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

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

TIME to Vote

The new issue of TIME gets Election Day started now. For details on how to cast your ballot, click here. Permalink

POLL: OBAMA UP

Latest New York Times/CBS News poll: Obama 47, McCain 42 Dates conducted: September 21-24. Permalink

Colbert, Stewart Spoof New Yorker

The two political-pundit comedians pose for a remake of the infamous magazine cartoon on this week's Entertainment Weekly cover. They discuss the power of Sarah Palin, why TV news is about as credible as Muzak, and whether Barack Obama is going to be "sworn in on a gay baby" in cover piece. Issue hits newsstands Friday. Permalink

Couric Presses Palin on Russian Experience

Speaking on CBS Thursday, the Alaska Governor reiterates that Russia's proximity to her state enhances her foreign policy credentials. "It's very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where-- where do they go? It's Alaska." Also discuss her previous foreign travel, her thoughts on direct diplomacy, and how to spread diplomacy in Iraq-- read full transcript. Clip also played on "NBC Nightly News." Permalink

Palin Takes Questions

The veep hopeful holds her first exchange with the traveling press near Ground Zero in Manhattan. Asked about the U.S. presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, says: "I think our presence in Iraq and Afghanistan will lead to further security for our nation. We can never again let them onto our soil... I agree with the Bush administration that we take the fight to them." Read her full exchange. Permalink

Obama Lays Out Economic Goals in Minute-Long TV Ad

Latest spot says he'll "end the Wall Street free for all" and put families first, jumpstart the economy with a middle class tax cut and more. "For eight years we’ve been told that the way to a stronger economy was to give huge tax breaks to corporations and the wealthiest....Well now we know the truth." Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

OBAMA, MCCAIN SWEEP EVENING TV

Candidates give similar interviews to the three networks: MCCAIN: Said many members of Congress continue to have concerns about the package, "the biggest event of this kind in history." Said progress has been made on a bill, and he is "hopeful" they will get enough done Friday to attend debate. OBAMA: Said what happened to complicate the deal "is not exactly clear," and is "pretty frustrating." Suggested injecting presidential politics into the bailout deal made things less constructive. Added economy will likely be part of debate Friday since "we can't be strong abroad if we're not strong at home." Obama also speaks on CNN: Says both sides appeared ready to strike a deal before he and McCain landed in Washington, but "something happened in the intervening hours." Permalink

Obama: Best Thing for Us to Do Now Is Debate Friday

The Land of Lincolner says day of meetings on the Hill underscores the need for the debate to go on in Mississippi Friday in the interest of the American people. Adds he'll be staying the night in D.C. having conversations with congressional leaders and will hopefully be able to chat with Paulson. Will continue discussions Friday. Says White House meeting showed the President and Treasury still have some work to do with House Republicans. PHOTOS: See snapshots of Obama's meeting with Bush, McCain, congressional leaders at the White House. Permalink

Boehner: Deal Not Done

The House Republican leader says in a statement: "I am encouraged by the bipartisan progress being made... However, House Republicans have not agreed to any plan at this point." "With that in mind, I look forward to joining my colleagues, President Bush, Sen. McCain, and Sen. Obama at the White House later today to take the next critical steps on a rescue package.” Full statement here. Democrats' theory: Boehner is slow-walking so McCain can look heroic. Permalink

No Change Yet in McCain Debate Status

Despite a midday bipartisan announcement that a "fundamental agreement" has been reached on the bailout bill, McCain isn't yet convinced he should attend Friday's debate. Spokesman Rogers: "There's no deal until there's a deal. We're optimistic but we want to get this thing done." Permalink

"FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT" REACHED

Congressional negotiators emerge from two-hour closed-door morning meeting on Capitol Hill to say they've agreed on principles for a bailout deal. Democratic Sen. Dodd: "We are very confident that we can act expeditiously." GOP Sen. Bennett: "I now expect that we will indeed have a plan that can pass the House, pass the Senate, be signed by the president." Permalink

McCain Huddles with Boehner on Hill

The Arizona Senator meets with the minority leader in his office to discuss rallying GOP support around the bailout legislation. McCain camp says Sens. Kyl, Graham, Lieberman also in attendance. Permalink

Mississippi Debate Planners Plug On

Gov. Haley Barbour tells reporters outside Ole Miss, site of the first presidential debate, they are going ahead with plans as scheduled. "I expect there to be a debate tomorrow night and I look forward to it." Adds he doesn't have any inside information. Comes after McCain calls to postpone the first debate if no bailout deal is struck. Permalink

Obama Reaffirms Debate Commitment

Obama speaks to the Clinton Global Initiative via satellite from Florida, says he'll head to D.C. later in the morning then go to Oxford Friday for the debate. Says it's "outrageous" taypayers are being asked to shoulder the burden of financial bailout for Wall Street, lays out his principles in responding to the crisis. Most of remarks are focused on CGI agenda: "We live in a time when our destinies are shared. But our destinies will be written by us, not for us. Now, it falls to us to get to work." Details commitments on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating poverty, education, health care and more. Watch video above. Read Obama's full remarks here. Permalink

"I Know When a Crisis Calls for All Hands On Deck"

The former Navy pilot explains his reasoning for suspending his campaign and returning to Washington in his remarks to the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City. Read McCain's full prepared remarks here. After Clinton introduced McCain, he left the podium and accidentally took McCain's speech text with him. McCain calls Clinton his "friend." Palin, Cindy McCain in the audience. Plus: McCain honcho Steve Schmidt sat in the third row right next to major Democratic donor/activist and friend Steve Bing. Permalink