The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from August 5th, 2008
McCain's Money Man
WashPost: A well-connected Florida businessman helps line up thousands in donations for the Arizonan, many from "unlikely sources." Donors include a mechanic, pharmacy manager, and many not registered to vote. McCain camp says no laws were broken. Plus: The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports McCain had a role in a Wilmington DHL deal which could cost the local residents 8,000 jobs. More: The NY Times looks at the Obama "bundlers." Permalink
Bush: China Must End Detentions
The President is expected to say in his marquee speech during his Asia trip he has "deep concerns" about human rights in China, will urge Beijing to end detentions and guarantee citizen freedoms. Bush he'll also praise the U.S. relationship with South Korea, say North Korea has a long way to go before being taken off his "axis of evil" list. The President will deliver the address in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday morning. The White House released prepared text nearly 18 hours in advance. Permalink
WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS
Celebrity heiress tapes video response to McCain's attack on Obama, complete with her own energy policy and veep float. "I want America to know that I'm, like, totally ready to lead." Click above to watch. McCain camp responds: "In reality, Paris Hilton may have a more substantive energy policy than Barack Obama.” Permalink
Bayh Tries to Tamp Down Veep Buzz
The Indiana Senator tells the Indianapolis Star Obama hasn't asked him to be his running mate and he's not expecting him to announce his veep pick while in Indiana Wednesday. And/But: Asked if he'll be Obama's vice presidential choice, Bayh says "I have no idea. You'd have to ask him." Interview comes the day before Bayh introduces Obama at a town hall meeting in Elkhart. Plus: Insiders tell the Financial Times Obama is unlikely to announce a pick until after he returns from his vacation at the end of next week. Also say Plouffe, Axelrod and Gibbs are the only ones in "the inner circle." Permalink
Obama Slaps Back on Tire Gauges
Speaking in Berera, Ohio, the Senator offers a strong defense of his comments about tire inflation being an effective conservation tool. Watch video above. "They think it is funny that they are making fun of something that is actually true... It’s like these guys take pride in being ignorant." Republicans have spent days mocking Obama's comments and distributing tire gauges marked "Barack Obama's energy plan." McCain camp responds here. Plus: A heckler wearing press credentials convinces Obama to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during event. Permalink
Pawlenty: Obama "Lacking" on Energy Policy
The Minnesota Governor and oft-mentioned McCain veep candidate hits the Illinois Senator on Tuesday RNC media call. "Senator Obama is scrambling to make up for his lack of experience and lack of judgment [on energy policy]." Criticizes him for stances on nuclear power, offshore drilling and the gas tax holiday. The call preempts Obama's visit to Minnesota to talk energy. Permalink
Balz on Veepstakes: Only Time Will Tell
The WashPost sage says the VP process is likely to remain a mystery for both candidates. “The speculation is entertaining for sure and sometimes accurate. But the process is anything but transparent....” Also says the process takes far longer than “the hurry-up world of 24/7 media and blogs assumes.” Plus: Read the prospects Balz mentions in his piece-- click here. Permalink
New National Numbers
From AP-Ipsos poll: Obama 47, McCain 41 Read more -- including which party voters want to control Congress -- here. Dates conducted: July 31-August 4. Error margin: 3.1 points. Permalink
VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI
--The LA Times looks at Carly Fiorina testing her political mettle as a McCain advisor. --Romney does afternoon rounds on cable news, hits Obama on energy. Read transcript of CNN interview here. --McCain veep prospect Alaska Gov. Palin praises Obama's energy plan in press release. Permalink
McCain: It's Time to Get Serious About Energy Independence
Speaking at the Enrico Fermi Nuclear Plant in Newport, Michigan Tuesday, the Arizonan reiterates his "all of the above" energy proposal, berate his rival for not advocating the same. "Senator Obama has said that expanding our nuclear power plants 'doesn't make sense for America.' He also says no to nuclear storage and reprocessing. I couldn't disagree more." Read more excerpts from his prepared remarks here. Permalink
Obama Weighs His Options: Fritters or Peaches
Both sweets catch his eye during an unscheduled stop at a roadside market in Ravena, Ohio Tuesday. He ends up buying three boxes of peaches -- two to take with him on the bus and the other for the media. And/but he couldn't resist the apple fritters, decides to add them to his purchase last-minute. Permalink
Poll: Obama Leading McCain Among Women
From Lifetime Networks national poll of women: Obama 49, McCain 38, undecided 10. Read more -- including what Clinton supporters are thinking -- here. Dates conducted July 25-29. Error margin: 4.4 points. Permalink
Keynotable?
Could Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal be left off the ticket, but still get a big convention role? Permalink
An Olympic-Sized Ad Buy
McCain makes a last-minute purchase of $6 million in Olympics ad time, topping Obama's $5 million buy. Like Obama's, McCain's ads will air on network and cable programs during their Olympic coverage, including on NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, Oxygen and Telemundo. Permalink
Obama B-Day Gift Found!
Campaign trip director Marvin Nicholson was told by the Chicago Yellow Cab Company Tuesday the lost shopping bag containing Obama's gift from several aides was recovered. The Senator will likely receive the gift Thursday upon returning to Chicago. Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
The PageCast
The Political Schedule
The Page on the Go
Read THE PAGE on your Mobile Device
Bookmark thepage.time.com on your mobile device for an easy to read version of Mark Halperin's The Page.
