Archive - October 11, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

McCain Campaign (Again) Repudiates One of Its Own Speakers

The Arizonan's campaign is forced to reject remarks coming from pastor Arnold Conrad's invocation before McCain's speech in Davenport, Iowa Sunday. Read statement here. Comes after Conrad says: "I also would also pray, Lord, that your reputation is involved in all that happens between now and November, because there are millions of people around this world praying to their god--whether it's Hindu, Buddha, Allah--that his opponent wins, for a variety of reasons." Permalink

Obama Campaign (Mostly) Rebukes Lewis

The campaign says in a statement that Obama doesn't believe McCain or his policy criticism is in any way comparable to George Wallace or his segregationist policies. Also says: "But John Lewis was right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric that John McCain himself personally rebuked just last night...." Full statement here. Comes after the civil rights icon and Georgia Rep. accuses the GOP ticket of promoting hate, likening the atmosphere at their events to those of former presidential candidate George Wallace, the segregationist. Says in statement: "What I am seeing reminds me too much of another destructive period in American history." "Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse." McCain responds, calling the remarks "shocking and beyond the pale." Full statement here. Permalink

Todd Palin Stumps in Maine

Alaska's First Dude visited the Moosehead Trail Trading Post in Palmyra, Maine Saturday. Details here. Permalink

McCain Preaches Bipartisanship in Face of Protests

At his Davenport, Iowa rally Saturday the Arizonan calms the crowd after an antiwar protestor interrupts him. "People are trying to stay in their homes, keep their jobs. Is what they want for us to yell at each other? No. They want us to sit down, Republican and Democrat, and work together." Permalink

Palin Targets Obama on Abortion

In Pennsylvania Saturday the Alaska Governor goes hard against Obama, goes after his record on partial-birth abortion. Hits Obama for remarks he made while talking about the importance of sex education when it comes to his own children months back, suggesting they were about abortion. "He said that right here in Johnstown – 'punished with a baby' – and it’s about time we called him on it." Read more excerpts of her remarks here. Permalink

What It Takes: Saturday Edition

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

Palin Denies Abuse of Power

The Alaska Governor tells the press as she boarded her campaign bus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Saturday "you got to read the report." "If you read the report, you will see that there was nothing unlawful or unethical about replacing a cabinet member." The report says Palin violated state ethics law by pressuring subordinates to have her former brother-in-law fired from the state police. Permalink

McCain, Advisers Discussing Economic Proposals Sunday

Aides say Sunday's meetings in Washington will lead to specific new measures to be announced this week directed at the middle class, such as a potential cut in capital gains taxes. Ideas designed to contrast with Obama's proposals, criticized by some as vague. Permalink

Candidates React to North Korea's Removal from Terrorism List

OBAMA: "President Bush’s decision to remove North Korea from the list of state sponsors of terrorism is an appropriate response..." Statement here. MCCAIN: "I expect the administration to explain exactly how this new verification agreement advances American interests and those of our allies before I will be able to support any decision..." Statement here. State Department says Saturday it removed the country from a list of state sponsors of terrorism after it agreed to measures to verify progress in disabling its nuclear facilities. Permalink

"The American People Aren't Looking for Someone Who Can Divide This Country"

The Land of Lincolner tells voters in Philadelphia Saturday that the McCain camp can "try to change the subject" from the economy, but he doesn't think Americans will buy it. "The times are too serious. The challenges are too great. The American people aren’t looking for someone who can divide this country – they’re looking for someone who will lead it." Read full prepared remarks here. First of four mini-rallies throughout Philly Saturday. McCain camp responds here. Permalink

Bush: U.S. Will Work With Partners on Credit Crisis

The president promises a global response to the credit crisis following a meeting with G-7 leaders Saturday. "We will do what it takes to resolve the crisis and the world's economy will emerge stronger as a result." Full remarks here. Permalink

McCain Camp Blames Troopergate Findings on "Partisan Led Inquiry"

Campaign statement says Palin acted within her "proper and lawful authority" in firing Trooper Monegan. "...The Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact." Statement here. Comes after Alaska legislative report finds the Republican VP nominee unlawfully abused her authority in firing Alaska's public safety commissioner. Read the full report here. Permalink

McCain Sells Mortgage Plan in Radio Address

In weekly remarks, the Arizonan pushes his plan while disparaging his opponent. "I can't shake the impression that Barack Obama is trying so hard to exploit America's financial crisis that he hasn't really focused on how to solve it." Listen to it here. Permalink

Cindy McCain Makes Weekend NASCAR Pit Stop

The potential first lady serves as Grand Marshal of the Bank of America 500 race Saturday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Permalink