Archive - July 30, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Ron Paul Could Foil McCain in the West

In the libertarian-friendly region, where Paul's mistrust of big government rings true, experts say some conservative voters are straying from the GOP. Permalink

VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI

--Joe Biden stands beside Bush as he signs a law that triples funding to fight global HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. --In South Carolina, Bobby Jindal attempts to convince an iron company to build a factory in rural Louisiana, bringing 500 new jobs. Permalink

The Obama campaign releases a response ad to McCain's attack spot mocking his rival's celebrity, accuses McCain of practicing the "same old politics." The ad quotes excerpts of news coverage labeling McCain's latest attacks "false," "baloney," "the low road," etc. Watch it above. McCain camp responds: "Pointing out your opponent’s worldwide celebrity is not the 'low road,' and neither is pointing out that he opposes oil drilling and supports higher taxes." To watch McCain’s “Celeb” ad click here, and read script here. And see more back-and-forth here. Permalink

WHO WILL IT BE???

Go back to thinking this McCain veep pick could come pre-Olympics. And focus on: McCain wants someone he is comfortable with. And/but: McCain wants to win Michigan. Developing... Permalink

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH TIM KAINE??

The Virginia governor continues keeping his head up high, does Charlie Rose. Earlier: Kaine tells NBC he doesn't "have any idea" where Obama is in the veep selection process, he hasn't spoken to him "for a number of weeks." Even more: He says at a carnival Tuesday Obama's veep list "seems to be getting shorter." Permalink

Obama: McCain "Seems to Only Be Talking About Me"

The Senator accuses his opponent of going negative in his new attack ad "Celeb" while speaking to reporters in Missouri Wednesday. Click above to watch. Says he doesn't pay attention to McCain ads, but adds "I do notice that he doesn't seem to have anything very positive to say about himself, does he." Watch McCain's ad here, and read script here. Obama aides also respond negatively to the spot -- read more here. Permalink

Where They Are Thursday

McCain: Racine, WI Obama: Cedar Rapids, IA Permalink

New National Numbers

CNN/Opinion Research Corp poll finds: Obama 51, McCain 44 Read more -- including what people thought about media coverage of the candidates -- here. Dates conducted: July 27-29. Error margin: 3 points. Permalink

Pawlenty: Let's Govern Like Sam's Club

The Minnesota governor tells Chicago lawmakers they should consider a Sam's Club approach to government -- provide value at a low cost. "I want to get the best value for my money. That's missing in government in dramatic, dramatic measurement." He spoke at a luncheon to mark the opening of the American Legislative Exchange Council in downtown Chicago. , 4:40 PM

McCain Gets Serious on Taxes

The Arizonan tries to reassure voters on his tax policy after receiving criticism for suggesting an increase in the Social Security payroll tax wouldn't be off the table. “I want to look you in the eye: I will not raise your taxes nor support a tax increase. I will not do it.’’ His remarks come at a town-hall-style meeting after a tour of the Wagner Company, a Caterpillar dealer in Aurora, Colorado. Permalink

Clinton Backers Grumble Obama Isn't Doing Enough

Politico: Clinton supporters are concerned Obama isn't fundraising aggressively enough to help Clinton retire the debt from her bid. They were told Clinton has raised millions for Obama, while he's only raised hundreds of thousands for her. Plus: Richardson -- in his capacity as an Obama supporter -- announces he’ll host a pair of New Mexico fundraising events for Clinton in August. Permalink

AP: Details Often Escape McCain

The wire service says the Arizonan at times appears to lack a full grasp of current political issues, or even his own voting record. "Sympathetic listeners call them understandable slips of the tongue.... Opponents call them gaffes, or worse." Article also list some of Obama's flubs, including his reference to America's "57 states" and confusion over his Senate committee assignments. Permalink

Romney Ready and Willing — But Not Expecting It

The former Massachusetts governor hints to a Denver radio station he'd accept a VP nod, but says he's skeptical of his chances. "I think there's some great people he could choose from and I expect he will do that. But I don't plan on being part of the ticket." Permalink

House Panel Votes to Cite Rove for Contempt

Voting 20-14 along party lines, the House Judiciary Committee says the former top White House aide broke the law by failing to appear at a hearing on the district attorney firings. The decision is only a recommendation and it's unclear whether Pelosi would allow a final vote. Permalink

Obama Blames Washington, Wall Street, McCain

The Senator credits the recent economic chaos on "irresponsible decisions" made in the White House and on Wall Street at an economic security town hall in Springfield, Missouri. Claims McCain will perpetuate current policies, aligns him with President Bush. Also challenges McCain to a "quick draw" duel over taxes and claims to be a distant cousin of Wild Bill Hickok. Read prepared remarks here. Watch video above. Read McCain camp response here. Permalink