The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from August 8th, 2008
TOP EDWARDS FUNDRAISER ADMITS PAYMENTS TO HUNTER
Dallas Morning News: Mega-trial lawyer and Edwards backer Fred Baron says the funds were for relocation costs out of North Carolina. Baron would not disclose how much money was involved. “The money was purely and simply to get them out of North Carolina and to get them into a stable place.” Permalink
"I Have Been Stripped Bare"
John Edwards releases statement about the extramarital affair he admitted to Friday: "In 2006, I made a serious error in judgment.... In the course of several campaigns I started to believe that I was special, and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic." Read full statement. "If you want to beat me up, feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself." Offers to take paternity test. Permalink
Edwards Admits to Affair in ABC Interview
The former candidate tells ABC News he had a relationship with 42-year-old Rielle Hunter, but maintains he’s not the father of her baby girl. He had earlier said reports of the relationship were "completely untrue." Watch "World News'" piece above. Interview airs on Friday’s “Nightline.” Permalink
Reax and Fallout
Former campaign manager Bonior: “Thousands of friends of the senators and his supporters have put their faith and confidence in him and he’s let him down." Read more here. Hillary Clinton: "My thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family today and that's all I've got to say." ------ WashPost's Kurtz: "A debate has swirled...over whether media outlets were protecting the former senator, either out of bias toward a Democrat or sympathy for his wife." Politico: Announcement "shakes the public persona of a man whose image was deeply linked to his role as a devoted husband." The Atlantic: Elizabeth Edwards has a primetime speaking role at the convention, but as of now her husband does not. Permalink
Clinton: "We're On One Journey Now"
The New York Senator offers strong praise for Obama while stumping for him in Henderson, Nevada. Says the Democratic primary was exciting, and hard-fought, but now it's over "and we are unified." "Anyone who voted for me or caucused for me has so much more in common with Sen. Obama than with Sen. McCain. Remember who we were fighting for in my campaign." Also praises Obama for his work on gender pay equity and other issues. She'll attend another campaign event August 21 in South Florida. Permalink
Obama Camp Uses Ohio DHL Issue Against McCain
The Land of Lincolner's campaign unveils a radio ad airing in Ohio criticizing McCain and his campaign manager for aiding a DHL buyout deal that could cost the state more than 8,000 jobs. "It was McCain who used his influence in the Senate to help foreign-owned DHL buy a U.S. company and gain control over the jobs that are now on the chopping block in Ohio." Listen to it here. Permalink
McCain Slaps Obama in Spanish Radio Ad
The ad, called "Are You Ready For Obama?," warns of higher taxes under the Democrat. "No doubt, Barack Obama is a popular figure, a celebrity who says the right thing. But will he do the right thing?" Read full script here. Plus: McCain camp also releases "Recipe," another radio ad focusing on Obama's tax proposals. Listen to it here. Both will air in "key states." Permalink
McCain Still Says No to Ethanol Support at Iowa State Fair
The Arizonan stops by the annual ritual in Des Moines, tells corn producers he doesn't want to subsidize their ethanol but will help market farm products around the world. "My friends, we will disagree on a specific issue and that's healthy..." Also tweaks Obama yet again for his comments about tire gauges: "That's a public service announcement, not an energy policy." McCain also views a 1,253-pound boar named Freight Train and looks for pork chop on a stick while at the fair. Radio Iowa coverage here. Permalink
McCain, Obama Call For End to Russian-Georgian Conflict
Both candidates issue statements as tensions flare in Georgia. MCCAIN: Tells reporters in Iowa the U.S. should convene an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council to resolve the crisis. Read more here. OBAMA: Says in a statement all sides should enter into direct talks with the U.S. and the U.N. supporting a peaceful resolution. Read it here. Obama's statement calls for restraint from both sides, while McCain's focuses criticism on Russia. Permalink
VEEPSTAKES POTPOURRI
--Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention gives ringing endorsement of Rep. Cantor. --Gov. Crist sets his wedding for December 12. --The NY Times profiles Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty, looking at his everyman appeal. Permalink
Obama Focuses on Economy, Energy in Olympics Spot
The Land of Lincolner will air a positive 30-second ad called "Hands" touting different alternative energy proposals. "The hands that built this nation can build a new economy. The hands that harvest crops can also harvest the wind." Watch it above. Read script here. The spot will air on national cable and broadcast in all 50 states beginning Saturday. Permalink
Cheney Conventional!!!
The vice president will attend the GOP convention, contrary to earlier reports. McCain communications director Jill Hazelbaker says Cheney will speak ahead of the President on the convention's first day, Sept. 1. Cheney spokeswoman: "The Vice President looks forward to participating in the Republican National Convention..." Permalink
McCain Spot Frames "The Real Obama" As An Elitist
Latest attack spot suggests Obama's out of touch with the average American. "Life in the spotlight must be grand, but for the rest of us times are tough..." Watch it above. Read script here. Howard Kurtz's analysis here. Says Obama "voted to raise taxes on people making just $42,000," instead of the $32,000 figure used earlier. Obama camp responds: "This ad is a lie..." Full statement here. Plus: TIME looks into claims by some who say McCain's "The One" ad echoes online messages painting him as the Antichrist. Permalink
Leon Is Getting Larger
Experienced, Catholic, economics expert, ready to be president, inside-outsider, liberal-centrist. Why not a running mate? Developing... Permalink
WashPost: Denver Takes Shape
Organizers will highlight the role of Republicans and independents at the Democratic convention. At least one movie is also in the works -- read more here. Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
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.
