From The Hotline Latest Edition for Thursday, May 15,2008

OBAMA

Bush Israeli Trying To Start Something

Thu. May 15, 2008


"In a particularly sharp blast," Pres. Bush told the Israeli Knesset today that Barack Obama and other Dems are in favor of "appeasement" of terrorists in the same way U.S. leaders appeased Nazis (CNN.com, 5/15).

Bush: "Some seem to believe that we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if I could only have talked to Hitler, all this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is — the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history” (mult., 5/15).

Obama responded in a statement his campaign released at 9:35 a.m. ET.

Obama: "It is sad that President Bush would use a speech to the Knesset on the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence to launch a false political attack. It is time to turn the page on eight years of policies that have strengthened Iran and failed to secure America or our ally Israel. Instead of tough talk and no action, we need to do what Kennedy, Nixon and Reagan did and use all elements of American power - including tough, principled, and direct diplomacy - to pressure countries like Iran and Syria. George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists, and the President's extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel" (release, 5/15).

CNN's Henry: "While the words 'Barack Obama' were never used, White House aides privately admit the president was referring not just to Barack Obama, but to other Democrats like Jimmy Carter. ... So, the inference in clear. While the president didn't name names, administration officials are privately acknowleding this was a shot at Barack Obama and other Democrats. ... It's worth noting that this administration itself has, at lower levels, sat down with Iranian officials in recent months" (CNN, 5/15).

Henry, on why Bush decided to make this statement now: "There's no doubt this is remarkable for a president who has repeatedly said he wants to stay out of 2008. He just jumped into it in a big, big way" (CNN, 5/15).

NBC's Yang: "President Bush has been saying he wants to stay out of the 2008 presidential race, saying he didn't want to be the pundit-in-chief. Well, today he jumped in with both feet" (MSNBC, 5/15).

Pat Buchanan: "It's astonishing the President of the United States would launch an attack on a presidential candidate from a podium in a foreign country. The character of the attack is astounding. ... George Bush himself negotiated with Kadafi's Libya in order to get them to give up their nuclear program, and Kadafi was behind Pan Am 103. Kadafi was a terrorist" (MSNBC, 5/15).

Obama comm. dir. Robert Gibbs: "Obviously, this is an unprecedented political attack on foreign soil. It's quite frankly sad and astonishing that the President of the United States would politicize the 60th anniversary of Israel with a false political attack. ... We have come to expect, and seen from this administration over the last eight years, this type of cowboy diplomacy. We've come to expect it, but over the past eight years it's made this country far less safe than we were. ... I think people are going to ask themselves in this election, are we safer than we were eight years ago, under this president, and I think the answer is going to be a resounding no" ("American Morning," CNN, 5/15).

CNN's Malveaux, on what Bush's statement means for the '08 campaign: "It's one of these indications that this is going to be a real sensitive and important topic in the campaign" ("American Morning," 5/15).

Also, McCain supporter/Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued a statement supporting Bush's remarks. Lieberman: "Bush got it exactly right today when he warned about the threat of Iran and its terrorist proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. It is imperative that we reject the flawed and naïve thinking that denies or dismisses the words of extremists and terrorists when they shout 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel,' and that holds that—if only we were to sit down and negotiate with these killers—they would cease to threaten us" (release, 5/15).

Better Late Than Never

John Edwards "gave his long-sought endorsement" to Obama on 5/14 p.m., calling on Dems "to unite behind him and turn their attention to the fall campaign."

Edwards, at a rally in Grand Rapids, MI: "The reason I am here tonight is the voters have made their choice, and so have I." More: "There is one man who knows and understands that this is a time for bold leadership. There is one man that knows how to create the change, the lasting change, that you have to build from the ground up. There is one man who knows in his heart that it is time to create one America, not two. And that man is Barack Obama."

Edwards' decision "to climb off the fence with just five contests remaining is likely to yield limited benefits, but it sends a strong signal that Edwards, at least, thinks the nomination battle is over."

Obama said Edwards "ran a campaign that made us all focus on what matters."

Edwards told Obama of his decision 5/13 p.m., as Clinton was "thumping" Obama by 41 points in WV and "winning the overwhelming support of working-class white voters at the heart of Edwards's candidacy." Obama "told reporters on his Chicago-bound campaign plane" 5/13 p.m. that Edwards "can be 'extremely helpful to us campaigning in every demographic,' but he noted that he has particular credibility on 'issues of poverty and the plight of working people'"(Slevin, Washington Post, 5/15).

Edwards endorsement "put an exclamation point on Obama's upbeat, daylong return" to MI, "his first visit here in 10 months" (Trowbridge/Hornbeck, Detroit News, 5/15). He "walked on stage triumphantly to 'The Rising,' the Bruce Springsteen anthem that once opened his own rallies" (Helman, Boston Globe, 5/15).

In backing Obama, Edwards is "throwing his stature as a populist champion of the working class behind a one-time rival whose failure to appeal to such voters has been his chief political weakness through the late primary season" (Talev, McClatchy Newspapers, 5/15).

Edwards "has 19 pledged delegates from his own campaign who could go to Obama" (Haberman, New York Post, 5/15).

Obama comm. dir. Robert Gibbs, asked if Edwards will hit the trail for Obama: "That's one of the things that we look forward to talking to Senator Edwards about. I think he's eager to go out and talk about the message of change."

Gibbs, asked if Edwards is on Obama's short list of running mates: "I think anybody would be lucky to have John
Edwards. Clearly, he's a fabulously capable individual, as are a number of people. Obviously, as we get closer to wrapping up the nomination, we'll ... begin that process of searching for a vice president" ("Morning Joe," MSNBC, 5/15).

What Took You So Long, Buddy?

"The endorsement would have carried more clout had Edwards made it months ago." But a "person close to Edwards" said "he wanted to get involved now to begin unifying the party" (Babington, AP, 5/14).

His decision "comes too late to affect crucial primaries and too late for him to gain much credit for being an Obama loyalist. Princeton Univ. history prof. Julian Zelizer said Edwards' endorsement delay "feeds a perception that he's a self-serving phony." Zelizer: "The timing of his endorsement is classic Edwards. One of Edwards' greatest problems is that he doesn't seem authentic. He made his whole campaign about populism, but I think a lot of people see him as a traditional senator who'll say whatever it takes to win and who cares about his hair" (McClatchy Newspapers, 5/15).

"Will the Edwards endorsement actually change anything?" writes Newsweek's Romero. "It's unlikely—and the reason is timing. ... Edwards is a Democrat. Obama's the Democratic nominee. It had to happen eventually" (5/14).

CQ's Crawford: "I think Edwards could be a big help to Obama in Kentucky. The timing here was impeccable to step on the 41-point loss Obama suffered in West Virginia. ... So, I think Edwards comes in to the picture just in time -- if Edwards actually goes to Kentucky and campaigns" ("Verdict," MSNBC, 5/14).

CNN's Borger: "My sources tell me that in fact this was a last-minute decision. ... He saw the results in West Virginia. He felt that it was very divisive, very tough for the Democratic Party to unite after this. He didn't like all the talk about the fact that Barack Obama could not attract those working-class voters. And, so, he decided to pick up the phone and call Obama" ("Election Center," 5/14).

Newsweek's Wolffe: "The timing is impeccable from Barack Obama's point of view. And it takes a lot to step on the really impressive victory that Senator Clinton scored last night in West Virginia. But even beyond the sort of timing of it, the sort of short term view of it, you have to look at what the impact is. And the race from here on out is about superdelegates. ... This symbolic moment of unity, seeing two former rivals come together. It's going to lodge in the minds of superdelegates, this idea of how much they want to see Clinton and Obama come together" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 5/14).

CNN's Schneider: "The timing of this is very interesting, because by coming out tonight, Senator Edwards has stepped right on what is supposed to be Hillary Clinton's news cycle. She won a big victory in West Virginia yesterday. She is trying to use that to revive her campaign to give her supporters hope that she can reach the finish line. ... She was on [TV] and here comes Senator Edwards to just try to deliver what he probably thinks is the coup de grace to her campaign. .... He's trying to really finish her off" ("Lou Dobbs Tonight," 5/14).

Air America's Maddow: "I think the timing at this point is to John Edwards advantage. Because even though there are no king makers in Democratic politics, the fact that he waited so late I think made this endorsement more important. ... The fact that this came on the same day that NARAL the abortion rights group also endorsed Obama, that is a stinging double whammy for Clinton" ("Race for the WH," MSNBC, 5/14).

Veep Veep ...

Edwards' "eleventh-hour endorsement ... was a hit with [Obama's] fans, but it is unlikely to shoot Edwards to the top" of the VP list, experts say" (Saul, New York Daily News, 5/15). Still, Edwards "sounded" 5/14 "as interested in a spot on the ticket as he did in 2004 when he became John Kerry's running mate" (McClatchy Newspapers, 5/15).

CNN's Borger, asked whether a deal was cut between Obama and Edwards: "Was a job discussed? I doubt overtly. However, it's clear to me that if John Edwards says he wants something, short of the vice presidency, which he's already said he doesn't want, I'm sure he would sort of be at the top of Obama's list, whatever that job should be, attorney general, for example. Who knows?" ("Election Center," 5/14).

Where Was Elizabeth?

Elizabeth Edwards, "who has said she thinks Clinton has the superior health care plan, did not accompany [her husband] and is not part of the endorsement" (AP, 5/15). "The Edwardses were said to be split on the endorsement, with Mrs. Edwards said to favor Mrs. Clinton because of her preference for parts of the Clinton health care plan" (Rutenberg, New York Times, 5/15). Still, Obama "mentioned her, highlighting her 'unyielding passion and commitment to a cause that is central to my presidency, that right here in America, everybody has decent health care'" (Brown/Smith, Politico, 5/15).

Al Eyes On Gore

Edwards was one of the last big Dem "gets", "second only perhaps to" Al Gore (Saul/Saltonstall, New York Daily News, 5/15). Univ. of WI pol. science prof. Ken Golstein: "The Al Gore watch starts now." Gore "has indicated he won't give his endorsement until the primary contest is finished." Spokeswoman Kalee Kreider said 5/14 that Gore "had no further comment."

Obama, on Gore: "I'm not really pushing for an endorsement. ... I'd love to have it, but when you've won the Nobel Peace Prize, making an endorsement politically is maybe a step down" (Goldman/Jensen, Bloomberg, 5/15).

A "Non-Issue"?

While Edwards "paid lengthy tribute to Clinton," his endorsement of Obama "appeared choreographed to ease her exit" (Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 5/15).

Clinton campaign chair Terry McAuliffe responded to Edwards' endorsement, saying, "We respect John Edwards, but as the voters of West Virginia showed [Tuesday] night, this thing is far from over" (release, 5/14). "A source said Clinton was asked about the Edwards' nod when word of it broke during a meeting of her supporters at her home, and her response made clear that 'essentially, it was a nonissue'" (New York Post, 5/15).

FNC's Barnes: "Obama suffered a 41-point defeat in the presidential primary in West Virginia yesterday -- 41 points. And the big story today is not that, it's John Edwards with his meaningless endorsement of Barack Obama" ("Special Report," 5/14).

Pat Buchanan: "I don't think it's all that important. I don't think it's going to change Oregon or Kentucky in any way" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 5/14).

People Are Talking, Talking 'Bout Edwards

Bill Richardson: "I was pleasantly surprised. I think it's an important endorsement because it signals that Senator Edwards and possibly his 19 delegates go to Senator Obama. He's got tremendous appeal with white, blue-collar voters. It should help in states like Kentucky. But this is another signal that perhaps this nomination and this race is coming to an end" ("Hannity & Colmes," FNC, 5/14).

Dem strategist Donna Brazile: "[Edwards] can help Senator Obama erase that gap that he now has with blue-collar voters. John Edwards can not only go out there and help Senator Obama campaign, but he can help Senator Obama sharpen his message so he can reach out to those voters" ("Situation Room," CNN, 5/14).

FNC's Brown: "In terms of credibility with working men and women, John Edwards certainly had that in the Democratic primary contest while he was running, and it is certainly the hope of the Obama campaign that some of that rubs off on their guy" ("Special Report," 5/14).

Time's Halperin: "I don't think John Edwards can help Barack Obama paper over the problems from West Virginia. He's going to have to figure out a way to communicate with those white working-class voters on his own. John Edwards can't do it for him" ("AC 360," CNN, 5/14).

Clinton supporter/Dem strategist Paul Begala, asked if Edwards' endorsement will help with Obama's "fundamental problem": "No. It's going to depend on if Barack can adjust and have a little bit more of that Edwards' populism in his message. ... He's very much the 'Harvard Law Review' president, which he was. But I think he needs a little of that John Edwards populism" ("LKL," CNN, 5/14).

CBS' Schieffer: "He all but endorsed Senator Obama on Sunday. And after the licking that Obama took down in West Virginia, I think they wanted to take a little of the shine off of that. ... I think John Edwards, like other senior members of the Democratic Party, wants to begin to bring this thing to a close. ... [Obama's] real problem has been in appealing to blue-collar, lower income Democrats. That was the core of John Edwards' constituency, and I think that's where they think it will really help" ("Early Show," 5/15).

To The Manor Dearborn

MI voters "watched from the sidelines for 10 months" as Obama "criss-crossed America, attending rallies with his fans, battling" Clinton and "taking some lumps." On 5/14, MI "got into the game."

"Thousands of people, some huddled under umbrellas under threatening skies, lined up for blocks awaiting Obama's appearance at a rally in Grand Rapids. The excitement rolled west from Macomb County, where Obama pumped hands, signed autographs and traded small talk Wednesday morning with workers at Chrysler's Sterling Heights Stamping Plant. He also spoke to a lunchtime rally of about 200 invited guests at Macomb Community College in Warren."

"Not everybody was buying the Obama message. ... A handful of protesters out front of the arena held signs saying, 'My pastor isn't a racist.' Another poster said, 'I love my God, guns and small town'" (Stolarz/Hornbeck, Detroit News, 5/15).

Obama's "first visit" to MI "in nearly a year" included "a pledge to fight for a rebound" in MI's "battered" auto industry. Obama, in Warren: "We are taking steps in the right direction, and American automakers are on the move." Later, in Grand Rapids, he "vowed to make up for his long absence from the state." More: "We didn't have a chance to campaign here during the primary. I felt bad about it. I felt guilty. As a consequence, I decided to give you something special." Obama then introduced Edwards (Trowbridge/Cain/Hornbeck, Detroit News, 5/15).

Politico's Brown writes about Obama's two-day swing through MO and MI, "which turned out to be a tour of not-so-friendly turf" that "allowed Obama to showcase his cross-party appeal but also advertise his challenges. Each stop underscored the work he would have to do" as the Dem nom. In MI on 5/14, he visited a Chrysler plant, one of the automakers he "excoriated" at the Detroit Economic Club in an '07 speech that he "repeatedly boasted about as he traveled the country." He later held a town hall meeting here at Macomb Community College, "which sits in a county synonymous with the working class voters, Reagan Democrats, who overwhelmingly rejected him" in WV.

MI DNCer Debbie Dingell, on Obama's struggle with blue collar voters: "I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t concerned about that" (5/15).

Dallas Morning News' Gillman writes, Obama "has a delicate balancing act." As the nominee, he "needs to consolidate" the Dem base – in part by courting MI for the first time in a year. He has three days "devoted" next week to FL, another fall battleground he skipped in the primaries in deference to party rules. "But there's still Mrs. Clinton to worry about" (5/15).

Et Tu, NARAL?

"In another sign that the left is coalescing around" Obama, NARAL Pro-Choice America "endorsed him" 5/14. "But some in the movement appear to be bristling at the decision."

NARAL Pres. Nancy Keenan said Obama and Clinton "have similar voting records on abortion issues ... but the group was driven to endorse by an eagerness to enter the fray and the sense that Mr. Obama is a more viable candidate." Keenan: "We think that John McCain is getting too much of a free ride out there." She added that based in part on pledged delegate totals and the popular vote, Mr. Obama is seen as a stronger candidate than Mrs. Clinton. More: "Both of these candidates brought literally millions of people to this process,” she said. “But we have to be in red and blue states. We have to be talking to people that are in all economic strata, we have to be talking to both men and women" (Wheaton/Seelye, "The Caucus," New York Times, 5/14).

The endorsement "drew angry reaction from" EMILY's List pres.Ellen Malcolm, who "decried" NARAL's move as "tremendously disrespectful to Sen. Clinton . . . to not give her the courtesy to finish the final three weeks of the primary process." Malcolm: "It certainly must be disconcerting for elected leaders who stand up for reproductive rights and expect the choice community will stand with them" (McClatchy Newspapers, 5/15).

Boston Globe's Helman writes, "the defection of NARAL was perhaps more stunning" than the Edwards endorsement "because it has steadfastly backed Clinton throughout her political career - and she has consistently supported its agenda" (5/15).

Wait, Are You The Same Christian Who Won "Project Runway"??

As the 5/20 primary nears in KY, Obama "is using advertising that hammers home the fact that he is a Christian." In addition to radio and TV ads that "began airing this week, a handbill is being distributed that deals entirely" with his religion -- "even relating his salvation experience."

One radio ad features LG Dan Mongiardo (D) saying, "As a strong Christian, Barack's always stood up for people." Another features Rep. Ben Chandler (D) saying, "A Christian, Barack's first job was with churches helping communities left behind when local plants closed." And in a TV ad, a narrator says, "Through his service as a community organizer and his Christian faith, he came to believe in something larger than himself."

"The handbill calls Obama a 'Committed Christian' and has a picture of him standing in a pulpit with a large cross behind him" (Gerth, Louisville Courier-Journal, 5/15). Mongiardo "said he felt compelled to make the ad after constituents contacted his office with what he called 'misconceptions' about Obama" (Alessi, Lexington Herald-Leader, 5/15).

Son, You're Mistaken

The Washington Post's Broder writes today that Obama should've campaigned more intensely in WV, even though he knew he wasn't going to win "if only to signal his awareness of its special place in Democratic history." It was WV more than any other state that propelled John Kennedy into the WH.

Broder notes that he has a "bias," because the '60 race was the first WH contest he covered, and he saw Kennedy work hard in WV to pull off an upset against Hubert Humphrey. Broder: "I would have liked to have seen Obama attempt a similar feat. It would have been difficult, but he might have pulled it off. Hillary Clinton, like Humphrey, was about out of money, while Obama, like Kennedy, had plenty of cash. And Obama, like Kennedy, had more young volunteers he could possibly deploy."

More: "But because he did not have to win this test, while Kennedy did, Obama played it safe and made only a token effort" in WV. WV could have helped Obama counter growing doubts that he can win working-class whites. Now those doubts will remain until the fall (5/15).

He's Been Pinned

New York Times' Rutenberg/Zeleny write, Obama's flag pin has become a wardrobe staple. Seven months ago, Obama "said he did not feel compelled to wear a flag pin, saying he would prove his patriotism in deed, not apparel. What gives?" Obama's aides are calling it "fashion appenstance" but Obama told the AP on 5/12 that people have been handing him pins on the trail.

Obama, however, is now turning his attention to white, working-class voters "whose support has been elusive in recent primaries." And at back-to-back events in IN recently, two voters questioned him about his decision not to wear a flag pin. "I think it would be nice if you did," said Betty McManama, 87, a retiree from Columbus City. "It sure wouldn't cost you much" (5/15).

Time's Newton-Small notes, however, that Tuesday Obama was "sans pin" on the Senate floor but donned it while speaking to working-class voters in MO that night (5/14).

Politico's Simon notes that Obama, once compared running for president to being on American Idol or Survivor, is getting the hang of the political "game." "The process is the process, the game is the game. And you can spend your time exposing how flawed the game is, or you can spend your time winning it. In the past few weeks, it has become clear to me that Obama intends to win it."

In WV, he shot pool at a billiards hall, and when he "sank a ball on the break and then pocketed two more, he said: 'That's a sign of a misspent youth.'" Asked in OR this week by a local reporter if he had a tattoo what it would be and where he would put it, Obama said: "I supposed I'd have to have Michelle's name tattooed somewhere very discreet" (5/15).

Conventional Wisdom Is Bunk

Contrary to popular belief, Schoen writes in the Wall Street Journal, the past two months, while tough on Obama, have given him a better sense of his weaknesses: the bitter remarks, ties to William Ayers, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. "Obama will benefit by confronting these issues now. At the least, he can discount those arguments in the fall campaign as over and done. At best he might frame a response as a positive message that enhances his appeal."

Dems do better when their prez candidates are "fully vetted" before the general. Bill Clinton's tough primary campaign allowed him to move beyond Gennifer Flowers. Instead, Clinton focused in the general on his economic message "during a downturn like the one we face today." In 1976 and 1988, teh Dem noms started out as strong front-runners with large leads, "but neither Jimmy Carter nor Michael Dukakis had been fully vetter by the electorate in the primaries, and they suffered for it" (5/15).

Who Let The Dogs Out?

Joe Trippi, a former senior adviser to John Edwards tells The New York Observer's Horowitz that Obama benefits from the endorsement of "Mr. Blue Collar," as he dubbed his former boss. He said Obama should ask Edwards to campaign for him in KY to help him connect with working-class, white voters. Edwards' endorsement "will open the floodgates" of superdelegates to Obama because it's a sign for "everyone to get off the sidelines" ( 5/14).

Meanwhile, Obama revealed yesterday that he has been talking to former VP Al Gore on a regular basis. "I have spoken to Al gore periodically over the last few months," he told Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times. "I have talked to him mostly about policy and gotten guidance and go good ideas from him. And so I am not really pushing for an endorsement. I would love to have it." He added: "But you know, when you won the Nobel Peace Prize, making an endorsement politically is maybe a step down, but he has been very supportive in terms of thinking through ideas. I am sure he is sharing ideas with Senator Clinton as well" (5/15).

Go-To Guy

Ex-Sen. Tom Daschle signed on early as Obama's nat'l co-chair and has played a "big role" in Obama's camp. He believes SD voters will give the candidate a win on 6/3.

Daschle: "South Dakotans get the last word in this presidential contest. I think it's going to be competitive. I'm hopeful we can win in South Dakota. It would be a very good way to bring this phase of the campaign to a close." The former Senate majority leader will accompany Obama Friday during the IL senator's first vist to the state. He has planned events in Watertown and Sioux Falls.

Obama has been endorsed by nearly all SD superdelegates, including Daschle, Sen. Tim Johnson, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, state party chair Jack Billion and DNCers Nick Nemec and Sharon Stroschein (Brokaw, AP, 5/15).

Enough Georges Already

The published of the "Curious George" children's books is "considering legal action" against a GA bar owner who is selling T-shirts that link Obama to the "inquisitive monkey." The shirts show Curious George peeling a banana with "Obama in '08" printed beneath the image. "Houghton Mifflin Harcourt did not nor would we ever authorize or approve this use of the Curious George character, which we find offensive and utterly out of keeping with the values Curious George represents. We are monitoring the situation and weighing all of our options," said Richard Blake, the company's spokesman.

Mike Norman, the GA bar owner selling the shirts, said the T-shirts aren't meant to be racist and that he thinks the IL senator and the monkey, "look so much alike." An Anti Defamation League spokesman, meanwhile, said the Norman is being disingenous. "He knows full well that's an offensive and demeaning stereotype used to insult African-Americans," said Bill Nigut, southeast regional director for the ADL. "... His speech is protected, but that doesn't mean that it's appropriate adn that doesn't mean it's not hateful" (Chicago Tribune, 5/14).

And Enough Sean Penn Already

Weighing in on the Dem race from the Cannes Film Festival, actor Sean Penn had this to say about the likely Dem nom: "I don't have a candidate I'm supporting and I'm certainly interested and excited by the hope that Barack obama is inspiring," but he accused him of a "phenomenally inhuman and unconstitutional" voting record. More: "I hope that he will understand, if he is the nominee, the degree of disillusionment that will happen if he doesn't become a greater man than he will ever be. This is the most important election, certainly in my lifetime, and maybe ever" (Singh, UK Telegraph, 5/15).

For Pete's Sake ... And Obama's

Obama picked up some more superdelegates 5/15, including:

• Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN) became the seventh IN superdelegate to endorse Obama (AP, 5/14).

• Awais Khaleel of WI, vice pres. of College Dems of America, endorsed Obama (Thoreson, Madison Journal Times, 5/15).

• Wayne Co. Exec. Bob Ficano of MI "is firmly" in Obama's camp. So is Lauren Wolfe, pres. of the College Dems of America (Detroit Free Press, 5/15).

• Rep. Jim McDermott today became the fourth House member from WA to endorse Obama (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 5/15).

Meanwhile, the United Steelworkers also endorsed Obama today (release, 5/15).

The Lessons Of Travis Childers

Obama on 5/14 "used" Rep.-elect Travis Childers' (D-MS 01) win 5/13 "as proof that he will be able to withstand" GOP attacks in 11/08 and beat McCain. Obama, at a town hall meeting in Warren, MI: "They ran ads with my face on it and they said 'look at this, former liberal and his former pastor said offensive things.' I mean they were trying to do every trick in the book to try to scare folks in Mississippi and it didn't work" (Gavrilovic, "From the Road," CBSNews.com, 5/14).

Are You Sure He Wasn't Talking To Lynn Sweet?

Obama "has apologized" to WXYZ-TV's Peggy Agar "for calling her 'sweetie' and dodging her question about autoworkers. Agar "shouted a question" to Obama during his appearance 5/14 at a Chrysler LLC plant in MI, asking him what he plans to do to help American autoworkers. Obama: "Hold one one second, sweetie, we'll do a press avail, thanks." He "never got back to Agar."

Later, WXYZ played a voice mail Obama left for Agar, in which he apologized for not getting back to her and said he has a "bad habit" of calling people "sweetie." Obama, to Agar: "I do it sometimes with all kinds of people. I meant no disrespect, so I am duly chastened on that front" (AP, 5/14).

Agar said she was surprised by the apology, but disappointed Obama didn't answer her question. Agar: "People in Michigan have to make a decision about who they're going to vote for. ... Obama could take a second to say what he's going to do for them." As for the "s" word, Agar said, "I've been called worse" (Detroit News, 5/15).

Speaking Of Inappropriate ...

New York Times' Johnston reports, a Secret Service supervisor who until recently was a leader of Obama's security detail sent several colleagues an e-mail message in '05 that included a crude sexual joke about blacks and American Indians, according to documents disclosed last week as part of a lawsuit by black Secret Service agents.

The supervisory agent, Victor Erevia, sent the 1/26/05 e-mail message to five other Secret Service supervisors with what he described as a "joke," one that referred to ''popular myths of sexuality'' and ridiculed several racial and religious groups. It appears that Mr. Erevia was not the author of the joke, but shared the message after it had been sent to him.

Eric Zahren, a Secret Service spokesman, said 5/14 "that while the agency did not condone offensive material, the e-mail message was 'apparently an attempt at humor' and should be viewed in that context" (5/15).

And Iran, Iran So Far Away ...

Chicago Mayor/Obama supporter Richard Daley got the City Council to "sandbag" a resolution opposing the US invasion of Iran on 5/14. Daley "called it a threat to Israel and" Obama. In '03, Daley "reluctantly agreed to go along with a carefully worded resolution opposing a 'unilateral preemptive U.S. military attack" on Iraq. But he "put his foot down" on the new resolution "on the ground that it would tie the hands of" Obama. Daley: "It's not fair. Let Obama answer all of those questions. He is gonna be the nominee of the Democratic Party and he will be the president. That will be up to him to make the judgements" (Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times, 5/15).

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