Archive - June 23, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Disappoints Many Muslims

Recent events leave Muslims feeling shunned by the Senator and his campaign. Obama has not visited a mosque and has not met prominent Muslim leaders. Many also miffed by the displacement of two Muslim women at a recent rally and his forceful denials of being Muslim. Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison: "A lot of us are waiting for him to say that there’s nothing wrong with being a Muslim." Permalink

Obama Seal Yanked

Spokesman Robert Gibbs tells CNN the much-derided campaign seal will not be seen again. “That was a one-time thing for a one-time event." Atlantic's Ambinder: The reaction from campaign bosses: "Boy, was that dumb." Plus: ABC News' Tapper asks when the GOP is going to take down some of its similar seals. Permalink

McCain Surrogate: Obama “Patronizing” and “Dismissive” to Women

Rep. Heather Wilson on media conference call slams the presumptive Democratic nominee in wake of his suggestion that unhappy Clinton supporters “get over it.” Also hit Obama on energy policy, accusing him of consistently “opposing American-made energy." Plus: McCain campaign memo attacks Obama on women's issues. Permalink

Obama Picks Up Backing from Another Key Union

The 700,000-member CWA says it will be working with its political partners -- unions representing auto workers, steel workers and engineers -- to elect Obama. Comes after the Chicagoan addresses the group's convention Monday via satellite. Read pool report here. The four unions have more than 1 million active and retired members in the key swing states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Permalink

Obama Seeks to Bond With Women

Clinton to stump with Obama on Friday in New Hampshire, where Clinton connected well with older, blue collar women. The Senator meets with female restaurant workers in Albuquerque. Tells them about being raised by his mother and grandmother, and attacks McCain for not supporting equal pay legislation. Also praises Clinton as "an extraordinary woman." Read his full remarks here. Plus: Obama tours the Flying Star Cafe Commissary ahead of event. Read pool report here. And: Campaign statement commemorates Title IX. Permalink

WashPost Editor Downie to Step Down

The paper's executive editor tells staffers he will leave his post after 17 years in the position. Says "a new, younger publisher needs a new, younger editor." Permalink

Cindy McCain to Host London Fundraiser

Thursday event expected to raise more than $500,000 for the Arizona senator's presidential bid. Guests to include former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and more. Permalink

Rove: Obama the "Snide" Country Club Guy

The GOP insider unloads on the Democratic nominee-to-be at a Republican breakfast in Washington. "Even if you never met him, you know this guy... He's the guy at the country club with the beautiful date, holding a martini and a cigarette that stands against the wall and makes snide comments about everyone who passes by." Permalink

McCain: Obama's Public Funding Decision "Deep Disappointment"

The presumptive GOP nominee continues hammering his rival during a Fresno, California presser for deciding to forgo federal financing. "The president has got to keep his word when it's popular and when it's not popular." Watch video clip above. Also criticizes his rival on town hall meetings, Iraq positions and talks energy and the environment. Permalink

Energy Battle Rages On

McCain camp says Obama offers only a "do-nothing energy plan," while Obama team says McCain's policies have failed. MCCAIN CAMP: Memo from top aide Holtz-Eakin criticizes Obama's energy record. Campaign holds conference call with Sen. Graham (listen here) and releases statement (read it here). OBAMA CAMP: Memo criticizes McCain for reversing himself on offshore drilling, and on conference call aides accuse McCain of blocking energy reform in the Senate. "He has only now belatedly gotten around to talking about our energy future..." Permalink

Obama, Clinton to Campaign in Unity, New Hampshire

The Obama campaign announces the two will hold a "Unite for Change" rally in the small town. Both candidates received exactly 107 votes in the western New Hampshire town in the primary. Plus: Clinton emails Web video to supporters saying she’s looking forward to campaigning with her former rival. Watch it here. Permalink

McCain on Energy: "Let a Thousand Flowers Blossom"

Speaking in Fresno, California, the Senator says he wants to see electric, wind and solar power help the U.S. ease off its oil dependency. Also says the $300 million he would propose for a better electric car battery is "a small price to pay" For beating oil dependency. Part of a broader package to promote alternative energy sources for cars and trucks, including a $5,000 tax credit for "zero-emissions cars." Read his full remarks here. Permalink

Edwards: "Yes We Can" Elect Obama

The former presidential candidate tells the ACORN convention in Detroit Monday that getting the Illinois Senator in the White House is "not going to be easy," but can be done. "We’re ready because this election is about taking down walls so that we can finally see that one America.” Permalink

Where They Are Monday

Obama: Albuquerque, NM. McCain: Fresno, CA. Permalink

Oppositional Definition

--Conservative journalist David Freddoso plans the first attack book against the Land of Lincolner, out in August: “The Case Against Barack Obama." --Chicago Tribune: Obama's roots in Chicago-style politics could raise questions for some genteel voters. Permalink