Archive - October 15, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Meet Joe the Plumber, the Star of the Final Debate

Wurzelbacher says Obama's tax plan "infuriates me." Listen to more from Wurzelbacher here, and read an interview here. "I wasn’t swayed either way... Obama speaks well... but, you know, there's got to be action behind it." Plus: The NYT's Zeleny on how Joe the Plumber became a part of the debate. Permalink

Why Does Chris Matthews Torment This Man?

McCain campaign strategist Mike DuHaime regularly appears on MSNBC's "Hardball," even though the anchorman gives him a really hard time. DuHaime explains his gluttony for punishment-- watch it above. Watch the two in action here and here. Permalink

OBAMA ON BITTERGATE: "MY BIGGEST BONEHEADED MOVE"

The Land of Lincolner explains his "guns and religion" gaffe to the New York Times Magazine’s Matt Bai in Sunday's cover piece digging into his strategy to win over white working-class voters. Also goes on the offensive against Fox News, says their coverage probably costs him 2-3 points in the polls because he's portrayed 24/7 "as a freak." Read more key passages from the piece here. Permalink

Post-Debate Polls: Obama Wins

CBS poll, among uncommitted voters: Obama 53, McCain 22 Read more details here. CNN poll: Obama 58, McCain 31 Read more details here. Politico: Obama 49, McCain 46 Read more details here. Permalink

THE FINAL DEBATE

Obama defends himself on Ayers, ACORN, Rep. Lewis' remarks during exchange on his personal associations, negative attacks in Wednesday night's debate. McCain's big line: "Sen. Obama, I am not President Bush, if you wanted to run against President Bush you should have run four years ago. I will take this country in a new direction." Watch video here. And: Watch TIME.com's three minute video highlights package here. Permalink

From the McCain War Room

-- "Barack Obama has much talk but no leadership" -- click here. -- "Barack Obama has a strong tax increase agenda" -- click here. -- "Barack Obama is 'misleading' on tax cuts for oil companies" -- click here. Permalink

From the Obama War Room

-- "Debate reality check: McCain's new economic proposal is same old Republican playbook"-- click here. -- "Debate reality check: The truth about small business tax cuts"-- click here. -- "Debate reality check: McCain plan is a giveaway to banks"-- click here. Permalink

"Life Happens"

When approached by the Chicago Tribune at his University of Illinois-Chicago office, the former Weather Underground member shows he has no interest in joining the political conversation. "What could I possibly add? Life happens." Permalink

Report: Verizon, AT&T Provided Cell Towers for McCain Ranch

WashPost investigation finds both telecom companies offered a free “cell site on wheels” for the McCain property in Sedona, Arizona to better their cell phone coverage. Suggests the situation may be ethically murky for McCain because he is a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC and the telecommunications industry. McCain camp responds: "These were decisions by the companies involved and the Secret Service, and not the McCain campaign." Statement here. Permalink

Cheney Home After Heart Procedure

The vice president's office says in a statement Cheney has resumed "his normal schedule" following an afternoon procedure for an abnormal heart rhythm. Discovery earlier in the day caused him to cancel a campaign event in Illinois. Read full statement here. Permalink

Another Poll Shows Strong Obama Lead

Latest McClatchy/Ipsos national survey: Obama 48, McCain 39 Dates conducted: Oct. 9-13. Error margin: 3 points. Permalink

Murtha: Western Pennsylvania "Racist," But Obama Should Win

The Keystone State Rep. tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the older population in that area "is more hesitant," but thinks Obama has gained ground since the nomination battle. "I think Obama is going to win, but I don't think it's going to be a runaway. I think he wins Pennsylvania." McCain camp responds here. Permalink