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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from September 12th, 2008
Palin: Obama Should Have Tapped Clinton
In Friday "World News" interview with Charlie Gibson, Palin says she thinks Obama regrets not picking Sen. Clinton as his running mate. "What determination, and grit, and even grace through some tough shots that were fired her way -- she handled those well." Response from Rep. Wasserman Schultz, a former Clinton supporter: "Sarah Palin should spare us the phony sentiment and respect." Read full response. Palin also responds to rumors she sought to ban books from Wasilla's library: "Never banned a book, never desired to ban a book... It's an old wive's tale." Permalink
NATIONAL POLL: RACE DEAD EVEN
From latest Newsweek poll: McCain 46, Obama 46 Read more here. Permalink
Palin Defends "Bridge to Nowhere" Stance
In the third and final segment of Charlie Gibson's interview, Palin stands behind her decision to first back and then withdraw support for the bridge. Goes on to say she never fought for the bridge but was instead in favor of money used to improve Alaska's infrastructure. "I was for infrastructure being built in the state." Also reaffirms her commitment to cutting earmarks, says it has been an "embarrassment" how Congress has abused the process. Read more excerpts here. Permalink
McCain-Palin Go on Stem Cell Offense
New radio ad vows McCain, Palin and their congressional allies will push for additional stem cell research to advance medical discovery and treatment. "Stem cell research to unlock the mystery of cancer, diabetes, heart disease. Stem cell research to help free families from the fear and devastation of illness." Listen to it here and read script here. McCain has supported stem cell research while Palin has opposed it. Permalink
BIDEN'S SON QUITS LOBBYING BUSINESS
A letter released Friday shows Hunter Biden told Congress “I no longer expect to act as a federal lobbyist" and his law and lobbying firm would file a formal termination report shortly. The letter was signed August 25, two days after his father was tapped for the Democratic ticket. Permalink
Todd Palin Subpoenaed in Firing Probe
The state legislature grants the lead Troopergate investigator's request to subpoena 13 witnesses -- including husband Todd Palin -- and the phone records of a key Palin aide Friday. Plus: McCain camp reacts to the subpoenas in a lengthy memo. Read it here. Permalink
McCain Backs Highway Bill
The Arizonan says he backs an $8 billion federal highway bill, despite concern the money could fund some "pork barrell" projects. The campaign was originally non-committal on the question. Permalink
Obama: Fight But Not Lie
Obama acknowledges during a Dover, New Hampshire event that his supporters are "starting to get nervous," reassures they'll counter GOP attacks, but won't spread lies about his opponent to win. "Here is what I can guarantee you, that we are going to be hitting back hard... But we are hitting back on the issues that matter to families. I am not going to start making up lies about John McCain." Also stresses the McCain-Bush comparison while discussing the economy. Full remarks here. McCain camp responds to his remarks here. Permalink
Hatch Goes Off Message
The Utah Republican says the "lipstick" allegation against Obama is "ridiculous." "I'm sure he didn't mean it that way, the way it's being interpreted." Adds that Obama "is a nice person. He's smart; he's intelligent. He writes well. He's very charismatic.'' Says Palin's treatment from her critics has also been "ridiculous." Permalink
New National Numbers
From AP-GfK poll: McCain 48, Obama 44 Read more here. Dates conducted: Sept. 5-10. Error margin: 3.4 points. Associated Press: McCain's slight lead is helped by "strong support from suburban and working-class whites and how voters view each candidate's experience." Permalink
Obama Camp Gets Very Tough on McCain “View” Appearance
Team Obama calls the Republican's campaign "the sleaziest campaign since South Carolina in 2000," says "John McCain would rather lose his integrity than lose an election." Read full response. McCain is pressed hard by the co-hosts during the interview. On the "lipstick" incident, McCain says of Obama: "He chooses his words very carefully, and he shouldn't have said it." Click above to watch, and read more. Also claims Palin has not requested federal earmarks as Alaska's governor. Cindy McCain says she disagrees with Gov. Palin and supports abortion rights for victims of rape or incest, though she opposes general abortion rights. Permalink
OBAMA AD RIPS MCCAIN ON LOBBYIST TIES
The Land of Lincolner's campaign delivers a full-throttle attack on McCain aides' lobbyist ties in an unannounced TV spot. Targets big-name aides including Charlie Black, Rick Davis, Phil Gramm and others. "If seven of McCain's top advisers are lobbyists, who do you think will run his White House?" Watch ad above. Read script here. McCain camp responds: Calls the spot "blatant hypocrisy." Read statement here. Rep. Emanuel echoes theme on morning conference call: "His campaign is staffed from top to bottom with lobbyists, who represent special interests.... They signed up so they can keep going, and keep delivering the same kind of policies." Permalink
BIDEN RELEASES TAX RETURNS
The Democratic veep candidate makes 10 years of taxes returns public Friday morning. Get at them here. Biden and his wife earned $319,853 in 2007, including $71,000 in royalties for his book "Promises to Keep." Plus: Jill Biden tells Radio Iowa the couple has released personal financial disclosure statements annually, as required by the Senate, adding, "we're hiding nothing." Politico: The release was designed to pressure Palin to make her tax records public. Permalink
Obama Targets McCain on Trade in Union Remarks
The Land of Lincolner criticizes his rival of his positions on the Boeing tanker contracts, outsourcing American jobs and more in remarks via satellite to the International Association of Machinists. "So when American workers hear John McCain talking about putting country first, it’s fair to ask – which country?" Read pool report and remarks here. Permalink
Where They Are Friday
McCain: New York, NY; Washington, DC Palin: Wasilla, AK (no public events) Obama: Dover, Concord, NH Biden: San Antonio, Austin, TX Permalink
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