Archive - June 17, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obamas Get the Cover

Six-page Us Weekly profile on the potential First Couple hits newsstands Wednesday. Permalink

CLINTON, OBAMA TO HOST DONORS AT JOINT D.C. EVENT

They'll meet with top Clinton donors June 26 at the Mayflower Hotel in their first-known joint appearance. Clinton's national finance director Jonathan Mantz sent top fundraisers an e-mail Tuesday inviting them to the event. Permalink

McCain Appears on "Jimmy Kimmel Live"

The Arizonan drops by via satellite from Dallas on Kimmel's special "Game Night" broadcast ahead of game six of the Celtics-Lakers NBA championship. Obama appeared on Kimmel Sunday night. Permalink

Car Bomb Kills 56 in Iraq

Worst violence Baghdad has seen in three months. Permalink

McCain Compares Obama to Carter on Energy

In Houston speech, the presumptive GOP nominee calls for a clean break from Bush's energy policies. Highlights domestic production and increased use of alternative energy. Accuses Obama of supporting recycled measures that failed in the past, pointing to President Carter for at least the second time in the general election. Read full remarks. Obama camp spent Tuesday leading up to the speech attacking McCain for his offshore drilling proposal, also mentioned in the speech. Read more here. Permalink

Obama to GOP: Don't Lecture Me On Terrorism

The candidate fires back against a day of GOP attacks in a brief media availability on his campaign plane. Click above to watch. Says Republicans "helped to engineer the distraction of the war in Iraq at a time when we could have pinned down the people who actually committed 9-11." Also says Republican ineptness in partly why bin Laden is still on the loose. Permalink

Obama Lavishes Praise on Solis Doyle

The Land of Lincolner tells the press on his campaign plane Tuesday that his new Veep chief of staff is "a terrific, experienced campaign hand." "I've known the family for a very long time. I think that she will bring not only a set of skills that we're going to need as we put together our ticket, but she's going to be a terrific adviser and offer insight and judgment that will help us win in November." Plus: When asked whether he'll meet with Clinton in D.C. this week he says "I think she's still on vacation. Or she deserves to be." Permalink

Dodd: I Received No Special Deals from Countrywide

The Connecticut Senator said at a presser Tuesday that he didn't get preferential treatment from the embattled mortgage lender. "..the idea of asking or seeking any kind of financial preference. I completely reject." Permalink

TV Interview Potpourri

--On CNN, Gov. Rendell stuck up for Obama’s economic plan, said he thinks independent and working class Pennsylvanians will support it. “McCain has to tell us what he wants to do as opposed to what’s wrong with Obama’s plan.” --On CNN, Gov. Pawlenty dismissed Obama's large rallies as "an entertainment experience," tagged him for supporting "Cheney's energy bill." Appeared to hedge on drilling in ANWR, suggesting new technology may prompt him to support it (unlike McCain). Permalink

Obama Stays Coy on Gore

A young girl pops the Veep question about Gore in Michigan. The Senator responds, "I haven't made any decisions." But adds with a smile, "Obviously Al Gore is a great public servant. He was a great vice president.” Doesn't stick around for a follow-up. Permalink

Axelrod Briefs Senate Democratic Caucus

TIME’s Jay Newton-Small reports the top Obama strategist dropped in on the group’s weekly lunch to talk about the campaign. He stopped to talk to reporters after the lunch. On finding a Veep: He said they’re still in the “early stages.” When asked if former vetter Johnson will be replaced, he said only “there’s a process.” Senators in the meeting didn't ask about the process. On appointing a liaison to The Hill: He said Obama already has capable people working for him in D.C. like his Senate Chief of Staff Pete Rouse. When TIME asked Axelrod what they discussed as he was leaving the room, he exclaimed with a smile “Politics!” Clinton, Lieberman both weren’t in attendance. Permalink

VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI

--Biden says on The Hill Tuesday that he'd take the No. 2 slot if asked. "I'd make a great president. I 'd make a great Secretary of State. I'd make a great vice president." --NY Times looks at military man Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed's "lesser-known expertise on housing policy that is proving critical these days." Permalink

President and Laura Bush Attend Russert Wake

The presidential couple rode in a short, unmarked motorcade to the afternoon wake at St. Albans School in Northwest Washington Tuesday. White House press secretary Dana Perino said that Bush wanted to pay his respects and offer his deepest sympathies to the Russert family. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC: Led with airline trouble, followed by a look at new poll figures. Stressed McCain switching positions on offshore drilling, recent tape of him suggesting he is open to a windfall profits tax. CBS: After lead report on midwest flooding, a recap of the day's energy debate, including McCain comparing Obama to Carter. NBC: Led with Iowa flooding, turned to McCain's energy speech. Characterized the oil issue as a top concern among voters, described both sides' plans. Said McCain "switched sides" on his offshore drilling proposal, has Florida Gov. Crist's backing in that critical state as well. Covered Obama's rebuttals, mentioned McCain global warming TV ad. Permalink

Obama to Sit Down With Hispanic Leaders

The presumptive Democratic nominee will hold a private meeting with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Tuesday evening in Washington, D.C. Campaign plans to hold regular meetings with the group to brief them on campaign, offer opportunity to give input. Plus: Obama will do the same with the Congressional Black Caucus Thursday. Permalink