The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from July 7th, 2008
Wolf(son) in the Fox House
Long-time Clinton strategist Howard Wolfson joins Fox News as a contributor. Wolfson v. Rove: the new must-see TV. Permalink
McCain Manages His Way
Paper of Record rounds up the various actual and potential factions in McCainWorld. Permalink
Obama Raises Cash in Atlanta
The Illinois Senator tells donors Monday evening he's been talking to Martin Luther King III and talking about accepting the nomination on the 45th anniversary of the "I Have a Dream" speech. Also hits McCain with the usual criticisms on the economy, his ties to Bush. Attendees paid $28,500 per person to attend the second fundraiser. Read pool report here. Permalink
WashPost Names Brauchli New Executive Editor
The former Wall Street Journal top dog forced out by Rupert Murdoch will being to oversee operations at the newspaper and Web site starting Sept. 8. He will succeed Leonard Downie Jr., who ran the newsroom for 17 years. Permalink
Cross Webb Off Obama Veep List
The Virginia freshman Senator is Shermanesque in removing himself from the running. Says in statement: "Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate...Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President." Some keen observers believe Webb was not actually being seriously considered. The Atlantic: Obama's vetting team gave Webb a list of what they needed to begin their search into his background, career last week and that's when he refused the slot. Also reports McCain's vetting team is looking at 8 to 10 candidates including Pawlenty, Romney. Permalink
Details Emerge of Obama's Summer Trip Abroad
The Swamp discovers reports in foreign media point to a trip late July. In France: Agence France-Press says President Sarkozy will meet with Obama at the Elysee Palace on Friday, July 25. In Israel: Obama is expected to arrive July 22 or July 23 for a two- or three-day visit to include a meeting with Prime Minister Olmert. In Germany: Der Spiegel reports Obama is considering meetings with Foreign Minister Steinmeier and Chancellor Merkel and may speak before the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Permalink
Obama: Iraq Withdrawal Pace to be Determined in Consultation With Commanders
The Illinois Senator tells the Military Times he'll consider what commanders on the ground think when drawing out his timetable for troops to come home. "It strikes me that that’s something we can begin relatively soon after inauguration. If on the other hand you’ve got a deteriorating situation for some reason then that’s going to have to be taken into account.” Politico: "Some of the most unambiguous language Obama has employed yet to indicate he's retreating from his Democratic primary position on Iraq." RNC hits back. Full statement here. McCain responds on Denver radio: "I’m glad, for the first time, he’s going to sit down with General Petraeus..." Permalink
Evening News Roundup
All three networks led with new guidelines on monitoring cholesterol in children. ABC: Turned to politics second, focusing on Obama's plane troubles. Said Obama "took it in stride" and NTSB called it a "serious event." Then measured how the candidates' economic policies stacked up. Claiborne said economists are skeptical of McCain's balanced budget proposal while Tapper said Obama's tax increase for 5% of Americans could hurt in a wealthy swing state like Florida. CBS: Seven minutes in, mentioned move of Obama acceptance speech to INVESCO Field and emergency rerouting of Obama plane in Missouri. Covered candidates "making the economy job one," summarized McCain's town hall in Denver and Obama's speech in St. Louis. Briefly mentioned Vicki Kennedy e-mail update on her husband's health. NBC: Seven minutes in noted Kennedy health updates, turned to Obama plane trouble. Highlighted how Obama called North Carolina crowd to deliver speech and held impromptu presser at airport, showing "no day is wasted" on the trail. Compared both candidates' economic proposals, includling what they think on trade, the deficit, taxes. Mentioned Bush at G-8 summit. Permalink
Cindy McCain Travels to Rwanda Next Week
The potential first lady says Monday she'll spend four days in the African nation as part of a trip organized by the ONE campaign visiting USAID health clinics, schools and an orphanage. Last month McCain traveled to Vietnam for a similar relief trip with Operation SMILE. Former Sen. Tom Daschle will join the trip on behalf of Obama. Permalink
Obama Meets the Press in St. Louis
Obama answers questions during wide-ranging presser while stranded in Missouri. On potential Anheuser-Busch sale to Belgian-Brazilian brewing group: "I do think that it would be a shame if Bud is foreign owned." On his convention speech at INVESCO Field: "We are excited about the prospect of opening up the convention." On tapping into the U.S. oil reserves: "The Strategic Oil Reserve, I think, has to be reserved for a genuine emergency." Also delivered form of his Charlotte prepared remarks. Read them here. McCain camp responds to presser here. Permalink
Chocolate Lovers
The McCains buy fudge, a peanut butter cup, and cherry truffles during a 10-minute stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in downtown Denver on Monday. John McCain also shakes hands, signs autographs outside the store. Jokes some in the press need "help" that can't come from the chocolate store. Read pool report here. Permalink
The Show Goes On
Obama promises short-term and long-term economic relief to North Carolinian audience via telephone after his plane is forced to make an unscheduled maintenance stop in St. Louis. "If you think we need a fundamental change and that we have to grow this economy from the bottom up...then we have got a clear choice in this election." The call lasted about 10 minutes. Read what he said here. Permalink
McCain Talks Jobs, Stresses Balancing Federal Budget
Arizonan unveils retooled jobs plan focused on small businesses in Denver town hall. Watch video above. "A government that spends wisely and balances its budget is a catalyst for economic growth and the creation of good and secure jobs." Read plan outline here and full remarks here. Hits Obama on taxes, spending and health care. OBAMA CAMP RESPONSE: Economic policy adviser Furman says on media call that McCain's budget proposal "is not credible; it's a Ponzi scheme." McCain camp memo slaps Obama for budget resolution vote. Obama camp responds here. Permalink
VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI
--Florida Gov. Crist gets a congratulatory call from McCain about his recent engagement. --The Chicago Tribune examines the possibilities of Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed for Obama and former Ohio Rep. Rob Portman or Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. for McCain. --Tom Ridge is expected to throw a $500 per-person fundraiser for McCain at the University Club in Washington on July 31. --Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard and McCain adviser Fiorina tells USA Today a potential running mate doesn’t need government experience, could use a business background. Permalink
Battleground Blitz
--Obama campaign sets up shop in typically Republican South Carolina, said to be focusing on registering Blacks and young people. --McCain staffers start a California campaign despite reports that the race in the Golden State "might already be over." Permalink
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