The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from July 17th, 2008
In Their Words
McCain, Obama to contribute to TIME every other week on an array of topics. The candidates began two weeks ago on patriotism. This week: Afghanistan. Read their takes here. Permalink
Gore Self-Term Limits
The former vice president says in an ABC News interview that he's not interested in the Veep slot. "I've decided to impose a personal term limit of two terms as vice president.” He adds that he sees his role as one that is “focused on changing public opinion” on climate change. Clip will air on Friday's "Good Morning America." Plus: Analysis of Gore's plan to curb climate change by TIME's Bryan Walsh. Permalink
Obama Camp on Washington GOP Video: "McCain Promised Us Better"
The campaign denounces the video on Michelle Obama as "mean-spirited attacks," puts the ball in McCain's court: "It's up to him to curb these tactics, or take responsibility for them." Read statement. Washington Gov. Gregoire calls the video "shameless," says: "I was proud to welcome Michelle Obama, who clearly loves our country deeply, here to Washington state this morning." Read statement. Response to new Web video aimed at Michelle Obama's "proud of my country" comment. Click above to watch. Like the Tennessee GOP's video, it features residents explaining why they are proud of the U.S. State party officials say the McCain campaign was not involved. Permalink
Obama Camp Hits Back on Iraq
The campaign sends out a response to McCain and allies using a memo, video, conference call and more to bracket Obama as putting politics above nation on Iraq. “All John McCain has ever looked for in Iraq are reasons to stay there indefinitely. He has stubbornly championed a strategy of fighting an unnecessary war in Iraq regardless of the shifting facts..." From the McCain memo: "Barack Obama has determined that he would rather lose a war that we are winning than lose an election by alienating his base." Read it here. Plus: ABC News: McCain attends no Senate hearings on Afghanistan in the last two years. Permalink
Pelosi: Bush Has Been a "Total Failure"
The House Speaker takes the President to task over the economy, the war and off-shore drilling in wide-ranging interview with CNN. Watch video above or read excerpts here. "For him to be challenging Congress when we are trying to sweep up after his mess over and over and over again — at the end of the day, Congress will have passed its responsibility to pass legislation." Full interview to air on Sunday's "Late Edition." Permalink
Bloomberg to Host "Welcome Back" Event for Clinton
The New York Mayor offered to host a "welcome back" event for Clinton at a private meeting Thursday, which she "gladly accepted," an aide said. The event won't serve as a fundraiser to help retire Clinton's debt -- but it could remind New Yorkers that she still has some. Permalink
"Whenever He Asks"
Bill Clinton tells Harlem press conference that after his recent "good talk" with Obama, he is ready to campaign with him whenever Obama wants to. Clinton: "He's busier than I am -- on politics anyway." Also defends Jesse Jackson. "An apology was a good thing to do...If all of us lived on live mics, one hundred percent of us would be embarrassed." Permalink
Gore Announces Major Energy Challenge
The former vice president sets a goal for the nation to produce every kilowatt of electricity through wind, sun and other Earth-friendly energy sources within 10 years in Thursday D.C. speech. "The answer is to end of reliance on carbon-based fuels.... The time is now. I for one do not believe out country can withstand 10 more years of the status quo.” Read prepared remarks here. Watch video above. Gore hopes the next president will embrace his proposal. Obama responds in statement: "I strongly agree with Vice President Gore... those are the investments I will make as President." Permalink
Clinton Foundation Aims to Stabilize Malaria Drug Prices
The former president's foundation announces Thursday it signed pricing agreements with six suppliers of a malaria-fighting drug to try to stabilize its fluctuating costs, ensure more availability. Clinton -- along with leading drug manufacturers -- announced the initiative from the foundation's Harlem office. Get details here. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
ABC: Led with good economic news, especially the steepest 3-day oil drop in 25 years. Eight minutes in, mentioned Obama’s strong June fundraising, as well as the slight GOP advantage in cash on hand. Next, package on Obama’s international trip next week. Said the trip and TV ads are designed to bolster his national security image, while the McCain camp calls it “a photo op.” Said any misstep could “backfire” amid all the publicity. Next, mentioned Gore’s environmental challenge, interview clip saying the country must move to renewable energy. CBS: Led with lift of government warning on salmonella in tomatoes. Five minutes in, covered Gore's "audacious dare to America's next president" in his speech on energy and climate change. Mentioned Bill Clinton's readiness to campaign for Obama and Obama's June fundraising figures. Briefly recapped Bush's comments at Tony Snow funeral. Gore summarized and defended his energy plan in taped interview with Couric. Said McCain "deserves credit" for his stance on climate change and said he "would not take a formal position in any administration." NBC: Led with "stunning" drop in oil prices in last few days, other economic news. Turned to Gore climate speech. In interview, Gore said while his proposal is costly to implement, it will save Americans money in the long run. Mentioned Tony Snow's funeral, Bush's commemoration speech. Permalink
McCain Softens Aide's Comments on Obama Trip
Speaking to reporters, the candidate declines to second spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker's claim that Obama's upcoming overseas trip is a "campaign rally." McCain: "I can only give you my opinion, and I will talk to her. The fact is that I'm glad he is going to Iraq. I am glad he is going to Afghanistan." "It's long, long overdue if you want to lead this nation." Response from Obama team: "The McCain campaign should stop worrying about Barack Obama’s travel plans ...." Read full statement. Permalink
Bush Remembers Snow's "Rare Record of Accomplishment"
President Bush speaks at the former White House spokesman/Fox News host's funeral Thursday: "We will always remember his wry sense of humor and abundant goodness. We will also remember he was lots of fun." Read full remarks here. Karl Rove and Andrew Card also in attendance at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at Catholic University. Snow died Saturday after a second battle with colon cancer. Permalink
Obama Office in Wisconsin Vandalized
Windows of the campaign's headquarters in Viroqua were spray-painted with a large red "X" with "wrong kind of change" written below. "McCain- He's a vet" was also written on the building's front in white paint. Police say the vandalism occured Tuesday. Permalink
On Social Security
Speaking in Kansas City, the 71-year-old acknowledges he receives Social Security checks, but says the system needs to be fixed if future generations are to enjoy the same benefits. Permalink
McCain: Obama Should Change Slogan to "No, We Can't"
Speaking in Kansas City, the candidate mocks Obama for opposing GOP-backed energy initiatives, and for other liberal stands. Later he travels to Ferrysburg, Michigan for a fundraiser. Permalink
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