Archive - September 26, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page challenges you not to laugh while watching this new Sarah Silverman video encouraging grandchildren to head to Florida to turn out votes for Obama. The start of the new "The Great Schlep.com" series of celebrity videos boosting the Land of Lincolner's prospects. Click above to watch. Permalink

KENNEDY HOME AFTER SEIZURE

The Massachusetts Senator is resting in Hyannisport Saturday after being rushed to the hospital Friday evening due to a mild seizure. Read statement from his office here. Episode apparently caused by a change in medication. Permalink

Subpoenaed Palin Aides Skip Troopergate Testimony

Associated Press: Seven of the Alaska Governors top aides failed to appear at a legislative hearing Friday, defying their subpoenas. Alaska Senate Judiciary Chair waited 30 minutes before reading a statement saying they could be found in contempt when the full legislature convenes in January. Permalink

What Does Robert Gibbs Do During Debates?

Obama's senior strategist tells The Page in Oxford, MS how he will react to the highs and lows of Friday night. Watch it here. Permalink

What It Takes: Friday Edition

HALPERIN’S TAKE: The f ive most important people in presidential politics right now— who aren’t running for president. Permalink

Axelrod: McCain "Used the Crisis to Advance His Campaign"

Top Obama strategist accuses the McCain camp of suspending their campaign for political gain, not to address the financical crisis. Responds to McCain's statement on White House talks Thursday in MSNBC interview saying it's his understanding McCain said "virtually nothing," that's not a way to show leadership. Watch video above. McCain camp responds here and RNC responds here. Permalink

Georgian President Thanks Biden for His Support

President Mikhail Saakashvili expresses his gratitude to the Democratic veep candidate for flying to his country during the Russian invasion last month as they sit down together Friday. "You came straight into the middle of the conflict... That was very brave of you. I certainly will not forget that, and my people are not going to forget it." Permalink

From the McCain War Room

-- "Don't go there: Obama on foreign policy"-- click here. -- "A record of fighting for reform"-- click here. -- "Business tax cuts"-- click here. -- "Barack Obama supported billions in tax breaks for oil companies"-- click here. -- "Middle class tax increase"-- click here. -- "Barack Obama's out-of-control spending"-- click here. -- "The most liberal Senator"-- click here. -- "Obama voted with Bush 'for the most part'"-- click here. -- "Barack Obama votes yes on nearly every spending bill"-- click here. -- "Obama misstates Kissinger on Iran"-- click here. -- McCain web video, "McCain is Right"-- watch it here. Permalink

E-MAIL FIGHT!

A squabble breaks out between RNC spokesman Conant and Obama spokesman Burton over a YouTube clip Burton circulated to reporters. Second e-mail, from Conant to reporters: "Bill Burton is lying to you." Read the first message here, read the response here, and see the contested YouTube here. Permalink

Michelle Obama in Debate Audience

The Democratic candidate's wife sits in the hall as her husband spars with McCain Friday night. Michelle Obama has rarely attended her husband's debates. Permalink

House Dems: "Great Progress" Made Toward Bill

The top House Democrats hold a press conference on Capitol Hill. SPEAKER PELOSI: "I believe great progress is being made" toward a financial rescue package. Says lawmakers will continue working through the weekend on a bill. REP. FRANK: Says he expects the Paulson plan, rather than the Republicans' alternative, to remain the essence of the bill. "We're back on the progress track. Now that Sen. McCain is safely in Mississippi we can get to serious work." Plus: ABC's George Stephanpoulos reports Senate sources say a Senate vote on a bailout bill "unlikely" before Wednesday. Permalink

Dialing Debt Diplomacy

McCain stays involved from a physical remove. Read a list of people he called Saturday here. Permalink

Pants on Fire

Top Obama strategist Tommy Vietor unable to defend lie-filled Obama advertisements. Read more from the tough NY Times front-page story. Permalink

Oh, The Expectations They'll Set!

The Obama camp sets the bar high for McCain's debate debut in afternoon memo, citing his "quarter century of experience" learning and debating foreign policy in Washington. "If he slips up, makes a mistake, or fails to deliver a game-changing performance, it will be a serious blow to his campaign." Read it here. Permalink

Boehner: I Won't Allow White House to "Gang Up" on Me

The House Republican leader suggests in an afternoon presser that he's unfairly taking the fall for stalling progress of the bailout bill. "I don't know what games were being played at the White House yesterday. Gang up on Boehner. If they thought they were rolling me they were kidding themselves." Rep. Blunt says he'll represent the House Republicans in afternoon meetings with Democratic leaders. Earlier: Senate Majority leader Harry Reid pledges to approve the bailout, urges the GOP to cooperate, while the Senate GOP announces Sen. Gregg will be their point person in negotiations. Permalink