The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from October 19th, 2008
Palin: Comments Reported at Rallies "Atrocious and Unacceptable"
Speaking with CBN's David Brody, the VP candidate denounces the threatening comments reported at some GOP rallies, though she also says she has never heard them. "If I ever were to hear that standing up there at the podium with the mic, I would call 'em out on that, and I would tell these people, no, that's unacceptable...." Click above to watch. Asserts that Obama has made "inciting" comments of his own. Plus: Says cable TV exposure sometimes "doesn't do any good," weighs in on the Federal Marriage Amendment, discusses her baptism, and more. Click here. Permalink
Halperin on the End Game -- And Beyond
On ABC News World News Sunday, TIME's Mark Halperin explores what McCain needs to do to win after today's twin pieces of crushing news. Plus: What do Powell's endorsement and the huge fundraising network mean for a potential Obama administration? Watch the answer above. Permalink
Limbaugh Wallops Powell
The talk radio titan blisters Gen. Powell's Obama endorsement, suggesting to Politico that race was a factor: "I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed. I'll let you know what I come up with." Read more from Limbaugh here. , 1:58 PM
Palin a Ratings Winner for SNL
Saturday's program featuring the VP candidate gave the show its highest ratings in 14 years. Early ratings indicate more than 14 million tuned in to the comedy show; the most since Nancy Kerrigan appeared in 1994. Click above to watch the opening sketch, and see "Weekend Update" here. Permalink
"I Am Beyond Honored"
At an afternoon rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Senator responds to Gen. Powell's endorsement: "I have been honored to have the benefit of his wisdom and counsel from time to time over the last few years, but today, I am beyond honored and deeply humbled to have the support of General Colin Powell." Read more excerpts here, and read his full remarks here. McCain response: "Only an unproven and inexperienced politician like Barack Obama would have to rely so heavily on an another man's resume in making the case for his own candidacy...." Read full response. Meanwhile, a fellow BBQ diner in Fayetteville greets the candidate with "Socialist! Get out of here!" Earlier: Obama thanks Powell in a 10-minute phone call. Permalink
McCain Rallies the Buckeye State
The Senator appears at rallies in Westerville, near Columbus, and Toledo. Prompting cheers: "For those of you who were awake, I thought (Palin) did a great job on Saturday Night Live, didn't you?" Prompting boos: "After months of campaign trail eloquence, we finally learned what Sen. Obama's economic goal is. As he told Joe (the Plumber), he wants to, quote, 'spread the wealth around.'" "In this country we believe in spreading opportunity." , 12:59 PM
The New Powell Doctrine
The former Bush Secretary of State crosses party lines to endorse Obama, calling him "a transformational figure" who could "not only electrify our country but electrify our world." Says McCain's Ayers attacks have "gone too far," criticizes McCain's "unsure" response to the economic crisis, and says Gov. Palin is unqualified to be vice president. Click above to watch. Makes the announcement on Sunday's "Meet the Press." Says he plans to vote-- but not campaign-- for Obama. Expands on his comments outside the NBC studio-- click here to watch. Permalink
McCain: A Loss Wouldn't Devastate Me
Speaking on "Fox News Sunday," the GOP nominee says he believes his campaign is gathering "enthusiasm and momentum," and expects a late night Nov. 4. But asked if he could "live with" losing the race, responds: "Oh sure... I've got a wonderful life. I have to go back and live in Arizona and be in the United States Senate representing them, and with a wonderful family, and daughters and sons that I'm so proud of, and a life that's been blessed...." Read more from the interview here. Permalink
McCain: Powell Nod No Surprise
"It doesn’t come as a surprise," McCain says on Fox of Gen. Powell's endorsement of Sen. Obama, which he calls "a respectful disagreement." "I'm very pleased to have the endorsement of four former Secretaries of State" and "well over 200 retired generals and admirals. I've admired and continue to respect Secretary Powell." Permalink
Reaction to the Powell Endorsement
Mark Halperin explains why Gen. Powell's endorsement of Obama is "a big deal" on CNN's "Reliable Sources." Click above to watch. Read more reaction from Halperin here. More analysis from: Newt Gingrich: "What that just did in one sound bite...is it eliminated the experience argument." An unnamed Republican: "This Powell endorsement is the nail in the coffin. Not just because of him, but the indictment he laid out of the McCain campaign." Giuliani: " I don't see the same things in Barack Obama that Colin Powell sees.... I think General Powell is wrong, respectfully." Virginia Gov. Kaine: "To have the confidence of Gen. Powell in this election is very important. Virginians care about this. We're a state that loves the military." WashPost's Dan Balz: Offers reassurance on national security, fuels questions about Gov. Palin's qualifications. Criticism of McCain's tone is "damning." Permalink
ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS
Powell and Joe the Plumber on Sunday's political shows-- click here. Permalink
What It Takes: Sunday Edition
HALPERIN'S TAKE: The five most important people in American politics right now -- who aren't running for president. Permalink
Obama Pulls In Record $150 Million
The Land of Lincolner's September fundraising total blows away August's take of $66 million. Campaign claims 632,000 new donors, for a total of 3.1 million total to date. Average contribution: $86. Obama campaign chief Plouffe says the money is needed to counter "the slime that we're getting from the McCain campaign." Watch his video message. DNC raises $50 million in September, with $27.4 million cash on hand. McCain spokesman: Obama "broke his word to the American people and now he's breaking the bank to buy this election." Read full response. Permalink
Obama Ahead in Minnesota Poll
From the Minneapolis Star Tribune, among likely voters: Obama 52, McCain 41 Poll conducted Oct. 16-17. Error margin: 3.8 points. Permalink
Poll: Debates Boost Obama
From ABC News/Washington Post: Is your opinion of Sen. Obama better or worse after the debates? Better 36, worse 12 Is your opinion of Sen. McCain better or worse after the debates? Worse 26, better 20 Conducted Oct. 16-17. Error margin: 4 points. , 7:00 AM
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