The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from July 9th, 2008
McCain Potpourri
Aboard the Straight Talk Express, the nominee presumptive GOP nominee touches on a variety of topics with reporters, including: Social Security, troops in Afghanistan, his stump speech, Gates' tanker deal decision, the Medicare vote, a second stimulus package, Iraq, Romney, urban policy, the woman vote and viagra v. birth control. Read what he said on each here. And even more here. Permalink
KENNEDY RETURNS TO SENATE
The Massachusetts Senator makes a surprise appearance on Capitol Hill for the first time since he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Watch video above. Enters the chamber with Sen. Obama, prompts standing ovation from other Senators. Kennedy votes in favor of a Medicare funding bill-- which passes. Later tells CNN it's a "key defining issue for this Congress and this country" and he didn't want to miss the opportunity to weigh in. AP: "'Aye,' the 76-year-old Kennedy said in a loud voice, and he made a thumbs-up gesture as he registered his vote." Both candidates release statements on bill's passage. Obama here and McCain here. Permalink
Clinton, Obama Fly With Caroline Kennedy to NYC
The Obama Veep vetter joins the dynamic duo on their flight to the Big Apple for a fundraiser Wednesday night. Earlier Wednesday: Clinton deflected questions about whether she has turned over documents for Obama's team to review as part of the vice presidential search. Permalink
Obama's Latino Challenge
WashPost's Balz: In order to win, Obama may need to "awaken the sleeping giant that is the unfulfilled potential of the Latino vote." "There is an enormous potential payoff to Obama and the Democrats if they can successfully register a significant share of the millions of eligible unregistered Latinos." Permalink
McCain Praises Reopening of Tanker Deal Bidding
The presumptive GOP nominee says in a statement that he supports Defense Secretary Gates' decision to reopen the bidding for a multibillion-dollar Navy contract for midair refueling tankers. "I am hopeful that the Secretary’s plan to buy new tankers will result in the timely fielding of this important capability for all the Services at the best value to the taxpayer." Statement here. Comes in the wake of a GAO report that found flaws in the process that initally awarded the contract to a European parent of Airbus over Boeing. Plus: Kansas Gov. Sebelius and potential Obama veep weighs in also said "this is the right decision." Statement here. Permalink
Senate Approves FISA Bill
Senators vote 69-28 to expand the government's ability to eavesdrop on suspected terrorists. Measure also offers immunity to telecom companies for cooperating with post-9/11 wiretapping. Obama votes in favor of the measure; Clinton, Schumer, Reid vote no. McCain was absent. President Bush responds from the White House: "This legislation is critical to America's safety. It is long overdue." McCain camp preempts Obama vote with statement. Read it here. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
All three broadcasts featured interviews with McCain. On ABC, McCain called for tough sanctions against Iran, said it appears Obama has shifted on FISA, public finance and other issues. Criticized him for backing off town hall idea. On CBS, said Iran missile tests are "part of a calculated plan" and called for "very tough" sanctions. Stressed importance of "controlling spending and discipline" and downplayed significance of recent staff changes. On NBC, reiterated stance on Iran, saying, "We cannot allow a second holocaust." Said he thinks the economy "is certainly in a dire situation." ABC: Broadcast led with Kennedy's return to the Senate and his warm embrace there. Four minutes later aired McCain interview, followed by report on Jackson's "rather vulgar" comments on Obama, and his son's sharp criticism. Played tape of Jackson saying Obama "talked down to black people," and said he wanted to rip off "a sensitive part of (Obama's) anatomy." Also played clip of Obama telling young people they probably won't be rap stars. Mentioned Obama's trip to NYC with Clinton. CBS: Led with Iranian missile tests, interview with McCain followed. Twenty minutes in, covered Ted Kennedy's Senate return to "thunderous applause." NBC: Led with Iranian missile tests, included Obama and McCain reactions. Covered passage of "controversial" FISA bill. Described "genuine moment of bipartisan affection" when Kennedy returned to the Senate floor. Andrea Mitchell covered "very crude comments" made by Rev. Jackson and subsequent apology. Twenty minutes in, ran interview with McCain. Permalink
McCain Attacks Obama on Iran
Speaking to reporters in Pennsylvania, the Arizonan dismisses Obama's claim that the Iranian missile tests highlight the need for direct diplomacy. Watch video above. And: McCain presser takes reporters by surprise. Foreign adviser Scheunemann slams Obama's openness to meeting without preconditions with Iran's president in media call, calling it "unilateral cowboy summitry" and "impetuous unilateralism." Obama campaign responds. Read full statement here. Plus: McCain addresses the issue in NBC interview and in a statement. Obama responds to the test on network morning shows and in a written statement. Permalink
McCain Talks Economy in the Buckeye State
The Arizona Senator hits his usual themes while speaking at a town hall in Portsmouth, Ohio. Also takes questions from the audience. He pushes the economic proposals in his Lexington Plan, slams Obama on taxes, energy, earmark spending. "For a guy whose 'official seal' carried the motto, 'Yes, we can,' Senator Obama’s agenda sure has a whole lot of 'No, we can’t.'" Also continues critical comments about current state of social security. Read full remarks here. Permalink
Obama Makes Holder Pitstop
The Illinois Senator surprises reporters by stopping at the Washington office of Veep vetter Eric Holder. Aides say Obama had private meetings planned in D.C. but decline to provide more details. When asked by reporters who he was meeting with, Obama said: "I'm not going to tell you." Read pool report here. Permalink
McCain Meets with Energy CEO, Tours Coal Silo in Pennsylvania
The presumptive GOP nominee talks coal with CONSOL Energy's CEO followed by a tour of the plant. McCain and his wife sport patriotic hard hats and goggles on the tour and at the conclusion he received a Steelers jersey with the words "Steel Curtain" on the back. Read pool reports here and here. Permalink
After Complaint, Obama Camp Tweaks Contest
A contest to win a trip to the Democratic convention no longer requires a donation to Obama's campaign. Change made after Minnesota officials said the contest violated state lottery laws. Plus: Rush Limbaugh encourages listeners to enter new contest as part of "Operation Chaos, Phase Two." Permalink
Battleground Blitz
--Virginia GOP Rep. Davis says Obama will face an uphill battle in the commonwealth. --Obama camp triples their paid staffers to an "unbelievable" 150 in Missouri. --Obama campaign expands senior staff in Florida. Permalink
VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI
--Mitt Romney gets the nod to lead Massachusetts delegation to GOP convention. --The Detroit Free Press reports on how McCain-Romney buzz "fires up Michiganders." --TIME's Von Drehle explains why waiting to announce a running mate until the conventions might be a boon for Obama — and a liability for McCain. Permalink
Where They Are Wednesday
Obama: Washington, DC; New York, NY McCain: Pittsburgh, PA; Portsmouth, OH; Romulus, MI Permalink
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