Latest Politics Blog
GOP Official: Wright Will Not Be Used In Ads
By Russell Berman
Staff Reporter of the Sun
With a rebuke of state party officials for using Senator Obama's former pastor in a television ad, the Republican National Committee and the McCain campaign are beginning to define what will be fair game in a general election match-up with the Illinois senator.
Which Clinton Pastor Was Obama Referring To?
By Russell Berman
Staff Reporter of the Sun
In a moment of last night's Democratic debate that hasn't drawn much attention, Senator Obama struck back against Senator Clinton's criticism of his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, by noting that her "former pastor" had publicly stood up for Rev. Wright.
"But what I should also point out is that Senator Clinton's former pastor publicly talked about how Reverend Wright was being caricatured and that, in fact, this is somebody who had maintained an extraordinary ministry for many years," Mr. Obama said.
Clinton Backer Says of McCain: 'It's No Old Man's Job'
By Russell Berman
Staff Reporter of the Sun
WASHINGTON — A prominent backer of Senator Clinton, Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, veered a bit off-message when introducing her this morning in Washington, saying in regard to Senator McCain that the presidency is "no old man's job."
Mr. Murtha, a congressman since 1974, noted that he had served with seven presidents and said they "all get older" during their time in office.
"This one guy running is about as old as me," the 75-year-old lawmaker said of Mr. McCain, 71. "Let me tell you: It's no old man's job."
New Group Forms to Boost Clinton Candidacy
Wealthy supporters of Mrs. Clinton's presidential bid are seeking to revive her candidacy through a new organization which will accept large donations, the American Leadership Project. The group, registered with the IRS on Friday, wants to raise $10 million for pro-Clinton television ads to run in key states like Ohio and Texas, ABC News and the Atlantic magazine reported. "If speeches could create jobs, we wouldn't be facing a recession, but it takes more," an ad released on the Web said yesterday.
Michelle Obama Clarifies Remarks on Pride in America
Campaigning for her husband in Rhode Island yesterday, Michelle Obama sought to clarify comments she made on Monday in which she said the current presidential campaign represented the first time in her "adult life" that she was proud of America. "What I was clearly talking about is that I am proud in how Americans are engaging in the political process," she told WJAR-TV in Providence. Mrs. Obama said she was referring to record turnout in the primaries and caucuses, as well as strong ratings for televised debates.
Endorsement Watch - Teamsters Union
Mr. Obama secured the endorsement yesterday of the 1.4 million member Teamsters Union, giving him a boost among working class voters that have been part of Mrs. Clinton's core constituency. "He is the candidate in the best position to lead our movement to restore the American dream for working people in this country," the Teamsters president, James Hoffa, said in a statement. The endorsement was announced following a meeting in Austin, Texas, and a month-long process that included scientific member polls and other surveys and deliberations, the union said.
Clinton Fund-Raising Watch
Advisers to Senator Clinton are now openly blaming a lack of resources for their failure to fight Senator Obama's presidential campaign more aggressively in caucus states and elsewhere. They are also intent on not being outgunned by Mr. Obama in the remaining contests.
To that end, the Clinton campaign has begun another intense round of fund-raising. The Sun reported today on attempts to seek new Jewish, Irish, Asian, and Indian donors. (Yes, we know India is in Asia, but that's the way the Clinton folks described their outreach.)
McCain Criticizes Obama on Public Financing
Senator McCain is stepping up his criticism of Mr. Obama for backing off a commitment to public financing in the general election, deriding as "Washington doublespeak" the Democrat's plan to seek a condition-laden agreement with the likely Republican nominee. "I committed to public financing. He committed to public financing," Mr. McCain told reporters in Ohio yesterday. "It's not any more complicated than that. I'll keep my word, and I want him to keep his." Public financing would limit how much the candidates could spend in the election, and by participating in the program Mr.
President Clinton: Wife Must Win Texas and Ohio
President Clinton cast his wife's chances for the Democratic nomination in plain terms yesterday: She must win Texas and Ohio, or else. "If she wins Texas and Ohio, I think she'll be the nominee," Mr. Clinton told a rally in Beaumont, Texas, according to ABC News. "If you don't deliver for her, then I don't think she can be. It's all on you." Senator Obama of Illinois has won the past 10 contests over the former first lady and has increased his lead in delegates. Advisers to Senator Clinton stopped just short of making the same declaration yesterday in a conference call with reporters.
Cindy McCain Responds to Michelle Obama's 'Proud' Comment
An off-key remark from Michelle Obama drew a rare response from Cindy McCain, the wife of the likely Republican presidential nominee, Senator McCain. Mrs. Obama raised eyebrows on Monday when she told a rally in Milwaukee, Wis., "Let me tell you, for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country." Introducing her husband at an event in Wisconsin yesterday, Mrs. McCain seemingly went out of her way to say, "I'm proud of my country, I don't know about you, if you heard those words earlier.
