Archive - August 25, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Tear Gas Disperses Group

The Denver police used tear gas Monday night to disperse a small group of demonstrators outside a hotel, witnesses said. The protest’s purpose was not clear. Permalink

Michelle Obama Tells Her Story

The potential first lady delivers her headliner speech at the Democratic convention Monday night, focuses on her and her husband's backgrounds, family values. Watch video clip. "And in the end, after all that’s happened these past 19 months, the Barack Obama I know today is the same man I fell in love with 19 years ago." Read prepared remarks here. Following address, her two daughters come out on stage while her Obama addresses the convention via satellite following his wife's speech. Earlier: Michelle Obama is introduced by her brother Craig Robinson. Read details here. Permalink

KENNEDY SPEAKS

The ailing Senator rouses thousands of Democratic faithful in the Pepsi Center. His entrance is met with cheers, applause and whistles-- watch video here. "My fellow Democrats, my fellow Americans, it is so wonderful to be here. And nothing is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight." Vows to be on the Senate floor next January. Says after November, "The work begins anew, the hope rises again, and the dream lives on." His speaking had been in doubt due to health concerns-- earlier plans called for him simply to watch Monday's tribute. He speaks after a video tribute and comments from his niece, Caroline Kennedy, who says, "I have never had someone inspire me the way people tell me my father inspired them, but I do now, Barack Obama." Read her full comments. Permalink

The Obamas, The Bidens Do Joint Interview with PEOPLE

The two men and their wives talk to the magazine about their families, good chemistry and athleticism. Jill Biden says that she hasn't had a lot of time to get to know the Obamas, but she's already starting to like Michelle Obama. "If you think those guys have chemistry, I think we have chemistry." Obama also reveals how he popped the question to Biden: "I called his office and they had to hunt him down. When I finally got him he said he was at the dentist’s office." More excerpts here. Permalink

Nominating Petitions Circulated for Clinton, Obama

Clinton, Obama camps start passing out petitions following a carefully negotiated deal where both candidates will be nominated before a roll-call vote Wednesday. Under the agreement, Clinton will get some votes at the beginning of the roll call, then cut it off to declare Obama the nominee by acclamation. Permalink

Monday Night in Denver

The Democratic convention kicks off with speeches by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Claire McCaskill, a surprise appearance by Sen. Ted Kennedy and more. Read highlights and full remarks from Monday's speakers here. Permalink

Carville: It Is Up to Obama

Cajun-flavored strategist tells The Page from the bowels of the Pepsi Center that the Clintons can't deliver their supporters to Obama. Watch it above. Plus: Pelosi acknowledges Democrats are not yet united after the bitter nomination fight when speaking to reporters Monday. Permalink

Obama Goes One on One With SportsCenter

ESPN's Stuart Scott takes on the Illinois Senator in a wide-ranging interview -- and a game of hoops. Watch video above. Obama talks favorite sports stars, the politics of the Olympics, government's role in baseball and his unwavering devotion to the White Sox on Monday broadcast. Permalink

Forget Axelrod and Gibbs

The Obama campaign real media masterminds -- Bill Burton and Dan Pfeiffer -- talk to The Page about conventions past and present outside the Pepsi Center. Watch above to get their latest impression and to hear how much (read: "little") sleep they plan to get this week. Permalink

OBAMA IN DENVER

TIME's Newton-Small reports the Land of Lincolner has arrived in the Mile High City. He isn't scheduled to set foot in the Pepsi Center on Wednesday but his aides won't rule out the possibility of him making an impromptu visit. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Networks all broadcast from Denver, which dominated the programs. ABC: Said “every other word is unity” at the convention. Said Obama addressed an unenthusiastic crowd in Iowa, and made a phone call to a voter's skeptical husband. Package on Ted Kennedy. Stephanopoulos said there will not be a full roll call. Interview with Gov. Ritter and turning Colorado blue. At the end of the show, more on Michelle Obama at the end, including word that her mother narrated the biographical video and her brother will introduce her. CBS: About two-thirds of the show devoted to the convention. Recapped the day in Denver, Iowa and Arizona. Long, positive bio piece called Michelle Obama "a polished advocate" for her husband, and a look at Kennedy's career. Howard Dean gave Couric a tour of the Pepsi Center, said fireworks, not eco-unfriendly balloons will be used to celebrate at the end of the convention. NBC: Said "all is not running entirely smoothly behind the scenes" due to tension with Clinton supporters. Chuck Todd said the rift is being overplayed, and the media is probably spending too much time on it. Package covered McCain's day including Daddy Yankee endorsement, said he is not willing to let this week go. Later, package on security in "Fortress Denver." And a look at Obama's to-do list, including defining himself, McCain, and change for voters. Permalink

TUESDAY'S TOP TALKERS

These are the convention speakers to look out for Tuesday, in order of appearance: Rep. Kucinich, Gov. Rendell, Rep. Emanuel, Gov. Napolitano, Gov. Sebelius, former Gov. Warner (keynoter), Gov. Patrick, Gov. Schweitzer, Sen. Clinton. Day Two's theme: "Renewing America's Promise." Permalink

Obama: “Mr. President, You Can Say Whatever You Like”

Speaking in Illinois, the candidate insists he has not limited what Bill Clinton can talk about in his Wednesday convention address. Listen to audio here. Responding to reports Clinton is unhappy he must speak about national security, Obama says it “wouldn’t make sense to me to try and edit his remarks.” Plus: Acknowledges he’s “going to have to work hard” to woo some Clint supporters, and says it is safe to conclude that Sen. Clinton made his veep shortlist. And/But: On Fox, former Clinton Chair McAuliffe responds to reports of Bill Clinton being told what to discuss in Wednesday speech by saying "He's going to do what he wants to do, I'm sorry." Permalink

DEFENSE/OFFENSE

First on The Page: New Obama ad distances him from Bill Ayers and hits McCain on the economy. Essential viewing: Watch it above. Read transcript here. Spot airing in Ohio and perhaps elsewhere starting Monday. Ballsy: Hits McCain, even though the Ayers attack ad to which this is a response was run by an outside group. McCain camp responds: "The fact that Barack Obama chose to launch his political career at the home of an unrepentant terrorist raises more questions about Senator Obama's judgment than any TV ad ever could." Plus: Obama's camp writes the Department of Justice demanding a criminal investigation of Harold Simmons' advertising vehicle “American Issues Project." Permalink

CINDY MCCAIN VISITS GEORGIA

TIME's Nancy Gibbs breaks the news that the potential first lady left for the country Monday for a mission with the U.N.'s World Food Program. She plans to meet with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and visit with wounded Georgian soldiers. Read Gibbs' interview with Cindy McCain here. She is set to return late Wednesday. Permalink