Archive - October 8, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama's "Known Associate" Hits Daily Show

Michelle Obama sits down with Comedy Central's Jon Stewart, discusses her husband's attacks on McCain. “Some of it is theatre and the reality is Barack has tremendous respect for Senator McCain." Watch part 1 video above. Watch part 2 here. Plus: Obama was also on CNN's "Larry King Live." Read a transcript of her appearance here. Permalink

Obama: Ayers Attacks "Cheap Political Points"

Speaking with ABC's Charlie Gibson in Indianapolis, the Land of Lincolner denounces the attacks on his ties with William Ayers, says personal attacks have become "the centerpiece of the discussion." Adds that he's surprised McCain "wasn't willing to say it to my face" during Tuesday's debate. Also says resolving the financial crisis is "not going to be easy," but warns that the country has gone from "irrational exuberance" to "irrational despair." Click above to watch. Read the full interview here. Permalink

MCCAIN: OBAMA'S NOT PREPARED TO BE PRESIDENT

The Arizonan keeps up a tough line of attack on his opponent in a joint interview with Palin on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes" Wednesday. Says flat out when asked whether he thinks Obama is prepared to be president: "I don't." Palin continues to question Obama's judgment, says his relationships with Ayers, Rev. Pfleger, Tony Rezko "makes me question who he would associate himself with in the future." More excerpts here. Permalink

CINDY MCCAIN LETS LOOSE ON OBAMA

While introducing Gov. Palin in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the potential first lady suggests Obama can't sympathize with military families. Says his Senate vote that allegedly blocked funding for the troops “sent a cold chill through my body.” "I would suggest that Senator Obama change shoes with me for just one day and see what it means to have a loved one in the Armed Forces." Permalink

Obama Goes for Soft, Biographical Sketch in New TV Spot

Taking a break from the negative ads, the Land of Lincolner plans to launch a minute-long ad focusing on the patriotic values instilled in him by his grandfather and mother. "My mother, she said to herself, 'My son, he's an American and he needs to understand what that means.'" Watch video above. Permalink

Todd Palin's Role in Troopergate Detailed

Affidavits show the candidate's husband repeatedly asked top state officials to fire his former brother-in-law, unbeknownst to his wife. "I have heard criticism that I am too involved in my wife's administration. My wife and I are very close. We are each other's best friend." Permalink

McCain: "We Can't Change the System With Someone Who's Never Fought the System"

The Arizonan returns to character attacks on Obama, questioning him on taxes, the economy, health care and more in a rally with Palin in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Wednesday. “Is he the candidate who talks about regulation or the politician who took money from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and turned a blind eye as they ran our economy into a ditch?” “Is he the candidate who promises change, or is he the politician who has bought into everything that is wrong with Washington?” Read his prepared remarks here. Permalink

Obama: "There Are Better Days Ahead"

Speaking in Indianapolis, the Land of Lincolner details the challenges of the financial crisis but offers an optimistic vision. Digs at his opponent's debate performance: "All we heard from Senator McCain was more of the same Bush economics that led us to this point." "I can take four more weeks of John McCain's attacks, but the American people can't take four more years of John McCain's Bush policies." Read his prepared remarks here. McCain camp responds here. Permalink

SMILE

Obama's adviser Robert Gibbs shares with Page readers/viewers his three tricks for doing all those TV interviews -- plus bonus advice for surviving appearances with Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. Also: Is Gibbs now as famous as David Axelrod? And what does Obama think of Gibbs's TV skills? All that -- and more -- by clicking on the video above. Permalink

What It Takes: Wednesday Edition

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

McCain Camp Denounces Middle Name Game

Spokesman releases a statement after Lehigh County GOP Chair William Platt II refers to Obama twice by his full name during the pre-program at the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania rally Wednesday. "We do not condone this inappropriate rhetoric which distracts from the real questions of judgment, character, and experience that voters will base their decisions on this November." Permalink

Balz: McCain's Situation Like Stock Markets

WashPost sage suggests that in order for McCain to regain his ground in the race, he needs to restore confidence in his campaign. “He's like the stock markets. Lack of confidence breeds retreat. He needs an injection of fresh political confidence in his presidential candidacy.” Permalink

A Day After Nashville, McCain Plays the Ayers Card

Campaign circulates emotional statement from a man whose home was firebombed by the Weather Underground. "Barack Obama's friend tried to kill my family." Read it here. Permalink

Weak Close on Wall Street

Stocks fall again Wednesday, after spending much of the day in positive territory. The Dow Jones slips 190 points, about two percent. Permalink

Biden on Debate: "If This Was the Best of Five Series It'd Be Over"

While on the stump in Tampa, Florida, Biden reflects on his running mate's performance in Tuesday night's debate. Points out that there wasn't a single question by voters about the "ugly inferences" and personal attacks against Obama, says that's not what they want to hear about. Also says of McCain: "You can't call yourself a maverick when all you've ever been is a sidekick." McCain camp responds here. Plus: Limbaugh says Wednesday that the debate's "problem" was moderator Brokaw because social issues were left out, suggesting questions were screened with "an agenda in mind to protect the anointed one." Permalink