Archive - July 21, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

Well-wired columnist cites sources who say McCain “will reveal the name of his vice presidential selection this week.” ABC News: McCain to hold undisclosed event in Louisiana Thursday designed to "capture some of the attention" from Obama. He'll deliver a major speech in Berlin Thursday. WashPost: McCain to meet with Gov. Jindal Wednesday in New Orleans. WSJ's Washington Wire: "A reporter asked the candidate outright if he would be announcing his running mate in New Hampshire on Tuesday. McCain responded with a mischievous grin and silently backed away." And/But: Politico reports that though McCain is very near a decision, an announcement this week is unlikely. Developing... Permalink

Obama: I Will Not Get Boxed Into "Two False Choices" on Iraq

In a Baghdad interview, the presumptive Democratic nominee tells ABC News' Terry Moran that his troop withdrawal plan for Iraq will remain flexible. He doesn't want to choose between a "rigid timeline" that ignores intervening events within those 16 months, or to completely defer to what U.S. military commanders suggest. Watch video above. Also maintains the Iraq troop surge was a mistake. McCain camp response: "A candidate who places his political ambition ahead of our national interest does not pass the threshold to be commander in chief.” Permalink

McCain to Headline ABC's "This Week" Sunday

The presumptive GOP nominee will be host George Stephanopoulous' guest Sunday morning. Permalink

McCain: Obama "Has Been Completely Wrong" on Iraq, Afghanistan

The presumptive GOP nominee slams his opponent who is traveling in the Middle East, calls him "someone who has no military experience whatsoever" during a joint presser with Bush 41. McCain: "When you win wars, troops come home. He's been completely wrong on the issue. ... I have been steadfast in my position." The former president says of McCain, "My respect for him knows no bounds." Still, he wishes Obama well on his overseas trip, says he hopes he'll get an especially warm welcome in Berlin. Prior to the presser the two held a private meeting and fundraiser at Bush's summer home on the Atlantic in Kennebunkport, Maine. Permalink

"I Will End Our Dependence on Foreign Oil. I Will End It"

The Arizonan pledges to curb U.S. use of foreign oil during a fiery speech while attending a picnic at the Maine Military Museum in South Portland Monday. Adds oil dependence is a national security issue because some of the billions spent on oil ends up in the hands of terrorists. Also criticizes Obama for not voting to condemn MoveOn.org for their "General Betray Us" newspaper ad, slammed him for not supporting the surge as he spends time overseas in Iraq. Maine Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe were in attendance. Permalink

DCCC Reserves More Ad Time

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee requests TV ads in 20 additional House races. Brings total time reserved to $53 million in 51 races, a sign of the party's strong financial condition. Permalink

McCain's Tough Task

TIME's Grunwald analyzes McCain's chances: "Considering what's happening off paper, it might be time to ask the question the horse-race-loving media are never supposed to ask: Is McCain a no-shot?" Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Massive coverage of Obama’s trip, with meta-references to all the coverage of the trip. ABC: Led with Obama brining his "star power" to Iraq, and sit-down interview with Terry Moran. Recapped McCain's day, said he had trouble keeping focus on his domestic agenda due to questions about Obama and his trip. Played clip of new McCain ad on gas prices. Said McCain heads to several battleground states this week, plus a trip to Louisiana for an undisclosed event Thursday designed to "capture some of the attention" going to Obama. Stephanopoulos said Obama's trip has been successful to date, though it may cost him to spend so much time on foreign policy when voters care most about the economy. CBS: Led with Obama's Middle East trip with Couric in Amman, Jordan. Covered Iraqi officials call for a timetable similar to Obama's. Recapped McCain's appearance with Bush 41 and his response to Obama's trip, also said it "just isn't his week" for media attention. Mentioned the New York Times rejection of McCain op-ed, as well as Condoleezza Rice's memo to embassies urging minimal aid to candidates. Outlined remainder of Obama's overseas trip, said it was going to be "more than just a series of photo-ops." NBC: Led with Obama in Iraq, said he and Gen. Petraeus had an "animated exchange" at dinner over troop withdrawal where they "agreed to disagree." Noted Iraqi leaders appearing to agree with Obama's timetable. Said commanders briefed Obama about the improved ... Permalink

Obama and Petraeus Get Aerial Tour of Baghdad

The Senator and the General get a bird's-eye view of Iraq's capital, joined by Sen. Hagel. Photo released by the U.S. army. NBC: Obama visited a casualty unit in Baghdad's Green Zone to call on injured troops. WashPost's Balz: Obama's trip "wholly unique in the annals of presidential politics." PHOTOS: See gallery of Obama's visit to Baghdad here. Permalink

Latest New Hampshire Numbers

Granite State Poll from the University of New Hampshire: Obama 46, McCain 43 Dates conducted: July 11-20. Error margin: 4.5 points. Read pdf here. Plus: Detroit News poll has Obama at 43, McCain at 41 in Michigan. Permalink

NY Times: Op-Ed Nix "Standard Procedure"

The Paper of Record issues statement on its rejection of McCain's op-ed on Iraq. Read it here. Says it is "standard procedure" to "go back and forth with an author" on his or her submission. Adds: "The New York Times endorsed Senator McCain as the Republican candidate.... We take his views very seriously." Earlier: Paper's op-ed editor says the piece must "articulate, in concrete terms how Sen. McCain defines victory in Iraq." Invites McCain to submit another draft. Permalink

McCain Blames Obama for High Gas Prices in TV Spot

The 30-second ad criticizes the Illinois Senator for opposing offshore drilling, says "Don't hope for more energy, vote for it." Also asks, "Who can you thank for rising prices at the pump?" while background chants say "Obama, Obama." Watch ad above. Read script here. Obama camp hits back: McCain is"proposing nearly $4 billion in tax breaks for the oil companies and Washington gimmicks that he admits will only provide ‘psychological relief’ to consumers." Permalink

Iraqi Government Agrees With Obama, Hopes for U.S. Withdrawal By 2010

Following the Senator's talk with Iraq's Prime Minister, a spokesman says the government doesn't endorse a fixed withdrawal date, but hopes combat units can leave some time in 2010. The timeframe falls within Obama's 16-month withdrawal plan and comes after Maliki offered support for the Democrat's plan in a weekend interview. And/But: The spokesman adds any withdrawal plan is subject to change if violence increases. Permalink

Aides Keeping Tighter Reins on M. Obama Interviews

Campaign staff steering Michelle Obama toward “soft” TV shows, away from newspapers to avoid gaffes. Obama strategist Axelrod: “In this business, you say one thing, it’s taken out of context, and it’s off to the races.” Permalink

Battleground Blitz

--New Mexico Gov. Richardson predicts a narrow Obama win in New Mexico, with him holding his own in conservative districts. Says backing by environmental orgs also a key factor. --Florida Rep. Wexler dismisses Lieberman’s visit to stump for McCain. Says the Senator “does not enjoy credibility with my constituents.” --In Virginia, the typically Obama-leaning 18- to 25-year-old demographic is growing at twice the rate of all other registered voters. --"Veterans for McCain" organize rallies across Florida. Permalink