Headlines from June 14th, 2008

Former Deputy AG Eric Holder-- a member of Obams'a veep-vetting team-- tells the American Constitutional Society that Bush has set the U.S. on a "disastrous course." “Our needlessly abusive and unlawful practices in the 'War on Terror' have diminished our standing in the world community." Permalink

Wooing Independents

McCain and Obama camps working to attract independent and opposite-party voters to their sides. McCAIN: Holds afternoon "virtual town hall" by telephone with Carly Fiorina targeting independents and Democrats. Touts his "record of reaching across the aisle," frequently mentions Clinton and his respect for her. "I congratulate her on her campaign, and I know she will continue to play a key role in the future of this nation." Calls her "a role model and a motivator." Touches wide range of other topics, from Iraq to energy to spending. Also praises Gov. Jindal's school legislation in Louisiana. Asked about abortion, says Roe V. Wade "was a bad decision" and says "the rights of the unborn are as important as the rights of the born." Campaign Saturday also highlights news of Wisconsin Clinton delegate defecting to McCain, and releases list of prominent independent and Democratic supporters. OBAMA: Issues memo seeking to tie McCain to Bush and stressing his opposition to abortion rights. Also holds conference call with MI Gov. Granholm and FL Rep. Wasserman Schultz. Wasserman Schultz: "The depth of Sen. McCain's deceit... cannot be overstated." "A classic example of someone whose voting record is extreme right, yet... pretends to be a moderate." Granholm: McCain's platform is "antithetical to the causes that Sen. Clinton and many women have fought for." Permalink

Obama Keeps Up Fight Over Gas Prices

The Democratic nominee-to-be faces the public at a "green" public school in Wayne, Pennsylvania. "While Senator McCain has spoken out on energy reform in the past, in this campaign, he isn’t offering any solutions to help Americans pay for high gas prices. Instead, he’s proposing a gas tax holiday that’s nothing more than a Washington stunt." Read his full remarks. Q&A topics run the gamut, including retirement, No Child Left Behind, veterans' benefits, Iraq. On this week's landmark Guantanamo Bay Decision: "John McCain thinks the Supreme Court was wrong; I think the Supreme Court was right." Criticizes McCain adviser Carly Fiorina, says she claimed on TV that he would not cut taxes for anyone. "She said it right to the screen... It's just kind of frustrating when folks don't tell the truth." Audience includes Rep. Joe Sestak. Permalink

Obama's Illinois Challenge

WashPost: Winning support in rural downstate Illinois mirrors his challenge throughout the U.S. Plus: Obama tours flooded regions of downstate Illinois Saturday. Permalink

Obama Settles In to Smaller Appearances

The candidate rejects large-scale rallies for roundtables and smaller gatherings. Sunday NY Times: He is "fighting the perception that he is only a razzle-dazzle speechmaker who is aloof in small settings." Permalink

“If They Bring a Knife to the Fight, We Bring a Gun"

Obama talks tough at Philadelphia fundraiser with Gov. Rendell, Mayor Nutter. Read pool report. Adds: "Because from what I understand folks in Philly like a good brawl. I’ve seen Eagles fans.” Rendell, a former Clinton supporter, says he has donated the full $2,300 to Obama's campaign. Obama: "We're going to make sure this doesn't bounce." Response from McCain camp: "Barack Obama’s call for 'new politics' is officially over. In just 24 hours, Barack Obama attacked one of America’s pioneering women CEOs, rejected a series of joint bipartisan town halls, and said that if there’s a political knife fight, he’d bring a gun." Read full statement. Permalink

Disclosure Forms Shed Light on Candidates' Finances

New financial statements show McCains to have at least $225,000 in credit card debt, while the Obamas have set aside more than $200,000 for their daughters' college funds. LA Times: Disclosure also reveals more about Cindy McCain's finances. Permalink

McCain Nixes Fundraiser Over Donor's Comments, But Won't Return Money

Former Texas gubernatorial candidate Clayton Williams had made offensive remarks about rape and other topics. Spokesman Rogers announces McCain will not attend fundraiser at his home: "These were obviously incredibly offensive remarks that the campaign was unaware of at the time it was scheduled." However-- campaign says it will not return $300,000 he helped raise. Aide: "These are contributions from individuals, not from Mr. Williams." Permalink

Father's Day at the Obama Household

The candidate describes a typical Father's Day morning to Jimmy Kimmel: "We usually have some experiment with waffles or pancakes and there’s a lot of cleanup afterwards...They come with stuff we wouldn’t normally put on pancakes like whipped cream…. Then we go to church." Read pool report. Permalink

Debate About Debates

McCain, Obama camps unable to reach agreement over face-to-face encounters. After proposals and counter-proposals, still no deal. More on the back-and-forth. Permalink

VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI

--Sen. Dodd defends his mortgage deal from Countrywide Financial --Gov. Rendell speaks at Florida's J-J Dinner, along with Sen. Nelson Permalink

Giuliani Puts a Price on Fundraising Help

In an unusual move, the former GOP candidate will only attend political fundraisers for a cut of the take. Meant to retire $3.6 million in campaign debt. Permalink

Remembering Russert

Tributes to the newsman from: --TIME's Richard Stengel --TIME's Joe Klein --WashPost's Tom Shales --WashPost's David Broder --McCain appears on special "Today" broadcast --Response round-up from Politico Plus: A gallery of some of Russert's memorable "gotcha moments." More coverage from The Page. Permalink

NRA Lacking Firepower in '08

Americans show little interest in gun control this year-- potentially robbing the GOP of an effective mobilizing issue. "The issue has been essentially removed from the political agenda." Permalink