorse Him and Throw My Full Support Behind Him"
Hillary Clinton suspends her campaign, backs Obama Saturday in front of scores of supporters at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. "I ask all of you to join me in working as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me....Today I am standing with Senator Obama to say 'Yes we can.'" More key excerpts here. Mostly cheers (and a few boos) as Clinton effusively praises Obama. No mention of McCain. Speech emphasizes universal health care, women, and the historical implications of both their campaigns. Watch video clip above. Read full transcript here. PHOTOS: See gallery of the best shots from the event here. OBAMA STATEMENT ON ENDORSEMENT: "Obviously, I am thrilled and honored to have Senator Clinton's support...I know she will continue to be in the forefront of that battle this fall and for years to come." Full statement here. Plus: Clinton camp sends out one last set of talking points (read them here). Clinton expected to take a vacation now. On the Web: Clinton urges on her supporters to sign up for the Obama campaign, while Obama urges his to e-mail Clinton and thank her. Permalink
ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS
Howard Wolfson, Sen. Feinstein and Govs. Kaine and Pawlenty among the guests on the Sunday shows. Read a summary. Permalink
NBC News: McCain to Open Fundraisers to the Press
The network reports that the Arizonan's advisers expect to implement their new policy on fundraiser coverage -- which would likely allow a print pool, but no video coverage -- as early as next week. In the past he hasn't allowed press to attend such events, saying those donors who host and attend request the events remain closed. Permalink
Obama's Weekend Off
CNN: Obama spends Saturday morning playing golf. Watch video of him en route above. Washington Times: The presumptive Democratic nominee plans to "hop on a bike for some exercise around Chicago, take his wife, Michelle, out to dinner and help his daughters host a slumber party." He also told reporters earlier this week: "At some point this weekend I will have the opportunity to reflect on the journey we've traveled and I think that will help me chart a course for where we're going to go over the next five months." Obama will return to the campaign trail Monday, kicking off his two-week economic tour in Raleigh, North Carolina. Permalink
Minnesota Democrats Pick Franken
The former "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer is selected as the party's Senate nominee at the state convention Saturday. Comes after some believed his support was collapsing due to fallout from a Playboy column he wrote in 2000, comments joking about rape in New York magazine in 1995. Franken will face incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman in the fall. Permalink
Buddy Picture
HALPERIN'S TAKE: What Obama and Clinton could do to make it work. Permalink
Obama, McCain Ask: What Do Women Want?
NYTimes: "(Gloria) Steinem advised that Mr. Obama deliver the same sort of ambitious speech about sex that he did on race. An aide said the campaign was considering such an address." "Mr. McCain has recently beckoned to frustrated Clinton supporters in his speeches. A campaign tour reaching out to them, as well as independent female voters, is imminent, aides said." Permalink
New York Times: Dean Doesn't Want Denver Vote on Clinton
"When Mr. Dean reached out to Cynthia Ruccia, who started an organization of female Clinton swing-state voters threatening to vote for Mr. McCain, Ms. Ruccia asked that the Democratic convention include a symbolic first ballot for Mrs. Clinton’s delegates. Mr. Dean discouraged the idea on the grounds of unity." Read more here. Permalink
Some Clinton Supporters Not Over It
Daily News: "I will never forgive Obama for what he did to Hillary," said a campaign aide who declined to be specific. "I will vote for him, but that's it," said another. Permalink
McCain Preps for General
Associated Press: The Arizonan is deploying dozens of staffers to battleground states, boasting of improved fundraising and expanding his advertising into most competitive swing states. Plus: Campaign Manager Rick Davis goes over their November strategy in powerpoint on the McCain website. See it here. HALPERIN’S TAKE: What John McCain underestimates. Permalink
Convicted Rezko Faces Another Trial
Chicago Trib: The Chicago developer and former Obama confidante will stand trial early 2009 on wire fraud charges for allegedly using false info to get loans in the fraudulent sale of his pizza businesses. Report come days after his fraud trial ended with a conviction on most counts. Permalink
Special-Interest Money Flows into Conventions' Coffers
NY Times: Despite both candidates' commitment to limiting lobbyists' influence on their campaigns, convention fundraisers often court and depend on their support. "And the convention fund-raising could test the commitment these two candidates have to erasing the influence of big money in politics." Permalink
McCain Adviser Takes Shot at Bush
Top aide Doug Holtz-Eakin says in Bloomberg TV interview to air this weekend: "The only thing that he shares in common with President Bush is the understanding of good tax policy. Sadly, it seems that is all President Bush understood in the economy." Campaign spokesman later said Holtz-Eakin "regrets any appearance of personalizing this issue with the president." Permalink
RNC to Boost Lagging NRCC
Roll Call: The two GOP groups plan to form a joint fundraising committee to support GOP House candidates on the fall ballot. The DCCC ended April with $45.3 mil cash on hand; the NRCC finished the period with just $6.7 million. Permalink
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