Archive - October 14, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Drowning McCain in TV Ads

Politico: Obama is flexing "his financial muscle" to outspend McCain and the Republican National Committee on TV advertisements, in some cases by ratios of as much as 8-to-1. Permalink

POLL: OBAMA TAKES STRONG LEAD

From NY Times/CBS News, among likely voters: Obama 53, McCain 39 In early October: Obama 48, McCain 45. Dates conducted: Oct. 10-13. Error margin: 3 points. Get more on the poll here. Permalink

Another National Poll Shows Obama Lead

From LA Times/Bloomberg poll: Obama 50, McCain 41 September poll: Obama 49, McCain 45. Dates conducted: Oct. 10-13. Error margin: 3 points. Click here to see more numbers from the poll. Permalink

PALIN WANTS FIGHTING MCCAIN TO SHOW UP IN HEMPSTEAD

The Alaska Governor tells New Hampshire's ABC affiliate WMUR that Obama has "called John McCain out" in telling him to direct character attacks to his face. "So we'll see tonight if John McCain does that." Watch video above. Plus: Dan Quayle's advice to Palin: "Just be yourself." Permalink

Obama: "We Don't Need ACORN's Help"

Speaking to reporters in Ohio, the Senator distances himself from the community organizing group that's come under fire for alleged voter fraud. Says he represented the group as an attorney about 13 years ago, but "we've got the best voter registration and turnout and volunteer operation in politics right now and we don't need ACORN's help." McCain response: "Barack Obama’s unwillingness to come clean on his relationship is troubling...." Read full response. Also: Obama expresses support for government bank investment, reacts to McCain proposals. Read more here. Permalink

Biden: McCain "Fighting Mad. And Attacking"

Speaking in Warren, Ohio Tuesday the candidate again hammers McCain as "erratic" and calls his ads "over the top." Tells reporters he'll be disappointed if McCain brings up Ayers in Wednesday's debate. McCain spokesman Porritt: “Ladies and gentlemen, the fact is that Barack Obama and Joe Biden will literally raise your taxes." Permalink

Axelrod: Obama "Prepared" to Talk About Ayers at Debate

Top Obama strategist tells reporters en route to New York for the final debate that his candidate will answer questions on the former Weather Underground member if asked. And/But: Even if the Ayers question does come up, Axelrod doesn't think it will change much because McCain "is essentially on the wrong side of history..." Also disputes characterization Obama was “goading" McCain to bring up character attacks by noting to ABC News last week that McCain didn't make the remarks directly to his face. Permalink

McCain's Brother: "Let John McCain be John McCain"

Baltimore Sun: Joe McCain calls on his brother's top aides, in an e-mail sent late Monday night, to allow more press access to the presidential nominee. Says loosening the tight message control is needed because it has become "counter-productive" and was "causing gangrene." Permalink

ANTI-OBAMA GREATEST HITS HITS

PAC TV ad hammers the Democratic presidential nominee with the kitchen sink and more: pledge of allegiance picture, Cuban flags, Palestinians, Hamas, and — of course — Reverend Wright. Watch it above. Read the amazing script here. Ad is on the air in Colorado, Nevada and Michigan. Read about the Our Country Deserves Better PAC here. Permalink

TV Interview Potpourri

--Axelrod talks up Obama’s ability to solve economic problems on CNN. Asked about attacks from McCain camp, he quips, “they can run their campaign and we’ll run ours.” --Carville tells CNN the debate won’t have a major impact, as the campaign is already “done.” “The country is ready for change.” Permalink

Staying on the Wrong Track

Latest CBS News/New York Times poll, asking voters about the direction of the country: Wrong track: 89% Right direction: 7% Dates conducted: 10-13. Error margin: 3 points. Permalink

Palin in Pennsylvania: Taxes, Taxes, Taxes

The Alaska Governor focuses mostly on her running mate's newly laid out economic proposals -- particularly no new taxes -- while speaking at a rally in Scranton. "In a McCain-Palin administration, we will never forget that we are there to work for you, the people of America." Pushes Obama on taxes, citing his voting record and saying "America just can't afford another big spender in the White House." Also spends a good chunk of time talking about energy, the war. Permalink

Calmer Day on Wall Street

After days of dramatic swings, the Dow closes down about 75 points-- less than 1%. Financial stocks closer higher on news of new government efforts to shore up banks. Permalink

Palin to Limbaugh: "I've Got Nothing to Lose in This"

The GOP veep candidate calls into El Rushbo during Tuesday's program, says when asked about whether the McCain camp is giving her more latitude than their candidate to attack Obama: "I've got nothing to lose in this and I think America has everything to gain by understanding the differences, the contrasts here between Obama and McCain." Also suggests the media is trying to silence her: "Well, yes, I guess that message is they do want me to sit down and shut up, but that's not gonna happen." Listen to the audio here. Permalink