Archive - July 22, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Couric Presses Obama for Answers on Surge

The CBS "Evening News" anchor asks the Land of Lincolner repeatedly whether he supports the troop surge in Iraq. Click above for video, and read full transcript. "Katie, as … you've asked me three different times, and I have said repeatedly that there is no doubt that our troops helped to reduce violence. There's no doubt." Couric is the first of the Big Three anchors to interview Obama overseas. She also interviews McCain, who chastises Obama for delivering "a false depiction" by saying that violence may have quelled in Iraq without the surge, says it's a "great disservice" to the troops. Watch video here. Permalink

Details of Bill Clinton's Annual Africa Trip Emerge

The Clinton Foundation announces Tuesday that the former president will travel to the continent at the end of July. Clinton plans to monitor the progress of past foundation projects and announce new initiatives, involving issues like HIV/AIDs, malaria and sustainable development. The six-day trip will include stops in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Liberia, and Senegal. It ends in Mexico City with remarks at the International AIDS Conference. Get more details here. Permalink

Novak: "I Just Put Something on the Internet" (!!)

Prince of Darkness tells Fox News Channel: His report about McCain announcing his running mate this week may have been "a dodge" by the campaign to grab some headlines from Obama. The conservative columnist goes on to say he'd gotten the tip from a "very senior McCain aide" and that the campaign "suggested I put it out" so he posted something online. Now he says he's been told by "certain people" he may have been used. Adds if that's the case, it's "pretty reprehensible." Watch video above. Permalink

Abdullah Gives Obama Advice on Enhancing U.S. Image in Mideast

In their closed-door meeting Tuesday, the Jordanian King says evenhanded policies would boost U.S. credibility in the region, according to a royal palace statement. Adds that Palestinian statehood is essential for ending the Arab-Israeli conflict. The two met at Beit Al-Urdun, the King's residence, in Amman. They later ate dinner together with the delegation. Then, Abdullah drove Obama to the airport in his Mercedes 600. Permalink

McCain: The Troops "Will Come Home With Honor and Victory"

The Arizonan reiterates that the surge is working and because of that the troops in Iraq will start coming home as heroes during a midday Rochester, New Hampshire town hall. Adds if the U.S. had listened to Obama the Iraq war would have ended in defeat and it would have been a "catastrophe." Also says Obama's withdrawal plan would "reverse the gains we have made" in Iraq. Later says "I hope he will have the courage to reverse his position." Permalink

Graham: Romney "Very Much a Contender" for Veep

McCain's close friend and colleague Sen. Graham tells The Hill McCain's Veep pick should be someone he "feels comfortable with" and said Romney fits that description. "I think he's very much a contender for the job. They have a good relationship. That's all I'll say." Permalink

Pawlenty Needles Obama on Iraq

The Minnesota Governor, speaking from McCain HQ, tells Fox News Obama "made up his mind before he went on (his) trip, so it really wasn't a fact-finding trip because the facts weren't going to change his mind...." He also spoke on MSNBC, saying Obama's comment Monday that he continues to oppose the surge "will come back to haunt him." Permalink

Ron Paul Backers Plan Alternative Convention

The GOP convention may be in for some competition— Ron Paul supporters are planning a 3-day alternative "Rally for the Republic" in Minneapolis in hopes of taking advantage of the media frenzy. Permalink

Brother: Michelle Obama “Was Raised to Be in This Position”

Craig Robinson tells Bloomberg he and his sister were raised to have thick skins and strong views. “Nothing is fake. She hasn't been in it long enough to have a fakeness about her.'' Permalink

Index: Consumers Still Gloomy

ABC's Consumer Comfort Index stays flat for the third straight week, despite a slight easing of gas prices. The index, based on current finances, the national economy and the buying climate, is on pace for the second-worst year since 1991. Read more here. (PDF) Permalink

Evening News Roundup

ABC: Gibson anchored from Israel, recapped Obama's day in Jordan and Israel and looked at his "incredibly packed" Wednesday. Also recapped McCain's New Hampshire town hall, said the campaign's frustration at Obama's media coverage "seemed to boil over" as it released Web video with "seemingly fawning remarks" from TV journalists. Sample of Israelis and Palestinians expressed skepticism the next president can resolve their long dispute, though some held out hope. CBS: Led with Couric's interviews with Obama in Jordan and McCain in New Hampshire by satellite. Later, package on the difference in press coverage the candidates are receiving, including 200 journalists seeking to cover Obama's trip and two waiting for McCain's arrival in New Hampshire Monday. Played clip of McCain Web video spoofing perceived pro-Obama bias in the press. NBC: Led with Hurricane Dolly. Six minutes in mentioned Bush caught on camera about Wall Street getting "drunk." Turned to Obama's Mideast trip. Said he stuck to his guns despite warnings from those on the ground about his withdrawal plan, also didn't budge on the surge. Covered McCain, said he suggested Obama is "not only wrong but calculated" on Iraq. Highlighted reports U.S. commanders say sending more troops to Afghanistan is a "top priority." Permalink

Rep. Wilson: Obama "Frighteningly Inexperienced"

The New Mexico Republican joins Sen. Brownback and McCain adviser Scheunemann on media call to discuss Obama's foreign policy. Listen to it here. Wilson: "He is frighteningly inexperienced when it comes to international affairs and national security policy...He has a lot to learn." Campaign also releases statement. Read it here. Permalink

Desert Is Hot; Obama Stays Cool

The wind-swept press corps doesn't break through with (or news from) the globe-trotting Senator in 45-minute Jordan presser. Watch video here. He concedes there's been "security progress" in Iraq over the past year, says now it's time to work toward "a political solution." Reiterates his 16-month Iraq phased withdrawal plan. Adds Gen. Petraeus wants to retain as much "flexibility" as possible but "my job as a potential commander in chief extends beyond Iraq." Refuses to slam McCain when asked about his positions "partly because" he's overseas with a bipartisan delegation. Permalink

VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI

--Pelosi rejects a proposal from Gov. Jindal to have Louisiana use royalties from offshore oil revenues to pay their $1.8 billion share of federal levee improvements. --Virginia Gov. Kaine announces Safco Products Company plans to open a $17 million distribution center in Isle of Wight County. Permalink

Construction Vehicle Attack Near Obama's Jerusalem Hotel

Police say a man driving a construction vehicle injured at least 24 people and plowed over numerous cars near the King David Hotel in downtown Jerusalem, where Obama will spend Tuesday night. Driver was shot and killed by police. Comes three weeks after a similar attack in Jerusalem. No immediate evidence incident was related to Obama's visit. Permalink