The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from August 5th, 2008
Debate Moderators Announced
The Commission on Presidential Debates reveals who's asking the questions this fall. Sept. 26: Jim Lehrer Oct. 7: Tom Brokaw Oct. 15: Bob Schieffer Vice presidential debate Oct. 2: Gwen Ifill. Read release here. Permalink
Clinton to Hit the Trail for Obama
The Illinois Senator's former rival will host rallies in Las Vegas Friday and South Florida Aug. 21 as part of a pre-convention unity swing. Politico: "She's flying solo," a source familiar with the events says, adding there's "a chance" Obama could join her in Nevada. Permalink
Where They Are Tuesday
Obama: Youngstown, Berea, OH McCain: Newport, MI; Huntington, WV Permalink
Fed Leaves Interest Rate Unchanged
The key federal funds rate remains at 2%, as expected. Stocks remain in positive territory. Permalink
McCain TV Spot Says He'll Fix "Broken" Washington
30-second ad plays up McCain's reputation as someone who has been bucking the Washington establishment for decades. "He's the original maverick. One is ready to lead -- McCain." Watch it above. Read script here. The campaign says the ad will air in "key states." Spot breaks from a string of negative ads targeting Obama directly. Obama camp responds here. Permalink
Obama: McCain Energy Plans "From Cheney Playbook"
Speaking in Youngstown, Ohio, the Senator takes a shot at his opponent by linking him to the unpopular vice president. "Under Senator McCain's plan, the oil companies get billions more, we don't pay any less at the pump, and we stay in the same cycle of dependence on oil...." Read his prepared remarks here. McCain camp responds here. Permalink
Ted Stevens to Skip GOP Convention
The indicted Alaska Republican won't attend the festivities in St. Paul this September, planning instead to campaign for what's expected to be a tough reelection bid. Aides say the Senator decided to skip the event before he was charged last week with seven felony counts. Permalink
Convention Corner
--GOP sources say the McCain team doesn’t want Cheney at the convention; a spokeswoman says his September schedule is still open. --DNC aides say Al Gore "is on an anticipated shortlist of headliners" to speak at the convention. --Denver police are steeling themselves for "huge protests, mammoth traffic tie-ups and civil disturbance." Permalink
At This Moment: Doubts About Obama
From the right and the center-left, smarty pants question Obama's campaign. Essential reading: Republican Alex Castellanos on Obama's soft core. Washington Post opinionist Fred Hiatt on why Obama needs town meeting engagement with McCain. Permalink
McCain Catches Up With Obama in Media Coverage
For the first time since the general election campaign began in early June, McCain attracted virtually as much media attention as his rival last week. From July 28-August 3, Obama was a significant or dominant factor in 81% of campaign stories compared to 78% for McCain. Read the full Project for Excellence in Journalism study here. Permalink
Morning Show Summary
ABC's "Good Morning America" fact-checked the candidates' energy proposals, while Bill Richardson hit up a slew of shows. Get The Page's full coverage here. Permalink
Bush: It's "Hard to Tell" If China Has Improved on Human Rights
In an interview with the Washington Post on Air Force One, the POTUS speaks on his relationship with Chinese President Jintao and civil liberties in China. "My hope is, of course, that as they have their security in place, that they're mindful of the spirit of the Games, and that if there is a provocation, they handle it in a responsible way without violence." Plus: Bush arrives in South Korea Tuesday, is expected to try to save a free-trade agreement that's recently led to violent protests. Permalink
Candidates Go Funny
Obama and McCain have shot humorous campaign videos for Thursday's season finale of NBC's "Last Comic Standing." Permalink
Politico: Pelosi Tells Dem Candidates It's OK to Buck Party on Energy
Sources say the Speaker’s strategy is to let her take the heat on energy, let candidates break from the party line if need be to help win competitive districts. Permalink
Betting on the Importance of Nevada
The Rocky Mountain News looks at what makes Nevada a swing state and how Democrats are registering new voters at a 4-to-1 pace over Republicans. Permalink
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