Archive - October 16, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Candidates Laugh It Up at Al Smith Dinner

Both Obama, McCain trade jokes at the annual charity dinner run by the Archdiocese of New York to raise money for underprivileged children Thursday night. Obama: "I got my name Barack from my father.... it's actually Swahali for 'That one.'" Video here. McCain: Says he's firing all of his campaign staff, adding, "All of their positions will now be held by a man named Joe The Plumber." Video here. READ POOL REPORT HERE. Permalink

SNL Special Spoofs Final Debate

Another Thursday night SNL Weekend Update kicks off poking fun at the presidential candidates. In their version Joe the Plumber is McCain's best friend, who lives in a cigar box under his bed. Watch it above. Read transcript of the whole show here. The real Joe the Plumber will appear on Mike Huckabee's program on the Fox News Channel Saturday evening. Permalink

In a Tenth Avenue State of Mind Freeze Out

Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel join forces for their first joint concert to raise money for Obama's campaign Thursday night at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. When they launch into "Born to Run," Springsteen says: "This is for the senator." Obama appears after the show concluded, calling it a "a magical evening" and comparing the struggling, everyday people of the rock legends' songs to people he's met on the trail. READ POOL REPORT HERE. Permalink

McCain: Palin Will Be on SNL

The Arizonan tells David Letterman in Thursday night's interview that he thinks his running mate will be appearing on Saturday Night Live. "That will probably get more of an audience than our debate did." Also takes all the blame after abruptly canceling his "Late Show" appearance last month. Get more details here. Watch video above. Read full transcript here. Permalink

Biden Kicks Off Leno, Cracks on McCain

"He seems a little more angry than he usually is," the Democratic veep candidate told "The Tonight Show" Thursday night after Leno made fun of McCain's expressions at the debate. Watch video above. Permalink

European Markets Bounce; Asia Stable

Europe's markets opened higher Friday, only a day after they slipped to new lows. Asia markets, meanwhile, were relatively stable. Permalink

Driver's Licenses Back on the Table

Politico: New third-party ad brings back a nomination fight issue, attacks Obama's support for states' right to issue drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Watch it above. Permalink

Biden, Palin to Stump in New Mexico

Democratic vice presidential contender Sen. Joe Biden will stump in Mesilla Friday, while Gov. Palin will be in Roswell Sunday. Biden will also make his first visit to Nevada Friday since accepting the vice presidential nomination. Permalink

WINNERS OF THE WEEK

In the new issue of TIME: Democrats go another seven days more united, richer, more consistent, and benefiting politically from the economic crisis. For Mark Halperin's latest weekly Scorecard -- yet another Team Obama win -- click here. Permalink

McCain: Obama Camp Needs to Cooperate With ACORN Investigation

The Arizonan releases a statement following the news that the FBI will be investigating the organization for voter fraud, puts pressure on the Obama camp. "Barack Obama has attempted to conceal and distort his and his campaign's relationship with a group that is currently engaging in systematic voter fraud." Read it here. Permalink

Oil Down, Stocks Up

The Dow closes up about 400 points after another volatile day, as oil falls to its lowest level in 16 months. Wal-Mart, McDonald's make strong gains. Permalink

HELLO, MR. AYERS

Politico: Another Republican robocall attacks Obama for having "worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers" whose group "killed Americans." Listen to the call here. Reports suggest the calls are being made in Wisconsin, New Mexico, Northern Virginia, Maine, Florida, Missouri, and North Carolina. Plus: Another robocall going out in North Carolina claims Obama sought to deny medical care for newborns. Permalink

McCain Gets Foxy Again -- Hits Obama

In Fox News Channel interview: On Ayers: "Senator Obama didn't tell the whole truth about his relationship with Mr. Ayers last night." On ACORN: "...His campaign paid $832,000 in the primaries to a front group for ACORN. And you know what it was described as? ‘Lighting and site preparation.’ Give me a break.” On Joe the Plumber: "I'm probably going to call him this morning...I think we're going to be spending some time together." Click above to watch, and read more excerpts here. Permalink

What It Takes: Thursday Edition

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

McCain: It's All About Joe and PA

While speaking at a rally in Downingtown, Pennsylvania the Arizonan again brings up the now famous Ohio plumber to tout his economic policies, blast Obama for his "spreading the wealth" remark. "I thought I did pretty well, but let's have a little straight talk: the real winner last night was Joe the Plumber." Courts voter support in the major battleground state: "This is a critical swing state, and with your help, we're going to win Pennsylvania in November." Read full remarks here. Plus: Spanish McCain ad hits Obama, Democrats on taxes. Watch it here, and read script here. Permalink