Archive - July 31, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

In Court Battle, Protesters Fight To Be Heard at DNC

The ACLU argues in federal court that plans to keep demonstrators in designated zones will keep them from being seen and hear by delegates and other DNC attendees — a violation of free speech rights. Opponents say protesters could undermine security if they're allowed to run amuck. The judge said she'll rule on the two-day trial as soon as possible. Permalink

AIR WAR

What do Obama and McCain's TV ads so far tell us about their campaigns? Read Mark Halperin’s analysis -- and his latest campaign scorecard -- from the new issue of TIME. Permalink

McCain Defends "Race Card" Charge

Speaking to CNN Thursday, the candidate says the accusation leveled by his campaign manager against Obama is fair. "I'm sorry to say that it is. It's legitimate. And there's no place in this campaign for that. There's no place for it and we shouldn't be doing it." Read more on the controversy here. Permalink

Davis: Obama Team Stoking Race Angle

Speaking on MSNBC, McCain topper Rick Davis says the Obama campaign has been feeding journalists the idea that McCain's team had been exploiting "racial overtones." A possible reference to suggestions that linking Obama with Spears and Hilton was subtly racist. Davis made the charge while defending his own claim that Obama was "playing the race card" Wednesday. Says on MSNBC, "I don't know what else (Obama) was talking about." Watch the whole video. Permalink

McCain "Proud" of Celebrity Ad

The Arizonan says at Wisconsin town hall: "All I can say is we’re proud of that commercial.... These campaigns are tough. But I'm proud of the campaign we've run." Also says Obama lacks "the strength" to confront American's problems, and jokes, "No one understands our tax code... if someone here does I'd like to meet with you later." Permalink

Obama Camp Launches "Low Road Express" Site

On afternoon media call, campaign manager Plouffe announces new Web site to highlight "McCain's negative campaign tactics." See a preview of the site here. Also says McCain's celebrity ad is "frivolous and demeans the dialogue in the campaign." Earlier: In fundraising e-mail, Plouffe calls the ad a "Karl Rove-style ploy." Permalink

Obama on "Celeb" Ad: "Is That the Best You Can Come Up With?"

Speaking at an economic town hall in Iowa, the Senator taunts McCain over his ad featuring shots of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. "I do have to ask my opponent-- is that the best you can come up with? Is that really what this election's about? Is that what is worthy of the American people?" Read Obama's prepared remarks. Permalink

KNOW WHAT?

Veepstakes, focus groups, Bill Cinton, and more…. HALPERIN’S TAKE: Vital questions about McCain-Obama in search of answers. Permalink

Luke Russert Hired as NBC Correspondent

Tim Russert's son will help the peacock network cover youth issues, both during the campaign and beyond. Permalink

Kaine Keeps Talking

The Virginia governor stays coy on his veep prospects in Richmond radio interview, and says he'd be "glad" to speak at the Democratic Convention if asked. "I'm not going to make a case for myself for VP, because I haven't ever asked to be considered." Earlier: Kaine discusses abortion, Iraq and more with Charlie Rose. On the VP front: "I really don't know anything about the timing or circumstances and how they're whittling through the potential candidates." Watch video here. Permalink

Obama Rips McCain in Statement on ExxonMobil

After the oil giant announces record profits, the Senator releases a statement decrying "the tyranny of oil" and McCain's tax policy. “Perhaps the only thing more outrageous than ExxonMobil making record profits... is the fact that Senator McCain has proposed giving them an additional $1.2 billion tax break." Permalink

Economy Sees Weak Growth

Despite stimulus checks, GDP grew by just 1.9% in the second quarter-- less than experts predicted. McCain response: Adviser Holtz-Eakin calls the growth figures "disappointing," but notes that trade exports grew by 9.2%. "Senator Obama will throw up trade barriers that would seriously hurt American workers, businesses and our economy." Read full statement. Permalink

TIME For the Economy

The economy is Job No. 1 in the magazine hitting newsstands Friday. Bill Gates: Making capitalism more creative. Justin Fox: Can Henry Paulson save the economy? Permalink

New Battleground Numbers

From Quinnipiac University: Florida: Obama 46, McCain 44 Ohio: Obama 46, McCain 44 Pennsylvania: Obama 49, McCain 42 Read more -- including how the First Lady race is shaping up -- here. Polls conducted: July 23-29. Error margin: 2.7-2.8 points. TIME's Michael Scherer has more. Permalink