The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from July 19th, 2008
McCain Camp Fires Back on Foreign Policy
Campaign responds to Obama memo claiming McCain has followed Obama's lead on Iraq, Afghanistan and other issues. "If John McCain was following Barack Obama’s lead on foreign policy, the United States would have already withdrawn from Iraq in a humiliating defeat at the hands of al Qaeda.” Read full memo. Earlier: Obama memo says he "has made the right judgment and John McCain has sided with George Bush in making the wrong one." Read it here. Permalink
Obama's Trip: "I Told You So" Politics
TIME's Mark Halperin says Obama's closely-watched foreign trip allows both candidates to claim they were right about Iraq all along. Click above to watch him on ABC's "World News." Permalink
Obama Visits Afghanistan After Shooting Hoops in Kuwait
Officials say the Democrat will remain in Afghanistan until Sunday, as his week-long tour of the Middle East and Europe begins. Set to meet President Karzai on Sunday. First stops briefly in Kuwait, where he posed with troops and made an outside three-pointer. CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH. Tells reporters before leaving the U.S.: "I'm more interested in listening than doing a lot of talking." Read more from the traveling pool report. Plus: NBC reports military commanders in Iraq will tell Obama they oppose a set withdrawal timetable. Watch video. Permalink
Oops! White House Circulates Maliki Story By Mistake
White House communications staff accidentally e-mails reporters a story apparently positive for Obama -- that Iraq's president favors his withdrawal plan. ABC: "The misfire comes at an odd time for Bush foreign policy." Permalink
McCain Aide: Voters Don't Listen to Maliki
An unnamed senior McCain official responds to Saturday's report that Iraqi PM Maliki supports Obama's withdrawal plan. Tells the Atlantic's Ambinder: "His domestic politics require him to be for us getting out... Regardless, voters care about [the] military, not about Iraqi leaders." Official campaign statement: "Timing is not as important as whether we leave with victory and honor, which is of no apparent concern to Barack Obama." Read full statement here. Obama aide Rice: This presents an important opportunity to transition to Iraqi responsibility...." Read more. Permalink
Novak: Obama Meeting Secretly With CEOs
The Prince of Darkness says Obama has been sitting down with "heavy industry CEOs" in Washington. Goal is to show the corporate leaders "they would be able to do business with him in the White House. Permalink
Gore Surprises Netroots Conference
The former vice president makes a surprise appearance at the Austin "Netroots Nation" bloggers conference, prompting thunderous cheers. Joined Speaker Pelosi on stage and took several question. Asked if he would seek a role in an Obama administration, says he'd rather "focus on trying to enlarge the political space in which political officials address this climate crisis." Another surprise guest: Libertarian candidate Bob Barr. Permalink
Conservative Group to Run Obama Attack Ads
An ad accusing the Illinois Senator of "flip-flopping" on numerous issues will begin airing nationally on Tuesday, according to the group Let Freedom Ring. Click above to watch. Group says the ad buy will cost several hundred thousand dollars. Permalink
Romney: McCain's "Wingman Extraordinaire"
NY Times says McCain's onetime rival is "attracting perhaps more buzz than anyone else as a potential running mate." Attention due in part to his economic literacy and Michigan roots. Permalink
Sen. Bayh on Obama: "We Have a Comfort Level"
The Indiana Senator and potential VP contender tells National Journal he and Obama have a lot in common. "We know each other, we're friends, we're about the same age...." Read more here. Permalink
McCain's Weekly Radio Address
The Senator strongly attacks Obama for releasing his Iraq and Afghanistan strategies before his overseas trip. "Apparently, he's confident enough that he won't find any facts that might change his opinion or alter his strategy. Remarkable." Also hits Obama for opposing the surge in Iraq. Read his full radio address, and listen to it here. Permalink
Poll: Californians Back Gay Marriage
Field poll: 51% in the Golden State oppose Proposition 8, which would amend the state Constitution to ban gay marriage. 42% support the initiative, on November's ballot. Permalink
Town Halls Costing McCain Big
Polling to find undecided voters for the events costs $8,000-$10,000 a week. Spokesman: "We're confident that we're letting in a greater assortment of questions and voter types than our opponent." Permalink
Giuliani Launching New York PAC
The "Solutions America" political action committee will aid New York Republicans. Some speculate the former Gotham mayor is looking to build support for a gubernatorial run in 2010. Permalink
GRAMM STEPS DOWN
The former Senator and McCain economic adviser resigns as co-chair of the campaign. Says in statement: "It is clear to me that Democrats want to attack me rather than debate Senator McCain on important economic issues facing the country..." Says he wants to "end the distraction and get on with the real debate." Comes after Gramm told the Washington Times the country was in a "mental recession" and Americans are a "nation of whiners." Obama camp responds: Says the question for McCain is “whether he will continue to keep the economic plan that Gramm authored..." Permalink
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