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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from August 25th, 2008
Obama-Clinton in Delicate Roll Call Talks
AP: The two are hammering out a plan to give Clinton some votes in the roll call, but to cut it off after a few states-- possibly with New York. The vote would then end with a unanimous consent for Obama. Clinton will tell delegates she is voting for Obama-- but she is not recommending to others how to vote. "It would have been the same way if I had won and Barack was here supporting the unity of the party." Permalink
Boney's BBQ for Biden
Obama's new running mate visits a downtown Denver lunch spot-- and causes a stir. Meanwhile his wife assures a local educator-- "We're going to change education." One onlooker: "He's right in front of me! He's right in front of me!" Permalink
Secretary Rice: Biden a "True, True Patriot"
The Secretary of State offers praise for the Democratic VP candidate: "Senator Biden is obviously a very fine statesman. I've known him for a long time," she says on board her plane. A White House spokesman echoes: "He's done tremendous work over a long period." Permalink
RFK Jr. on Kennedy's Health: He's "Lucid...His Mind is Completely Unaffected"
Kennedy tells Fox News his uncle "seems great…he is lucid, he is sharp, he seems completely unchanged by the surgery, by the illness…all of us are happy; his mind is completely unaffected.” Also confirms the Massachusetts Senator is in Denver. He is expected to appear at the convention Monday night. Liberal lion fighting brain cancer expected to provide emotional high. Boston Globe: "The Senator has recently told people that he has a speech written for the convention and that he badly wants to come." Permalink
Obama in Iowa: "We Can Do This"
The Land of Lincolner continues his battleground state tour en route to the convention, touching on populist themes Monday at a Davenport appearance. Talks about national service, home foreclosure, job outsourcing, lack of health care coverage. Also hits McCain on energy and Iraq. McCain camp responds here. Plus: In Q&A, when a woman says her husband is still on the fence, Obama calls him on her cell phone.Watch video here. Permalink
Obama, Biden to Attend Tubbs Jones Memorial
Both members of the Democratic ticket are expected to attend the memorial service for Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones in Cleveland on Saturday. Tubbs Jones died last week after suffering an aneurysm. Plus: Ohio delegation plans Thursday tribute to the Ohio Congresswoman at the convention. Permalink
Balz: A Conventional Candidate Emerges
The WashPost sage says choosing Biden, getting tough on McCain suggest Obama is becoming a "more conventional politician." Many Dems welcome the change. Ohio Gov. Strickland: "...Obama is obligated to do everything that he can possibly do that is honest and ethical to win that seat." Watch Balz explain his take in an interview with The Page above. Plus: Bonus Balz-Halperin banter at the end. Permalink
Michelle Obama Checks Out Pepsi Center Podium
The potential first lady gets a walk through of the stage in Denver. Watch video above. Accompanying her are daughters, Sasha and Malia; brother, Craig Robinson; sister-in-law, Maya Soetoro-Ng; and a niece. Sasha: "I didn't know it was going to be so loud!" Michelle Obama is scheduled to make headline speech Monday at 10:35 pm ET. Permalink
"I'm Hillary Clinton, and I Do Not Approve That Message"
At her first convention event, the New York Senator disparages recent TV ads by McCain's camp attempting to use her nomination fight statements against Obama. Remarks come at the New York delegation breakfast at the Sheraton downtown. Adds that Democrats are gathered in Denver for a "clear and specific purpose and that is to elect Barack Obama President of the United States." Plus: Pelosi brushes off questions on Obama-Clinton camp infighting at Monday presser, saying "What did I walk into, a time capsule?" Permalink
"Go at It Biden"
Late night comedyman Jon Stewart tells mega-wattage assemblage of reporters in Denver that the Democratic veep candidate is good for business. Stewart: Biden is "an exercise in emotion... He is emotion plus." Asked who is funnier and makes him laugh, McCain or Obama, Stewart says: "Neither." Read more from the Daily Show host's appearance here. Permalink
Biden: Convention Speech "Is All Ready"
At a surprise appearance with his wife at the Wilmington Amtrak station, the newly minted veep candidate says he’s all set for Wednesday’s address. The couple also greets vendors and travelers at the train station as they kick off their travel to Denver. Biden says after his wife grabs a Newsweek magazine with an Obama-Biden cover: "Obama looks good man. Obama looks good.” Plus: Random House announces its releasing Biden's memoir in paperback. Permalink
McCain Calls Obama His "Honorable Opponent"
The Republican chats with reporters in Phoenix Monday morning: "This is a tough presidential campaign we're in. I have a very honorable opponent. There are stark differences between us." At morning event in Central High School, he brings out surprise guest Reggae singer Daddy Yankee, who is endorsing him. Read more here. Permalink
Clinton Star of New RNC Ad
In new TV ad, GOP jabs Obama with a comment from Clinton during the primary race. Click above to watch or read script here. Features her often-played remark contrasting McCain's lifetime of experience to a speech Obama gave in 2002. Later asks, "Was she right?" Politico reports the ad is on the air in Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania through Sunday. The buy is between $2 and 2.5 mil. Plus: TIME's Scherer reports from the RNC event in Denver where the ad is unveiled. Permalink
"The Fact of Unity"
Clinton adviser Maggie Williams and Obama strategist Axelrod release a joint statement in an attempt to shoot down reports of intraparty strife. "Senator and President Clinton fully support the Obama/Biden ticket...Anyone saying anything else doesn't know what they're talking about. Period." Full statement here. Comes after slew of Monday stories report tension on both sides, suggest Clinton supporters aren't over the nomination battle. Get details here. Plus: Former Clinton aide Wolfson says the "dispute" storyline is irresistible to the press and the McCain campaign -- and both are stoking it. Watch video here. Permalink
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