Archive - September 18, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

New Obama ad batters McCain along with Fiorina, Gramm and Bush on the economy. Calls Fiorina "a fired CEO" who left with "a $42 million golden parachute." And raises Gramm's "nation of whiners" comment. Says of all four: "They think the economy's fundamentally strong. We know they're fundamentally wrong." Click above to watch, and read script here. Permalink

Palin: War With Russia "Off the Table"

In the second half of her interview with Fox's Sean Hannity Gov. Palin rules out a conflict with Russia. "We do not want to start a war with Russia. No Cold War. That's got to be off the table." Question came in response to a comment she made to ABC saying a war might be needed if Russia invaded a member of NATO. Also insists she supports the teaching of evolution in schools, says she thinks of Reagan every day and sidesteps question about whether she always opposed the Bridge to Nowhere, saying that she "killed" the bridge and "ruffled some feathers" in the process. Read more excerpts here. Interview aired on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes." Permalink

TODD PALIN REFUSES TO COOPERATE IN TROOPERGATE INVESTIGATION

A spokesman for the campaign says Thursday that Palin will not appear because he no longer believes the legislature's investigation is legitimate. The battle to define the inquiry's legitimacy and scope continues. Permalink

Biden Gets Intense About Patriotism

The veep candidate calls on Democrats to defend their patriotism from GOP attacks following remarks by Alaska Gov. Palin suggesting Biden's statement on taxing the rich isn't "patriotic." "I tell you Democrats, don’t you step down from anybody telling you that we don’t have the American values they value. I have had it up to here.” Plus: In an interview with CBS, Biden stands by his earlier assertion that it's an act of patriotism for higher-income Americans to pay more in taxes, to finance a tax cut for others. WATCH VIDEO HERE. "The people who do not need a new tax cut should be willing as patriotic Americans to understand the way to get this economy back up on their feet is to give middle-class taxpayers a break." Responding to criticism of his comment, says heatedly: "I am so sick and tired of this phoniness." Permalink

New McCain Ad Targets Obama Alleged Freddie, Fannie Connections

Latest spot skewers the Democratic nominee, goes after Franklin Raines, who McCain claims is one of Obama's economic advisers -- based on a disputed WashPost account. "Under Raines, Fannie Mae committed 'extensive financial fraud.' Raines made millions. Fannie Mae collapsed." "Barack Obama. Bad advice. Bad instincts. Not ready to lead." Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

Clinton: "It's a Mistake to Underestimate" Palin

The former president tells CNBC’s “Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo” that the Alaska governor has “intuitive skills” and says the Dems need to work hard because the race “will be competitive until the end.” Refuses to say whether he thinks Hillary Clinton will run again in 2012 if McCain wins the White House. Read transcript here. Permalink

Obama: McCain "Can't Decide Whether He's Barry Goldwater or Dennis Kucinich"

The Land of Lincolner charges his rival of being indecisive on his response to the economic crisis during a "Change We Need" rally in Española, New Mexico. Calls on the Treasury and Fed to use their emergency authorities to maintain credit flow, support the availability of mortgages, ensure the financial system is well-capitalized. "The events of the past few days have made clear that we need to do more right now. We do not have time for commissions and we can’t afford to lurch back and forth between positions when dealing with an economic crisis, like my opponent has." Full remarks here. Permalink

Do I Know You?

Veteran New York Timesman Adam Nagourney on the new McCain. "These days, (McCain) sounds less like his old self than Bob Dole, another senator who ran for president in 1996, sounded in the closing days of his campaign — speaking louder or repeating statements that he thinks might be overlooked." Essential reading-- click here. Permalink

BIG TEN BATTLEGROUND POLLS: IT'S ANYBODY'S GAME

Inaugural set of state polls from 11 universities included in the Big Ten conference states show that the Midwest in particular is mostly up for grabs. The poll surveys several critical swing states, including Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Minnesota. Get the numbers from all 8 states here. Permalink

McCain Ads Target Jobs in Battleground States

Latest TV spots focus on the auto industry and small businesses, say he'll create tax credits to boost car sales, cut taxes to create more jobs. Both end with the tagline: "Change is coming." Watch his Michigan spot above. Read script here. Watch his Ohio spot here and read script here. Permalink

Palin: "This Isn't About Anyone's Patriotism— It's About Barack Obama's Poor Judgment"

The GOP VP candidate swipes at Sen. Biden at a midday rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Responds to Biden's earlier comment about raising taxes on high-earners: "To the rest of America that's not patriotism. Raising taxes is about killing jobs and hurting small businesses and making things worse." "This isn't about anyone's patriotism— it's about Barack Obama's poor judgment." Watch video above. Read excerpts of remarks here. Also accuses Obama of not fighting for Americans and not seeking bipartisan compromise. Rally interrupted several times by anti-McCain-Palin protesters. Permalink

Palin Dropped From Iran Rally

The organizers of next week's rally against Iran's president in New York have disinvited Gov. Palin, after her plans to attend caused a stir. Sen. Clinton immediately canceled her plans to attend after Palin was invited. All elected officials have now been disinvited. Plus: San Francisco Chronicle reports Palin has unexpectedly canceled her planned two-day swing through California next week. Permalink

Wall Street Surges at Day's End

The Dow leaps nearly 400 points Thursday afternoon at the close. Rise comes amid word some in Washington are proposing a plan to shore up financial markets. Permalink

National Numbers

From Pew Research Center poll: Obama 46, McCain 44 Dates conducted: Sept. 9-14. Error margin: 2.5 points. Read more -- including what voters think of the two parties -- here. Permalink

Michelle Obama: Don't Vote Because "She's Cute"

The potential first lady asks voters during an economic roundtable in Charlotte, North Carolina to make their choice based on issues, not because, "I like that guy" or, "she's cute." After saying "she's cute," she adds with a smile: "I'm talking about me." Permalink