The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from June 22nd, 2008

Michelle Obama Making Inroads With Women

A recent trip from Chicago to Washington for lunch and a seven-minute speech illustrates her efforts to woo women, especially former Clinton supporters. Head of the National Partnership for Women & Families also visited Obama HQ recently, "to help heal wounds left from the hard-fought Democratic primary." Meanwhile, Obama heads to Washington to win over the "Hillraisers" and seeks "to reintroduce himself to voters" across the nation. Permalink

McCain Goes to Church, Quietly

The Senator slips in to North Phoenix Baptist Church Sunday, accompanied only by Secret Service agents. Many appeared not to notice the Senator, whose wife was out of town. Afterward he shook some hands, hugged some parishioners, and left. Permalink

WELCOME (BACK) TO PHOENIX

Greeting Arizona's senior Senator as he returns to town is this downtown Phoenix billboard, right near Chase Stadium. It's a talk radio ad featuring McCain and Bush, and the banner: "More of the McSame." But just a few blocks away is the very best thing in Phoenix. Click here to find out what that is. Permalink

"I Have Just Finished the Most Extraordinary Experience...."

Sen. Clinton delivers the commencement address at a Bronx high school Sunday. "I have just finished the most extraordinary experience that anyone could possibly have. Being able to travel around our country, this great, sprawling, diverse country, from one end to the other...." The former candidate will return to the Senate Tuesday and Wednesday, as she returns to the public stage following her withdrawal. She also addresses a Latino group in Washington on Thursday. Permalink

Obama Team Unveils Plan to Close "Enron Loophole"

Four-part initiative is designed to lower oil prices, in part by reducing speculation and investigating oil markets. Advisers say the "Enron Loophole" was championed by McCain backer Phil Gramm, excludes some energy traders from regulation. "The Enron Loophole is just one example of the special interest politics that put the interests of Big Oil and hedge fund speculators ahead of the interests of working people-resulting in record corporate profits while Americans pay record prices at the pump." Read more here. New Jersey Gov. Corzine, Obama economic aide Furman discussed the plan on afternoon conference call. Response from McCain team: "Barack Obama is following John McCain’s lead to close a wall street loophole that was signed into law by President Bill Clinton." Full response here. Permalink

Brokaw Takes Over "Meet" Through Election Day

Veteran newsman announced as interim host of NBC's "Meet the Press" by Brian Williams at end of Sunday's show. Brokaw to start next week. Read NBC's release. Permalink

Bill Clinton Praises Obama's Energy Plan

"I think we'll get better national policy next year," the former president tells the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami. His first public appearance since his wife quit the presidential race. Permalink

ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS

For a look at Sunday's morning TV shows, click here. Permalink

Poll: Most White Voters Comfortable With Black President

The WashPost/ABC poll finds nearly 90 percent of whites would be comfortable with a black president, with about two-thirds being "entirely comfortable." Approval is much lower for someone entering the White House at 72. Permalink

Republicans See McCain Camp "Schizophrenia"

Some party insiders are troubled by muddled themes, poor discipline they see in the GOP campaign. Say it's unclear if McCain is running as a solid conservative or independent reformer. Top aide Schmidt leaving the trail to take a "much greater operational role" at campaign headquarters. AP: Arizonan's campaign hampered by "missteps and self-generated controversy." Permalink

NY Times: McCain is No Dole

Democrats hope McCain falls his year just as Bob Dole did in 1996. But the Paper of Record says they are very different men, running very different campaigns. Permalink

VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI

Potential Democrat VP candidate Joe Biden speaks out against Obama's rejection of public financing: "It doesn't help." Five potential VP candidates stick to the standard script-- mostly-- on the Sunday shows: they aren't looking for the job, but probably would not say no. Biden goes a step farther: "If the candidate asks me to be vice president, the answer is I got to say yes." Permalink

Monday, Monday

Obama emphasizes working women in New Mexico; McCain back on the energy/environment push in California, as he begins a two-day Golden State swing. Permalink