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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from August 3rd, 2008
Obama Calls For a Full Vote for Michigan, Florida Delegates
Obama asks the DNC's credentials committee to grant the states full votes at its Aug. 24 meeting. Read Obama's letter here. "Democrats in Florida and Michigan must know that they are full partners and colleagues in our historic mission to reshape Washington and lead our country in a new direction." The committee responds: "This matter will be the top priority" at the Aug. 24 meeting. Read response. The states had been penalized by the DNC for holding their primaries before the authorized date. Permalink
McCain Response to Rep. Leach's Obama Endorsement
As Obama receives an endorsement today from former Congressman Jim Leach, you might want to ask about Obama’s attacks calling Leach’s deregulation bill (Gramm-Leach-Bliley) a lobbyist-driven deal that led to the subprime lending crisis… Leach Co-Authored The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Which Obama Blames For The Subprime Lending Crisis: Leach Was The Co-Author Of The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Which Repealed The Glass-Steagall Act And Allowed Competition Between Commercial And Investment Banks And Insurance Companies. (S. 900, Signed 11/12/99) Obama Has Attacked The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act As A Lobbyist-Driven Deregulation That Led To The Subprime Lending Crisis. Obama: “By the time the Glass-Steagall Act was repealed in 1999, the $300 million lobbying effort that drove deregulation was more about facilitating mergers than creating an efficient regulatory framework. … The regulatory environment failed to keep pace. When subprime mortgage lending took a reckless and unsustainable turn, a patchwork of regulators were unable or unwilling to protect the American people.” (Cheyenne Hopkins, “Regulatory Revamp Newest Plank In Obama's Platform,” American Banker, 3/28/08) , 10:43 AM
Obama to Vist Bayh Country
The Senator holds an event in Indiana Wednesday -- prompting new murmurs Sen. Bayh could be his veep choice. First Read notes the press will spend 21 hours in the Hoosier State: "It seems seems like an awfully long time to be in one place. (Where exactly is Evan Bayh?)" Permalink
Paris Hilton's Mom Isn't Laughing
Kathy Hilton -- a McCain donor --lashes out at the Senator for the ad that features her daughter. Calls it a waste of the country's time and attention, of his contributors' money, and "a completely frivolous way to choose the next president of the United States." Permalink
Bill Clinton Sparing With Praise for Obama
In 45-minute-plus interview in Africa, refers to Obama simply as "smart" and "a good politician." Referring to the nomination fight, tells the WashPost: "Next year, you and I and everybody else will be freer and have more space to say what we believe to be the truth." Listen to the interviews here and here. Permalink
Candidates Respond to Report on HIV Rates
The CDC releases a study showing HIV rates in the U.S. some 40% higher than originally believed. Obama: "Combating HIV/AIDS also demands closing the gaps in opportunity that exist in our society...." Read full statement. McCain: "By focusing efforts on reducing drug costs through greater market competition," etc., "we as a nation can make great progress...." Read full statement. Permalink
McCain: Bush Should Avoid Confrontation in China
"You don't want to go over there and insult the Chinese. It would not be good for our relations," McCain tells the WashPost about the president's upcoming Olympics trip. But says Bush should diplomatically "make it clear what we stand for and believe in." Also keeps up criticism of Russia, saying it is "regressing" and suggesting Moscow murdered dissident Litvinenko. Permalink
McCain Vetting Rep. Cantor
The campaign has identified the Virginia Republican as a potential running mate and asked him for personal documents. Insider: "He's bright, clean, conservative but not angry, and Jewish. (He's a) great fund-raiser and locks up Virginia for good measure." The four-term Richmond Rep, 45, serves as the chief Deputy Minority Whip and a prominent McCain surrogate. Permalink
Tight-Knit Obama Team Adjusts to Bigger Stage
The Senator's tight-lipped, low-drama Chicago HQ works to accommodate DC insiders, Clinton backers and an eventual VP. Adviser: "The small-team atmosphere has changed, and that has caused some frictions on the inside." Permalink
Obama and the "Old Confederacy"
Newsweek cover story examines how the Land of Lincolner is unsettling the south. Permalink
WashPost: Virginia is Up for Grabs
The paper outlines how the state has become more competitive and why it's one of the nation's new swing states. Permalink
VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI
--Cincinnati Enquirer takes a look at Rob Portman's odds of being McCain's running mate. --Gov. Kaine's consensus-building governing style and easygoing manner are said to appeal to Obama. --Speaker Pelosi talks up Texas Rep. Chet Edwards on "This Week," calling him "extraordinarily talented." Permalink
McCain: We'll Respond If Democrats Use "Racism" Again
Speaking to ABC, the Republican makes his strongest comments to date about Obama's "dollar bill" remarks last week. “We’re not going to allow racism to come into this campaign in any form. And so I’m going to respond if it comes up again." Also says Obama's apparent new openness to offshore drilling is not adequate. "I’m not surprised that he’s hedging on this issue. But the fact is he still opposes offshore drilling." NY Mag: Basketball shot as subliminal racial message? * * * * * Get The Page delivered to your inbox. Sign up for TIME's daily political newsletter here. Permalink
ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS
Speaker Pelosi and surrogates galore debate race, Britney, oil drilling and more. Click here for a rundown * * * * * Get The Page delivered to your inbox. Sign up for TIME's daily political newsletter here. Permalink
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