Archive - August 7, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Michelle Obama: I Don't Watch McCain's Ads

In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America", the prospective first lady says she hasn't seen the "Celeb" ad or most spots, thinks "it's funny" Obama could be see as an elitist. Also calls the controversial New Yorker cover "tacky," says H. Clinton has been "amazingly gracious," and Obama enjoys "mean games of Scrabble" with his half-sister. Watch video above. Excerpts will also air on Thursday's "Nightline." Permalink

Judge Rules Denver Can Fence In Convention Protesters

A federal court upholds the DNC host city’s right to restrict protesters to a parade route and fenced-in area. A number of groups planning protests originally sued Denver and the Secret Service over the issue. Permalink

Obama's Hawaiian Roots

Obama is headed to his native Hawaii Friday to vacation with his family, host a private fundraiser and gear up for the DNC. The AP looks at how life on the multicultural island shaped the Illinois senator's racial identity and his love of basketball. Permalink

Tales of Two Campaigns

Democrats worry: Obama is being "too soft" in his response to McCain's latest attacks, hasn't hit back "with a parallel assault on McCain's character." Republicans worry: Karl Rove's latest WSJ op-ed says McCain needs to stop being so private, share more about himself -- including on his faith. Permalink

Broder Discusses "the High Road" With Hopefuls

The WashPost's "Dean" speaks with both candidates about the campaign's sour turn. McCain: "I'm very sorry about it." Obama: Part of " the politics of the past that we have to move beyond." Both continue sparring over who's responsible for the town hall idea falling through. Permalink

Daschle: "Celebrity" Ads Hurting Obama in Polls

The former Senate majority leader and top Obama backer tells the Financial Times McCain's latest attack ads seem to be having an impact, may account for the latest "blip" in poll numbers. "To a certain extent the ads are having some effect. But you can’t be thrown off your game plan by a momentary dip in polls." Permalink

China Rejects Bush Criticism

The country tells the president to stay out of its affairs as he was en route to Beijing to attend the Olympics. "We firmly oppose any words or acts that interfere in other countries' internal affairs, using human rights and religion and other issues." Comes after Bush uses a keynote speech in Thailand on the eve of the Beijing Olympics to criticize China's human-rights record. Permalink

VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI

--A former CEO claims he was fired because he wouldn't donate to Romney. --WSJ profiles Gov. Pawlenty as the face of the GOP's reformist wing. --Pawlenty has taken some 30 trips out of Minnesota this year. --WSJ editorial throws some new names into the mix for McCain: Fred Thompson, South Carolina Gov. Sanford, John Kasich. Permalink

Morning Show Summary

Broadcast shows played clips of Clinton's gathering with female supporters in California. Guests included Obama strategist Axelrod, Rudy Giuliani, Mark Halperin and Michelle Obama. Read full coverage here. Permalink

ON FAITH

In personal essays in this week's TIME, McCain and Obama speak on their beliefs. McCain recalls Christmas Day while a POW in Vietnam. While Obama says he believes many crises in the U.S. can be eased by changing people's hearts and minds, along with aid from the government. Permalink