Archive - October 5, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Sign 'Em Up (And Have 'Em Vote)

Washington Post: "Sen. Barack Obama's campaign is poised to benefit from a wave of newcomers to the rolls in key states in numbers that far outweigh any gains made by Republicans." Permalink

Alaska Employees to Testify in Troopergate Probe

In a reversal, seven state employees will testify in the legislature's abuse-of-power investigation. Gov. Palin and her husband have refused to cooperate in the legislature's probe. Permalink

Palin Again Uses "Terrorist" Jab

Echoing Saturday's attack against Obama's ties to Ayers, Palin says Sunday the Democrat is “someone who sees America as imperfect enough to work with a terrorist." Says the relationship is "fair to talk about." Omaha World-Herald: Visit "further evidence that the Omaha-based 2nd District is a presidential battleground...." ABC's Stephanopoulos Sunday: "The fact that Sarah Palin has to go there to defend shows how much trouble the McCain campaign is in with a month to go." And/but: Palin tells Nebraskans the decision to come visit was hers, and had nothing to do with the Electoral College!!! Permalink

Palin Strikes Back at AP and Defends Ayers Remarks

The Alaskan says "the Associated Press is wrong" for suggesting recent comments about Obama and the former radical are "racially tinged." “It’s really important for Americans to start knowing who the real Barack Obama is.” Wire service analysis had stated Palin's comments were "unsubstantiated and carried a racially tinged subtext." Read the tough words from the Family Wire-- click here. Permalink

Obama Blasts "Turn the Page" Comment in Asheville

The Democrat hammers McCain in Asheville, North Carolina after an aide to the Arizonan said the campaign hopes to "turn the page on this financial crisis." "I know the policies he’s supported these past eight years and wants to continue are pretty hard to defend. I can understand why Senator McCain would want to 'turn the page' and ignore this economy." Click above to watch. Adds: "Senator McCain and his operatives are gambling that he can distract you with smears rather than talk to you about substance." Read more excerpts here, and read his complete prepared speech. McCain team responds: "Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever befriended an unrepentant terrorist, or had a convicted felon help them buy their house-- because those aren't smears, those are true facts about Barack Obama.” Read full response. Permalink

Health Care Tussle

Another Obama ad targets McCain's health care plan. Click above to watch. "John McCain would deregulate the insurance giants, letting them bypass patient protections in your state." Latest in a new salvo from Obama on health care, including another ad and a memo. Read more here. McCain adviser Holtz-Eakin responds: "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. McCain team also releases memo blasting "Obama's lies on health care"-- read it here. Permalink

Michigan GOP Official: McCain Exit "Complete Crock of Crap"

The Emmet County, Michigan party chair GOP fires off a scalding e-mail after the McCain team publicly decides to withdraw from the state. "He has given up on our State? What a total and complete crock of crap. Again, I think McCain owes the Republicans and the People of Michigan a HUGE APOLOGY. SOON!" Permalink

GOP Fretting Over Virginia

Fearing a loss, Republicans urge the McCain-Palin team to spend more time and money in the battleground state, which the Democrats visit often. Rep. Davis: "I think they've got to pay more attention." Permalink

Biden Cancels Events Following Mother-in-Law's Death

The Delaware Senator has cleared his schedule Monday and Tuesday due to the death of Jill Biden's mother. Bonny Jean Jacobs was 78. Permalink

RNC to File FEC Complaint

The Republican National Committee wants the FEC to examine thousands of "suspicious" donations to Obama, including some from possibly illegal foreign donors. Obama response: "Because of campaign finance issues, John McCain has had to return over $1.2 million to donors who potentially violated the law with their contributions." Read full response. Permalink

Palin Fronts The New Republic

Cover piece says much of the governor's career can be understood as a reaction to perceived "elitist condescension." Permalink

What It Takes: Sunday Edition

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

ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS

No candidates on the shows and no major news, but lots of feisty surrogate debate -- and roundtables that focused on McCain's currently grim Electoral College outlook. Read more here. Permalink

In Preemptive Attack, Obama Ad Calls McCain "Erratic"

Cable spot going up Monday slams the Arizonan for his response to the faltering economy. Who will triumph in this key showdown: Obama plays his trump card as McCain plays his!!!! "Erratic in a crisis. Out of touch on the economy. No wonder his campaign wants to change the subject." Yet another Obama ad that ends with an image of McCain with Bush. Click above to watch, and read script here. Ad is a response to new attacks expected after Tuesday, when McCain camp will reportedly hammer Obama's ties to Rezko and Ayers. Permalink

Palin v. Biden, Part II

"Saturday Night Live" takes aim at the vice presidential debate. Click above to watch. Palin: "Gwen, we don't know if this climate change whozeewhatsit is manmade, or if it's just a natural part of the End of Days." Biden: "Look, I love John McCain. He's one of my dearest friends. But at the same time, he's also dangerously unbalanced." Permalink