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Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from September 27th, 2008

McCain: Obama Thinks Economic Crisis is a "National Problem to be Exploited First and Solved Later"

The Arizonan goes on the attack against his rival in his remarks via satellie to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance 2008 rally. "What he doesn't seem to get is that if we don't deal with it right now, by working together for the common good, then this crisis could turn into a far-reaching disaster..." Also hits him on taxes, Iraq. Read full remarks here. Permalink

The Gambler (Cont.)

Sunday NY Times takes a long look at McCain's ties to the gambling industry: "Mr. McCain portrays himself as a Washington maverick unswayed by special interests, referring recently to lobbyists as 'birds of prey.' Yet in his current campaign, more than 40 fund-raisers and top advisers have lobbied or worked for an array of gambling interests...." McCain team fires back, telling the Times the story "reveals that your publication is desperately willing to gamble away what little credibility it still has.” Obama response: "Gambling in casinos that you regulate with the lobbyists that represent those casinos is not the change we need...." Read full response. Permalink

Oh, The Post-Debate Spinning They'll Do

Sunday NY Times on efforts -- some comical -- to shape the aftermath of Oxford. Permalink

OBAMA POUNDS MCCAIN ON MIDDLE CLASS

The Land of Lincolner skewers McCain's debate performance, suggesting he didn't address working voters because he's out of touch during a joint rally with Biden in Greensboro, North Carolina. "He railed against some study of bears in Montana, but he had nothing to say about the fact that more and more Americans can’t afford to pay for college..." "The truth is, through ninety minutes of debating, John McCain had a lot to say about me, but he had nothing to say about you." Read full remarks here. The Democratic ticket hold another rally in the evening at the University of Mary in Fredericksburg, Virginia. McCain camp responds here. Permalink

McCain TV Ad Uses Biden Against Obama

Latest spot from the Arizonan recalls a Biden quip from the nomination fight suggesting Obama voted against a bill that included troop funding to "make a political point." Ad goes on to say: "Barack Obama. Playing politics. Risking lives. Not ready to lead." Watch it above. Read script here. Amount and length of buy TBD. Campaign says ad starts "today nationally on broadcast and cable." Obama camp responds here. Permalink

Freddie Dropped McCain Aide Meeting Back in March

AP: Economic adviser Holtz-Eakin was scheduled to sit down with top exec Hollis S. McLoughlin but it never took place because others in the company thought it was inappropriate since there was no outreach to the Dems. Sources say McLoughlin also controls a special account used to pay $15,000 a month to Rick Davis’ lobbying firm. And/But: Former Fannie Mae chair Johnson will be helping lead a briefing intended for Clinton's campaign brain trust next month. Permalink

Obama Courts Hunters, Fishers

Issues a statement in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day: "Hunting and fishing are not just recreational pursuits, they are part of our national heritage...Today, we celebrate this tradition and the conservation legacy of hunters and anglers." Read it here. Permalink

Obama TV Ad Uses Debate Performance Against McCain

Latest spot from the Land of Lincolner hammers McCain for allegedly not using the word "middle class" once in Friday night's showdown. "McCain doesn't get it, Barack Obama does." Watch it above. Read script here. Amount and length of buy TBD. Campaign says ad is airing on "national cable beginning Monday." Permalink

SATURDAY SPIN

Obama camp manager Plouffe says in media call he thinks Obama proved in Friday's debate he can pass the "commander-in-chief" threshold. "Last night we not only passed it, we flew by it." Sets expectations low for their next debate saying they're the "decided underdog" because it's in a town hall format. More on the call here. McCain camp responds here. Permalink

Engagement But No Big Moments

First presidential debate in the can. TV producers scratching their heads about what video to pull. Version of Obama who showed up: focused, firm, prepared. Version of McCain who showed up: firm. Mark Halperin's overall grades: Obama A-, McCain B- See the rest of his grades and report card excerpts here. Full report card write-ups here on TIME.com. Plus: Read the pool report on McCain's swing through a post-debate party Friday night here. Permalink

BACK TO WASHINGTON

The Arizonan returns to the Capitol Saturday to continue working with congressional leaders on the bailout bill. Permalink

A DEAL (That Might Even Have the Votes to Pass)

After marathon negotiations, lawmakers and the Bush administration reach a tentative agreement early Sunday on a $700 billion financial rescue package. House expected to vote on Monday, with a Senate vote coming later. Obama response: "Now Washington has to show the same sense of urgency in dealing with the crisis facing Main Street and the middle class by passing an emergency economic stimulus plan...." Full response here. Speaker Pelosi statement here. More on the agreement from TIME's Justin Fox. Permalink

Portman Played Obama Stand-in for McCain

Two aides confirm to CNN the former Ohio Rep. was the Arizonan's sparring partner ahead of the first presidential debate. They held a two-hour mock debate session Thursday night in McCain's Virginia apartment and one at an Oxford high school hours before Friday kick off. Portman has been used as a stand-in for past candidates. Permalink