Archive - August 23, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

McCain Calls Democratic Ticket "Formidable"

The presumptive GOP nominee tells CBS News' Katie Couric he thinks Obama picked a good man in choosing Biden for his No. 2. "I think he's a good selection. Joe and I have been friends for many, many years, and we know each other very well, and so I think he's made a very wise selection." Also downplays how Biden's foreign policy creds could help Obama. Permalink

Bill Clinton to Speak -- But at What Time?

Statement from office of former president talks about his Denver star turn and hopes for Obama. Read it here. And/but: Will he be given a slot in the 10pm-11pm ET window? Permalink

Obama's Gamble

The Land of Lincolner's risky fight for Purple and Red states could backfire in a close election, Mark Halperin writes in the LA Times. It comes down to "playing it safe versus the dream of shooting the moon." Permalink

Miami Herald: Biden Could Help in Florida

The paper reports some Dems expect Biden to help in the state by shoring up support among longtime fundraisers, activists who staunchly supported Clinton. Permalink

NY Times: Portrait of a Delaware Senator As a Diplomat

The Paper of Record reviews Biden's approach to national security situations and Iraq, particularly his emphasis on using diplomatic efforts to dismantle Saddam Hussein's weapons programs. NY Times profile: "A Senate Stalwart Who Bounced Back" NY Times Zeleny/Nagourney: Biden pick like Cheney by Bush. Permalink

DEMOCRATIC TICKET DEBUTS IN SPRINGFIELD

Biden shows his teeth, skewering McCain and repeatedly tying him to Bush in his first appearance as veep candidate. Says in the Land of Lincoln: "You can't change America when you've supported George Bush's policies 95% of the time." Watch video here and read transcript of remarks here. Video: Watch the moment where Biden joins Obama on stage. Obama starts off solo to introduce Biden, detailing his bio, feats -- including his foreign policy creds and Georgia trip. Read prepared remarks here. MSNBC estimates crowd is in the tens of thousands. Plus: Campaign says Biden won't be on Obama's upcoming tour of battleground states ahead of convention. Permalink

The Tick Tock of the Biden Pick

TIME's Newton-Small reports Obama made his decision within the last week and met with Biden to discuss the veep slot at least once in the last month. He informed Biden of his decision, as well as the three other finalists (Sebelius, Kaine and Bayh), from a bus in Virginia on Thursday. Says the war in Georgia didn't influence his pick, though he considers Biden's foreign policy strength a plus. Read all the juicy details here. Permalink

"So Let Me Introduce to You the Next President--the Next Vice President..."

Obama slips up while introducing his newly minted veep Biden in Springfield Illinois at the state house, accidentally calls him "the next President." Watch video above. McCain camp responds: “The reality is that nothing has changed since Joe Biden first made his assessment that Barack Obama is not ready to lead." Full statement here. Permalink

McCain Calls Biden to Offer Congratulations

The presumptive GOP nominee gave the new Democratic veep pick a brief phone call midday Saturday to congratulate him. Also passes along "good wishes" from Cindy McCain as well. It was a "short conversation" and "very pleasant," a McCain aide in Arizona says. Permalink

Halperin Breaks Down Obama's Pick

TIME's senior political analyst explains on MSNBC why Biden was a good pick, what his greatest liability is and exactly how he can help the ticket in November. Video: Mark Halperin on why Biden is a solid choice. Video: Mark Halperin on how Biden might affect the electoral map. Permalink

FIRST GLIMPSES OF BIDEN POST-ANNOUNCEMENT

The newly minted veep pick's motorcade leaves his Delaware home for the airport around noon ET Saturday for his Illinois event with Obama. Watch video above. Before leaving Biden walked down his long driveway to hug his mother, who lives in a house on the edge of his estate. See the heart-warming photo here. About 100 neighbors, supporters and journalists had assembled outside Biden's home ahead of his departure. Permalink

GOP's Hagel, Lugar Praise Obama's Biden Pick

Both release morning statements on Obama's No. 2 selection. Hagel: "Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama.... An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team." Read it here. Lugar: "I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate." Read it here. Plus: Ted Kennedy weighs in from Hyannis Port, saying "Barack Obama said he wanted a strong independent leader and a strong advocate for average Americans, and he got one in Joe Biden." Permalink

McCain to Biden: You'll Have "Your Debating Opponent" "Real Soon"

In his weekly Saturday radio address, the Arizonan notes the hype around Obama's selection choice, congratulates his newly minted No. 2. Also recaps the Saddleback event, drawing attention to Obama's response on abortion and his own pro-life record. Listen to it here and read the full text here. Permalink

Clinton Offers Kind Words on Biden Pick

The New York Senator and former Obama rival calls "her colleague and friend" Biden "an exceptionally strong, experienced leader" in a morning statement. "Senator Biden will be a purposeful and dynamic vice president who will help Senator Obama both win the presidency and govern this great country." Read full statement here. More: Clintonite Howard Wolfson writes in The New Republic Biden was the best choice for veep aside from Clinton. Permalink

Missed Clue?

At an August 7 meeting at the Chicago office of Obama strategist David Axelrod, Barack Obama met with Axelrod, campaign manager David Plouffe, and mega-adviser Anita Dunn. Also present and unannounced: Biden '88 advisers Ron Klain and Tom Donilon. See an exclusive The Page photo of the two men exiting Axelrod's office here. Check out the looks in their eyes!!! Permalink