The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from August 21st, 2008
Morning Show Summary
Gov. Kaine on CNN's "American Morning" went after McCain on economics, linking him to Bush and saying he cares most about the wealthy and big business. Cited Politico story in which McCain could not say how many homes he owns. "He couldn't count high enough, apparently..." Click above to watch. Read The Page's full coverage of the morning shows here. Permalink
Obama Drops a Big VP Tea Leaf
In an exclusive interview with TIME’s Karen Tumulty and David Von Drehle, Obama talks in the greatest detail yet about what he wants in a running mate — including someone who is “not about ego, self-aggrandizement, getting their name in the press.” Read Tumulty’s analysis of Obama’s veep answer here. Read the full interview here. Permalink
The Dean Takes New Hampshire's Temperature
Obama comes out narrowly on top in a new round of David Broder’s trademark voter interviews. Many Granite Staters have soured on Bush and the economy, but still have questions about Obama’s readiness for the Oval Office. “There's still a need for reassurance from him.” Permalink
Politico: McCain Won't Make Single-Term Pledge
The Arizonan states unequivocally in an interview that he won't pledge to serve only a single four-year term. “No,” he says flatly, “I’m not considering it.” Some suggest such a pledge would qualm questions about his age, underscore his non-partisan message of putting his country first and maybe help with an unconventional veep. Permalink
Strategist Profiling
WashPost details top McCain aide Steve Schmidt -- and how he doesn't think people need to know who he is. Permalink
Family Matters
The New Republic writes looong piece on how the Anheuser-Busch heir Cindy Hensley's marriage to McCain "invented" the political bigshot. Plus: New York Post writes up interview with Obama's half-brother in Kenya, where he's living "like a recluse on less than $1 a month and hiding his family ties." Permalink
McCain Letter Recommended Surge to Bush
Long Washington Times story details a letter McCain sent to Bush in December 2006. "The question is one of will more than capacity," he wrote. "If we are not willing to provide the troops necessary for victory, however, victory itself will be impossible." Permalink
Lieberman in "Position of Extraordinary Power"
The Boston Globe looks at the Connecticut Independent Democrat's unusual influence in the presidential race-- and the backlash against him. Permalink
Candidates' Wives Lend Voices to Anti-Poverty Ad
Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain star in the ONE campaign's new ad highlighting successes in helping the world's poor, encouraging people to do more this election year. Their words flow through the mouth of actor Matt Damon and the ad will start airing Sunday during "Meet the Press" and "This Week". Plus: Michelle Obama and Colorado’s First Lady Jeannie Ritter promote their “Delegate Service Day” at Denver’s convention with Denver Post op-ed. Permalink
McCain's Turn to Take a Break
The Arizonan is relaxing at his home near Sedona Thursday for three days off the trail. It will be a working break: There will be staff meetings, filming for campaign commercials and practice for his upcoming acceptance speech at the convention. Permalink
Convention Corner
--Democratic convention spokesman says Jimmy Carter won't be talking foreign policy in Denver, has a taped message from New Orleans on making America stronger. Permalink
Biden's Son Off to Iraq
On Oct. 3, Biden's son, Joseph Robinette "Beau" Biden III, will be deployed to Iraq. "I don't want him going," Biden told an Iowa state fair crowd a year ago, when, as a presidential candidate, he learned that his son's unit would be deployed at some point in 2008. "But I don't want my grandsons or granddaughters going back in 15 years. So how we leave makes a big difference." Permalink
CLINTON HEADS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE FOR OBAMA
The New York Senator heads south, spending Thursday traveling around Florida. In the morning, she'll meet with officials from the Sheet Metal Workers International Association in Lake Buena Vista. In the afternoon she'll attend an Obama rally in Palm Beach County, focusing on Obama's appeal to women. Later she'll host an event with seniors in Broward County. Permalink
Where They Are Thursday
Obama: Chester, Chesapeake, VA McCain: Sedona, AZ (no public events) Permalink
Battleground Blitz
--AP: McCain hopes to upset the history of Democratic dominance in the Great Lakes region. --NY Times: Rural parts of Pennsylvania are testing Obama. Permalink
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