The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from August 22nd, 2008
CNN: Obama Calls Runners-Up
A "highly placed Democratic party source" tells the cable network the Land of Lincolner called some on his veep short-list to tell them he's not picking them. The source did not say which people got the call. Permalink
Bayh on Veep Choice: "It's Not Mine to Report"
The Indiana Senator tells reporters staked out at his home Friday he has no news to announce. "It's not mine to report," he says, adding "You've been very patient. Thank you for being here all night." Plus: Kaine takes a personal day Friday, away from home and office. Plus: Sebelius makes drought declaration for eleven Kansas counties following low rainfall. Read release here. Permalink
McCain Takes Entourage on Coffee Run
The Arizonan lugs a six-car caravan (two silver minivans, two tan SUVs and two white 15-passenger vans for the press) with him to Safeway to pick up a cappacino from the local Starbucks. McCain is taking a few days off of the stump to relax at his Sedona ranch. Permalink
Obama Lists Qualities He Wants in A Veep
The Land of Lincolner tells CBS' "Early Show" he's looking for a VP who could step in to be president, help him govern and challenge him-- someone who is not "a yes person." Watch video above. Also discusses McCain's recent attacks, remarks on "houses" comment, says convention speech isn't complete. Plus: NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports one of Biden's sons was flown in a private plane from Maine to the Senator's home in Delaware Wednesday. Biden is "gathering the clan," she said. Permalink
HOW HE DID IT
In the new issue of TIME, Mark Halperin traces Obama's path from 2004 convention keynoter to 2008 Democratic presidential nominee. Read the magazine version here. Read the director's cut version here. Permalink
Brooks: Go For Biden
The NY Times opinionmeister gives the Delaware Senator a glowing recommendation for veep. Cites his working-class roots, honesty, loyalty and experience. "Biden's the one." Permalink
Obama Leads in Michigan Poll
Detroit Free Press: Obama 46, McCain 39 "Nearly one-third -- 31% -- of those polled said they could be persuaded to change their minds by Election Day." Read more -- including which candidate is leading in key suburban counties -- here. Conducted 17-20, error margin +/- 4 points. Permalink
Economist Looks at Obama's "Hard Road Ahead"
Mag cover piece analyzes why Obama only holds a slight lead over McCain in the polls when this year's race gives the advantage to the Democrat. "Mr. Obama could certainly tone down the triumphalism: opting to make his acceptance speech not in the convention hall but in a 75,000-seater sports stadium seems like another mistake..." Permalink
Crist Receives Letter With White Powder
Florida authorities are investigating a threatening letter sent to the governor that contained a suspicious but nontoxic white powder. The letter was intercepted at the mail center at the state capitol. It's believed to be unreleated to the one send to McCain's Colorado office. Permalink
Convention Corner
--Convention cities brace for planes, helicopters and thousands of officers as part of $100 million security effort --Several miles of I-25 in Denver to be closed for hours during Obama’s Thursday acceptance speech --LA Times: Many without tickets heading to Denver anyway. --Billboards bought at convention airports highlighting the threat of nuclear weaponry have been taken down after airline complaints. Permalink
Stars Turn Out for Obama in Hollywood
Jamie Foxx, Fran Drescher, Lucy Liu and Isaiah Washington were among the stars who turned out for Obama Thursday night in Beverley Hills. VIP donors paid $2,300 each to attend the Black and White Gala. The party raised more than $200,000 for the campaign. Permalink
Obama Aide Profiling
TIME's Sullivan looks at how the political novice Anton Gunn, political director of Obama's South Carolina campaign, became a linchpin of the Democrat's campaign. Permalink
Evening News Roundup
Networks led with ongoing veepstakes suspense. NBC: Andrea Mitchell led veepstakes package with news that signs "all pointed to Biden," later reporting that a law class Biden was scheduled to lecture at a Delaware university Saturday has been told they “may have a substitute teacher tomorrow.” Recapped other Friday veep tea leaves, reported news that Clinton was not vetted and covered continuing battle over McCain's houses. ABC: Lead report rounded up lack of veep news and media stakeouts at the homes of potential picks. Mentioned that the drawn-out process could backfire if the running mate doesn't "live up to the hype." Stephanopoulos said it's quite possible the choice has not been informed, noting the running mate can be told tomorrow morning and still get to Springfield by 3 pm eastern. CBS: Led with veep guessing game, calling it "the hottest game in town." Broke down status of each potential Obama pick and what they did Friday. Bob Schieffer previewed the Democratic convention. Later ran investigative piece on large amount of "corporate clout at the conventions" despite candidates "decrying special interest groups." Permalink
Keeping Tabs on the Potential Veeps
--Kaine, when asked if he's signed up for Obama's veep text while visiting his son at a D.C. college, says, "I haven't because I don't know how, but my son has." --Biden stays home in northern Delaware, where he met for about 30 minutes with his state director. --Bayh, asked about the veep announcement by reporters staked out at his home, says: "It's not mine to report." --Sebelius makes drought declaration for eleven Kansas counties following low rainfall. Read release 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.
