Archive - July 28, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

McCain: Past Melanoma "Frankly Due to My Own Neglect"

The presumptive GOP nominee tells CNN's "Larry King Live" that he blames himself for the one serious bout of melanoma he had several years back. "I let it go and go and go. I was running for president at the time. I'm not making that mistake again." Also says he'll announce his veep as soon as the process is completed and he "won't be driven by any other factors, the Olympics, or any other." Watch the video on CNN. Permalink

Report: Obama Heading to Hawaii Next Month

WashPost says the Senator will spend a week in his native Aloha State in mid-August, mainly on vacation. He reportedly will attend at least one fundraiser while he's there. Permalink

Gallup-ing Shocker!!

It is just one poll, folks, but the latest USA Today/Gallup survey suggests McCain jumped 10 points since last month. McCain 49, Obama 45 Dates conducted: July 25-27. Error margin: 4 points. Read more here. This is NOT the Gallup tracking poll that was Drudged all around showing Obama up 9. NY Times' Nagourney: Where is Obama's polling bounce? Permalink

"Offshore Drilling is Something We Have to Do"

McCain speaks to reporters and pushes his energy proposals after touring an oil derrick near Bakersfield, California. "There is some instances where in a matter of months they could be getting additional oil...there's abundant resources..." Watch video above. Adds "I'm sorry Senator Obama opposes it." Once again labels him "Dr. No." Also reiterates his proposal for more nuclear power plants, discusses clean energy. Obama camp responds here. Permalink

Obama Spotted At Veep Vetter's Office

MSNBC News reports the candidate stopped by the law firm of former deputy attorney general Eric Holder while in D.C. Monday. Holder is one of two people heading Obama's effort to select a running mate. Plus: Campaign topper Plouffe is joining the Democrat on the road Monday, along with top aides Axelrod and Gibbs, a rarity for Team Obama. Developing... Permalink

McCain: Spot of Skin Removed as Precaution

The Senator says Monday's medical procedure removing a patch of skin from his right temple was not a major event. Click above to watch. The four-time melanoma survivor also urges Americans to wear sunscreen, and check for skin discolorations. Mayo Clinic releases statement: "This is a routine minor procedure." Permalink

NBC News Names D.C. Bureau Chief

The network announces Monday that Mark Whitaker, an NBC News Senior Vice President, will take over Tim Russert's role as Washington, D.C. bureau chief. His position includes executive oversight of "Meet the Press" as well as network election and political coverage. Whitaker will also continue in his current role as SVP. Release here. Permalink

Obama Calls Washington, Wall Street "Irresponsible"

The presumptive Democratic nominee says the country's "economic emergency" is worsening while meeting with top economic leaders in Washington, D.C. “There were some irresponsible decisions that were made on Wall Street and in Washington." He gathered with major business and economic leaders -- including former Treasury Secretaries Rubin and O'Neill and Google CEO Eric Schmidt — to discuss economic policy. On afternoon media call, former Sen. Bradley says the meeting demonstrates that Obama is "putting the economy No. 1 on his agenda." Permalink

Novak Hospitalized With Brain Tumor

The 77-year-old journalism institution is being treated at a Boston hospital for a brain tumor diagnosed Sunday. "I will be suspending my journalistic work for an indefinite but, God willing, not too lengthy period." In statement, says doctors will soon begin "appropriate treatment." Permalink

Candidates Respond To Budget Deficit Projection

McCain: "I have an unmatched record in fighting wasteful earmarks and unnecessary spending in the U.S. Senate..." Obama camp: "Barack Obama will restore balance and fairness to our economy by cutting wasteful spending, shutting corporate loopholes and tax havens..." Comes in wake of the announcement that the federal deficit is expected to reach $482 billion by next year. Permalink

Michelle Obama Touts Husband's Women Agenda

The potential first lady lunches with women supporters in Chicago on Monday, details Obama’s 12-point agenda to help women balance work and family, raises $750,000. Also praises Clinton: "My husband is a better candidate because of her.... She has been nothing but gracious and open and warm and generous in this effort." She was joined by her mother Marian Robinson, Rep. Schakowsky and chef/author Alice Waters at the event. Chicago Sun-Times’ Sweet has more juicy details here. Permalink

VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI

--The Atlantic's Ambinder reports some McCain advisers are floating the idea of FedEx CEO Fred Smith. --Florida Gov. Crist makes the cover of Florida Trend Magazine. --Boston Globe looks at Gov. Pawlenty's strong personal rapport with McCain. --Asked on a Monday media call if he'd be interested in Obama's #2 spot, Bill Bradley simply said, "No." --The Times-Picayune continues parsing Gov. Jindal's comments about the job. Permalink

Bush Meets With Pakistani Prime Minister

The two speak to the press after meeting privately in the Oval Office. Watch video above. Prime Minister Gilani says they discussed the "common threats we face," including securing the Afghan border. Adds terrorists are waging "war against Pakistan," cites the assassination of former PM Benazir Bhutto. Read transcript of comments here. Permalink

Some Clinton Granite State Fans Still Say "No" to Obama

Many supporters of the New York Senator in New Hampshire are having trouble embracing the Land of Lincolner. One voter: "He revolts me... He can choose Bugs Bunny for vice president or he can choose God, presuming he doesn't think that he's God. It won't matter." Read more from unhappy Granite Staters here. Permalink

Gen. Petraeus to Revisit Troop Levels in Iraq Based on "Conditions"

The commanding general in Iraq tells NPR Monday he may be able to recommend more troop reductions within the next month, but it will be based on conditions. It's his first broadcast interview since meeting in Iraq with Obama, who supports a timetable structure. Permalink