Archive - September 29, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

McCain, Palin Blast "Gotcha" Journalism

In their first joint interview, McCain and Palin say questions about her weekend comments regarding Pakistan are "gotcha" journalism. McCain: "Before you say, 'is she sorry she said it,' this was a 'gotcha' sound bite...." Palin: "This is all about 'gotcha' journalism. A lot of it is." The two emphasize that Palin's comments were shouted outside a Philadelphia restaurant. Palin also says "not only am I ready but willing and able to serve as vice president." Watch video clip, and read full transcript. Plus: Politico reports Palin will do additional interviews in the weeks ahead, aiming to "let Palin be Palin." She also plans to do talk radio this week. One aide suggests the public will see more of "Sarah Barracuda." Permalink

"It's Time for All Members of Congress to Go Back to the Drawing Board"

The Arizonan speaks to the media about the bailout after landing in Des Moines, Iowa, suggests Obama and the party leadership are blocking bipartisan action. Without any apparent irony, says it's not time to affix blame while pointing the finger at his rival. "Senator Obama and his allies in Congress infused unnecessary partisanship into the process." "I would hope that all our leaders -- all of them -- can put aside short-term political goals and focus on what's best for the American people." Read remarks here. Permalink

What It Takes: Monday Edition

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

HAMMERING HANK

Treasury Secretary Paulson speaks to reporters at the White House following the bailout bill failure. "I will continue to work with congressional leaders to find a way forward..." "We've got much work to do and this is much too important to simply let fail." Read his statement here. Permalink

Full-Scale Obama-McCain War Over Bailout Failure

Stinging statement from Obama camp's Bill Burton says the McCain camp's "hyper-partisan" statement following the bill's defeat is "exactly why the American people are disgusted with Washington." Read full statement here. Earlier: Obama spokesman Sevugan circulates Swampland post suggesting McCain will take the hit for the bailout bill failure based on the fact he was poised to take the credit if it passed. Comes after McCain senior aide blames Obama, Democrats for the bill’s failure, saying his rival “phoned it in” and put “politics ahead of country.” Read statement here. Economic adviser Doug Holtz-Eakin holds media call to discuss bailout bill failure-- listen to it here. Permalink

WALL STREET POSTS RECORD DROP

The Dow Jones plummets 777 points, close to 7%. Largest point drop ever. Nasdaq and S&P also plummet. Permalink

Bush "Disappointed" in Bailout Bill Failure

The President expresses his unhappiness with the House not passing the legislation while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office. Says he’s going to reconvene with his advisers to try to help figure out what’s next. "Our strategy is to continue to address this economic situation head on. And we'll be working to develop a strategy that will enable us to continue to move forward." Read remarks here. Permalink

Obama to Congress: "Get it Done"

The Land of Lincolner delivers a message to the House while speaking to voters during a rally in Westminister, Colorado, near Denver. "Democrats and Republicans need to step up to the plate and get it done. We have more work to do to make sure that Main Street is getting the same kind of help Wall Street is getting." Also makes a joke about McCain's gambling, saying "But one thing I know is this we can't afford to gamble on four more years of the same disastrous economic policies..." Read his prepared remarks here. McCain camp responds here. Permalink

Frank "Appalled" GOP Pointing Finger at Pelosi

The Financial Services Chair says during a presser that he doesn't understand the GOP leadership's strategy. "Because somebody hurt their feelings they decided to punish the country." Comes after Rep. Boehner and others say Pelosi's partisan floor speech is to blame for the financial rescue bill's defeat. Rep. Cantor blames "a failure of Speaker Pelosi to listen" to members of both parties. Decide for yourself: Read Pelosi’s floor speech text here. Lawmakers scramble after the financial rescue bill fails in the House, 205 yeas to 227 nays. Read more here. Media reports: There will be no re-vote Monday. Permalink

McCain: "I Think We'll Be Up Late on Election Night"

The Senator talks to Fox News about the race, and his opponent. Read his comments here. "I’ve heard Senator Obama say he would suspend his tax increases if the economy is bad. Well I’ve got news for him, the economy’s bad." Permalink

Who Shot the Sheriff?

Read the list of House Republicans and Democrats who voted "no" on the bill here. Final tally: 228 no, 205 yes. 95 Democrats voted “no.” 133 Republicans voted “no.” 140 Democrats voted "yes." 65 Republicans voted "yes." Plus: Breakdown by those engaged in competitive House races here. Permalink

For McCain, the Tax Issue Cometh Again in Ohio

Speaking at a McCain-Palin rally in Columbus, the Arizonan accuses his rival of misleading voters on taxes during Friday's debate: "Senator Obama is a fan of all that spending because he's always cheering for higher taxes or against tax relief... My friends, we need a President who will always tell the American people the truth." Also slams Obama's response to the economic crisis: "At first he didn’t want to get involved. Then he was 'monitoring the situation.' That’s not leadership, that’s watching from the sidelines." Read more excerpts here, and read the full text here. Obama camp responds here. Permalink

Obama TV Ad Targets McCain's Fiorina

Latest spot slams former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina for allegedly receiving $42 million after being fired from her position, vows to fight "golden parachutes" for Wall Street execs. Watch it above. Plus: Another Obama camp ad released Monday attempts to set the record straight on his position on producing energy from clean coal. Watch it here. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

Network broadcasts led with the failure of the financial bailout and the accompany Wall Street plummet. Rep. Boehner told CBS that Pelosi's floor speech eliminated about a dozen votes and "just didn't need to happen." Rep. Hoyer said that complaint is essentially an excuse. ABC noted that in President Bush's home state of Texas only 4 of 19 Rep's backed the bill. Stephanopoulos said there's a chance the Senate might vote first on the bill, or that FDIC protections might be strengthened to attract more support. CBS said a vote still "won't be easy" as many conservatives are dead-set opponents. Later, NBC compared the candidates' agenda for jobs and looked at voting preparations in Ohio. Permalink

OBAMA, MCCAIN TO RETURN TO SENATE FOR BAILOUT VOTE

Obama communications director Bill Burton tells The Page the Land of Lincolner will be in attendance. Meanwhile: McCain spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker tells Fox News that the Arizonan "will be there to vote on the bill." Hazelbaker adds he expects to vote in favor of it but has to see what emerges from the Senate to make sure the "integrity" of the bill hasn't been compromised. Permalink