The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from August 14th, 2008
McCain Puts Down Temporary Roots in Aspen
The GOP candidate discusses the likes of Russia and ABBA at the hourlong event with Walter Isaacson, president of the Aspen Institute. Top advisors attend, fueling veep talk. Permalink
ABC: Tapes Contradict Account of Obama Plane Incident
Air traffic control tapes reveal that the pilot of Obama's campaign plane did declare an emergency last month after an evacuation slide inflated inside the plane's tail. The jet's pilot also requested emergency equipment meet the plane in St. Louis. Officials had said the pilot did not declare an emergency, and there was no concern about danger. Permalink
U.S. Olympic Gold Rush
Swimmer Michael Phelps adds a sixth gold medal (and yet another world record to boot) while Nastia Liukin takes first place in the women's gymnastics Friday. Permalink
This Man Won't Be Swift Boated
The Obama campaign releases a 41-page, point-by-point rebuttal of Corsi's new Swift-Boat-style book about the Senator. "Once again, bigoted fringe author Jerome Corsi is trying to make money off of an election, spinning garbage as journalism and relying on the right-wing echo chamber to pump up sales." Read the response-- called "Unfit for Publication"-- here. (PDF) Campaign also plans to dig into the author's past statements, increase surrogate action against the book, and step up pressure on high-level media executives for equal time to rebut charges. Permalink
Kindergarten Kop Keynoter?
Is the California Governor going to give the big speech and make the big nomination in St. Paul?? Developing.... Permalink
Biden, Bayh to Speak Wednesday at Democratic Convention
The two Senators-- along with Gov. Richardson and Sen. Rockefeller-- will echo Obama's national security agenda in their Denver addresses. Senate Majority Leader Reid will discuss Obama's energy policy, veterans Rep. Murphy and Duckworth will lead a tribute to the troops. Sen. Salazar, Rep. Clyburn will also speak. Obama's still-unnamed veep will also speak Wednesday. Permalink
Phil Gramm Attends McCain Meeting
The former campaign co-chairman sits in on briefings with top McCain staff Thursday in Aspen, Colorado. Gramm resigned from the campaign in July after saying America had become “a nation of whiners” over the economy. Permalink
Obama Hits McCain on DHL in Another New TV Ad
Spot punches McCain and topper Davis for supporting deal that could cost 8,000 Ohio jobs. Watch ad above. Ohio man: "It's tough times, when it's a foreign entity coming in and sucker punching us." Read script here. Size, location of buy TBD. Get used to it: Land of Lincolner flooding the airwaves with spots galore. Permalink
Obama Camp Slams McCain's New Technology Plan
Former FCC chairman and Obama surrogate William Kennard slams the Arizonan's proposals: “It is a rehash of tax breaks and giveaways to the big corporations...." Earlier: McCain posts his Internet plan repeating opposition to Web taxes and net neutrality. Permalink
BATTLE OVER TAXES
OBAMA: Campaign holds media call to highlight strengths of Obama's tax plan. Former Treasury Secretary Summers says Obama is more fiscally responsible than McCain and will prompt stronger economic growth. MCCAIN: Economics aides Fiorina retorts there are "stark differences between the reality of (Obama's) record and his rhetoric" on taxes. Says she is "mystified" by Obama's claim he would lower taxes more than McCain. "Barack Obama can say it, but it doesn't make it true." Permalink
Plouffe to Phone the Sunshine State
Obama’s campaign chief will hold an evening conference call to update Florida supporters on their efforts in the key swing state. Permalink
Obama: A Ballot for Clinton Will "Celebrate This Defining Moment"
The two Democrats release a joint statement on the plan to put Clinton's name up for nomination at the Democratic convention. Read it here. Obama: "I am convinced that honoring Senator Clinton’s historic campaign in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together...." The symbolic move was likely approved by the Obama camp in an effort to ease the lingering rift with Clinton supporters. NY Times: Clinton plans to vote for Obama. Permalink
HUCKABEE KNOCKS ROMNEY AS VEEP
The former Arkansas governor says his onetime opponent lacks support from many conservatives. Click above to watch. "I think there are better choices for Sen. McCain that have the approval of value voters," he tells Fox News. Says earlier: "A lot of the Republicans I know are not necessarily comfortable with Romney." Also says he wishes Ridge were pro-life, and that he himself is not being vetted by the campaign. Permalink
Infomercial Obama
Ad Age: Land of Lincolner starred in 30-minute program that aired at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, August 10, on Ion Television. Ad maven Evan Tracey: "It is a first. I guess they are going after the insomniac vote." Also says it allows the team "to test the effectiveness of the infomercial format without spending much." Permalink
New Obama Olympic Ad Touts Middle-Class Economic Plan
The nationwide spot-- "Three Bedroom Ranch"-- begins Monday on broadcast and cable TV, and will run during the Olympics. Click above to watch, and read script here. Permalink
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