Archive - July 25, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

McCain Meets With The Dalai Lama

The Arizonan holds a 45-minute meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader late Friday in Aspen, Colorado. McCain calls on China to release Tibetan prisoners, says the Beijing Olympic Games in August provide a good opportunity for the country to demonstrate its commitment to human rights. The Dalai Lama praised McCain for his concern — while emphasizing he wasn't endorsing McCain's presidential bid. The Tibet leader is there as part of a three-day Aspen Institute conference on Tibetan culture. HALPERIN’S TAKE: What John McCain needs to win. Permalink

McCain: Nuremberg Trials Could Be Model for Bin Laden

The Republican candidate says the post-World War II international Nazi trials could offer an example of how to try bin Laden if he is captured. Click above to watch, and read full transcript. Also says he would move Israel's capital to Jerusalem "right away," and insists that he is not questioning Obama's patriotism. CNN also interviewed Obama Friday. Get details here. Permalink

Peace Protestors Attempt "Citizens Arrest" of Rove

Four peace activists are arrested in Des Moines Friday after stepping beyond the gate to where the long-time Bush political adviser was speaking. "It should be Karl Rove in that van. War Criminal!" one shouted as the four were rounded up by cops. "Where's there justice in this country?" The activists informed police of their wish to make a "citizens arrest" of Rove. He was addressing the Iowa Republican Party at a fundraiser. Permalink

Prominent Pols Make Bipartisan Platform Push

Govs. Schwarzenegger, Rendell and Bloomberg urge the two major parties to adopt a pro-infrastructure plank in their platforms Friday. Schwarzenegger: "Our economy and environment are suffering because we cannot move goods and people efficiently..." The three attended event in St. Paul, Minnesota to announce their positions. Read release here. Permalink

McCain: Supporting the Surge Was "A Real-Time Test"

The Arizonan gets tough with Obama in an address to the 2008 American GI Forum of the United States National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Ridicules Obama for "the audacity of hopelessness" in his Iraq policies. Says the surge "amounted to a real-time test for a future commander-in-chief... I believe my judgment passed that test. And I believe Senator Obama’s failed." Watch video clip above. Prepared remarks here. Obama camp responds here. Permalink

L'AMOUR

Obama and French President Sarkozy showcase their chemistry during bilateral presidential-like presser in Paris, calling each other "dear friend" and "buddy." Watch video above. The Senator praises Sarkozy for agreeing with him on Afghanistan, Iran. Calls on Iran to accept the EU nuclear proposal. Sarkozy wishes Obama "luck" and says he'd be "delighted" if he wins. Comes after the two held a private meeting at the Élysée Palace. PHOTOS: View gallery of Obama in France here. McCain camp responds here. Permalink

Some GOP Senate Candidates Skipping St. Paul

Nine of 12 targeted in the most competitive Senate races are either bypassing September's convention, or are undecided about attending, to focus on their campaigns. Among those sitting out -- Alaska's Sen. Stevens, Maine's Sen. Collins. Sens. Wicker, Sununu, Dole, Gordon Smith, Pearce are on the fence. Permalink

(Lots of) Elephant on Donkey Action

The McCain camp floods reporters with a slew of memos, reports Friday targeting their Democratic rival. --The campaign distributes a "briefing book" called “Barack Obama Official Post-Travel Briefing: Beyond the Photo-Op.” See it here. --Afternoon memo discusses the media's "coverage gap" this week while Obama was on his trip overseas. Read it here. --Early morning memo highlights three alleged "myths" in Obama's foreign policy. Read it here. Permalink

Obama: Foreign Policy Matters at Home

The Senator tells CNN that his week-long foreign trip is not ignoring the needs of Americans at home. Click above to watch or read full transcript here. Says persuading NATO to add more troops to Afghanistan, for instance, could save the U.S. billions. "We can invest those billions of dollars in making sure that we're providing tax cuts to middle-class families who are struggling with higher gas prices." CNN also interviewed McCain Friday. Get details here. Permalink

Obama's Western Wall Note Published

Israeli newspaper runs the text of Obama's prayer left at the holy site early Thursday. Asks God for wisdom, and to "help me guard against pride and despair." Read full text here. Some religious figures are criticizing the decision to publish the note. Permalink

McCain: Obama "Used the War for Political Reasons"

The Arizonan remains adamant that Obama would rather lose in Iraq than lose his bid for the White House. Tells the Columbus Dispatch: "I do know that he used the war for political reasons because no one, no one would refuse to acknowledge, no rational observer could refuse to acknowledge the success of the surge." Responding to David Broder's comment he's had "a cruel July," says: "We put one foot ahead of the other." Read more of the interview. Permalink

New Home Sales Drop, Foreclosures Up

Commerce Department reports Friday sales of new single-family homes fell 0.6% in June, the seventh drop in the last eight months. The decline is slightly smaller than expected (in May housing sales fell 1.7%). But, overall sales are down by 33.2% from a year ago. Report also finds foreclosure filings more than doubled in the second quarter from a year earlier. Permalink

LA Times: Stop the McCain (Political) Obits!!!

The paper writes: Despite all the hubbub over Obama, fresh polls show he's been mostly unable to convert it into wider leads -- and some prominent Dems still aren't enthusiastic about his candidacy. HALPERIN’S TAKE: What John McCain needs to win. Permalink

Merkel's Office: Obama's Speech Sent "Positive Signal" to Europe

The German Chancellor's spokesman praises the Land of Lincolner's Thursday Berlin address in Friday news conference, says Obama's priorities are in line with Germany's. "(Obama) underlined the fact that the challenges of the 21st century can only be tackled together, only in international cooperation -- that corresponds with the German government's position." Permalink

RNC Announces Convention Schedule

The party announces the block schedule for their convention in St. Paul starting Sept. 1. The festivities will kick off at 3:30 pm. Get the details on the rest of the schedule here. Permalink