Archive - October 4, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Todd Palin to Testify About Troopergate

First Dude will speak to the Alaska State Personnel Board, and/but still refuses to testify in the state legislature's investigation of the same matter. Permalink

Palin, Reconsidered

Newsweek reflects media's continued fascination with the Alaska chief executive. Sen. Biden on Palin, the race, the downside of the 24/7 media culture, and more. Permalink

Democratic Senate Hopefuls Surge Ahead

Polls suggest Democrats could occupy 60 Senate seats next year, thanks to new strength in Kentucky, Minnesota and elsewhere. Politico: "...If these trends hold, the Senate outcome could be almost as important to Washington governance as the presidential winner will be." Permalink

PALIN: OBAMA "PALLING AROUND WITH TERRORISTS"

The Alaska Governor accuses the Illinois Senator of “palling around with terrorists who would target their own country” with while speaking to GOP donors in Englewood, Colorado Saturday. Her remarks come in response to a New York Times story on Obama’s relationship with former Weather Underground member Bill Ayers. McCain campaign and RNC distribute her words by email to reporters. Read full remarks here. Obama camp response: "Governor Palin’s comments, while offensive, are not surprising, given the McCain campaign’s statement this morning that they would be launching Swiftboat-like attacks..." Permalink

Palin and Michigan -- Perfect Together....

...she seems to think. For the second straight day the GOP veep candidate insists that she is still gunning for Michigan. Tells a reporter while in Colorado: “Well as I said the other day, I would sure love to get to run to Michigan and make sure that Michigan knows that we haven’t given up there." Permalink

Biden Cancels Weekend Events

The Democratic veep candidate will not be campaigning Saturday or Sunday due to the poor health of Jill Biden's mother. Spokesman: "Hospice has advised the Bidens to remain close by, and we appreciate everyone's respect for the family's privacy." Permalink

McCain Preps for Debate in Home State

The Arizonan spends his Saturday practicing for his second debate Tuesday with Obama at a resort hotel in Sedona. He plans to stay for the weekend at his family retreat outside Sedona. Permalink

Obama: McCain Tax Health Care Benefits "Radical"

The Land of Lincolner launches a multifaceted attack on his rival's health care plan in Newport News, Virginia Saturday. "He taxes health care benefits for the first time in history; millions lose the health care they have; millions pay more for the health care they get; drug and insurance companies continue to profit; and middle class families watch the system they rely on begin to unravel before their eyes." Read full remarks here. His camp also echoes the message in four new TV ads, four separate mailers, and radio commercials in every battleground state. Watch ad released Saturday here. McCain camp responds: "Barack Obama is lying to voters." Statement here. Permalink

GET READY -- HERE IT COMES

McCain plans to question Obama's character and judgment in closing TV ad blitz. Republican to WaPo: "We're going to get a little tougher." Read Obama adviser Gibbs reaction here and a campaign statement from Bill Burton here. McCain aide Strimple: ""We are looking for a very aggressive last 30 days." Permalink

Alaska Supreme Court Takes Up Troopergate

The court accepts an emergency appeal filed by six Alaska lawmakers who claim the investigation is being manipulated to hurt Palin before Election Day. Oral arguments are scheduled for Wednesday. Decision could come by Thursday evening. The findings of the investigation by the state legislature are due to be released next week. Permalink

Obama: Race Isn't Holding Me Back

The Land of Lincolner points to his presidential campaign as a sign voters won't reject him based on race in an interview with Washington's WJLA ABC 7. “The fact of the matter is people have been continually looking for how race will impact this campaign. And yet, I’m here, 30 days out, competitive in Virginia.” Permalink

Republicans' Downballot Worries

GOP consultant Jan van Lohuizen tells the WashPost the economic crisis "has affected the entire ticket." "The worse the state's economy, the greater the impact." Plus: Star Tribune Minnesota poll shows Al Franken up 43% to Norm Coleman’s 34%. Permalink

Floridians Look to Obama

NY Times: Voters across the state say the financial crisis has "fueled frustration with the Bush administration and pushed them away from the Republican ticket." Permalink

Obama-Biden Continue Week-Long Health Care Focus

Campaign releases memo on "the five pitfalls of the McCain health plan," on top of a TV ad and other attacks on the Arizonan's plan. Read the memo here. (PDF) McCain adviser Holtz-Eakin responds to the ad: "Barack Obama is not being truthful, because John McCain’s plan puts money in the hands of families, preserves their employer coverage and expands new options...." Read full response here. Permalink