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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from July 23rd, 2008
Obama Visits Western Wall
The Democratic presidential contender pays a pre-dawn visit to the holiest place in Judaism Thursday. Bowing his head in prayer, Obama placed a small note inside a crevice in the ancient wall, a custom observed by many. Interrupted by a heckler repeating the phrase: "Obama, Jerusalem is not for sale!" PHOTOS: See a gallery of Obama’s Israel trip here. Permalink
Obama Purchases Olympic Ad Buy
NBC spokeswoman confirms the Illinois Senator has decided to buy $5 million in national advertising during the roadcast of the Olympic Games. The ads will appear on network and cable channels. The Olympics open in Beijing August 8. Permalink
IT'S NOW OR NEVER
Before there are more (premature) political obits -- HALPERIN'S TAKE: What John McCain needs to win. Permalink
McCain on Obama Media Mania: "All I Can Do is Be Amused"
The Senator hints at his slight frustration with the near-incessant media coverage of Obama's overseas trip on Fox's "Hannity & Colmes" Wednesday night. "It is what it is Sean. You know very well that if anybody complains then, you know, that's just non-productive." Also says the most important thing in a Veep candidate is it being "someone who shares your priorities, your principles...who can take your place immediately." Read more excerpts here. Plus: TIME's Klein looks at McCain's foreign policy frustration. Permalink
Obama Gains on McCain in Arizona Fundraising
Arizona Republic analysis: Obama raised more money in Arizona in June, and he dominates the overall fundraising map in 43 states and Washington, D.C., according to FEC reports. Obama reported $432,000 in donations from Arizonans in June, compared with McCain's $313,000. Plus: The NY Times on whether McCain can count on his home state come November. Permalink
New National Numbers
From NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll: Obama 47, McCain 41 Read more -- including what respondents thought about veep selection -- here. Dates conducted: July 10-21. Error margin: 3.1 points. Permalink
McCain Denies Misstating the Timing of Iraq Surge
The Arizonan pushed back Wednesday against Democratic criticism that he misstated when the troop buildup began in a CBS interview Tuesday. He told reporters at a Pennsylvania super market that the surge was "made up of a number of components" and elements were put in place before Bush announced the strategy. McCain also discusses veepstakes, offshore drilling and more. Permalink
Obama, McCain Speak With ABC
--Obama tells ABC's Charlie Gibson that peace is possible between Israelis and Palestinians, but "nobody said it's going to be easy." Says Palestinians must understand "they are not going to get what they want unless the Israelis get what they want." --McCain says "it's not possible" to believe the surge has not succeeded. "The facts on the ground are very clear." Read full statement. Says Obama "should know better if he wants to be Commander in Chief and certainly behave differently." Permalink
Obama Chats With PM Olmert
The presumptive Democratic nominee wraps up his talks with local leaders by holding a session with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Entering the closed-door meeting, Obama said his talks with Palestinian President Abbas indicated "there's a strong sense of progress being made" toward peace. Olmert nodded and said, "Indeed." Earlier: Obama met with top Israeli and Palestinan officials, and held a presser reaffirming his support for Israel. Permalink
McCain Camp Cancels Oil Rig Event Due to Weather
Spokesman Brian Rogers confirms the Senator will no longer speak from an oil rig off the Gulf Coast Thursday, where he was expected to try to counter-program Obama's Berlin speech. Also says that Wednesday evening's meeting scheduled with Gov. Jindal has been "postponed." Instead, McCain will attend a town hall meeting on cancer alongside Lance Armstrong at the LIVESTRONG Summit in Columbus, Ohio. Permalink
Merkel: Obama "Well-Equipped" for the Presidency
The German Chancellor praises the Illinois Senator in a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday. "I would say that he is well-equipped -- physically, mentally and politically," adding that she “wouldn't resist" a Bush-style back rub from the Land of Lincolner. And/But: Merkel says she will not attend Obama’s speech in Berlin on Thursday, saying, "Maybe I'll turn on the television." Plus: The RNC launches radio spot alleging Obama chooses Washington over the military to air in Berlin, Pennsylvania, Berlin, Wisconsin and Berlin, New Hampshire. Obama camp responds here. Permalink
Plouffe Huddles With House Democrats
Obama's campaign manager meets with the entire House Democratic Caucus behind closed doors for nearly an hour Wednesday during their weekly meeting. WashPost: He assured Obama would be helping their election bids -- and that they would be asked to help his. Rep. Schakowsky said after the meeting: "What people are waiting for are the marching orders." Some congressional Dems have grumbled the Obama camp operates too much on its own, leaving them in the dark. Permalink
Poll: Economy (Still) Top Concern
AP/Ipsos poll released Wednesday shows: 44% think the economy is the country's most important problem, 22% cite energy, 15% say the Iraq war and other foreign affairs. Dates conducted: July 10-14. Error margin: 4.4 points. Permalink
REPUBLICANS FOR OBAMA?
An organized effort is underway to get some big-name Republicans to come out for the Land of Lincolner. Maybe some of them will even speak at the Democratic convention in Denver. Many are long-time friends of John McCain; click here to find out why they might cross the aisle to vote for Obama. Developing... Permalink
VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI
--Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty will speak at a National Press Club luncheon August 6. --Kansas Gov. Sebelius says her state's proactive approach to bioscience was paying off after it was named one of the top 10 states for biotechnology. --Virginia Rep. Cantor had a low-profile lunch with McCain in New York over the weekend; Politico says "it has people scratching their heads." Permalink
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