October 10, 2008
Election 2008: John McCain in the news
Will the economy bring Broadway to its knees?
I f a Martian dropped into New York and saw the latest Broadway grosses, the little guy wouldn't have a clue about the Wall Street meltdown. In the week that ended last Sunday, "Jersey Boys," "Wicked," "South Pacific" and "Mamma Mia!" were still packing in capacity, top-ticket audiences. "Equus" is up $60,000, the new "Seagull" rose $80,000 and, significantly, Arthur Miller's "All My Sons," which opens Thursday, is nearly selling out, up there with the big musicals.
In Elmont, voters uneasy over nation's future
This is the first of four stories looking at various neighborhoods on Long Island and how residents view their community and the state of the country as the presidential election approaches.
McCain says Ayers issue is about honesty
WAUKESHA, Wis. - John McCain said yesterday questions about his rival Barack Obama's association with a former war protester linked to Vietnam-era bombings are part of a broader issue of honesty.
Obama calls McCain mortgage plan costly to taxpayers
DAYTON, Ohio - Barack Obama told a campaign audience yesterday that John McCain's mortgage buyout plan would cost taxpayers billions of dollars and reward bad behavior by lenders.
Palin's husband: She didn't know I was seeking firing
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Gov. Sarah Palin remained in the dark while her husband repeatedly asked top state officials to help get his former brother-in-law kicked off the state police force, Palin's husband and top aides say in affidavits provided to The Associated Press.
ON THE TRAIL
Law enforcement officials in Green County, Ohio, populated with Democrat-leaning college students, are seeking information on those who registered and voted during the state's weeklong same-day voting window. The window was the subject of an unsuccessful legal challenge by the Ohio Republican Party. County Sheriff Gene Fischer, a Republican, requested registration cards and address change forms yesterday for all 302 people who took advantage of the window. The county prosecutor said the records request was not politically motivated.
Your cup of coffee may be predicting the election
McCain or Obama? Decaf or regular?
Your cup of coffee may be predicting the election
McCain or Obama? Decaf or regular?
McCain's 'that one' comment spurs debate
The recent presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain might have produced the only oh-no-he-didn't moment so far. But it depends on whom you ask.
Demand for tickets to presidential debate at Hofstra
The calls and e-mails began almost immediately after Hofstra University was tapped to host next week's third and final presidential debate.
McCain's plan for troubled home loans called impractical
WASHINGTON - John McCain's proposal to have the federal government directly buy and refinance troubled home loans would cost about $300 billion, his campaign said yesterday, as the plan was criticized in light of the scale of the mortgage meltdown.
Looking for leadership
The presidential debate Tuesday should have been a leadership moment. Sadly, it wasn't. Not in the way that people crave. With global financial markets spinning out of control threatening nest eggs, homes, jobs and the American dream, voters were hungry for more from John McCain and Barack Obama than policy prescriptions and one-upsmanship. It was a moment for inspiration.
James Klurfeld: What about the economy Obama, McCain?
There was a surreal quality to the presidential debate Tuesday night that was very discouraging. Even as both candidates went about their scripted, well-rehearsed routines, they all but ignored the 800-pound gorilla stalking around the room: the global financial meltdown.
Punchlines
Jay Leno, "The Tonight Show," on Tuesday's presidential debate: "The town-hall format is John McCain's favorite, as opposed to Barack Obama's favorite way - Sermon on the Mount."
McCain, Obama offer very different health care plans
It would be hard to come up with two more starkly different approaches to reforming American health care than those advanced by presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama.
For self-employed, health care hits home - hard
When self-employed guitarist Russell Alexander gets sick, he sometimes hits up an insured friend for unused antibiotics. For colds he likes zinc lozenges, chicken soup and vitamins, and he is convinced of the holistic healing powers of elderberry extract.
ON THE TRAIL
The son of a Democratic Tennessee state lawmaker pleaded not guilty yesterday to hacking the e-mail account of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. David Kernell, 20, of Knoxville, Tenn., entered the plea in federal court in Knoxville, the same day prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging him with intentionally accessing Palin's e-mail account without authorization. Kernell, an economics student at the University of Tennessee, was brought into court wearing handcuffs and shackles on his ankles. He was released without posting bond, but the court limited his computer use to checking his own e-mail and doing class work. Kernell's father is Rep. Mike Kernell of Memphis.
McCain camp disavows use of Obama's middle name
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign disavowed an introduction here yesterday that included Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's middle name, Hussein.
GOP VP pick Sarah Palin to drop puck at hockey match
Do politics and pucks mix? The Rangers and Flyers are going to find out when Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin drops the ceremonial first puck before the Philadelphia home opener at the Wachovia Center Saturday night.
Polls favor Obama after blame-filled debate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - John McCain dismissively called rival Barack Obama "that one," Obama mocked McCain's "Straight Talk Express," and both left the stage to return to the campaign trail yesterday.
Push to get immigrant citizens registered to vote
Community organizers fanned out across Freeport, Elmont and Hempstead this week in an effort to find new American citizens and register them to vote.
Groups reaching out to increase voter registrations
When Judie Gorenstein makes her voter registration pitch to high school seniors, she holds a mock election - and then tells a third of them that they can't vote. That disenfranchised group, she explains, represents all the people who didn't get their act together before Election Day.
Voter registration deadline Friday
When Judie Gorenstein makes her voter registration pitch to high school seniors, she holds a mock election - and then tells a third of them that they can't vote. That disenfranchised group, she explains, represents all the people who didn't get their act together before Election Day.
Demand for Hofstra tickets floods in
The calls and e-mails began almost immediately after Hofstra University was tapped to host next week's third, and final, presidential debate.
ON THE TRAIL
Barack Obama is outspending John McCain at nearly a three-to-one clip on television time in the final weeks of the presidential election, according to ad buy information obtained by washingtonpost.com's "The Fix" column. That edge is almost certainly contributing to the momentum for the Illinois senator in key battleground states. From Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, Obama spent more than $20 million on television ads in 17 states including more than $3 million in Pennsylvania and more than $2 million each in Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania. McCain in that same time frame spent just $7.2 million in 14 states. Even when the Republican National Committee's independent spending in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin is factored in (a total of $5.3 million), Obama still outspent the combined GOP forces by roughly $8 million in the last week alone.
McCain linked to council that aided Nicaraguan rebels
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama has his William Ayers connection. Now John McCain may have an Iran-Contra connection.
Obama campaign cites GOP gov's ties to Ayers
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Barack Obama's campaign is citing University of South Carolina speaking invitations to William Ayers and Republican Gov. Mark Sanford's role as university trustee to counter GOP efforts to link the presidential candidate to the 1960s radical.
Economy takes center stage at McCain-Obama debate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Barack Obama and John McCain clashed repeatedly over the causes and cures for the worst economic crisis in 80 years last night in a debate in which Republican McCain called for a sweeping $300 billion program to shield homeowners from mortgage foreclosure.
Analysis: At debate, McCain attacks don't rattle Obama
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The blow after blow that John McCain rained down on Barack Obama in last night's debate - an attack in nearly every answer he gave - failed to shake a cool, collected Obama or to create a breakthrough for a campaign that has found itself falling behind.
Economy takes center stage at McCain-Obama debate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Barack Obama and John McCain clashed repeatedly over the causes and cures for the worst economic crisis in 80 years last night in a debate in which Republican McCain called for a sweeping $300 billion program to shield homeowners from mortgage foreclosure.
At debate McCain, Obama spar over economy, Iraq
Sparring over the troubled economy, Barack Obama and John McCain met for their second debate Tuesday night, one hoping to solidify his lead and the other aiming to turn his fortunes around.
Unnecessary roughness
Strap on the hip-boots. It's getting nasty out there. Campaigns often slide into the gutter when time gets short and polls show one candidate pulling ahead. But there was reason to hope this year would be different. John McCain and Barack Obama each talk a good game about how much we want and need a new tone in politics. With real problems to solve, bipartisanship was the rallying cry, along with an end to the "swift-boating" of campaigns past.
ON THE TRAIL
Seven Alaska state employees have reversed course and agreed to testify in an abuse-of-power investigation against Republican vice- presidential nominee Sarah Palin. There is no indication, however, that Palin or her husband will do the same. Palin, a first-term Alaska governor, is the focus of a legislative inquiry into whether she abused her office by firing Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan. Monegan says he was dismissed because he wouldn't fire the governor's former brother-in-law. Lawmakers subpoenaed seven state employees to testify in the inquiry but they challenged those subpoenas. A judge rejected that challenge last week. Because of that ruling, Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg says the employees have decided to testify. - - Associated Press
Swift-boating in debate is a risky maneuver
Strategists for Sen. John McCain have passed the word that he is poised to wage an even stronger attack against Sen. Barack Obama tonight in their second televised debate. If he becomes more personal, McCain will be taking another high-stakes gamble to turn his election chances around.
Some key swing states leaning to Obama
In the period leading up to tonight's debate in Nashville, the presidential election map changed substantially. Polls showed that Democrat Barack Obama pulled ahead in key swing states after two weeks of economic uncertainty, while Republican John McCain found himself on the defensive in battleground states - many of which traditionally vote Republican. Here's what happened:
McCain's goal to undercut Obama is a 2-edged sword
WASHINGTON - On a slippery slope of sliding polls, Republican John McCain signaled yesterday he must accomplish a key task at tonight's debate: instill doubt about his Democratic rival Barack Obama.
Some key swing states leaning to Obama
In the period leading up to tonight's presidential debate in Nashville, the presidential election map changed substantially. Polls showed that Democrat Barack Obama pulled ahead in key swing states after two weeks of economic uncertainty, while Republican John McCain found himself on the defensive in battleground states - many of which traditionally vote Republican. Here's what happened:
McCain to shake it up at Tuesday's debate
On a slippery slope of sliding polls, Republican John McCain signaled Monday he must accomplish a key task at tonight's debate: instill doubt about his Democratic rival Barack Obama.
Fey's Palin gives 'SNL' big boost
It's starting to feel like Tina Fey is running for vice president.
Economy may disrupt candidates' energy plans
Today, with stories on energy, Newsday begins a series examining where presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama stand on key campaign issues - and how those issues affect Long Islanders. Over the next several weeks, leading up to the presidential election on Nov. 4, the series will examine health care, the environment and climate change, the economy, immigration, the wars
McCain's brother calls Virgina counties 'communist'
WASHINGTON - John McCain's brother apparently made a joke at a campaign rally during the weekend that might not play well in parts of newly competitive Virginia.
Palin defends "terrorist" attack on Obama
BURLINGAME, Calif. - Sarah Palin defended her claim that Barack Obama "pals around with terrorists," saying the Democratic presidential nominee's association with a 1960s radical is an issue that is "fair to talk about."
National Grid exec, Obama donor denies he's a lobbyist
Sen. Barack Obama makes much of rejecting contributions from lobbyists for his presidential campaign - and slams Sen. John McCain for his close ties to a number of them.
TODAY'S PICKS
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE (9 p.m., CBS/2, NBC/4, Fox/5, ABC/7, WNET/13, CNN, FNC, MSNBC, News12, CSPAN) - Barack Obama vs. John McCain, round two, from Nashville. Tom Brokaw moderates
Stumbling economy pushes energy issues to back burner
The price of energy -- from soaring electric bills to pain at the gas pump -- remains a central issue in the presidential election, but the candidates' ability to address it at a time of economic free fall remains a source of considerable debate.
On the trail
John McCain spent yesterday at a resort hotel in Sedona, Ariz., preparing for his second debate with Barack Obama. The Arizona senator plans to stay the weekend at his family retreat outside Sedona. Obama and McCain are scheduled to meet Tuesday at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., for the second of three debates. The televised debate moderated by NBC's Tom Brokaw will feature issues raised by audience members and submitted by Internet participants in a town-hall format.
Steve Israel skillfully uses incumbency to gird for challenger
WASHINGTON - With the Capitol dome behind him on a recent clear day, Rep. Steve Israel unveiled a legislative package to help the middle class: 13 bills that he conceded could not be enacted until next year.
Iran plan on hold
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration has shelved plans to set up a diplomatic outpost in Iran, in part over fears it could affect the U.S. presidential race or be interpreted as political meddling, The Associated Press has learned.
Onus on McCain to catch Obama in presidential race
WASHINGTON - One month before Election Day, Barack Obama sits atop battleground polls in a shrinking playing field, the economic crisis is breaking his way, and the Democrat has made progress toward winning the White House.
Drowning in the bailout
Facing the threat of economic chaos, Congress did what it had to do last week when it ultimately approved a bailout bill aimed at stabilizing troubled financial markets and restarting the flow of credit to businesses and consumers.
Obama, McCain campaign volunteers on Long Island
Behind a Uniondale accounting office, eight kids leaned over broad white poster boards, and with bright markers spelled out O-B-A-M-A on signs destined for store windows.
Palin questions McCain's concession of Michigan
DALLAS - Sarah Palin questioned Republican presidential candidate John McCain's decision to abandon efforts to win Michigan, a campaign move she only learned about Friday morning when she read it in the newspapers.
Job loss report spurs jabs
ABINGTON, Pa. - Democrat Barack Obama used word of the nation's worst monthly job loss in more than five years Friday to argue the policies of his Republican opponents "are killing jobs in America every single day." Republican John McCain retorted that Obama's tax and spending plans won't solve the problem.
Bailout bill brings home the bacon
The $700-billion financial bailout package has been swiftly signed into law, with a hefty side of pork.
Saul Friedman: Government programs that keep us off our backs
Social Security had its 73rd birthday in August, but there was another commemoration this summer that has special importance this year. That was the 75th anniversary, on June 16, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
McCain, Obama up for next debate
John McCain and Barack Obama are gearing up for a more freewheeling confrontation on Tuesday in Nashville.
Obama emphasizes jobs on trail in Pa.
Democrat Barack Obama used word of the nation's worst monthly job loss in more than five years Friday to argue the policies of his Republican opponents "are killing jobs in America every single day." Republican John McCain retorted that Obama's tax and spending plans won't solve the problem.
Palin questions McCain's concession of Michigan
Sarah Palin questioned Republican presidential candidate John McCain's decision to abandon efforts to win Michigan, a campaign move she only learned about Friday morning when she read it in the newspapers.
Bailout bill brings home the bacon
The $700-billion financial bailout package has been swiftly signed into law, with a hefty side of pork.
Obama calls McCain out of touch on economy
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said yesterday that his rival John McCain is out of touch with the economic struggles of Americans and doesn't understand that there's nothing more fundamental than a job.
Obama gains 22-point lead over McCain in New York
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has opened a commanding 22-point lead over Republican John McCain in New York, up from five points three weeks ago, according to a new Siena Research Institute poll of likely voters.
Palin recaptures the magic, but will it work?
ST. LOUIS - For a single night at least, Sarah Palin was back, the homespun hockey mom voters once fell for hard.
Setting the record straight on debate points
WASHINGTON - Facts went adrift on taxes, deregulation and more yesterday when Republican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden clashed in the vice-presidential debate.
Did showdown shake it up?
ST. LOUIS - With a relatively steady performance, Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin stood her ground last night against a vastly more experienced Joe Biden, debating the economy, energy and global warming, then challenging him on Iraq.
Who looked presidential?
The air was charged last night when Sarah Palin and Joseph Biden squared off in St. Louis for their lone vice presidential debate, with most of the tension generated by two questions. Would Palin stay focused? And, would gaffe-prone Biden put his foot in his mouth?
Setting the record straight on debate points
WASHINGTON - Facts went adrift on taxes, deregulation and more yesterday when Republican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden clashed in the vice-presidential debate.
Palin recaptures the magic, but will it work?
For a single night at least, Sarah Palin was back, the homespun hockey mom voters once fell for hard.
Smooth performances from Palin, Biden at debate
Sarah Palin and Joe Biden each completed Thursday night's vice presidential debate without a significant gaffe or misstep.
ON THE TRAIL
Bill Clinton was in the swing state of Florida for his first campaign trail appearance on Barack Obama's behalf yesterday. The state is seen as central to John McCain's hopes for victory, but a Quinnipiac University poll yesterday showed Obama with a 51-43 percent lead over McCain among likely voters there. Clinton praised Obama for his approach to the nation's economic crisis, saying that Obama had asked him and other economic advisers for help. "You know what he said? 'Show me what the problem is and how to fix it and don't bother me with the politics. Let's do the right thing,'" Clinton said.
Obama calls for increased accountability on Wall Street
LA CROSSE, Wis. - Democrat Barack Obama promised yesterday that if he is elected president "American taxpayers will never again have to put their money on the line to pay for the greed and irresponsibility of Wall Street."
James Klurfeld: Congress must heed clarion call, act on bailout
The failure of the House of Representatives to pass the $700 billion financial bailout bill Monday reveals two very disturbing aspects of our modern political culture: the triumph of ideology over common sense and the cowardliness of too many elected officials who won't do anything that jeopardizes their chance of re-election.
Obama rises in new polls
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama has surged to a seven-point lead over John McCain one month before the presidential election, lifted by voters who think the Democrat is better suited to lead the nation through its sudden financial crisis, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll that underscores the mounting concerns of some McCain backers.
What Biden, Palin must accomplish in their debate
WASHINGTON - Sarah Palin can't sound like comedian Tina Fey.
With 'Sticky & Sweet,' Madonna focuses on touring
Ready for Madonna's latest transformation?
My day as Sarah Palin: in the line of scrutiny
I was Sarah Palin last week. Someone quizzed me in front of a camera, asking me all sorts of questions - in my case, for an upcoming documentary on Shea Stadium.