Archive - July 8, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Fundraises Like a Rockefeller

The Illinois Senator attends a fancy $28,500-a-person event at the home of Sharon and Jay Rockefeller in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Tuesday evening. Obama stood beneath a crystal chandelier and gave a fairly low key speech on familiar themes. In a VIP reception, Jay Rockefeller said for the first time in more than 40 years “I’ve met the man, the only person I’ve really wanted to see as president.” Read pool report here. Permalink

McCain: US Withdrawal in Iraq Will Come in Time

The Arizonan downplayed reports that Iraqi officials are increasing pressure on the U.S. to agree to a specific timeline to withdraw its forces, says al-Maliki would only ask troops to leave if the situation warranted it. Says in Pittsburgh Tuesday: "I know for a fact that it will be dictated by the situation on the ground, as it always has been." Also makes an off-the-cuff joke about an increase in cigarette exports to Iran."Maybe that's a way of killing them." He quickly followed up that it was a joke. Read pool report here. TIME's Hauslohner: Has Maliki Turned on the US? Permalink

Mike Murphy to Sign With NBC News

Politico: The GOP strategist and former 2000 McCain aide will announce he'll become a political analyst for the network Wednesday. Murphy acknowledges the move but declined to comment. New position brings full closure to speculation that he'll join the McCain camp this time around. Permalink

Obama to Young African-Americans: Forget Rap, Forget the NBA

The Senator offers some blunt advice in Georgia, urging young people to stay in school. "You are probably not that good a rapper. Maybe you are the next Lil' Wayne, but probably not, in which case you need to stay in school." Also jokes: "Most of you brothas are not" great basketball players. "I know you think you are, but you're not. You are over-rated in your own mind. You will not play in the NBA." Permalink

Obama, McCain Pitch Economic Plans, Immigration Reform to Latinos

The candidates take turns speaking to the League of United Latin American Citizens convention in Washington, D.C. Tuesday, Both discuss Latino job woes, immigration reform, health care and more. Obama also says McCain "abandoned" his "courageous stance" on immigration reform when he started running for president. Read full speech here. McCain also says he wished Obama had agreed to a town hall at the conference. Read full speech here. Plus: On McCain camp media call, Rep. Diaz-Balart says, "Sen. Obama has a steep hill to climb with regard to the Hispanic community" and hits him on immigration reform. Permalink

Obama Denies Shift to Political Center

The Illinois Senator is asked by a voter about accusations of flip-flopping at Georgia town hall, denies that he's been shifting stances on Iraq, guns, and the death penalty to attract more moderate voters. "You're not going to agree with me on 100 percent of what I think, but don't assume that if I don't agree with you on something that it must be because I'm doing that politically." McCain camp responds: "Barack Obama is wrong: everyone’s been listening and still nobody knows what Barack Obama truly believes.” Read it here. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC: Led with T. Boone Pickens' wind farm investment, followed by report looking at the candidates' rival energy plans. Report said both are likely to be harder to implement than they are being portrayed. Separate reports looked at the G-8 summit and the Iraqi president's call for a troop withdrawal timetable. CBS: Led with story on "meaningless measurement" of low tar in cigarettes. At 13 minutes in, briefly mentioned G-8 climate change resolution. No presidential campaign coverage. NBC: Led with breast cancer report, mentioned G-8 summit 8 minutes in. Halfway through aired "Access Hollywood" Obama family interview excerpts, daughters said parents get mad at whining, arguing. Said moving into the White House would be "cool;" Malia is excited to redecorate her room. Showed new McCain ad, Chuck Todd said it's part of the "retooled" McCain camp which portrays the Republican as a choice against Obama. Permalink

VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI

--John Edwards tells NPR he would “seriously consider” any role in an Obama administration. --Gingrich essay repeats support for Gov. Jindal as Veep. Permalink

Gorbachev Warns Candidates on Military Spending

Writing in a Russian newspaper, the former Soviet leader says war spending has triggered the U.S. economic slowdown, and criticizes McCain and Obama for not discussing it. "The subject of military spending has literally been shrouded in a curtain of silence. This taboo must be lifted." Gorbachev also urges the candidates to seek alternatives to "the militarization of politics and thinking." Permalink

McCain Meets With Polish Foreign Minister

The Arizonan hosts Radoslaw Sikorski at his Virginia campaign headquarters. The two discuss relations with Russia, missile defense, etc. before speaking with the press. McCain: "Could I just say that I am pleased at the opportunity to meet with an old friend who I have known for many years, um, in his previous incarnations." Sikorski: "We are certain that America and Poland will remain firm allies. And we are still working very hard to get the missile defense agreement concluded..." Read pool report here. Plus: Obama spoke with Sikorski by phone Monday. Read more here. Sikorski tells the AP he avoided discussing missile defense, the most urgent issue in Polish-American relations: "I did not think it was my business in my first conversation with him to raise a controversial issue." Permalink

Obama Attacks McCain on Gas Prices in New TV Spot

The Senator launches a 30-second contrast ad turning the tables on McCain, after the Republican Party's independent expenditure arm ran an ad attacking Obama's energy plan. Features footage of McCain and Bush together, and says "McCain and Bush support a drilling plan that won’t produce a drop of oil for seven years." Ad is airing in the same four states as the RNC ad -- Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Watch it above. Read script here. McCain response: "...Barack Obama’s commitment to a new type of politics is officially over." Read it here. Permalink

TV Interview Potpourri

--Romney tells CNN that McCain is not interested in repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and says Obama is "a charming, well-spoken person, but he's never run anything." Also promotes McCain's economic plan. --Gov. Napolitano says on CNN that "building a fence is not a solution" for illegal immigration, Obama's opinions on recent SCOTUS decisions are unimportant and that "it's about who fills the federal bench." Permalink

Obama Proposes Bankruptcy Law Reform, Slaps McCain

The Illinois Senator says he wants to "fast-track" the bankruptcy process for military families, help seniors on housing, protect natural disaster victims in Powder Springs, Georgia town hall. Also accuses McCain of repeatedly siding with the banking industry. "When it comes to strengthening the safety net for hardworking families, he's been part of the problem, not part of the solution." Watch video above. MCCAIN CAMP RESPONDS: "Eighteen Democrats and John McCain worked together on the bipartisan Senate Bankruptcy Bill." Read it here. Obama team also attacks McCain's budget proposals on morning conference call. House Budget Committee Chair Rep. Spratt: "McCain is not just embracing Bush, he's embracing all the Bush tax cuts and then some... There's no way we are even on a path to a balanced budget." Permalink

McCain Touts Military Background in New Minute-Long TV Spot

The Arizonan goes up on the air in battleground states with hard-hitting spot recalling McCain's time in Vietnam and his years as a "maverick" in Congress. "Beautiful words cannot make our lives better. But a man who has always put his country and her people before self, before politics … can." Shows images from his time in the Navy, including footage from his POW days. Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

Murphy Says He Won't Join McCain Camp

Contrary to widespread rumors and a Kristol column, Republican strategist Mike Murphy will not play a role in the Arizonan’s election effort. “I do not expect to join the campaign. They’re my friends, and I wish them well.” Swampland: One adviser says "No one considered Mike for the job." Permalink