Politirazzi

By Emily Ngo
emily.ngo@am-ny.com

John McCain further pushed his presidential rival’s connection to domestic terrorist Bill Ayers on Thursday, launching an Internet ad that questions Barack Obama’s candor on the matter.

“When their relationship became an issue, Obama responded, ‘This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood,’ ” the ad’s narrator says, asking: “That’s it?”

The 100-second clip supplemented accusations made by Sarah Palin last week that Obama was “palling around” with Ayers, a 63-year-old Vietnam War protester who bombed the Pentagon and the Capitol in the 1970s.

“We need to know the full extent of the relationship," McCain said on Thursday while stumping in Waukesha, Wis.

Some political consultants were quick to point out the irrelevancy of the Obama-Ayers relationship.

“I don’t think voters care about someone who Barack Obama barely knows and who did these things when Barack Obama was 8 years old,” said Kevin Wardally, a strategist at Bill Lynch Associates. “The McCain campaign fundamentally believes the only way they can win this election is if they cast doubt on who Barack Obama is.”

(AP)

By Emily

And they brought their A game. Tonight's debate had little of the courtesy that Joe Biden and Sarah Palin so carefully exhibited last week. Both Barack Obama and John McCain attacked readily and with more substance than in their first debate.

They dodged questions, but they also established distinctly separate foreign policy doctrines. It was their chance to test out their views on the United States' fragile friendships with Pakistan and Russia, and they seized it.

Both men were also completely unafraid to be themselves tonight. McCain was generous in doling out the "my friends," and Obama with the sardonic smiles.

Tonight's winner (barely, as McCain wisely resisted personal attacks in linking Obama to William Ayers) was Barack Obama, in my opinion. Playing offense, attacking McCain -- even talking his way out of questions -- made him seem a presidential figure.

Showing off his knowledge on Middle Eastern affairs, particularly criticizing our country's coddling of the Pakistani government, effectively painted him as the level-headed commander in chief many Americans were afraid he could never be.

Consultants I interviewed this week were hoping Thursday night's debate between Biden and Palin wouldn't be comical enough to provide fodder for "Saturday Night Live." So. Many. SNL. References.

"She's still in danger of saying something so stupid that Saturday Night Live goes into overdrive doing Friday night primetime specials," said speaking expert TJ Walker.

"They need to play it safe. They need to play it grown up. ... Just stay on script. Stay disciplined. Stay short. ... It will be boring, but that's so much better than them waking up to another 'Saturday Night Live' skit," said communications coach LeeAundra Temescu.

Here's hoping:

Join us here Thursday evening for live blog coverage.

— Emily

In New York on behalf of his global initiative, former President Bill Clinton mixed with reporters (an ill-advised combination) to again misrepresent himself.

According to The Associated Press, Clinton said he understands GOP vice presidential pick Sarah Palin's appeal because voters think:

"I like that little Down syndrome kid. One of them lives down the street. They're wonderful children. They're wonderful people. And I like the idea that this guy does those long-distance races. Stayed in the race for 500 miles with a broken arm. My kind of guy."

That's sticking to talking points for ya.

— Emily

By Emily

Wall Street’s woes have bumped off all that lipstick fluff out of the headlines, forcing the presidential nominees to turn their stump speeches to matters of pure and sweet substance.

While neither John McCain nor Barack Obama are likely to present full-fledged plans to bail out the economy (what’s the point of turning impatient voters on to a long-term solution?), they’ll make fringe comments. “We need an oversight committee.” “We have to see the details of the $700 billion proposal.”

Whatever their input, I think I speak for much of Politirazzi when I say: Bring on the substance. After all, the only manner in which the candidates are making waves are with which economic experts they’re bringing on to the campaign and how economics are affecting the polls. I’ve even heard an analysis say the next Secretary of the Treasury will be a more important decision than the next U.S. president.

Will Ron Paul accept an invitation to join the Libertarian ticket?

In an open letter today, Libertarian party presidential nominee Bob Barr asked Ron Paul to be his running mate. Yes, the same GOP candidate who has legions of followers (Dan's a fan) and who won 35 delegates in the primaries.

Barr wrote today:

"While you declined my offer to seek the Libertarian presidential nomination many months ago, I ask that you seriously consider this final offer as an opportunity to show true, lasting leadership beyond party politics."

Wonder what effect that ticket would have on the two major parties.

— Emily

This blog points out that adopted daughter Bridget McCain is conspicuously missing from this "People" McCain-Palin portrait. An unfair point considering some of the sons of both nominees aren't in the shoot either, but interesting nonetheless.

— Emily

Prime-time speakers on other convention events to be broadcast on cable at 7 each night:

TODAY
Michelle Obama: The potential first lady will reintroduce herself to the nation.
Other highlights: Nancy Pelosi speech, tribute to Ted Kennedy

TOMORROW
Hillary Clinton: To be introduced by daughter Chelsea, this is among the senator’s last big opportunities to rally her loyal supporters behind Obama.
Other highlights: David Paterson speech

WEDNESDAY
Joe Biden: Watch for the newly chosen running mate to fill the attack dog role and play up his working-class roots.
Other highlights: Bill Clinton and John Kerry speeches

THURSDAY
Barack Obama: He’ll accept the nomination in front of about 75,000 at the Denver Bronco’s football stadium. The pressure is on to top his 2004 convention speech as well as his famous race speech.

— Emily

A missile-shaped structured was hauled down Seventh Avenue near 34th Street on Wednesday night, emblazoned on both sides with McCain and Obama's names.

Do you know what these mystery missiles are? A protest of some sort? Apparently, Jet Angel is behind it.

— Emily (and Garett Sloane)

Who will be the No. 2 sharing Obama's ballot? How about the running mate to supplement McCain's ticket? I greatly dislike the suspense. So tell us already. Any minute now. Any minute now. To hold you over, here are some staff analyses to mull over:

* Who will Barack Obama choose as VP? By David Freedlander

* Obama, McCain open search for running mates. By Emily Ngo

* On the next episode of ... The VEEP. By Kim Reynolds (scroll down)

By Emily

Now that it's all out in the open (although NYC media will continue to pursue "baby daddy" details), the new question about the John Edwards/Rielle Hunter affair has become: How was the mainstream media supposed to treat it?

Were we right to sidestep it? Were we too liberal to out Edwards? Is the National Enquirer too trashy to be a trusted in the least? Is it just plain none of anyone's business? Will Edwards' admission draw attention to how John and Cindy McCain met?

Here's a great analysis by The Washington Post's Howard Kurtz.

Now, when is it time to talk about actual campaign issues?

An open letter to Sen. John McCain

Dear Sen. McCain,

I write to implore you to be yourself. Be true to the stick-by-your-guns mentality that earned you Iowa and then the nomination.

Your attempts at clever, sarcasm-riddled tactics to win over the undecided are wasted. You are not the charming Sen. Barack Obama, nor should you want to be.

“Obama Energy Plan” tire pressure gauges, comparisons to Britney and Paris, visits in jest to German-American restaurants (below) and boasts that you’re learning how to do “a Google” are not winning you Obama’s crowd. They’re making you look even more outdated.

You are not cutesy McCain. You are straight-talking McCain. So stop with the awkward jokes, and just be yourself.

Sincerely,
Emily

David Horsey

Kim asked for it, and you wanted it, too. The Republican version of a satirical cover, courtesy of political cartoonist David Horsey.

-Photos: Young John McCain

-Photos: John McCain at work and play

— Emily

(AP)

By Emily

I'm giddy to report that the chemistry and friendship between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama seemed quite genuine this morning at Manhattan fundraising breakfast for Obama.

Looking upbeat and well-rested, Clinton addressed her heartbroken supporters and urged them to throw their weight behind Obama. Obama, in turn, humbly acknowledged that he "desperately" need Clinton's help to win the election.

I was feeling the love. Pick up tomorrow's amNewYork for more.

By Emily

Barack, Michelle and their two young daughters will all be featured on "Access Hollywood" in segments airing this week about their family life.

Already inundated with attention and overwhelmed with criticism at allowing Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, into the spotlight, Obama said today he regretted the decision.

"We wouldn't do it again, and we won't be doing it again," Obama told NBC's "Today."

The interviews seem harmless, in my opinion, especially Sasha mimics her father's speeches with a "blah, blah, blah."

(AP)

In a show of Democratic harmony, Barack Obama and former rival Hillary Clinton will be in New York City tomorrow for fundraising events. They have Caroline Kennedy, vice president vetting extraordinaire, in tow.

Clinton will join Obama at a New York Women for Obama Finance Breakfast at Hilton Towers.

— Emily

(Getty)

By Emily

Virgina Sen. Jim Webb, the bright-eyed junior politician who would have brought military experience to Barack Obama's ballot, won't get the chance to woo moderates this fall. Webb has taken himself out of the running for the vice presidency.

Said the Vietnam War veteran in a statement:

"At this time I am also renewing my commitment to work hard to make sure that Senator Obama wins both Virginia and the presidency this November. He is a man who speaks eloquently about our national goals and calls for the practical solutions that must be put into place to obtain them. I will proudly campaign for him."

Very sweet. Very kind. Democratic unity. Then:

"Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."

Sebelius. Bayh. What do you say?

By Emily

Just in the case that CO-ED Magazine somehow, someway is scooping the rest of political news society, here's a report that John McCain IS definitively picking former rival Mitt Romney to share his presidential ballot.

The Arizona senator wants Romney as vice president, primarily for his cash stash, reports CO-ED, who swears a source from the McCain camp divulged the information to them.

Props, if this turns out to be the truth.

Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, once rivals for the presidency, will join forces (with matching capes and rings, perhaps) for the first time on the campaign trail in Unity, N.H., this Friday. Unity! I want to cringe and smile at the same time.

Further upping the symbolism in the fact that Obama and Clinton each received EXACTLY 107 votes in Unity, N.H., during the Jan. 8 primary.

— Emily

Apparently, I've put myself on the fist jab beat.

Michelle Obama appeared on "The View" today and fist jabbed its lovely hostesses.

— Emily

Breaking

(Getty)

Maverick-longshot-but-nonetheless-impassioned Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has announced he will end his campaign tonight.

Now's a good time to check out Paul's awesome CGI-laced campaign ad, written on by our Dan.
— Emily

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley and Sen. Barack Obama deal with a secret handshake gone awry Monday in Raleigh, N.C.

— Emily

I thought I was being bratty when I fussed over not being able to call my editors during Sen. Clinton's speech at Baruch College. ("I'm underground! I can't live blog!") Turns out I wasn't the only one with complaints. To get cell phone reception that Tuesday, I had to maneuver through the huge crowd and up several flights of stairs to the ground level. It was a huge hassle to leave the gymnasium where Clinton was speaking — the bunker as The New Republic called it. They reckoned the Clinton camp choose the location to quell incoming news of Sen. Obama's historic nomination. It's a theory. — Emily

By Emily

The Daily News compared the Michelle and Barack's fist bump, written on also by our Kim, to displays of love by Tipper and Al and Hillary and Bill.

Which couple looks the least toolish? You decide. (And pardon my bias.)

The Obamas punching it in

The Gores kissing or rather Al sucking out Tipper's soul

The Clintons dancing like my grandparents

(AP)

By Emily Ngo

Her crowd of supporters began to file out even before Sen. Hillary Clinton finished her speech at Baruch College tonight, but they did so with smiles on their faces. They had heard what they came to hear.

“This is a long campaign, and I will be making no decisions tonight,” the New York lawmaker said, indicating she would not concede tonight.

She spoke to cheers as results from the South Dakota and Montana primaries helped rival Sen. Barack Obama to secure the Democratic nomination.

“It’s not over! We’re still in it, baby!” Shouted Marcia Suldolsky, a supporter from Manhattan. Suldolsky admitted the first couple minutes of Clinton’s speech hinted at a concession.

Clinton stressed the extended length of the primary season and her emphasis on universal health care. She even complimented Obama on his success in winning over new voters. But she exited the stage to Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down.”

(continued)

By Emily

With the end of the primary season upon her and the odds against her, signs of a gracious — if belated — Hillary bow-out are increasing.

Sen. Clinton "will give her post-primary speech in New York Tuesday night, a rare departure from the campaign trail," the Associated Press reported.

Advance campaign staffers received e-mails late Sunday night requesting they either attend the speech or return to their hometowns and await further instruction.

Even husband Bill spoke with a tone of finality Monday as he stumped for Hillary in Milbank, S.D.

“I want to say also that this may be the last day I’m ever involved in a campaign of this kind,” the former president said. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to go around and campaign for her for president.”

Staffers on the campaign are being urged to submit their expense receipts before the week’s end — another telltale indication that the Clintons are wrapping up their affairs.

If she planned on staying the race, the New York lawmaker would continue spending money from the campaign account, not collecting receipts, according to Marc Ambinder of TheAtlantic.com. The camp is as much as $11 million in debt, he reported.

Democratic voters will cast their ballots Tuesday in South Dakota and Montana, and Clinton’s event at Baruch College are conspicuously scheduled away from the site of the primaries. Ben Smith of Politico.com reported several major donors have been invited, but Clinton aides have insisted the New York speech will not be a concession.

Hillary Clinton, her husband and close advisers plan to gather in her Chappaqua home to watch the primary results roll in and discuss whether and how to end her run for president, according to Newsday.

Memos to campaign aides indicate there is little scheduled for Clinton beyond a speech Wednesday morning at the AIPAC conference in Washington, D.C.

Clinton won Puerto Rico on Sunday by an impressively large margin, but rival Sen. Barack Obama overshadowed the victory by inching closer to the magic delegate number of the nomination.

By Emily

Remember when President Bush told the pope he delivered an "awesome speech"? Good times at the Bush Kappa Bush frat continued yesterday at commencement proceedings at the Air Force Academy. Yes, that's our commander in chief chest-bumping a graduate.

President Bush and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate Theodore Shiveley, from Plano, Texas, bump chests during the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony yesterday in Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP)

(and there's more)

You can't ignore Dem beats. Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are stumping in Puerto Rico (which holds its primary on June 7), but not without showing off some hot steps. Check out these videos of Hil and Barack breaking it down. Thanks, Spin Cycle.

— Emily

When is the last time someone so visible made such an error? Liz Trotta mixes up Obama and Osama (not the newest of screw-ups), but then laughs it off, saying both men should be assassinated.

Many columnists are right that Hillary Clinton's ill-timed RFK assassination comment was made worse by Obama supporters and the media, but Trotta takes it to a level that's offensive, embarrassing and unforgivable.
— Emily

By Emily

Bill Harris, author of “The First Ladies Book: The Stories of the Women of the White House from Martha Washington to Laura Bush,” spoke with amNewYork this past week on this election cycle’s possible first ladies He offered a historical perspective on the role and how Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain figure in. Here are more excerpts from the interview:

What's the history of women campaigning for their candidate husbands?

“In 1880, Grover Cleveland ran for president for his second term. He was about 50 years old, and Frances Cleveland was 22. She was immensely popular. The story went around that he had bought her baby carriage when she was born. … He had known her all his life.”

How did she help his campaign?

“The press fell in love with her because she was beautiful and she was young. … The Democrats put her picture on the campaign posters. … She didn’t really campaign but her picture on the posters.”

No one did the same for presidents before her?

“It’s hard to imagine Martha Washington ever out campaigning for her husband. He was such a hero that people take out their hate for him on her. She was attacked more than he was.”

(continued)

Sen. Barack Obama on Sunday spoke to a crowd of 65,000 supporters in Portland, according to an estimate by firefighters. People even sat in kayaks along the Willamette River to hear his words. Remarkable, to say the least.

Check out 15 photos of the crowds here.

(AP)

-- Emily

So I have this friend (no, no, it’s not me) who is a huge “Doctor Who” fan. She watched BBC’s season three DVDs in about two weeks. (What a total sci-fi dork!) This friend also happens to be heavily invested in the primary elections.

Imagine her glee when she came across a chart listing all the past and present Doctor Whos and which presidential candidate would make his best companion. It’s back to the “McCain is old” joke when the Arizona senator is recommended to be Colin Baker’s companion because he has “first-hand knowledge of the Jurassic Period.”

Here’s a shot of the present Doctor, played by David Tennant:

Go to the Comedy Central site to read the rest.
— Emily

We get it. Sen. John McCain is old. (At 71, he's almost three times my age.)

But what I now think is getting old are jokes about presumptive Republican nominee being old. So what of this picture?

And what of a blog that every day lists something that's younger than McCain (Velcro, the shopping cart, Nylon)?
— Emily

Edwards today announced his official endorsement of Obama for president.

(AP)

I wonder if those $400 haircut rumors will help or hurt Obama's "elitist" image. Sigh.
— Emily

Meg's not the only one reading up on permanent body art.

Check out this exchange with Sen. Barack Obama in Oregon:

Question: "If you had a tattoo, what would it be and where would you put it?"
Obama: "Uh, I cannot imagine any circumstances in which I would get a tattoo."

— Emily