Campaign lays out anti-RNC programs
Chicago Tribune Aug 28, 08 2:53 PM CDT
(Newser)
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All's fair in the war between conventions, and the Democrats are readying their spoiling machine ahead of the GOP gathering next week, the Swamp reports. An Obama campaign operative’s email lays out the attack Dems will launch from their war room literally across the street from the RNC: A mobile billboard (pictured) showing McCain hugging Bush that will follow McCain campaign stops on his way to St. Paul.
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Speaker's abortion gaffe compounds general meddling, Dem adviser says
American Spectator Aug 27, 08 12:36 PM CDT
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Nancy Pelosi has been politely asked by Barack Obama’s campaign to refrain from making more public statements, the American Spectator reports. The House Speaker is reportedly angry about not being more included in campaign decision-making, and Catholic fury over her bungled answer to the “when does life begin?” question on Meet the Press has threatened to undermine Obama’s delicate handling.
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She will replace longtime host Abrams, following Olbermann
New York Times Aug 19, 08 10:04 PM CDT
(Newser)
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MSNBC is honing its left-leaning lineup in the “final leg” of the presidential election, swapping longtime host Dan Abrams for the more overtly partisan Rachel Maddow in its 9pm time slot. The switch has been long expected, reports the New York Times. Network execs see Maddow as a better fit with popular lefty host Keith Olbermann, whose show airs at 8. Maddow begins her full-time gig on Sept. 8, after the political conventions.
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Blogger posts pix of 'inner circle'
Washington Post Aug 12, 08 4:59 AM CDT
(Newser)
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John Edwards brought former mistress Rielle Hunter on his campaign plane during his four-day presidential announcement tour, reports the Washington Post. Edwards' wife, Elizabeth, did not accompany her husband. A technology blogger invited along on the 2006 trip has published photographs of Hunter, who was working as a videographer for the campaign. Another photo in the National Enquirer shows Edwards and Hunter exchanging enthusiastic smiles on the trip.
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Choosier consumers, Internet video hurt
New York Times Aug 4, 08 9:30 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Even as the 2008 election attracts more voter interest than it has in decades, media efforts to translate that into financial success have had mixed results, reports the New York Times. While cable news has enjoyed an uptick—and websites are setting record for online video—viewership for mainstream news media has been flatlining or worse.
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Department nees $9.5 million more than budgeted, leaders say
Associated Press Jul 25, 08 9:13 AM CDT
(Newser)
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The Secret Service has asked for an additional $9.5 million to cover the costs of protecting candidates during this year's campaign—already the longest and costliest in agency history, AP reports. The department had budgeted $107 million, up from $73 million in 2004, but between the marathon primary season, candidates making trips abroad, and the huge crowds Barack Obama draws, it's just not enough.
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Despite bid for White House, girls don't feel special because dad's running for prez
People Jul 24, 08 11:39 AM CDT
(Newser)
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It can be hard enough to keep kids grounded, but Barack and Michelle Obama's task might be complicated by his quest to be the most powerful leader in the world. Not so, the Obamas tell People, in a look at how they keep it real on the campaign trail. The Democratic candidate says 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha are normal kids who make a buck a week for allowance, and fear moving to DC and making new friends should dad get the job.
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More live shows, 3 specials planned
Zap2It Jul 21, 08 8:42 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Saturday Night Live is expanding its satirical coverage of Election 2008, reports Zap2it. NBC will air three SNL primetime campaign specials, plus four consecutive Saturday night shows beginning in September, boosting the number of pre-election live shows to seven. The program will also feature the traditional election eve special " SNL Presidential Bash."
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'Access Hollywood' interviews include Malia, Sasha for first time
ABC News Jul 9, 08 10:00 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Barack Obama took the unusual step of sitting down with Access Hollywood, but the interview took a decidedly precocious tone when daughters Malia and Sasha joined in, dishing on mommy and daddy holding hands and potential White House bedroom decor. The first interview of the Obamas is airing over four evenings, beginning last night, and is expected to draw millions of viewers—at a time when John McCain is struggling to stay in the spotlight.
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Mac jokes about
killing Iranians
with cigarettes
Reuters Jul 9, 08 4:12 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Told that cigarette exports to Iran rose tenfold under President Bush’s reign, McCain pondered aloud:“Maybe that's a way of killing 'em." When his wife nudged him, he quickly clarified to Reuters: "I meant that as a joke—as a person who hasn't had a cigarette in 29 years.” Known for his acerbic humor, McCain once sang "Ba-ba-ba, ba-bomb Iran" to the Beach Boys' tune Barbara Anne .
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Rigors of the campaign trail giving candidate some welcome wrinkles
Politico Jul 4, 08 6:50 AM CDT
(Newser)
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"By the time I’m sworn in, I will look the part," Barack Obama quipped to donors Wednesday. Indeed, the long and grueling campaign is swiftly aging the relatively fresh-faced candidate, Politico writes; he's showing more wrinkles and his hair is getting grayer by the day. In sharp contrast to the unflattering coverage given to erstwhile rival Hillary Clinton's appearance, however, many say that Father Time is giving Obama's image a boost.
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GLOSSIES
Media often miss
behind-the-scenes
political intrigue
Men's Vogue Jul 2, 08 2:10 PM CDT
(Newser)
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While pundits stoke the frenzy around potential vice-presidential candidates, they rarely see what actually happens behind the campaign curtain. In Men's Vogue , Lloyd Grove offers six maxims to help make sense of the "veepstakes" hype: Presidential hopefuls seek input from several quarters to curry favor, though most of it is for show. Potential VPs should have ambition, but accept playing second fiddle.
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