The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from July 2nd, 2008
Obama Camp: McCain's Latin America Trip a "Photo Op"
In media call, former Ambassador Robert Gelbard and Obama adviser Restrepo claim McCain's trip isn't addressing how to create a positive future for the region. Restrepo adds that an Obama administration would have a special envoy to the Americas. Earlier: Obama camp starts off the day with a memo criticizing McCain's economic agenda while abroad. Read it here. MCCAIN CAMP RESPONSE: “Barack Obama’s shifting positions on free trade won’t add more jobs or get our economy back on track." Read it here. Permalink
McCain Meets Colombian Press
The Arizonan touches on a variety of topics including FARC, Colombian trade agreement, NAFTA, American isolationism and economic woes in afternoon Cartagena presser. Reacts to Cochran recalling a dustup during an '87 Nicaragua meeting, saying it's "simply untrue." Comes after McCain and others tour a Colombian port by boat to survey their drug interdiction programs. Read pool report here. PHOTOS: Gallery of McCain's arrival in Colombia. Permalink
Obama Camp Puts Focus on Afghanistan
Foreign policy advisor Susan Rice and former Clinton Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Sarah Sewall will discuss the need for more troops in the region in afternoon media call. Permalink
McCain Camp Targets Obama's Iraq Stance
Virginia Rep. Cantor criticizes Obama for his "unwillingness to change direction" in Iraq despite the reported success of the surge on media call. Listen to it here. Call prompted by comment from Obama supporter McCaskill on TV Tuesday-- watch it here, and read McCain release. Response from Obama camp: "Barack Obama has been clear and consistent in saying that we need to responsibly end the war in Iraq...." Read more. Permalink
President Bush Faces Reporters
President Bush addresses goals of the coming G8 Summit in Japan, and takes questions from the press. Says he is considering sending more troops to Afghanistan, calling it "a tough month" for Americans and for the Taliban. Read the full transcript. Also addresses possible military action by Israel against Iran, saying all options remain on the table. Read more. Permalink
Obamas Spend Independence Day in Butte
The presumptive Democratic nominee isn't slowing down his tour through the swing states for the holiday weekend. His campaign confirms to the AP that he'll be with his family in Montana Friday. Politico: Both the nominees-to-be will pen original pieces on patriotism for Sunday's Parade magazine. Permalink
Report: Limbaugh Signs $400 Million Deal
The Drudge Report claims the radio king's new contract lasts through 2016, and will boost his pay above that of Couric, Williams, Gibson and Sawyer combined. Says on his radio show: "I am proud of my new, much-deserved contract." A profile on Limbaugh fronts Sunday's New York Times Magazine. Permalink
Battle of the Wives
AP-Yahoo News Poll measures the favorable-unfavorable ratings for the presidential spouses: Michelle Obama: 30% see her favorably, 35% unfavorably. Cindy McCain: 27% see her favorably, 17% unfavorably. Dates conducted: June 13-23. Error margin: 2.3 points. Read more -- including how they are viewed among whites, blacks -- here. Permalink
Where They Are Wednesday
McCain: Cartagena, Colombia Obama: Colorado Springs, CO Permalink
McCain: "Americans Are Hurting Very Badly"
In a live interview from Cartagena, the Senator explains his trip to Colombia and talks about the economy on ABC's "Good Morning America." Click above for a clip. Stresses his trip will be short, says drugs flowing to the U.S. from the country is a "big, big problem," though notes success in the war on drugs. Read more on his interview here. Permalink
Obama National Security Adviser Talks Middle East Policy
Former U.S. national security adviser Anthony Lake reiterates to the Financial Times that an Obama administration would sit down with Iranian negotiators without precondition. On Iraq, says he would maintain “a residual presence for clearly defined missions” after withdrawing troops from Iraq over 16 months as he promised. Read Lake's key quotes here. Permalink
Obama Got Discount on Home Loan
WashPost: The Illinois Senator locked a 5.625% interest 30-year-fixed mortgage on his $1.65 million Chicago home from Northern Trust, which could have saved him more than $300/month. Obama camp says the rate was adjusted to account for a competing offer from another lender and other factors. Plus: WashTimes says embattled lender Countrywide is shutting down its political arm. Permalink
New Connecticut Numbers
From Quinnipiac University poll: Obama 56, McCain 35 Dates conducted: June 26-29. Error margin: 2 points. Permalink
Soccer Dad
The presumptive Democratic nominee stays low-key Tuesday evening, attends his eldest daughter Malia's league game at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Obama succesfully kicked the ball around with a small boy, cheered for his daughter and gave her pointers on proper kicking form. Read pool report here. Permalink
GOP Insiders (Still) Worried About McCain Strategy
Bulk of strategists inteviewed by Politico express serious concern "about what has appeared to be an aimless campaign so far." Ed Rollins: “McCain’s campaign seems not to have a game plan. I don’t see a consistent message. As someone who has run campaigns, this campaign is not running smoothly." Swing state GOP party chair: “I think [campaign manager] Rick Davis and his team did not have an understanding of how the grass-roots, organizational part of the party works." Permalink
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