Archive - October 24, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

Politico: The Democratic veep candidate airs minute-long ad for re-election to his Delaware seat -- just in case. Spot paints him as a working-class family man, focuses on his taking the train home from D.C. to Delaware every night. Watch it above. Permalink

BUSH CASTS HIS VOTE FOR MCCAIN

The White House says the President and his wife participated in Texas' early voting Friday, casting their ballots for McCain. Their votes will be sent back to the Lone Star State and the President will remain in D.C. on election night. Comes a day after SNL's spoof of Bush offering a hearty endorsement for the McCain ticket. Get all the funny details here. Permalink

Obama Steps in to Help Boost Oregon Senate Candidate

The Land of Lincolner records a TV spot for Jeff Merkley, urging Oregonians to send him to the U.S. Senate for change from "failed Washington policies." First commercial Obama has done for a Democratic Senate candidate this cycle. Watch it above. Permalink

Plouffe Shows Keystone State Defiance/Confidence

The Obama campaign manager says McCain would have to win 15% of the Democratic vote, 95% of the Republican and 60% of the independent vote to take the battleground. "It's a daunting task when you kind of wipe away the spin here and look at the facts." Adds that even though the stats don't look good for their rival, they'll continue to match their campaigning effort in the state. National field director Jon Carson and battleground state director Jen O’Malley also weigh in on the state of the race. Also releases memo detailing early voting stats. Read it here. Permalink

Ridge: Pennsylvania a Must-Win for McCain

The former Keystone State governor asserts: "Unless we win Pennsylvania, I don't think (McCain) is elected president." Defends Palin as VP candidate, but says if he were McCain's running mate "I think the dynamics would be different in Pennsylvania. I think we'd be foolish not to admit it publicly." Permalink

McCain Continues Tax Offensive Against Obama

Speaking in Denver, the Arizonan again hammers his rival's tax agenda. "Senator Obama may say he's trying to soak the rich, but it's the middle class who are going to get put through the wringer, because a lot of his promised tax increase misses the target." Read his full remarks here. Protesters interrupt the speech several times. Drowned out by chants of "U.S.A.!" McCain also holds Friday events in Colorado Springs and Durango. Permalink

Biden: McCain Requires "Costume" to Bring Change

The Democratic veep candidate lands a seasonal blow on the Republican nominee in West Virginia. "I know Halloween is coming. But John McCain as the candidate of change? That’s one costume the American people aren’t going to buy." Read speech excerpts here. Permalink

Michelle Obama Subs in Ohio

With her husband off the trail in Hawaii, the potential first lady riles Columbus crowd with talk of family, jobs and health care. Says her husband will be “an extraordinary president.” Adds of her grandmother-in-law, “she’s doing OK.” Permalink

AYERS, WRIGHT, KILPATRICK STAR IN ANTI-OBAMA MICHIGAN TV AD

New spot by the Our Country Deserves Better PAC attempts to tie Obama’s beliefs those of the former Weather Underground member, pastor and disgraced mayor. Watch it above. Permalink

What It Takes: Friday Edition

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

Palin: I'm "Not Even Thinking About" Future Political Career

When asked about her national political ambitions if the McCain-Palin White House bid is unsuccessful, Palin says she isn't looking past Nov. 4 yet. Tells NBC's Brian Williams: "As for furtherance in a political career, I'm not even thinking about that." Read more excerpts here. Final segment of NBC News' interview with McCain-Palin will air at 6:30 pm ET. Permalink

STOCKS CLOSE DOWN

Trading ends Friday with the Dow negative more than 300 points. S&P's stock index closes off 3.5%. Permalink

Palin Puts Focus on Children With Special Needs

Speaking in Pennsylvania, the Republican veep candidate details her agenda in her first major policy address. Focuses on giving more choices to parents, devoting additional resources to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and putting a larger effort into reform and refocus. "The truest measure of any society is how it treats those who are most vulnerable." Her son Trig, who was born with Down syndrome, attends the speech. Read more details of her policy proposals here and read her full remarks here. Permalink

Palin's Makeup Artist Fetching Top Pay

The VP candidate's traveling makeup artist earned more than anyone else in the campaign in the first two weeks of the month. The former "So You Think You Can Dance" stylist made $22,800 -- topping Mark Salter, Nicolle Wallace and other top aides. Permalink

STOCKS LOWER

The Dow tanks after opening Friday, after massive selloffs in Asia and Europe. Later cuts losses, to around 200 points lower. "The growing belief that the world will suffer a punishing economic recession has investors furiously dumping stocks." Markets in Japan, Germany and France all plummet 10%. Permalink