From today's Hotline:
"PETA is not happy that my dog likes fresh air."
-- Mitt Romney, on strapping his dog to the top of the car, WTAE-TV online, 6/29
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
The defeat of the immigration bill dominated last night's political talk:
CNN's Dobbs: "A crushing defeat for President Bush and the Senate's democratic leadership on amnesty, a glorious victory for the American people" ("Lou Dobbs Tonight," 6/28).
NBC's Russert: "It's dead, finito, mort. It is over" ("Nightly News," 6/28).
NBC's Gregory: "For the president it was a stinging political defeat" ("Nightly News," 6/28).
CBS' Axelrod: "Bush was in no mood for questions about his stunning defeat" ("Evening News," 6/28).
FNC's Garrett: "The president's post-defeat remarks -- terse" ("Special Report," 6/28).
PBS' Holman: "The handful of conservative Republicans who helped kill the immigration bill today credited the American people for bombarding senators' offices with calls opposed to the deal" ("NewsHour," 6/28).
CNN's Johns: "In fact, there were so many calls to the U.S. Capitol complex, that the entire system shut down" ("AC 360," 6/28).
And Fred Thompson sat down with FNC's Cameron:
On the failed immigration vote: "Sometimes not making the wrong move is better than nothing at all. I think if they had an immigration bill that doesn't secure the border, I think that it shows a disconnect with the American people that they thought that they could convince them."
Cameron: "Senator McCain, your friend and rival, says that it's wrong to do nothing. Is he wrong?"
Thompson: "No, I think we should do something. I think that we should enforce the law. That's a very good place to start and the American are saying don't put on a piece of paper that you are going to secure the border and call it a bill."
On allegations he's not pro-life enough, Thompson: "I got the National Right to Life endorsement in 1994 when I first ran. They were the only ones who came down and sat down and interviewed me at the time. And I had a full discussion with them. And then I proceeded to cast 100 percent votes in the anti-abortion fashion" ("Special Report," 6/28). [EMILY GOODIN]
As if to prove Thomas Wolfe wrong, three top presidential contenders tried to go home again this week. Each trip spoke volumes about the unique challenges each candidate faces in 2008. It also raised some interesting questions: How do hometowns define candidates? And what happens if they don't have one? Read John Mercurio's PolitiScope to find out.
From today's Hotline:
"When decent people spoke out and said they didn't want to hear that any more, it changed."
-- Elizabeth Edwards, on how her Coulter response is like the civil rights movement, "Today," NBC, 6/28
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
There was a hodge podge of topics on TV last night -- from immigration to VP Cheney to Paris Hilton but the big political interview was John Edwards on "Hardball":
On Elizabeth's call to Ann Coulter: "Elizabeth made this decision on her own to call in."
More: "I applaud Elizabeth. I think that when people like Ann Coulter -- and it's not just her, unfortunately, it's her and people just like her, Karl Rove and all those people. I mean, when they engage us in this kind of hate-mongering, you have to stand up to them. You have to stand up to them."
He continues: "I feel the need to point out this woman didn't just use it against me. I mean, the things she said about Senator Obama, the things she said about Senator Clinton, they all fall in the same category. And they're calculated to create an emotional response. They're calculated to make people hate. And if you don't speak out against it, then that means you're tolerating this kind of language and it means you think it's OK. It's not OK."
MSNBC's Matthews: "Can you dismiss this as hate speech and negativity and debasing of the political process and at the same time have your campaign use the comments made by Ann Coulter to raise money? It's clearly part of your Web site e-mail campaign solicitation effort now. Two e-mails have gone out now to raise money off of Ann Coulter's attacks on you and your family. Do you think you can do both, attack her and exploit her?"
Edwards: "Here's what I think. I think that we can say to America that we're not going to tolerate this kind of behavior, we're not going to tolerate this kind of hate language and we're going to stand up and we're going to fight. And if we ask Americans, other good Americans to join us in standing up and being strong, there's nothing wrong with that. And that's exactly what we're asking them to do. And I hope there'll be lots of people who will join us in standing up and doing the right thing."
Asked how much they've raised from it: "I don't know the numbers. I hope they go up. I hope we get more and more people who join us in this cause because this is important" (MSNBC, 6/27). [EMILY GOODIN]
From today's Hotline:
"The United States government, then President Clinton, did not respond."
-- Rudy Giuliani, on "the first attack on America," in '93, AP, 6/26
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
With the second quarter coming to a close 6/30, Joe Biden gathered his high-dollar donors at the Phoenix Park Hotel last night and gave them this assessment: fundraising isn’t everything. During the meeting --- part status report, part pep talk— Biden said he’s expecting to raise between $2-3M. Probably not the big gains they were hoping for, he realizes, but rest assured: the proof is in a different sort of pudding. It’s in the press.
The message here is one of classic Biden assurance: what he lacks in money, he makes up for in money shots. “The press wants me in this thing,” he said confidently. Biden instructed the group of $10K-and-over-donors to take a look at the papers and the recent slew of great coverage he’s getting. And as if announcing endorsements, he proudly noted the winning reviews he’s been receiving from David Yepsen, Adam Nagorney, David Broder, Mark Shields, and Eleanor Clift [NORA McALVANAH].
Ann Coulter got an entire hour of "Hardball" last night and Elizabeth Edwards called in to say this: "I'm calling -- you know, in the South, when someone does something that displeases us, we want to ask them politely to stop doing it. I would like to ask Ann Coulter if she wants to debate on issues, on positions, we certainly disagree with nearly everything she said on your show today. But it is quite another matter for these personal attacks. The things that she has said over the years, not just about John, but about other candidates, lowers our political dialogue precisely at the time that we need to raise it. So, I want to use the opportunity, which I don't get much, because Ann and I don't hang out with the same people, to ask her politely to stop the personal attacks."
Coulter: "The wife of a presidential candidate is calling in, asking me to stop speaking?"
E. Edwards: "You wrote a column a couple years ago which made fun of the moment of Charlie Dean's death, and suggested that my husband had a bumper sticker on the back of his car that said, 'Ask me about my dead son.' ... This is not legitimate political dialogue. It debases political dialogue. It drives people away from the process. We can't have a debate about issues if you're using this kind of language."
More E. Edwards: "I have not talked to John about this call." She continues: "I'm making this call as a mother. I'm the mother of that boy who died."
Coulter: "I think we heard all we need to hear. The wife of a presidential candidate is asking me to stop speaking. No" (MSNBC, 6/26).
Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN) went on the "NewsHour" to talk about his floor speech.
On why he spoke now: "I think now is the time the president has an opportunity to gain a bipartisan foreign policy in Iraq and in the Middle East. ... Rather than going on with the surge ... we ought to reposition our American forces in other places in Iraq where they have greater safety ... and we ought to bring some of them out of Iraq."
On why not wait until September: "There will be more American causalities by September. There will not be much progress by the Iraqi parliament and government. ... What's also being lost is the potential for a diplomatic initiative."
Asked if other GOPers will follow him: "Well they may not want to follow in my wake -- they may have very independent views -- but I think they are all thinking very hard about this and trying to think how they can work with the president and that is my point -- it is not to get in an adversarial situation" (PBS, 6/26).
And Joe Biden was in the "Situation Room":
On Lugar's floor speech: "Lugar is the most respected Republican in the area of foreign policy. His departure from the president's position is one he's long held in my private discussions with him. But him going public with it is a big, big deal."
More: "I called him to thank him for making the speech. I think it's significant. And I also called to tell him -- which will probably get me in trouble -- but I called to tell him if the president is really willing to make a change in course, I'll jump in the tank. I will be part of an effort to get us out of this mess if he needs some bipartisan help to do it."
Asked about VP Cheney: "He's got all this secret information. He has total access to every single solitary secret in the federal government. Who died and left him boss? No matter what construct you come up with, why is he not responsible for being accountable to how he handles that information? And this ridiculous construct, this constitutional web he's weaving that he is president of the Senate, he's not a -- look, if he's not Rahm Emanuel has a bill. If he's not a member of the executive branch, good. Eliminate his salary. Take away his house" (CNN, 6/26). [EMILY GOODIN]
CA Assemb. Laura Richardson (D) topped state Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D) and the rest of the field in yesterday’s CA-37 primary, but since she didn’t garner 50% of the vote, she’ll face a nominal 8/21 runoff before heading to Congress. The results, with 100% of the precincts reporting:
House Government and Oversight Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) has shot another flaming arrow at the White House, this time accusing the White House of being careless in its handling of classified material and ignoring flagrant breaches of security. “There is evidence that both the White House and the Office of the Vice President have flaunted multiple requirements for protecting classified information,” wrote Waxman in a letter to White House Counsel Fred Fielding. The letter is the latest move in Waxman’s escalating investigation of Vice President Cheney’s handling of classified documents.
Waxman said he has been contacted by “current and former White House security personnel” who say they were ignored when they reported breaches, such as “a report that a White House official left classified materials unattended in a hotel room” or reports that “White House officials left classified information on their desks”, says the letter. The security officials were prevented from “conducting unannounced inspections of the West Wing”, such as those allowed by previous administrations, wrote Waxman, who called White House security practices “dangerously inadequate.
A Waxman aide says congressional investigators have been quietly talking to current and former members of a little-known office, the White House Security Office, which oversees security at the White House itself. In his letter, Waxman demanded that he be allowed to depose “White House officials with knowledge of these security matters” or he will issue subpoenas for them on Thursday [LINDA DOUGLASS].
From today's Hotline:
"I believe that Senator Lugar's words yesterday could be remembered as a turning point. "
-- Senate Maj. Leader Harry Reid, NYTimes.com, 6/26
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
John and Elizabeth Edwards were on the "Tonight Show" last night:
Jay Leno: "Now, you guys have a 30th wedding anniversary coming up. Now, I know you being a cheapskate, don't you go to Wendy's every year?"
J. Edwards: "Every year."
Leno: "Now that you're successful, do you get the double burger?"
J. Edwards: "Well, see, you can't spend money on food when you're spending money on haircuts."
Leno: "Exactly. Thank you. You provide weeks of monologue. I appreciate that."
J. Edwards: "I did it entirely for your benefit. I want you to know that."
Leno: "You know something? If you can talk your wife into Wendy's on your 30th anniversary, this Middle East thing should be no problem" (NBC, 6/25).
There was also talk on the SCOTUS ruling on McCain-Feingold:
ABC's Stephanopoulos: "This ruling blows a hole in McCain-Feingold." More: "This is certainly going to increase the pressure, it was already heading that way, for the major party nominees to completely opt out of the public financing and spending limits system" ("World News," 6/25).
And there was late breaking news on Sen. Dick Lugar's (R-IN) floor statement on Iraq:
CNN's Cooper: "It is a complete 180 for Senator Lugar" ("AC 360," 6/25).
CNN's Bash: "This really ... is a defining moment in the Iraq political debate because Senator Richard Lugar is one of the most respected, most influential Republican voices in Congress when it comes to foreign policy. Until now he has been pretty muted in his public criticism of the president's strategy of Iraq" ("AC 360," 6/25). [EMILY GOODIN]
As the 2nd fundraising quarter comes to a close, Barack Obama's campaign is opening up the warchest for a new "low-level" media campaign in IA. It features two "documentary-style" ads, one touting Obama's background as a community organizer, the other highlighting his work as a state legislator in neighboring Illinois. The campaign says that the ads will allow Iowans to "better understand that Obama's vision for bringing the country together to solve important problems is not just campaign rhetoric. For him, it's been a way of life."
Each ad leads with selections from the 2004 Convention speech that put Obama on the national map. Also of note are some of the testimonials in each. An SEIU official praises Obama for "organizing at a time when everything was collapsing." And a Republican state senator says that Obama had "negotiation skills and an ability to understand both sides." [MIKE MEMOLI]
From today's Hotline:
"I don't sit here and say, 'God, being a former senator is a bummer, I want the power back.'"
-- Ex-Sen. Bob Kerrey, on whether he'll run for NE SEN in '08, Omaha World-Herald, 6/25.
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
From today's Hotline:
"We are confident that we are conducting the office properly under the law."
-- Cheney spokesperson Lee Anne McBride, on VP claims he isn't fully part of the Bush admin., mult., 6/22.
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
Ralph Nader made the TV rounds last night:
Nader: "I wish someone else would run on the progressive banner. ... But they don't want to do it. And this politics stinks so badly that it drives out good candidates. Good potential candidates don't want to get into it. And when you see that, you've got to go in and try to clean it up. ... I'll decide in the fall. I haven't decided."
Asked if he is more likely to run if Hillary Clinton gets the Dem nod: "No. ... It's not just her, it's the whole rotten system that, you know, turns off half the population who don't even bother to vote because it doesn't mean anything for them" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 6/21).
Asked if he's getting in race: "It's too early to say. ... The others are getting in the race because they have to raise hundreds of millions of dollars and we have to raise thousands of volunteers."
On if Bloomberg gets in: "That would make things very interesting" ("Situation Room," CNN, 6/21).
Tom Tancredo was on "Hannity & Colmes" to talk about the immigration bill. FNC's Hannity told him: "Stop it in the House if it passes." Tancredo replied: "I will do my best, buddy" (FNC, 6/21).
Washington Post's Romano, on the "Hillaryland" story and group photo: "They have a couple pushes they're doing right now. One is to humanize her. This is a very important thing. They're doing it through the Sopranos ad, through the video, through everything. And the other is women. I mean, they have made a serious decision that they need to be the dominating force in the women's vote to win this election. So this group of women sitting for this picture went to both of those. And I've got to tell you, more than almost any piece I've done in my career, I got so much reaction today, I mean, dozens and dozens and dozens of emails from people who said it gave them a sense of her" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 6/21). [EMILY GOODIN]
Joe Biden was the guest at the Christian Science Monitor luncheon this afternoon but was only able to spend 30 minutes with reporters, having to return to the Hill for a vote. Most of the discussion focused on Iraq with Biden reiterating his stance he is the only Dem with a "political solution" for the country.
Since he warned reporters he would have leave early to make a vote, he was asked how he was balancing being a sen with being a WH candidate. "Extremely well" was the reply. He said he expected to miss "lots of votes" but didn't expect to miss any votes where his absence would affect the outcome. He added he didn't plan to miss any votes where his absence would have a "political outcome."
As for the low approval ratings Congress is currently subject to, Biden: "I have been the skunk at the family picnic ... for saying we do not have effective control" in Congress. He noted of the critics: "It's a lot easier to say the Congress should end this war ... Well, join the Congress."
Biden was also asked his opinion of Pres. Bush's proposal to make outgoing British PM Tony Blair the new Middle East envoy. Biden: "He can only be as effective as the president is willing to engage." [EMILY GOODIN]
A few hours after Mike Bloomberg announced he was leaving the GOP, a little-known Website was so overwhelmed with traffic that it crashed. Unity '08, a grassroots campaign to elect a bipartisan presidential ticket next year, is suddenly attracting a lot of attention.
From today's Hotline:
"As we reported, I was instructed to veer off, which to me is the same as telling someone to leave."
-- NYT's Mark Leibovich, on allegedly getting pulled over by Romney's private security detail, AP, 6/21.
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
Michael Bloomberg continued to be the talk of TV.
Note: Bloomberg was on "NewsHour" last night in a joint interview with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. However, this pre-taped interview was conducted before he made the announcement about his party switch and WH '08 was not discussed.
NBC's Gregory: "Would a third New Yorker be one too many for the country to take?" ("Nightly News," 6/20).
FNC's Cameron: "Some say a Bloomberg candidacy could hurt Republicans the way independent candidate Ross Perot did against the first President Bush back in the 1992 campaign. But as a Democrat for most of his life, with decidedly socially liberal views, he could also take votes from Democrats, not unlike the way Ralph Nader did in 2000 from Al Gore" ("Special Report," 6/20).
MSNBC's Shuster: "Bloomberg might be to appeal in a general election to moderate voters who are turned off by the extreme views that candidates are required to put forward to win the Democratic and Republican nominations" ("Hardball," 6/20).
Washington Post's Balz: "I think he is a long way from having made a decision. I think he wants to continue to raise his visibility, move around the country in a way that he hasn't been able to do, begin to explore, to see whether there's a receptivity. We know there's a receptivity to the general message he's talking about, which is that the political system in Washington is broken. I think he wants to find out whether there's real receptivity to Michael Bloomberg as the person to fix that" ("NewsHour," PBS, 6/20).
Ex-Sen. Al D'Amato: "I believe him right now that he's not. But is he looking at it? Absolutely. Is he measuring it? Absolutely. If he sees that both parties come up with candidates who are fractures, and there's resentment and there's not overwhelming support, then Mike Bloomberg, and only then, would he take a shot" ("Hannity & Colmes," FNC, 6/20). [EMILY GOODIN]
From today's Hotline:
"I love coming here."
-- Hillary Clinton at the Take Back America conference, "with a smile while the crowd continued to boo," AP, 6/20.
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
Leading the political news was Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to switch his voter registration:
NBC's Russert: "This strategy is quite simple. He's positioning himself for a potential, potential, underscore potential independent run for the presidency. He will make a decision in early 2008 depending on who the major parties nominate and the tone of the campaign. ... He's willing to spend $500 million of his own money. ... He would only run if he could win. ... He's very pragmatic" ("Nightly News," 6/19).
CNN's Crowley: "What's interesting is everything Bloomberg has said in the past couple of months would lead you to believe that he is not going to run for president. He practically says, I'm not going to run. But then he does all these things that lead you to believe that he is going to run for president. So take your pick" ("Situation Room," 6/19).
FNC's Vogel: "Whatever his plans, the popular New York mayor could quickly mount a viable campaign if he chose to" ("Special Report," 6/19).
Outgoing OMB dir. Rob Portman was in the "Situation Room."
Asked about reports he's leaving to run for OH GOV in 2010 and to put distance between himself and Pres. Bush between now and then: "It's an interesting theory, but it's false. ... The reason I'm going home is to spend time with my family. And you understand that, having talked to you about this issue before and seeing your own kids. I mean, it is tough in this job to be able to be a dad and a husband and a good son. And, so for me, it's time to go home for a while, reconnect with my family, and then see what comes."
Asked if he's going to help rebuild the OH GOP: "Well, we will see. We will see. I have got a 12-year- old, a 15-year-old, and a 17-year-old. And that's what's foremost on my mind right now. Again, this job is tough on the family. It's entailed a lot of sacrifice on behalf of my family. They live in Cincinnati. I do the commute every week back and forth. And it's time for me to go home for a while" (CNN, 6/19).
There was also talk of the Clintons' spoof of the "Sopranos" ending:
MSNBC's Matthews: "How many electoral votes does New Jersey have?" ("Today," NBC, 6/20).
National Journal's Douglass: "What struck me, is that whenever she feels that she needs help, she brings in Bill Clinton, the domesticated husband. ... It may work the first time, when you look at it again, I wonder if it doesn't make you just a little bit uncomfortable" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 6/19).
MSNBC's Shuster: "One of the things that I think is so brilliant about what Hillary is doing is there is finally the use of the Internet where you see campaigns trying to engage their supporters in active participation and then it breeds ownership. All the people who voted in the Hillary campaign song, now feel like they have an ownership stake in some small kind of hokey part of the campaign" ("Tucker," 6/19). [EMILY GOODIN]
Ex-state Sen. Jim Whitehead (R) topped the field in the special election tonight, but will face either physician Paul Broun (R) or businessman James Marlow (D) in a 7/17 runoff. Currently, Broun leads Marlow by 187 votes for the second spot in the runoff. The results, with 96% of the precincts reporting:
A hungry, liberal audience at the Campaign for America's Future Take Back America Conference spent their lunch hour today listening to speeches from Barack Obama and John Edwards. Prior to their appearances, progressive activists gathered alongside supporters of the two top tier candidates in the lobby of the Washington Hilton Ballroom. However, a quick glance into the crowd would have led one to believe this was purely an Obama event. A lone Edwards staffer stood in the middle of the lobby handing out campaign signs amidst a sea of "Obama '08" t-shirt clad volunteers at surrounding tables. The trend continued in the ballroom when a faint Edwards chant was quickly overshadowed by a roaring O-BAMA, O-BAMA!
Obama immediately appealed to the progressive crowd in his refined preachy-style. He highlighted his role as a community organizer on Chicago's southside and his decision to "turn down those corporate job offers" after law school to return to Chicago, painting himself as something "we haven't seen in years." Obama: "On paper it is impossible that I'm here as a U.S. candidate for president. ... I know it's possible." It felt as if the crowd was on its feet before Obama even finished each policy point.
Edwards was greeted with a less boisterous welcome (with some of the crowd parting early for the afternoon's Employee Free Choice Act rally on Capitol Hill) but received hearty applause for his harsh criticism of the Iraq war and Congress' "broken promises" of withdrawal. Edwards: "No more pontificating. No more vacillating. No more triangulating. No more broken promises. No more pats on the head. No more we'll-get-around-to-it-next-time. No more taking half a loaf." In addition to his usual policy pitches surrounding poverty and an increased global awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDs and other issues, Edwards called for the creation of "green collar jobs" and a "patriotism" for environmental conservation versus war.
Where were the Edwards supporters today? Probably busy getting ready for the party at MCCXXII tonight! [AMY DUDLEY]
From today's Hotline:
"Opposition research is part of the game that's played, partly because you guys rely on it for stories."
-- Barack Obama, Des Moines Register, 6/19.
Hillary Clinton's campaign just announced the winner of her online song competition.
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
NBC's Allen gave a primer on the Mormon religion on last night's "Nightly News": "The Mormon church ... is relatively young -- founded in the 1830s -- a brief history that has been a constant struggle for acceptance. ... Now it's America's fourth largest religion. And politics is nothing new. Fifteen members of Congress are Mormons -- most are Republicans but so is Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid" (6/18).
And then ABC's Harris examined Mitt Romney's religion on "GMA": "Fairly or unfairly, however, Mitt Romney's Mormonism is coming in for increasing scrutiny" (6/19).
ABC's Stephanopoulos: "They have a strategy to deal with it. Number one -- [Romney] is aggressively reaching out to christian and evangelical leaders saying 'I am a Christian.' ... Secondly, that he does deplore some parts of the Mormon past -- polygamy, racial separation. Finally, most importantly, he believes in this bed-rock separation between church and state" ("GMA," 6/19).
And Jim Gilmore was on "Tucker" to talk about his op-ed in the Washington Post:
Gilmore: "The thing that really motivated me to write my letter today, my open letter to the president, is the simple fact that more and more people keep trying to put all the responsibility for this on the people of the United States and of the United States of America. And that's not where it belongs."
Asked if GOPers should back away from Pres. Bush on this: "I don't know the politics of this. All I care about at this point is protecting the interests of the United States of America" (MSNBC, 6/18). [EMILY GOODIN]
We've got the titles the WH '08ers should pick up next time they're in the the
self-help aisle -- take a look!
Visit HotlineTV.net for the latest predictions, to sign up for email alerts or to view our now daily webisodes, plus check in on Fridays for the full weekly show!
From today's Hotline:
"I am in it whole hog, as they say in Iowa."
-- Mitt Romney, on the Ames straw poll, Des Moines Register, 6/17
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
From today's Hotline:
"With an older electorate, do we really want to force our voters out during conditions that could jeopardize their health and safety?"
-- PA GOP Chair Robert Gleason, on not joining the 2/5 primary, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 6/15
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
In the last 72 hours, Mike Bloomberg has been on the cover of TIME, the subject of the feature story in Business Week and a special guest on NBC's "Nightly News."
The three media outlets described the NYC mayor as "forthright," "prosaic," "self-confident," "tough," an "Eagle Scout," "an executive," "a CEO," "a cutthroat businessman," "a press mogul," "a Wall Street mogul," a "technocrat," someone who "isn't typical," "a risk-taker," "self-made," "a billionaire," "a self-made billionaire" a "pint-size billionaire" and, of course someone with "no political debts" who is "beholden to no one."
Sounds like the media has found a new sweetheart. Interviewing Bloomberg, Brian Williams even swooned, "Oh, you must have an opinion on whether or not you'd make a good president."
Our question: Couldn’t Bloomberg, forthright Eagle Scout and cutthroat mogul that he apparently is, cool down the courtship if he wasn’t just as interested? [PATRICK OTTENHOFF]
Scooter Libby's jail sentence and the return of the immigration bill were the main political news last night:
MSNBC's Shuster: "At this point, the only thing that could essentially keep Scooter Libby from reporting to prison in the next six to eight weeks will be if Scooter Libby suddenly had his memory refreshed and went to prosecutors and said, Remember all of those conversations that I said I couldn't remember about Vice President Cheney regarding the leak of Valerie Wilson and regarding my testimony to the FBI and grand jury? Well, now I remember those conversations" ("Hardball," 6/14).
Outgoing WH Counselor Dan Bartlett, on Libby: "As long as there is an appeals process, he's still outside of the custody of the criminal justice system. My understanding is there would be some time before that would take place. In the meantime, there's an appeals process, an emergency appeals process, that is being filed. For that reason, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to weigh in, either on the elements of the case or the status of the appeal."
Asked about it again: "I just don't think it would be prudent for me to dive into the details or process that may or may not be going on inside the White House, for something as sensitive as the subject in this case. It is important that the appeals process be able to be exhausted. Scooter and his team is going through that right now. And we'll reserve judgment until those appeals are exhausted" ("AC 360," CNN, 6/14).
FNC's Baier: "Trying to salvage a comprehensive immigration reform bill, President Bush today endorsed a plan to lock in money for border security, in order to win the support of skeptical Republican senators who doubted that real border enforcement would happen under the bill" ("Special Report," 6/14).
CNN's Bash: "Under the deal, opponents will be allowed to offer some 20 amendments to change what they don't like about the bill, a breakthrough, after intense behind-closed-doors investigations, led by senators who vowed not to give up" ("AC 360," 6/14).
And Mike Huckabee was on "Hannity & Colmes":
Asked why he hasn't been able to break into the top tier: "Money. I mean, it's real simple. You know, the people who have a lot more money tend to be looked at as the ones who have a message to go with it. I don't think that's necessarily the case. I still think, though, that this race is far from over. You know, we've got to raise more money. That's the biggest challenge we have. And you know, we're looking at creative ways to do it. You know, if I have to sell a kidney, I mean, I think we're coming to that maybe at some point" (FNC, 6/14). [EMILY GOODIN]
No more panelists, no more local TV anchors and no more Wolf Blitzer asking the questions. The July 23rd DNC debate in Charleston, SC, and the GOP WH '08 debate September 17th in Florida, is between you, YouTube and the candidates. CNN personality Anderson Cooper will host the new kind of debate, which will allow users to submit questions starting today to Democratic Presidential candidates over the video-sharing Web site. CNN will be in charge of picking which YouTube video questions will be asked of the candidates.
"This is the most democratic of all structures," said CNN VP and DC Bureau Chief David Bohrman on the debate structure. "Everyone in the country has the possibility of asking a question of someone who might be the next president."
From today's Hotline:
"I guess politics can get a little testy if you're having a difficult time yourself."
-- Mitt Romney, asked about John McCain on the "Michael Medved Show," release, 6/13
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
The subpoenas of ex-WH pol. dir. Sara Taylor and ex-WH counsel Harriet Miers dominated the political news last night:
ABC's Greenburg: "This is the most significant clash between the White House and Congress since President Bush took office. Congress is using force. This is not a request. This is a demand" ("World News," 6/13).
MSNBC's Shuster: "Democrats are hoping ... that the White House will not take that dramatic step to protect a couple of White House officials that most people outside of Washington have never heard of. And then, if Taylor and Miers do testify, then the Democrats can go back, issue a subpoena for Karl Rove, and say, Well, wait a second, precedent has already been set. You've got these other White House officials who have testified. Why won't the White House allow Karl Rove to testify?" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 6/13).
CNN's Toobin: "They want Karl Rove, under oath, in public. That's what the Democrats really want here, because what the Democrats believe is that this U.S. attorneys firing was orchestrated out of Rove's office. The problem is, they're a long way from there. And the days are winding down in this administration" ("AC 360," 6/13).
Rudy Giuliani was on "Money & Politics":
Asked if it's a conflict of interest to be run his businesses and run for office: "I'm basically out of both. I spend most of my time now running as we get closer and closer we'll even further out of it." More: "It means I will not be involved in the day-to-day work of those companies."
Asked if it's fair for people to judge him based on his companies' clients: "No, of course not. ... Some of the people you represent in a law firm are people that have troubles and problems -- you gotta straighen them out. It's like judging a doctor necessarily by the patients they have. Doctors are there to cure people. Lawyers are there to handle legal problems. If doctors or the lawyers are doing it unethically that's something you should judge them on. But if the doctor or the lawyer is doing their job in an ethical way fulfilling their professional obligation then it isn't the same standard you would have politically" (Bloomberg, 6/13). [EMILY GOODIN]
From today's Hotline:
"I don't ever look in the mirror and think about would I ever be a good president."
-- NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg, "Nightly News," 6/12
Retired Gen. Wesley Clark will now be exclusively on MSNBC as a military analyst, sources have confirmed to the Hotline. Clark has still not ruled out a possible White House bid and MSNBC would be a much more Dem-friendly audience than his old gig -- Fox News Channel [EMILY GOODIN].
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
Immigration was the main topic of TV last night:
PBS' Holman: "The last time President Bush took his motorcade to the Capitol for a Tuesday policy lunch with Senate Republicans was six years ago" ("NewsHour," 6/12).
FNC's Baier: "Bush tried to persuade skeptical Republicans that the comprehensive immigration bill stalled in the Senate is still the best way to secure the border, telling reporters after the nearly hour and a half long lunch meeting that he will continue to personally try to salvage this bill" ("Special Report," 6/12).
CNN's Bash: "According to several Republican senators in this meeting, the president did something he's accused of not doing here for years on Capitol Hill, and that is he listened. He listened to senators' ideas, to their complaints and their concerns about this divisive issue" ("Lou Dobbs Tonight," 6/12).
NBC's Gregory: "Aides said the president made a point of saying, during this meeting on the Hill, that he didn't come to twist arms. Well, it's also clear tonight that he hasn't changed any minds, either" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 6/12).
ABC's Tapper: "Reid ... said that he's not going to bring the immigration reform bill back onto the floor of the Senate for a vote unless 25 Republican Senators are committed to voting for it. Unless President Bush works a lot harder and changes many more minds than he did today that seems a very tall order and it seems this bill may be dead" ("World News," 6/12).
Fred Thompson was on the "Tonight Show."
Asked if he thinks Al Gore will leave show business and get in the WH race: "That would be a foolish thing to do, wouldn't it?"
Asked if he wants to make any announcements: "Well, not any real big ones, but we have just formed a Testing-the-Waters Committee that allows us to start raising a little money."
NBC's Leno: "Let me ask you something. Now, the waters have already risen to second place. You're in second
place now. That's pretty good water-testing."
Thompson: "Let's not say they've risen. Let's say they're warm."
Asked if he wants to be POTUS: "I've never craved the job of president, but I want to do some things that only a president can do. So the answer's yes."
Asked why leave politics and come back: "Well, I put term limits on myself for one thing. I never planned on spending a career in Washington. You know, I often say after eight years in Washington, I long for the realism and sincerity of Hollywood. But, you know, the fire in the belly issue comes up every once in a while. But folks don't remember that I carried Tennessee twice by 20-point margins. And Tennessee is the state that Bill Clinton carried twice. So you do what's necessary when and if you decide to do it. And that's why we're doing this bigger job too" (NBC, 6/12).
NBC's Williams spent the day with NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg, including a morning ride on the subway:
Bloomberg: "I will take the subway four times a day."
Williams: "The man who followed Rudy into city hall says he is all about making the city better."
Asked how he will make the city more green, Bloomberg: "There are things you can. I have changed the light bulbs in my house into these compact florescent bulbs. It cuts your lighting bill by 60 percent. Same thing in city hall. We're doing it through all the city buildings. ... We're going to plant a million trees."
Williams: "Bloomberg is tough on gun control. ... Even tougher on city schools. ... But beyond New York what about Washington? He confirms people have talked to him about running about president. And he's got the money."
Asked if he would be a good POTUS, Bloomberg: "I just want to be a good mayor."
Asked again: "I don't ever look in the mirror and think about would I ever be a good president. I do think our country do has to do some things to save our relationship overseas. I think we're unwilling to face the problems of who's going to pay your social security when you retire, who's going to pay for health care. There's a lot of these issues that Washington is not willing to face but I don't think you can blame the president or the Republican or the Democrats or the Senate or the House. It's the everybody in Washington" (NBC, 6/12). [EMILY GOODIN]
Dina Titus endorsed Hillary Clinton in a conference call this afternoon. The endorsement is a “one-two punch” for Clinton’s campaign, which is capitalizing on Titus’ support, and NV's early-calendar position with a newly created “Women of the West” effort.
Titus -- a DNC member/NV Senate Min. Leader and '06 GOV nom, who will co-chair the effort -- was considered a big “get” for presidential candidates-- even after her failed race last year. “Her followers are as devoted as I’ve ever seen,” said Clinton's state chairman and Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid.
Titus said she will use her connections in Carson City, where she has served since '88, her support with groups like EMILY’s List and her UNLV connections to help Clinton. She also said her loss can provide some lessons for Clinton. “I’ve learned a lot of people and a lot of players” Titus said in reflection [NORA McALVANAH].
Sick of filing through those endless PDF reports? The FEC introduced a new feature on its Web site today -- an interactive map that shows how much each candidate has raised right down to the zip code. Right now the site only offers WH candidates, but FEC spokesman Bob Biersack said it will eventually include House and SEN candidates, probably after the 7/15 filing deadline for the 2ndQ.
You may recognize these maps. Biersack said that the FEC was so impressed with the New York Times’ Q1 package that they decided to buy the same software. He says they only spent $12K of your taxpayer funds though, choosing to forgo some of the bells and whistles that make the Times’ campaign finance page so fluid.
Continued after the jump.
From today's Hotline:
"I am focused on protecting our kids."
-- AG Alberto Gonzales, focusing, AP, 6/12
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
Here are some tidbits to get your day started:
John McCain campaign manager Terry Nelson sent out an e-mail noting a national call day will be held Thursday (6/14) as part of the campaign's final fundraising push before the end of the second quarter. The quarter ends June 30th. Mitt Romney raised $23M in the first quarter while Rudy Giuliani raised $15M and McCain raised $12.5M.
Bill Richardson released his third "Job Interview" TV ad yesterday. This one focuses on global warming. In the ad, Richardson defends his environmental record, as the job interviewer tells him: "But what I asked you is 'If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?"
A CNN/WMUR poll of likely New Hampshire Dem primary voters has Hillary Clinton leading Barack Obama 36-22%, and has John Edwards and Al Gore receiving 12% each.
An AP polls of Republican primary voters has Fred Thompson up 17 points since their last survey.
The '08ers who did not vote on the Gonzales resolution: Joe Biden, Sam Brownback, Chris Dodd, McCain, and Obama.
Five of the seven Republicans who voted for the no-confidence resolution are up in '08: Gordon Smith (OR), Chuck Hagel (NE), Norm Coleman (MN), John Sununu (NH), and Susan Collins (ME).
And tonight Fred Thompson appears on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno." [EMILY GOODIN]
TV went dark on political coverage as there was lots of talk on the ending of the "Sopranos" but there was some shop talk, mainly on the fact the Senate didn't quite get the vote it wanted on AG Alberto Gonzales:
ABC's Stephanopoulos: "This resolution was designed primarily to put Republicans on the spot. And Republicans pointed out all day long that the author of the resolution was also the chairman the Democratic campaign committee Senator Chuck Schumer ("World News," 6/11).
CNN's Bash: "Seven Republicans broke ranks with [Bush]. And what's interesting about that is not just how different the environment is here than it was just a few months ago that -- where it would have been that it would have been, you know, these Republicans would have feared retribution from the White House. Now what you see are Republicans almost gleefully voting against the president, because they think it's politically beneficial to really separate themselves from President Bush" ("PZ Now," 6/11).
Newsweek's Fineman: "It was a political exercise. ... They knew that this had no ultimate functional significance. Gonzales is going to be there probably till January 20, 2009. They wanted to make their political statement, and also they could count the numbers. They knew they weren't going to win. There were three Democrats who are out campaigning on the campaign trail today who weren't about to come back for this, including Barack Obama. ... They made their judgment. And, you know, they got whatever ink out of it they were going to get" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 6/11).
FNC's Barnes: "You had to give up the immigration bill so they could get to this? ... Here's where Democrats hurt themselves. I think if they would have had a different senator other than Schumer, who's loathed as a partisan hack by all the Republicans, moderate, liberal, conservative, they might have gotten more votes from the Republicans" ("Special Report," 6/11).
Mike Huckabee played "Hardball" last night:
MSNBC's Matthews: "You believe that we shouldn't be talking about pro-science, anti-science, evolution vs. Genesis, that those issues are divisive?"
Huckabee: "There are issues Democrats and Republicans ought to be talking about they can agree on. Why do we have two kids every 60 seconds dropping out high school?" More: "Why are kids laying their heads on the desk and sleeping, in the most expensive nap in America? We need to be talking about fixing that, so we don't have a whole generation of uneducated kids. ... Democrats and Republicans ought to be coming together and agreeing on doing that."
Matthews: "Here's a way to come together. ... Rudy Giuliani wins your party nomination, a pro-choicer, a guy is open to gay rights, and has other liberal positions. And he comes to you, Mike Huckabee, and says, I need a governor on the ticket with me."
Huckabee: "If you give me a couple of hours with Rudy, I think I will have him pro-life, pro-guns, and get his whole position straight on these issues."
Matthews: "Who are you, Saint Augustine?"
Huckabee: "I am in the conversion business, Chris. I think we can do it. So, that's what I will say."
Matthews: "So, you must have gotten to Governor Romney a few years ago" (MSNBC, 6/11).
And CNN's Crowley summed up Pres. Bush's trip: "You know things are bad when your best crowds are in Albania" ("PZ Now," 6/11). [EMILY GOODIN]
From today's Hotline:
"In all candor -- a little straight talk -- time is not on our side."
-- John McCain on immigration reform, AP, 6/9
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
Will all the Ames bypasses cause a GOP rupture in Iowa? What's the prognosis for Hillary's juiced up effort? And, does Scooter Libby have a chihuahua and an ankle bracelet in his future? All this and more on the big show...
Visit HotlineTV.net for the latest predictions, to sign up for email alerts or to view our now daily webisodes, plus check in on Fridays for the full weekly show!
FindLaw's Amar has written a thorough examination of the constitutionality of a state legislature's ability to constrain its governor's selection for a SEN vacancies. The Hotline's Quinn McCord checked it out.
From today's Hotline:
"This is not who we are, This is not who I am. This is not what I've done."
-- Rep. Bill Jefferson (D-LA) after his arraignment, mult, 6/8
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
There were two main topics on TV last night: the immmigration bill and Paris Hilton. We'll stick with immigration:
CNN's Bash: "If there was anything that should have gotten accomplished here in Washington, this was it. This immigration bill has the backing of Democrats, of Republicans, and the Bush White House. But, tonight, supporters just could not pass a crucial vote. And now the Senate is moving on."
More Bash: "The person who is perhaps most hurt politically by this stunning move tonight is President Bush, because immigration reform really topped his domestic agenda. And this robs him from an accomplishment that he really needs" ("AC 360," 6/7).
MSNBC's Carlson, on GOPers who support the immigration bill: "I'm not claiming they smoke a lot of pot, but it seems that way" ("Tucker," MSNBC, 6/7).
CNN's Dobbs: "It's a great victory for reason and the American people" ("AC 360," 6/7).
And actor Ben Affleck played "Hardball":
On the '08 candidates: "I don't think the Republicans are in love with any of their candidates. In fact, I think it's the first time since probably '96 that the Democrats like their people more than the Republicans like theirs."
More: "I would vote for McCain if I liked his policies a little more. ... I think he's tougher than a lot of the guys that he's running against who are younger than he is. And I really don't think you have to be Jack Palance, you know, doing one-arm push-ups to be president of the United States."
He added: "Giuliani is by far their toughest candidate. ... I think he knows how to play to his strength, which is being the kind of the daddy that protects you when times are hard. Unfortunately, the way that he does that is by kind of engendering fear in the audience. But it's an extremely effective political tactic, and he's very good at it."
On the debate questions: "I think half the questions that get asked political candidates are largely trouble-making questions or gotcha questions or, forgive my saying, kind of asinine."
Asked the best Dem candidate: "I think the strongest and best Democratic candidate for president is Barack Obama."
Asked why he doesn't run for office: "I don't run for office because I don't want to, and because I like to think they can find better candidates, among other reasons" (MSNBC, 6/7). [EMILY GOODIN]
Yesterday, Hillary Clinton’s campaign held their kick-off “Club 44” event, the super-hipster name for their effort to attract young women to her candidacy. And legions of young people, experts in all things hip, trickled into the downtown DC parking lot-turned-carnival ground to see just what the campaign had to offer.
A new nat'l poll of sportsmen finds that most hunters and anglers are conservative GOPers, but that the constituency swung from heavily GOP in '04 to about even between the two parties in '06. The poll, conducted by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, surveyed 603 sportsmen nationwide and 1,014 sportsmen in the Rocky Mountain West.
From today's Hotline:
"I can say with 100 percent certainty that we will not be attending."
-- Tom Tancredo spokesperson Alan Moore, on Univision's Spanish-language debate, Miami Herald, 6/7
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
A relatively quiet night of TV with a hodge podge of topics -- the immigration debate, more fallout from the GOP debate, the missing KS teenager's body found, and Rudy Giuliani's decision to not participate in the Ames, IA, straw poll:
Newsweek's Fineman, on Giuliani's not competing in the IA straw poll: "That is part of the calculus. Rudy is saying, you know what, Iowa is loss for me anyway, I think he's saying. Whatever I get there, I get. Maybe it's a tactical mistake, but that's what he's doing" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 6/6).
CNN's J. King: "Giuliani's own supporters are very disappointed in this. His campaign said it is a question of resources, they promise they still will compete to win in the Iowa caucuses. ... But by skipping the summer straw poll, they have not only caused a bit of a morale crisis among their own supporters in the state, they have many Republicans, especially social conservatives in Iowa, saying Rudy Giuliani has made a tactical decision to all but give up on Iowa. Again, the Giuliani campaign says, no, but he's going to have to prove that over the next coming weeks because he has disappointed even his own people out there" ("Situation Room," 6/6).
Ron Paul was on "Tucker":
Paul: "I think the message that has to be gotten out is that conservatives can be opposed to military adventurism and wars and huge spending that entails operating an empire. And if we don't accept that message, I don't know where they are going to go. I think many of them are going to just flat out stay home, because ... the Democrats don't offer a real option" (MSNBC, 6/6).
Washington Post's Balz: "In many ways, the immigration issue is to the Republicans what Iraq has been to the Democrats. An issue that is very divisive ... and one in which there's no easy solution or simple compromise" ("NewsHour," PBS, 6/6).
GOP pollster Frank Luntz was on "Hannity & Colmes" to talk about a focus group he did on the GOP debate. Luntz: "I've never seen any group turn on somebody like they turned on Senator McCain. And that's because this issue of immigration is so powerful, so destructive, so divisive, and John McCain is on the wrong side of that issue" (FNC, 6/6).
Washington Post's Milbank, on the GOP debate: "If these guys got any more aggressive about attacking President Bush, they'd find themselves on some Secret Service watch list as potential threats to him. Not only are they getting more aggressive in each debate, they are now more aggressive in attacking Bush than the Democrats have been in attacking Bush" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 6/6). [EMILY GOODIN]
Ex-Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN) has quickly and quietly recruited talent for his Web team over the past few weeks while he prepared for his WH '08 campaign. He premiered his exploratory Web site, www.ImWithFred.com, live last night on Fox News Channel.
Thompson spokesperson Mark Corallo confirmed what the Politico reported earlier this week, that former Bush Cheney '04 eDirector Mike Turk will serve as the "chief architect" in Thompson's Web site and online operation. Thompson has already pro-actively reached out to conservative blogs in the past few months and has said that he's looking to make heavy use of the Internet and other technology in his campaign.
"I got involved because Thompson said he's really not interested in running the same campaign we've been running for two generations now," said Turk. "He really wants to do things differently... He understands the power of the Web."
Also on board for the Thompson Web team:
New Media Strategies will do Web 2.0 outreach and online intelligence, overseen by CEO Pete Snyder. Snyder's wife, Blunt spokesperson Burson Taylor Snyder, will work on the campaign's press staff.
Jon Henke, who recently left the Senate for NMS, will also work on the Thompson account. Henke is best known for his work on Allen's Senate bid last fall when he was called in for damage control in the blogosphere after the Virginia Senator's "Macaca Moment." NMS Practice Director Howard Mortman and Senior Online Analyst William Beutler (both former Hotline staffers) will also work on the Thompson account.
Blaise Hazelwood of iWebStrategies, said she'll be working under Turk's direction on the Web site and blog in an effort that "is going to be different from any other Republican or Democrat site that's out there right now." Hazelwood was Political Director at the RNC in both 2000 and 2004 during the construction of the Voter Vault.
Hazelwood will work closely with Ken Smith, chief strategist for Episode 49 and Todd Zeigler of the Bivings Group. Smith's firm does programming development and builds databases and his Web sites' client list includes the RNC and NRSC. A former intern for Thompson, Zeigler said his firm will do some design, strategy and build tools for the Web site. Hazelwood, Smith and Blaze have already worked together on other political projects including Web outreach for Rep. Bobby Jindal's bid for Louisiana Governor this cycle.
Dan Hopkins of Segmented Media said his firm will do the back-end technological development, including designing and building the Web site. [SHIRA TOEPLITZ].
UPDATE: Rob Bluey reports Thompson's Web site raised $220K in its first 18 hours since it was launched.
With the chattering classes chatting away about when will former Sen. Fred Thompson make his formal '08 announcement, why hasn't Rudy Giuliani followed tradition and made his own, splashy I'm-in-this-race-to-win declaration?
From today's Hotline:
"We've made a decision as a campaign not to play in any straw polls this year."
-- Giuliani manager Mike DuHaime, Des Moines Register online, 6/6
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
While the GOP field debated on CNN, Fred Thompson had FNC's Hannity all to himself:
Hannity: “Let's talk about where you stand now. You've created a testing the waters committee. It allows you to raise money, hire staff, gauge support. There's been talk you may announce the Fourth of July, the week of the Fourth of July. Where are you now?”
Thompson: “ImwithFred.com.”
Hannity: “Wait a minute. Is this a big announcement?”
Thompson: “Kind of get that out of the way. … We just put it up. And we want to hear from the folks and check it out.
Asked again about the July 4th date, Thompson: “We haven't decided on a date. The Fourth of July is just as plausible as any other, but it doesn't mean it's going to be the Fourth of July.”
Asked what it means when a sen votes to send troops to war and then to cut off funds: “That means you want to be president worse than anything in the world. And they know how to read public opinion polls.”
Asked if he would pardon Scooter Libby: “I would, absolutely.”
Asked if Bush should: “It's a gross injustice perpetuated in large part by this CIA, and this Justice Department, and this special counsel, who they appointed, and it ought to be rectified.”
On how his family is handling the attention: “I have a wife who's as strong, and sweet. ... I'm not going to be dissuaded by all of this. It's another disconnect between the professional politicians and the press and Washington and all of that from the American people, who are sick and tired of all that. So it's a badge of honor to get attacked by some of these bozos” (FNC, 6/5).
CNN held its second debate, which was the third GOP debate of the 08 cycle:
CNN’s J. King: “Many of the Republican candidates did separate themselves more than we have seen in the past from the Republican administration of George W. Bush on the issue of immigration, on the issue of managing the war in Iraq” (“AC 360,” 6/5).
MSNBC's Abrams: "The big winner, Fred Thompson. The non-candidate wasn't even present but was still the subject of questions and discussion that sure made him seem like a potential frontrunner. The loser, the other Thompson, candidate Tommy, whose most memorable moments only came when he was asked about the more high-profile Fred" ("Scarborough Country," 6/5).
CNN’s Crowley: “There were two targets this evening, two main targets. One was the Democrats. And the other, in some ways, George W. Bush” (“LKL,” 6/5).
John McCain, on how the debate went: “It was good. I wish we could get more into the details, you know, of immigration reform. That's a hot button issue. You know, there were things said about it that I was kind of astonished because they're in the bill. But I enjoyed the debate. I thought the questions were good" ("LKL," CNN, 6/5).
Rudy Giuliani: "I'm not running against the people on that stage. … My disagreements are with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and John Edwards. John Edwards saying that the war on terror was just a bumper sticker, and not even amending that after this plot in New York was uncovered to attack Kennedy Airport. It's not a bumper sticker. It is a real war. And whatever you think about Iraq, it's bigger than Iraq" ("LKL," CNN, 6/5).
Mitt Romney, asked if he’s tired of the Mormon question: “You know, that keeps coming up. You know, it's fine. You take what people give you. And if people have interest in that, in the media or otherwise, then I'm going to take the question and respond. You know, I really think that the people of America, however, are saying, you know, enough already. This is America. We're not going to choose someone to lead our country on the basis of what church they go to. That's what the people across in the Middle East are doing. We don't do that in this country and I really don't think it's going to have a role to play in the final analysis” (“LKL,” CNN, 6/5).
And Scooter Libby's verdict got some talk:
Washington Post’s Leonnig: “What I found striking was that Scooter Libby never said, ‘I'm sorry’ or ‘I did something wrong’ or ‘I made a mistake and I'll never do it again.’ Most defendants say that, and he did not” (“NewsHour,” PBS, 6/5).
Joe Wilson, asked if he and his wife are satisfied with the sentence: "First of all, it's important to remember this was a crime against the country. So are Americans satisfied? From my perspective, somebody who's watched it perhaps more closely than others, I believe justice was served. I have nothing but admiration for Special Counsel Fitzgerald and for Judge Walton, who I think handled this masterfully. I believe that it demonstrated and reaffirmed that this remains a nation of laws, not a nation of men. I'm sorry for Mr. Libby's family and for his friends and for the nation for the pain that he's inflicted upon them. But, again, I think justice was served" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 6/5). [EMILY GOODIN and KATHERINE LEHR]
CNN dir. of political programming Sam Feist was wandering the press center and we got these behind-the-scenes debate details. He said before the debates both the Dem and GOP candidates were told that during the town hall segment they could stand up and address the audience. They were also told they could walk the stage and all were equipped with wireless mics. “I was surprised they didn’t” stand up or walk the stage, he said of the Dems.
Feist also said the network had 15 staffers working two months on the screening process for the audience members. They were checked for campaign contributions this past cycle and were “googled” to ensure they hadn’t blogged in favor of any candidate. [EMILY GOODIN]
In an interview with the Hotline, Wolf Blitzer said CNN was trying a new format by going with an hour of traditional moderator-asked questioned followed by an hour of a town-hall style format. Republicans were clearly watching their Democratic rivals and have a distinct advantage in doing the latter debate. In the town hall format, which was the slower half of the Democratic debate, John McCain stood up when it was his turn to address the audience. Rudy Giuliani and Jim Gilmore quickly followed. It was much better TV. [EMILY GOODIN]
Tommy Thompson was asked how he would use a former President George W. Bush. His response got a lot of laughs in the press room: “I certainly would not send him to the United Nations.”
Brownback used the question to criticize former President Clinton as acting inappropriately as a former POTUS.
Romney got the Mormon question. He quotes JFK -- “not a Catholic running for president but an American.” He also makes it political but slams it back on the press. Romney: “I also believe there are some pundits out there who hope I’m going to distance myself from my church in order to help myself politically and that’s not going to happen.”
The sound just went out during Giuliani's answer during the Catholic's Church criticism of his position on abortion.
It wasn’t a raise your hand question but it was a “speak up if you disagree question.” Blitzer asked the candidates to speak up if they disagree that English should be the official language. We think – it was phrased badly. Either way – McCain decided talk. Apparently we’re not the only ones confused. Blitzer just rephrased the question. No one talked. We’re moving on.
“Yes I have said dramatic things” Tancredo says of immigration. But there is no mistaking his passion and sincerity. It is Tancredo’s signature issue and appropriate he got the first question on the topic.
But here's what Romney and McCain had to say about it. Romney was asked about McCain's comments: "He's my friend. He's campaigned for me two times. ... This issue is too important for that." This is after McCain was tough on him for the past two days.
And McCain had to say: "This is a national security issue first and foremost."
Our friend Chris Cillizza over at the Fix points out that today is not Ronald Reagan's birthday but the day he died. Reagan was born Feb. 6, 1911.
The first quarter of the debate is over and Mike Huckabee finally gets a question. He brings up the Gipper. "Today is the birthday of Ronald Reagan," he reminds us. So far the talk has focused solely on Iraq. The debate is moving fast and moderator Wolf Blitzer is being more aggressive this evening, not letting the candidates speak as long. Perhaps he knows the Dodd campaign is watching?
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- With less than 30 minutes until the debate begins it’s raining again in New Hampshire. But the candidates are here and the final predications are flying. Will John McCain and Mitt Romney be the John Edwards and Barack Obama of this debate – having the biggest battle of the evening? Their immigration battle today may be a prelude to tonight’s brightest fireworks. The Sunday Democratic debate led off with the terrorism-related arrests at JFK airport. Is Rudy Giuliani praying tonight will be the same? Will Ron Paul use any of the advice Jon Stewart gave him on the “Daily Show” last night?
And here’s tonight’s lineup from left to right: Tancredo, T. Thompson, Brownback, Romney, Giuliani, McCain, Huckabee, Hunter, Gilmore, Paul. [EMILY GOODIN]
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- After two days of rain the sun is shining in Manchester. It’s a welcome relief too after a whopper of thunderstorm this afternoon that had electricity flashing and hail falling. But all is calm as the candidates prepare to take the stage in the third GOP debate. Once again the Chris Dodd campaign is promising to bring back its debate “talk clock.” Never mind the candidates are of the opposite party, the release says it’s a matter of “public service.” [EMILY GOODIN]
From today's Hotline:
"He never let us down."
-- VP Cheney on the late Sen. Craig Thomas (R-WY), release, 6/5
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
Last night's live CNN broadcast of the Sojourners Forum on Faith, Values and Poverty at GWU offered a rare glimpse into "the personal religious practices" of the three top Dem WH '08ers. (Aiming to avoid a debate-style "fight for soundbites," Sojourners founder Jim Wallis invited only the top three contenders to spend 15 minutes apiece addressing questions from CNN's Soledad O'Brien as well as a panel of religious leaders).
In what O'Brien and Hillary Clinton joked was almost a "girl talk" session, HRC gave the juiciest bit of the evening, discussing her Methodist faith and how it "got her through" the marital woes of her husband's infidelity. Along with her network of "prayer warriors," she said her faith gave her the "courage and the strength" to do what she thought was right -- "regardless of what the world thought." Awkwardly squirming in her chair for a comfortable position throughout the discussion, HRC also admitted to sometimes "asking the Lord to help her lose weight."
While John Edwards openly admitted to "sinning every day," he was the candidate who most embodied Wallis' message of "Voting Out Poverty" in the '08 election. He also re-emphasized his personal objection to gay marriage but quickly noted that as president, he would not impose his belief system on the rest of the country. Manager David Bonior was pleased Edwards had the opportunity to address his signature campaign issue of poverty following the 6/3 debate, which mainly focused on issues of foreign policy.
Barack Obama was given the chance to address his position on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict before spending nearly his entire allotted 15 minutes answering a question on how he as president would rectify the moral and political debate over poverty. [AMY DUDLEY]
After failing to close the last two statewide elections, the Republican Party of Virginia is hoping to score big in what Chairman Ed Gillespie calls the upcoming "Grand Slam" of Virginia politics. The Grand Slam, and the chairman's corresponding goals, are:
--2007 state Senate elections -- retain the six-seat GOP majority.
--2008 U.S. Senate race -- keep John Warner's seat in GOP hands.
--2009 House of Delegates -- secure the/a majority (currently at 14 seats).
--2009 gubernatorial -- reclaim the Executive Mansion.
"The party that wins the Grand Slam, or wins three out of four [of its contests], will be the dominant party of the next generation" in Virginia, the chairman says. The legislative elections, and especially the state Senate races this year, are crucial because they will determine who cuts congressional lines after the U.S. census in 2010.
To hit his goals, Gillespie has taken steps to repair an RPV that has been damaged by a series of defeats and internal conflicts. He's revamped the fundraising operation by recruiting major fundraisers such as Fred Malek and hosting Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson at RPV dinners. He plans to double the 2006 budget to a proposed $2 million in 2007, although AP's Bob Lewis has the RPV's figures lagging behind the Democrats' at this point.
Gillespie has also scraped the political director job based in Richmond in favor of four regional positions -- one each to tailor the GOP platform for Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond/Southside and Western Virginia. NoVA Republicans, such as Rep. Tom Davis (R), seem to be pleased with Gillespie so far. "He is a good chairman. He is trying to restore some unity to the party," Davis said.
This Sunday, Politico's Jonathan Martin reported that Gillespie is
considering leaving his post to serve as counselor to President Bush. Martin had Gillespie's friends saying that he is leaning "60-40" toward the White House job. If he stays as chairman, his term ends in June, 2008. [PATRICK OTTENHOFF]
Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) was indicted and TV was on the story:
CNN’s Cooper: “The alleged crime spanned two continents, and the sentence could add up to more than two centuries” (“AC 360,” 6/4).
CNN’s Toobin: “This is just an overwhelming case. And several of his colleagues in this scheme have already pleaded guilty and will testify. I don't know what the defense is going to be here.” More: “If he's convicted, there's a 100 percent certainty he will see a lot of jail time” (“AC 360,” 6/4).
FNC’s Angle: “Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the charges against Jefferson extremely serious, but said he must be considered innocent until proven guilty, suggesting she is unlikely to support any effort to expel him” (“Special Report,” 6/4).
CNN had the Sojourners Faith Forum on last night. CNN’s S. O’Brien: “While Obama used his time to emphasize Christianity's demand for collective responsibility, Edwards and Clinton got more personal, talking about the role of religion in their own lives” (“AC 360,” 6/4).
Afterwards, “PZ Now” had on Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd and Dennis Kucinich on to talk about their faith:
Biden, asked if he blamed God for the accident that killed his first wife and daughter: “I have to admit to you, initially, I did. … I was really angry. And, for about eight or nine months, I couldn't understand how that could happen. But my mom has an expression. Out of everything terrible, something good will happen, if you look hard enough for it, and God sends no cross that you cannot bear. And it took a while, but, with a lot of help and rejuvenation of my faith, I was able to deal with it. And a lot of other people have dealt with things worse than I have.”
Richardson: “I consider myself a good Catholic. From my grandmother and my Catholic faith, I believe I have gotten my sense of social justice, which basically is protecting those that are poor, that have been left behind. And I'm inspired policy- wise whenever I am pressed to push legislation like increasing the minimum wage, doing something about child poverty, insuring kids under 5.”
Dodd: “My spiritual home is the Catholic faith, that's the faith I was raised in. The church that I attend on Sundays. My wife is a Mormon. And so we're raising two daughters who have been baptized in the Catholic Church and blessed in the Mormon faith. And obviously as they grow older, they're attending both and they're going to have to form some decisions about that. But the idea, I see it in terms of faith. It informs my decisions, it informs my politics. It doesn't define them.”
Kucinich, asked if there is too much emphasis on faith: “I don't think there could ever be too much emphasis on it. As a matter of fact, I think the founders intended America to be a country which celebrated spiritual principles. They didn't want church and state to be together. They wanted separation of church and state and I support that. But separation of church and state was never meant to separate us from spiritual values. Let us live our spiritual values" (CNN, 6/4).
Richardson was also on "Money & Politics":
On the 6/3 Dem debate: "The first hour ... was primarily Clinton, Obama and Edwards as the frontrunners. I'm moving up. In Iowa and New Hampshire, I'm a close third. ... But what I wanted to do at the debate yesterday was to just establish my record, my credentials. ... But I've also got a lot of ideas" (Bloomberg, 6/4).
And Bob Shrum was on "Hardball" last night to talk about his book. He also responded to Elizabeth Edwards' 6/3 interview on CNN's "Late Edition", where she said Shrum incorrectly remembers an incident where J. Edwards described himself "uncomfortable" around gay people.
Shrum: "I remember it correctly. But the explanation that's being given -- and there have been several different explanations, by the way. The explanation that's being given, I don't know if it makes things better. What I say in the book is not very different, actually, from what I think Elizabeth Edwards is trying to say, not those specifics, which is John came out of a tradition that made him have great difficulties with this issue. He said that in New Hampshire a few months ago. I think he's clearly evolved on that issue. I accept the notion that the evolution is genuine. And it's also a political necessity in the Democratic Party. But if you read that entire little section of the book, the fact of the matter is that I'm saying that John Edwards started in one place, ended up in another place" (MSNBC, 6/4). [EMILY GOODIN and KATHERINE LEHR]
Can Jenna Bush's literary debut save the GOP? Which Dem '08er is wowing the boozehound caucus? And is Biden's upcoming debate with himself just too good to be true? Pity Monday only comes once a week...
Visit HotlineTV.net for the latest predictions, to sign up for email alerts or to view our now daily webisodes, plus check in on Fridays for the full weekly show!
From today's Hotline:
"Any woman will tell you it's important for a man to be able to say 'I was wrong.'"
-- Elizabeth Edwards, on her husband's Iraq vote, "American Morning," CNN, 6/4
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Another debate and the front runners remain the frontrunners. Barack Obama was particularly on his game, hitting back hard at John Edwards when Edwards was critical of his vote on the Iraq war funding supplemental. Obama told Edwards: “The fact is is that I opposed this war from the start. So you're about four and a half years late on leadership on this issue.” Edwards also criticized Hillary Clinton but she couldn’t be baited, demonstrating once again she is a candidate who is strong on message and discipline.
The second tier candidates of Joe Biden, Bill Richardson and Chris Dodd didn’t have any stand out moments nor did they make any mistakes. Dodd was particularly irritable about his lack of debate time, having his campaign send out releases which contained the amount of talk time each candidate received. By their count, Obama got the most (followed by Clinton and Edwards) and Dodd didn’t even crack the top five.
After the debate, in the spin room, Edwards sent out his strongest surrogate, his wife Elizabeth, who was surrounded by reporters and patiently answered their questions. Obama media strategist David Axelrod was also surrounded. The only candidates to make appearances were Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel, Biden and Richardson. Gravel stayed the longest but Biden gave reporters a lot of his time too. Kucinich was hard to miss, mainly because of his tall, glamorous, I-could-be-on-the-cover-of-Vogue wife Elizabeth. [EMILY GOODIN]
There were two events tonight – a debate and a town hall meeting. The first half was a debate – a rousing, momentum filled-hour on the issues. The second-half was an hour-long discussion on policy. As to which format is better, that is for the viewers to decide. But there was a noticeable drop in energy in the second half. Was it the change in format or the commercial break? Both? Maybe it’s because the candidates were sitting down. The '08ers did become more lively toward the end but a note to future debate planners (and there are many more to come): there are definite differences between debates and town halls. You decide which makes better for live television. [EMILY GOODIN]
The candidates obviously aren’t aware of the cardinal rule of television – the microphone is always on. There has been some low feedback as the candidates talk to one another after audience members pose their questions. And, frankly, we’re more interested in that discussion than in the answers to said questions.
The candidates have taken over the debate. Wolf Blitzer asked another raise-your-hand question and all the candidates shouted back at him, demanding to know the conditions around the question. The situation was kind of reminiscent of what reporters do to a politician at a presser. Clinton finally said: “We’re not going to engage in these hypotheticals.” And another candidate said off camera (but not off audio): “I don’t want to raise hands anymore.”
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- With the debate switching over to questions from the audience, here’s a quick chance to review the first half. At the beginning of the evening, moderator Wolf Blitzer said the candidates would be on the “honor system” in terms of the length of their answers – no warning lights and no buzzers. The answers tonight have seemed longer (and we’re sure the candidates will argue they were more substantive). At the same Blitzer has followed up with the candidates and given several candidates an opportunity to address a topic. Blitzer also lived up to his pre-debate promise of “more interaction” and “reaction.” The result: the debate felt like a debate.
And in case you were wondering what the candidates were doing as the set was changed, they were shaking hands with audience members and signing autographs. [EMILY GOODIN]
Second hand raise question of the night – is it time to get rid of don’t ask, don’t tell? All the Dems raise their hands.
The first raise your hand question was should English be the official language. Only Mike Gravel raised his hand. Obama was first to speak up and defend his position.Clinton was quick to follow.
Edwards extends an olive branch to Obama on Iraq. Obama takes it. Clinton won't back down on her original Iraq vote. Blitzer moves them on.
Sixteen minutes in and Chris Dodd finally gets asked a question.
Seventeen minutes in and Bill Richardson finally gets asked a question.
Dennis Kucinich got the fourth question of the night.
Biden turned down two opportunities to criticize Clinton and Obama for their Iraq funding votes. Is he gunning for the number two spot or some other role in a Democratic administration? John Edwards, on the other hand, went after Clinton and Obama by name. Clinton’s face was on the screen as he was talking. She did not look happy. Obama reminded Edwards he was “four and half years too late” on the issue.
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A sodden but cheerful press corps has gathered for the second Democratic debate of the ’08 WH season. It’s raining here at Saint Anselm College and the temperature has dropped into the 50s but that hasn’t dampened spirits or stopped certain female reporters from wearing stylish shoes. Right now journalists are settling into their pre-debate routine – finding their assigned seats, catching up on e-mails, chatting with fellow reporters and getting something to eat.
On the flat-screen plasma TVs dotting the room, the press is watching the candidates arrive. How will Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Chris Dodd frame their votes on the Iraq supplemental measure? Biden voted for it while the other three voted against it. Will John Edwards be asked about the Bob Shrum book, his position on gay rights and the NIE report? Will Clinton be asked about any of the biographies out on her? Moderator Wolf Blitzer has promised “more interaction” and more “reaction.” Stay tuned. [EMILY GOODIN]
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Here's the order of candidates for tonight's Dem WH debate. From left to right: Mike Gravel, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich
From today's Hotline:
"It's been a hell of a ride."
-- Outgoing WH counselor Dan Bartlett, Reuters, 6/1
Updates from our Hotline Political Network Affiliates -- Updated 24/7
The Atlanta man under federal quarantine for tuberculosis continued to dominate TV coverage last night. WH '08 was also mentioned:
The "O'Reilly Factor" showed the second part of FNC's O'Reilly's interview with John McCain.
McCain, asked why far-left Dems want Americans to think there is no war on terror: "I don't know the motivation for it. But I think that most Americans appreciate the fact that this is a titanic struggle between everything we stand for and believe in and radical Islamic extremism. We have to win. We can win. We will win. We will never surrender. They will."
Asked why he wants to put his family through a "nasty" WH race: "If it was not for the issue that we were just discussing, that 9/11 changed this country and the world and our challenge, I would not be running. I believe my whole life, my inspiration, my heroes, and my experience have qualified me to serve. I'm not the youngest candidate, but I'm the best prepared. I am committed to seeing this nation through one of the most difficult periods of our history. And, like Ronald Reagan, I approach it with optimism, with hope and belief in the American people and the future of this nation, that our best days are ahead of us" (FNC, 5/31).
Meanwhile, ex-FBI Dir. Louis Freeh was in the "Situation Room" last night to talk about his endorsement of Rudy Giuliani.
CNN's Blitzer: "Why Rudy Giuliani as opposed, shall we say, to Hillary Clinton, whose husband you worked for, who nominated you to be the director of the FBI?"
Freeh: "I've worked for Republican presidents and Democratic presidents, as you know. But I've always made it my point to really support quality leaders who I think will make a great difference for the country. And I think Rudy will make a tremendous president and a great leader for the country. I've never publicly campaigned for anyone for any office. And I'm very pleased and privileged to do so for Rudy."
On speculation he will get a job in a Giuliani admin.: "I served 28 years in the federal government. It was a very great privilege to do that. Any return to public service would have to be approved by my wife and six kids. So I need a slip from her to go back into public service. So I don't rule anything out. I'm very, very happy and content with what I'm doing now. I want to help him get elected because I think he'd be a great president, a necessary and important president for us. And, you know, what the future holds, I don't know."
On whether HRC would make a good POTUS: "I have tremendous respect for Senator Clinton. I didn't actually work with her because I left before she really got into the Senate there. I think she's competent. I think she has a very good staff and good people advising her. But, again, as I said, I picked who I think is going to be the best president" (CNN, 5/31).
And NBC's Shamlian's exclusive one-on-one-interview with Michelle Obama aired on "Nightly News."
M. Obama, on criticism that Barack Obama is "not black enough": "Folks aren't asking about whether Barack is black. ... They want to know, what's his policy positions? What is his stance on the war in Iraq?, what is he going to do for domestic issues, what are his issues on the environment? ... They are not confused about race on this" (NBC, 5/31)
GOP consultant Ed Rogers, on M. Obama: "She is good timing for the Obama campaign. I think the guy is slipping into reality and becoming somewhat banal. And, so, they need a little charge. ... She is very appealing. She has a cool television demeanor. ... Everybody's spouse gets softballs. They get a certain amount of distance. They have a lot of goodwill and respect from the media. So, she will be a huge asset, right when they need it" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 5/31).
Talk also continued about Fred Thompson:
New Republic's Lizza: "It's like not running is the new running in this campaign. And, you know, everyone sits on the sidelines and begs these big candidates to get in. Once they are in, the opposition research starts flying and people learn about their positions, and they get a little
disappointed. ... How does he live up to the expectations? ... Wesley Clark, a week after he got, everyone was like, he's a terrible candidate. What were we thinking? You know, running as an outsider is very popular right now. That's the way to run in this election. ut when people find out that Fred Thompson spent 14 years as a lobbyist and eight years in Washington as a senator and then became a
lobbyist again after he left the Senate. ou know, stuff like that is going to come out and people are going to start to second guess him a little bit" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 5/31).
Syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer: "Right now, he's like the New York Yankees. On paper they beat everybody, but then they actually have to go out and play the game. Now, on paper, he's got everything. He's an affable personality, he's easy on camera, easy to like. And in terms of his positions, he appeals to conservatives in a way that the top three candidates don't. ... But his problem, I think, is ... we heard him say we have to get a different message. ... He's been trying out his messages and speeches. Well, Ronald Reagan did not try out his messages. He had his message, he knew his message, he believed in his message. He was a conviction politician. Thompson is not. ... It's OK to have an affable, likable conservative who doesn't have a burning idea, but that's not a Ronald Reagan" ("Special Report," FNC, 5/31). [KATHERINE LEHR]
