Archive - October 30, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

AP: EMANUEL APPROACHED FOR POSSIBLE OBAMA CHIEF OF STAFF

Cites sources saying Obama's camp has reached out to House leader to see if he'd be interested in the position if the Democrat wins Tuesday. RNC responds, labeling Emanuel "among the most vitriolic and partisan people in American politics." Statement here. Obama, when asked after his late-night Missouri rally: "I'm trying to win an election, Plouffe is my chief-of-staff." Classic non-denial denials issued by Obama and Emanuel spokespeople. Permalink

POLL: OBAMA MAINTAINS WIDE LEAD

Latest national poll, among likely voters: Obama 52, McCain 41. Dates conducted: Oct. 25-29. Error margin: 3 points. Plus: ABC News/WashPost daily tracking poll finds Obama 52, McCain 44. More here. Permalink

Obama: GOP "Kidnapped" By Bush Administration

Speaking with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, the Senator says he thinks many moderate Republicans are also "hungry for change" from the Bush years. Suggests the GOP has been "kidnapped by an incompetent, highly ideological subset" of the party. "I think there are a lot of Republican voters out there, self-identified, who actually think that what the Bush administration has done has been damaging to the country." Click above to watch. Full interview airs on MSNBC's "Rachel Maddow Show" at 9 pm ET. Permalink

Obama: President-Elect's Job "Gonna Be A Lot Tougher" Because of Economic Crisis

The Democrat tells NBC's Brian Williams that whoever is elected will have a more challenging adjustment than past president-elects because of the state of the economy. "I don't think there's any doubt about that. We--we know that the next President is likely to inherit a significant recession." "We don't know yet how long and how deep it is and what actions we take-- over the next six to nine months could de-- help determine how deep and how long." Also weighs in on how he would determine which judges to select, believes the U.S. needs the auto industry. Read more excerpts here. More from the interview on "Nightly News" at 6:30 pm ET. Permalink

Palin: "We Need Someone Tough As President"

The Alaska Governor suggests that Obama is unable to adequately lead when it comes to national security in her remarks in Erie, Pennsylvania Thursday. "Rousing speeches can fill a stadium, but they cannot keep this country safe. For a season, a man can inspire with his words. But for a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds." Read prepared remarks here. Comes after she sits down with a group of McCain advisers to discuss foreign policy. Permalink

Obama Infomercial a Ratings Hit

Preliminary numbers show close to 30 million viewers tuned in to Wednesday's half-hour special -- more than the programs usually scheduled for that time slot. Permalink

Gibbs: Obama to Play "Trick-or-Treater in Chief" Friday

Top aide tells reporters in Sarasota, Florida Thursday that the Land of Lincolner intends to spend Halloween night with his daughters and wife in Chicago. Says he's not sure what he'll dress up as and it's unclear whether he'd actually go trick or treating with them. Also responds to whether McCain's Khalidi attack will hurt with Jewish voters in Florida: “No, I think the McCain boomerang yesterday landed somewhere between their nose and their forehead.” Listen to the audio of his remarks here. Plus: Obama stops off at a Methodist Church pumpkin patch to pick up a few for Halloween before heading to Missouri. Read pool report here. Permalink

Joe the Plumber Arrives Late

He wasn’t in the crowd earlier in the day when the candidate was looking for him, but the McCain supporter makes an appearance at rally in Sandusky, Ohio. McCain has “our celebrity Joe” speak briefly to the crowd. “The only thing I've been saying is just get out and get informed,” he says. “Don’t take everyone’s opinions. I came to my own opinions by research.” 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

Plouffe on the Final Days

In rare MSNBC interview, the Obama campaign manager says the Democrats will “cover as much ground as we can” before Tuesday, without quite listing where they’ll be. “We’re throwing everything we can at it in the final days,” he adds. Click above to watch. Permalink

Biden Talks Jobs Among Laid Off Autoworkers

The VP candidate promotes Obama's middle class agenda, among dozens of laid off autoworkers in Arnold, Missouri. "At the end of the day, it's ultimately about jobs." Permalink

INDIANA POLLS: IT'S A TIE

From Indianapolis Star/WTHR-TV: Obama 46, McCain 45 Dates conducted: Oct. 26-28. Error margin: 4 points. From WISH-TV Indiana: Obama 47, McCain 47 Dates conducted: Oct. 24-28. Error margin: 5 points. Permalink

FOX POLL: RACE TIGHTENING

From latest Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll, among likely voters: Obama 47, McCain 44 Dates conducted: Oct. 28-29. Error margin: 3 points. Stats from same poll a little over a week ago: Obama 49, McCain 40. Read more on voter confidence in candidates' abilities to deal with economy, terrorists here. Permalink

And the Winner Is.....

Per Mark Halperin's latest TIME Scorecard, one side won a clear victory in the last full week of the campaign. To find out who -- and why -- click here. Permalink

Davis: "We've Got Plenty of Time to Close the Gap"

On a morning conference call, McCain campaign manager Rick Davis stays optimistic on the Arizonan's chances of pulling off a win Tuesday. "We're still fighting, we're still behind, we still think we've got plenty of time to close the gap enough to make this election competitive and win it." Sees McCain "coming back" among suburban men and among Hispanics, particularly in Nevada, New Mexico and states in the upper midwest. "There's no question theres a closing in this campaign." Listen to a clip here, and listen to the whole call here. Permalink