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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from October 13th, 2008
McCain: Rep. Lewis' Comment "Stopped Me in My Tracks"
Speaking on CNN, the Arizonan expresses anger and bewilderment over Rep. Lewis' comment on Saturday that his campaign is "sowing the seeds of hatred and division." "I never believed that John Lewis, who is an American hero whom I admire, would ever make a comment of that nature... That's unacceptable." An aide says hearing the comment was "emotional" for the campaign, which delayed McCain's flight to discuss how to respond. Watch video above. Permalink
Biden: GOP Rhetoric Risks Encouraging "Fringe People"
Speaking on ABC's "Nightline" Monday, the VP candidate says the Ayers attacks, "scary stuff" yelled at GOP rallies and "off the wall" rhetoric from some Republicans can be dangerous. "What you don't want to do is... encourage people who really are fringe people." Also says that unless McCain and Palin do a better job engaging on the economy, "I think we win." Permalink
A Feast Fit for an Italian
Menu for the White House dinner honoring Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi features Maine Lobster Fondue, Artichoke and Reggiano Cheese Ravioli and more. Read the full menu here. Plus: Get a glimpse of the guest list here. Permalink
Balz: We Should Be Questioning Obama
WashPost sage says that with the race appearing to be Obama’s to lose, journalists shouldn’t be putting all the focus on McCain. “The presidential race is not over, but at this point, Obama has a better chance of becoming president than McCain, and as a result, the questions ought to be going toward him as much or more than McCain -- questions not of tactics but of substance.” Permalink
Biden: McCain Camp Trying "to Scare People"
The Democratic veep candidate suggests the GOP ticket has turned to character attacks because they're in a lose-lose situation with the economy in an interview with MSNBC's Chris Matthews. "It’s unhealthy. You don’t throw race, terrorism, the other guy, who is this man. That’s a combustible mix." Read full transcript from "Hardball" here. Permalink
Obama Reacts to Market Rally
The Land of Lincolner says the nearly 1,000-point rally shows emergency measures are helping to "restore confidence in our markets." But adds: "...We have barely even begun to solve the crisis facing middle-class families struggling to pay their bills and stay in their homes...." Read full statement. Comments come after the Dow makes a giant leap Monday, snapping an 8-day losing streak. General Motors' stock jumps 33%, as countries around the world step up efforts to ease the credit crunch. Permalink
What It Takes: Monday Edition
HALPERIN'S TAKE: The five most important people in American politics right now -- who aren't running for president. Permalink
Palin Courts NASCAR Voters
From Richmond's International Raceway, Alaskan touts plans for tax cuts and freeze on non-essential spending. Plus: Palin mistakes fans for protesters. Permalink
Obama's Middle Class Economic Plan Puts Focus on Jobs
The Land of Lincolner lays out his economic rescue plan for the middle class while speaking in Toledo. "It’s a plan that begins with one word that’s on everyone’s mind, and it’s spelled J-O-B-S." Says he welcomes McCain's 401(k) proposal unveiled last week, adding "I think that’s a good idea, but I think we need to do even more." Read more details on his plan here. Read his full remarks here. Watch video above. Some supporters start to boo when Obama mentions his opponent. He stops them, saying "We don't need that." Read McCain camp's response here. Permalink
McCain Indicts Bush in Comeback Speech
The Arizonan says in Virginia Beach remarks: "We cannot spend the next four years as we have spent much of the last eight: waiting for our luck to change." Mentions his plans for the economy...acknowledges he trails by 6% in the national polls....avoids personal attacks on Obama. Also delivers tough remarks on the state of the race, saying the national media has written him off but "we’ve got them just where we want them." Read the full text of the speech here. Watch video above. Obama camp responds here. Permalink
Holtz-Eakin: McCain Will Unveil New Economic Policies Tuesday
The Arizonan’s economic adviser says in a media call that McCain “never intended to speak about the economy today,” and had planned to lay out new policies Tuesday instead. Spokesman Brian Rogers insists reports Monday morning saying otherwise were “inaccurate.” Read more details about the call here. Listen to the call here. Plus: NY Times: McCain "rejected his advisers’ options over the weekend as too gimmicky." Permalink
Optimistic Schmidt Rules Ayers In, Wright Wrong
In an interview with NPR's "Morning Edition," the McCain camp topper reiterated talking points on Obama's ties to Bill Ayers. And/But: When asked about Obama's former pastor Rev. Wright, he makes it clear McCain will not use that as an attack line. Permalink
PRESS RESET IF CAMPAIGN FREEZES (AND SEEMS BROKEN) (PART II)
McCain (again) expected to deliver a major economic speech with new policy proposals. He'll be in Pennsylvania Tuesday morning at an event focusing on women's issues before heading to New York. Developing... Permalink
Timesman: “It Ain't Over ‘Til It's Over”
Gray Lady’s Nagourney has six reasons McCain could still take the election. Read a summary of them here. Permalink
Two of America's Best
Name the two leading political reporters pictured above who were covering the Biden-Clinton event in Scranton on Sunday. Answer here. Permalink
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