Archive - November 17, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Over to You, 44

AP: The Bush administration is expected to leave about $350 billion of the bailout money untouched for an Obama administration to spend as it pleases. Permalink

Obama, McCain Share "Productive Conversation"

The former rivals issue a joint statement following their meeting at Obama's Chicago transition office. "We hope to work together in the days and months ahead on critical challenges...." Read the full statement here. Before the meeting, Obama says they'll discuss "how we can do some work together to fix up the country." Asked whether he'll help Obama with his administration, McCain responds, "Obviously.” Read pool reports here and here. Watch video of brief remarks above. They're also joined by future chief of staff Emanuel and McCain ally Sen. Graham. Read release here. Read about their meeting in WSJ, the Washington Post, Politico and the New York Times. Permalink

Biden Makes More Calls to Foreign Leaders

The vice president-elect spoke with five additional leaders Monday, including the Colombian and Georgian presidents and the Greek foreign minister. Get details here. Permalink

Reid Pushes for Lame Duck Economic Aid

The Majority Leader says on the Senate floor he’s tallying votes for a broad economic aid plan. If he doesn’t have enough support, he’ll look for a vote on aid for automakers, additional unemployment benefits as early as Wednesday. Earlier: White House confirms it wants to help struggling automakers, but doesn't want aid to come from the $700 billion bailout. Permalink

Obama Interview Draws At Least 24.5 Million

Preliminary ratings show Steve Kroft's interview with the president-elect and his wife Sunday brought in the biggest ratings for "60 Minutes" since 1999. Obama's pre-election infomercial drew 33.6 million to seven networks in October. Read CBS release here. Permalink

Ayers: Coffee With Obama “a Non-Event”

In another interview, the former radical leader again downplays his ties with Obama. Says he doesn’t think Obama knew of his extremist past when they were colleagues: it’s not "a sign that I wear on my chest." Permalink

Romney Team Fires Back at Huckabee

A spokesman for the former Massachusetts governor responds to charges leveled in Huckabee's new book: "Mike Huckabee is consumed with presumed slights, and he seems more interested in settling scores than in bringing people together.” The book accuses Romney of "disrespect" and more. Also offers tough words for Fred Thompson, Pat Robertson and others. Permalink

GOP's McConnell Outlines Obama To-Do List

The Senate Minority Leader rattles off the "big issues" Monday he thinks the president-elect and Republicans can agree on. Includes cutting spending, lowering the national debt, providing tax relief, committing to an energy independence policy, and reining in entitlement spending. "I hope President-elect Obama will go after the big things, and go after them early." Permalink

SEN. KENNEDY RETURNS TO WORK

The Massachusetts Senator is on the Hill Monday for a staff meeting, says he's "delighted to be back" in brief remarks to reporters. Adds that he hopes health care will be a "prime item" on the upcoming agenda, says Obama has indicated it will be. Is greeted by cheers and applause by staffers, as well as a "Welcome Back" banner. Click above to watch. Permalink

Bush Phones Gaddafi

The president expresses his satisfaction that a claims settlement agreement was fully implemented. It’s the first time a U.S. president has called the Libyan leader. Plus: Condoleezza Rice -- the first secretary of state to visit Libya in half a century -- is expected to meet with Gaddafi's son Tuesday in Washington. Permalink

Georgia Senate Race Ad Invokes Obama

Democratic challenger Martin goes after GOP incumbent Chambliss with a spot attacking him for allegedly not supporting the policies of the president-elect. Watch it above. Permalink

Obama Calls Schwarzenegger About California Wildfires

The president-elect speaks with the governor Monday "to express his concern over the wildfires and to receive an update on the situation." Also makes a similar call to Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa. Plus: BarackObama.com asks visitors to donate to, volunteer for relief efforts. Permalink

House Democratic Leaders Meet With Paulson, Bernanke

Speaker Pelosi and other leaders urge the Treasury Secretary and Fed Chair to "take immediate action" to help those dealing with home foreclosures. “The solutions to the problem at the root of our economic crisis – aggressively addressing home foreclosures – have been known for some time. Further delay in implementing these solutions is unacceptable." Read statement here. Permalink

42 Weighs In

Speaking in Kuwait, the former president offers thoughts on his wife possibly becoming secretary of state. Says she didn't support Obama in order to get a job offer-- but if she got the job "she'd be really great." Click above to watch. Permalink

Carville: "I Think She'd Be a Great Fit For the Job"

Close Clinton ally James Carville tells CNN he thinks Sen. Clinton would be a strong secretary of state. "I hope this works out for the sake of the country." Click above to watch. Permalink