Archive - June 26, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama and Clinton: Perfect Together

The two meet up at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Thursday evening to convince Clinton's top donors to open their checkbooks for Obama. Obama writes a $2,300 check to Clinton for her debt; Clinton speaks enthusiastically about why Obama should get the party's full support. Details here. WATCH VIDEO HERE. NY Times: Clinton supporters Terry McAuliffe and Vernon Jordan make their peace. Permalink

GUNBATTLE

McCain, Obama campaigns spend Thursday fighting over the Supreme Court's landmark gun ruling. McCain team circulates to reporters "a simple question:" Read release here. Obama denies earlier attack that he has flip-flopped on D.C.'s gun battle. Tells Pennsylvania TV station: "I don’t know what my aide said but I’ve been very consistent... I think we can move beyond some of the conflicts on this issue." Earlier: On McCain conference call, GOP-backers say Obama changed his position on D.C.'s gun ban as well as FISA, NAFTA and campaign finance. Listen to the call here. Permalink

Jindal Backs Chemical Castration for "Monsters"

The Louisiana Governor signs a measure that would force some convicted rapists and sex offenders to undergo chemical castration. Says in interview on Fox News that legislation is in response to Wednesday's Supreme Court Ruling striking down execution of child rapist. "We want the message to go out... We don't want anybody in Louisiana harming our children, We think these monsters ought to be stopped." Watch video above. Permalink

McCain Camp Details Colombia, Mexico Travel

The Arizonan will spend time in Cartagena, Colombia Tuesday July 1-2 and finish off the trip in Mexico City July 3. He'll hold media availabilities all three days. Permalink

McCain Vows to Stress Conservative Views More

The Arizona Senator pledges to conservative leaders in an hour-long Ohio meeting that he would speak out more on his pro-life record, his support for state amendments banning gay marriage. Officials say they left with the impression that the “ship is turning” in conservative support for the GOP presidential candidate. Plus: McCain also holds Cincinnati, Ohio fundraiser Thursday night. Read pool report here. Permalink

Schwarzenegger: McCain, Crist "Blowing Smoke" on Offshore Drilling

The California Governator strays from his prepared remarks, tells attendees at a climate summit in Florida Thursday: "Anyone who tells you this will lower our gas prices anytime soon is blowing smoke." Adds: "America is so addicted to oil that it will take years to ween ourselves from it. To look for new ways to feed our addiction is not the answer." Permalink

Obama Hits the Interview Circuit

The Illinois Senator appears on at least two cable TV nets Thursday and some local TV, as his economic tour concludes. On Bloomberg: Says the economy will continue to experience "short-term pain" and calls for a new round of stimulus checks. Click here. On Fox Business Channel: Plays word association, responding to concepts in one word (or two). Read the entire back-and-forth here. Also defends the tone of his campaign, but concedes "sometimes the testosterone kicks in." Read more from interview here. Permalink

Michelle Obama Praises Clinton

The prospective first lady says while campaigning in the Granite State Thursday that the country is closer than ever to truly supporting working families in large part because of Clinton. Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen -- who is running for U.S. Senate -- joined Obama on the trail. Permalink

Gov. Strickland on McCain's Ohio Trip: "I'm Puzzled"

Ohio's Democratic governor reacts on Obama media call to McCain's stop in his state Thursday, says he doesn't think the Arizonan can gain "any significant foothold" in the battleground state. Particularly questions his choice to visit Youngstown. "I cannot imagine that Senator McCain could hope to gain political advantage in the Mahoning Valley. It's an area that has been devastated by Bush administration policies." Earlier: McCain speaks at Xavier University in Cincinnati. Watch video here. Permalink

Clinton Strikes Unity Theme Ahead of Friday Event

Clinton called for Democrats to stand behind Obama three times in her speech to NALEO, a prominent Hispanic group, Thursday afternoon. “I believe this country is worth fighting for. And I believe firmly that the best way to continue this fight is to elect Barack Obama our president.” The crowd greeted her by a nearly minute-long standing ovation, in the middle of her speech one woman shouted, “We love you, Hillary!” Plus: Clinton made similar remarks when speaking to the American Nurses Association Thursday morning. Permalink

Battleground Blitz

--McCain campaign goes on the defensive in Virginia, opening five field offices in the traditionally Red state. --Obama Alaska chief says the Illinois Senator plans on making appearances in the state that hasn't gone Democratic since 1964. --Wisconsin Democratic Party tries to unseat a former Clinton delegate for supporting McCain in the general. Permalink

Oil Sets a New Record

Prices rise to about $140 a barrel, OPEC official says crude oil could hit $170 a barrel this summer. Stock market also suffers, closing sharply lower with the Dow sinking 350 points for its second-worst day this year. Permalink

General Election Debate Formats Proposed

Commission on Presidential Debates unveils two less formal 90-minute roundtable debates and a third town hall-style session Thursday. Format would eliminate answer time limits and would have both candidates seated. Permalink

Obama: "I Bit My Tongue" Against Clinton

Sources tell The Hill that during a private meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus last week Obama told the group he held back "many times" during the fierce primary battle with Clinton. Permalink

Candidates React to Landmark Gun Ruling

Candidates respond favorably to Thursday's decision overturning D.C.'s handgun ban. OBAMA: Says on Fox Business Channel that "even though we have an individual right to bear arms, that right can be limited by sensible, reasonable gun laws." Watch video here. Also releases campaign statement. MCCAIN: Campaign says in a statement, "Unlike Senator Obama... I was pleased to express my support and call for the ruling issued today." Read it here. Permalink