Archive - September 2, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Lieberman: I'm Here for McCain "Because Country Matters More Than Party"

The independent Connecticut Senator talks up McCain's bipartisan record at the GOP convention in St. Paul. "Both presidential candidates this year talk about changing the culture of Washington, about breaking through the partisan gridlock and special interests that are poisoning our politics. But only one of them has actually done it." "I’m here, as a Democrat myself, to tell you: Don’t be fooled. God only made one John McCain, and he is his own man." Also touts his record on Iraq. Watch video here and read prepared remarks here. Harry Reid spokesman: "He can give all the partisan speeches he wants, but...the last thing this country needs is another 4 years of the same old failed Bush-McCain polices of the past." Statement here. Permalink

Thompson: Obama "Most Liberal, Most Inexperienced Nominee to Ever Run for President"

The former Tennessee Senator offers harsh anti-Obama rhetoric in his GOP convention speech in St. Paul. Watch video above. “Apparently they believe that he would match up well with the history-making Democratic-controlled Congress. History-making because it is the least accomplished and most unpopular Congress in our nation’s history.” Recalls much of McCain's hard times in the military with a serious, somber demeanor, says those hardships represent his values. Also effusively praises Gov. Palin, calling her "a breath of fresh air." Read prepared remarks here. Permalink

Bush: "The Man We Need Is John McCain"

President Bush speaks to the GOP convention via satellite from the White House. "We live in a dangerous world. And we need a president who understands the lessons of September 11, 2001: that to protect America, we must stay on the offense, stop attacks before they happen, and not wait to be hit again. The man we need is John McCain." Watch video here and read remarks here. Wife Laura Bush introduces him. Read full remarks here. Obama camp responds here. Permalink

Tuesday in St. Paul

Day two of the Repulican convention featured Bush by satellite, an aisle-crossing Lieberman, and sharp anti-Obama rhetoric from Fred Thompson. Read highlights and full remarks of the major Tuesday speakers here. Permalink

Police Use Tear Gas, Flash Grenades With Protesters

At least three people arrested during tense march outside the Xcel Center. Some 2,000 people participated. Permalink

Biden Offers Kind Words for McCain

The Delaware Senator tells a large crowd in West Palm Beach, Florida Tuesday night, he'd be there for his buddy McCain if he needed him. "He is my good friend... if John McCain picked up the phone today and said, 'Joe, I need you to get in a plane and fly out to Missoula, I can't tell you why,' I'd get in a plane and I'd go." Permalink

Obama Blasts McCain on Abortion Rights in New Radio Ad

New spot, airing widely in at least seven swing states, says McCain “will make abortion illegal.” "We can’t let John McCain take away our right to choose. We can’t let him take us back." Read script here. Permalink

St. Paul Speakers' Anti-Obama Zingers

Fred Thompson: "To deal with these challenges the Democrats present a history making nominee for president. History making in that he is the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for President." Remarks here. Sen. Lieberman: "Senator Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead. But eloquence is no substitute for a record..." Remarks here. Sen. Coleman: "The old civic center on this site was falling apart while city leaders were holding gang summits and raising taxes. And the mayor at the time asked, 'I'm not indecisive, am I?' That could have been an Obama campaign slogan." Remarks here. Rep. Boehner: "The people sent a message in 2006: they reminded us that they’re in charge. Republicans listened to that message, and learned from it. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama ignored it." Rep. Bachmann: "Some Presidential nominees certainly know more about service than others." Remarks here. Permalink

Palin's Husband Former Alaskan Independence Party Member

State officials say the Alaska governor's husband twice registered as a member of the Independence Party, a fierce states' rights group that wants to turn all federal lands in Alaska back to the state. Report comes after suggestions Sarah Palin was once with the Independence Party. The State says she was not. Permalink

McCain's St. Paul To-Do List

HALPERIN'S TAKE: What the Arizonan needs to accomplish this week if he wants to win in November. Plus: CNN, citing latest Opinion Research Corp poll, lays out four things McCain needs to accomplish in St. Paul. Permalink

Palin Offers Details about Troopergate

The Alaska Governor goes on the offensvie, says in a legal filing she wants the state's personnel board to review the allegations surrounding her firing of the former public safety commissioner. Permalink

Plouffe Compares Biden/Palin Vets

Campaign manager says background check of Obama running mate included numerous meetings with lawyers, vetters and campaign aides, and ended in an interview with Obama himself. Also included interview with every member of Biden's immediate family. Plouffe calls McCain pick "impulsive" and says "this person could become president and you better feel comfortable you got that right." Permalink

The Ladies of the GOP

Laura Bush and Cindy McCain pay a call on Gov. Palin Tuesday in Minneapolis. Get a better look at the photo here. Permalink

McCain Snubs CNN Over Interview

The candidate has canceled Tuesday's planned interview with Larry King, to object to an interview between Campbell Brown and McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds. The anchor repeatedly pressed Bounds Monday to specify how Gov. Palin is qualified to be vice president. Click above to watch. CNN: The McCain camp believes the exchange was "over the line." Permalink

Obama Topper: We'll Continue to Make Election About "Big Issues"

The Obama campaign manager David Plouffe responds to remarks by McCain topper Rick Davis who says the election "is not about issues." "We appreciate Senator McCain’s campaign manager finally admitting that his campaign is not in fact about the issues the American people care about..." Full statement here. Earlier: Davis says “This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates." Permalink