Archive - November 6, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Ahmadinejad Congratulates Obama

It was the first time since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that an Iranian leader congratulated an American president-elect. "I hope you will choose to honor the real interests of people and justice and equity over the insatiable appetites of the selfish minority," wrote Ahmadinejad. Read a translation of the letter here. Permalink

What Kind of White House Chief of Staff Will Rahm Be?

The transition team releases a statement from the candidate and his new chief of staff Thursday afternoon. OBAMA: "No one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel." Statement here. EMANUEL: "I'm leaving a job I love to join your White House for one simple reason... I want to do everything I can to help deliver the change America needs." Statement here. Read James Carney's TIME.com piece on Rahm Emanuel here. Plus: The Wash Post on how Emanuel's appointment could signal a rapid succession of Cabinet picks. Permalink

Assessing McCain's Defeat

WSJ: "The Republican ran a traditional campaign, appealing to conservative voters who make up the base of his party -- a decision that confounds those who missed the 'old McCain.'" The Economist: "Fate dealt John McCain an impossible hand." Permalink

Axe Swings to D.C.

The Chicago-based political strategist and top Obama aide signs on to become Senior Adviser in Obama's White House, ABC News reports. Permalink

Lieberman Considering His Options

The independent Connecticut senator tells reporters after leaving a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Reid that they had a "very good conversation," will continue discussions. Says despite his support for McCain, "the election is over" and he agrees with Obama that Congress must unite to get the economy going again, keep America safe. He didn't say whether Democrats would strip him of his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Plus: In a statement, Reid says some Democratic Senators have "serious concerns," adds that he and Lieberman will speak to party caucus in two weeks. TIME.com's Jay Newton-Small on Lieberman here. Permalink

Biden: McCain's “Still My Friend”

At Delaware’s post-election “Return Day,” the vice president-elect says he and Obama are meeting daily to work on preparing the new administration. Says though he and McCain haven’t spoken since the election, he plans to ask for the Arizonan’s help. “We’ve got to reach out, man. You can’t get from here to there with just Democrats, you can’t do it.” Permalink

44 Looking Forward to Hanging Out With 43

The president-elect releases a statement thanking the president for the invitation to visit the White House, praising his "spirit of bipartisanship." Read it here. Obama and his wife Michelle are set to head to D.C. Monday. Permalink

Motorcade Scuffle En Route to Obama Security Briefing

Secret Service agents draw weapons after Chicago couple try to drive around Obama's motorcade. Read pool report here. Comes ahead of his first intelligence briefing from Mike McConnell in Chicago. Read pool report following meeting here. Plus: The president-elect also causes a stir when getting out of his SUV at Regents Park for a workout. Read pool report here. Permalink

Behind-the-Scenes With Obama on Election Night

Obama's family and friends talk about Tuesday night in the new People magazine. His mother-in-law: "I can’t tell you how subdued it was" as the family realized he had won. Plus: Tuesday night at the Obama household: A quiet steak dinner. Read more here. Permalink

The Big Five: Thursday Edition

HALPERIN'S TAKE: The five most important people in American politics -- who aren't Barack Obama. Permalink

"And, With That, I Will Take Your Questions"

What Robert Gibbs could learn from Mike McCurry. Developing.... Permalink

Viguerie: Conservatives Must Break From GOP

Conservative leader Richard Viguerie on afternoon conference call: "The number one mistake conservatives made is we became an appendage of the Republican Party." "Going forward, I think you're going to see conservatives look to themselves for leadership." Also called Palin "a major rock star" among the right. He spoke following a gathering of conservative leaders in Virginia. Permalink

OBAMA NABS NORTH CAROLINA

Associated Press places the Tar Heel State in the president-elect's column after initially being too close to call. The wire service canvassed counties in the state to determine the number of outstanding provisional ballots, found McCain wouldn't be able to close a 13,693-vote deficit. The 15 additional electoral votes put the current count at: Obama 364, McCain 173. Projection finalizes the electoral map leaving one electoral vote yet to be distributed -- in Nebraka, which splits its by district. Not all news orgs have called Missouri for McCain. Permalink

Bush Pledges Orderly Transition

President Bush speaks briefly about the presidential transition to executive employees on the South Lawn of the White House. "For the next 75 days, all of us must ensure that the next president and his team can hit the ground running." "Ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my presidency... We face economic challenges that will not pause to let a new president settle in." Read full remarks here. Permalink

REP. ROY BLUNT STEPS DOWN AS MINORITY WHIP

The Missouri Republican announces he will no longer serve in the leadership role. Letter to colleagues: "I believe... I can best contribute to our efforts to regain the majority and advance the interests of the American people in a different role...." Plus: Politico: "Beyond demography, the party is now...perceived by many voters as either incompetent, corrupt, or just not standing for much." Permalink