Archive - November 20, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Emanuel Reaches Out to Republicans

The incoming chief of staff speaks briefly to reporters after meeting with GOP Senators, and before meeting with GOP House leaders. Says it was a "very, very good meeting," adds: "We would like to welcome their ideas on a host of fronts." "...There's enough area and enough good will for ideas from both parties to solve those challenges." Click above to watch. Permalink

GEITHNER REPORTS LAUNCH STOCKS HIGHER

The Dow Jones booms nearly 500 points following news that New York Fed President Timothy Geithner is Obama's likely pick to be treasury secretary. Friday rally follows back-to-back 400-point selloffs. Permalink

Stocks Take Another Tumble

The Dow drops more than 400 points, for the second straight day. Citigroup shares fall 26%. Oil falls to its lowest levels in nearly three years. S&P 500 now at 11-year low. Permalink

REPORTS: CLINTON GETS ON BOARD

Two Clinton confidants tell the NY Times that she has decided to give up her Senate seat for the Secretary of State position. Adds she came to the decision after an additional discussion with the president-elect on the nature of her role. Top Clinton adviser makes similar statements to Politico. UPDATE: Clinton spokesman denies the reports, says the two are still in discussion, though the talks are "very much on track." Permalink

Congressional Leaders to Automakers: Show Us a Plan

Top Democrats call for the Big Three to submit blueprints for survival by December 2 to be considered for a bailout. Say they don’t want any bankruptcies, but do want accountability. Pelosi: "Until they show us the plan, we cannot show them the money." Plus: Democratic Sens. Levin and Stabenow and GOP Sens. Voinovich and Bond say they've struck a deal on a bill to aid the crippled auto industry. Permalink

Waxman Unseats Dingell as Energy Chair

Dems vote 137-122 by secret ballot for the California representative to replace veteran Dingell as House Energy and Commerce Chairman. Vote ratifies a Wednesday decision by the Steering and Policy Committee. Permalink

Paulson Insists Economic Crisis Is Rare

Speaking at the Reagan Library in California, the treasury secretary says the current economic crisis happens “once or twice” a century. Blames “government inaction and mistaken actions.” Permalink

Iowa Comes to the East Wing

Michelle Obama picks Jackie Norris as her chief of staff. Norris, a former high school government teacher, was the Obama campaign’s Iowa state director. Permalink

McCain Praises Potential Napolitano Pick

The Arizona Senator calls his home state governor for being a top contender to serve as Obama's secretary of homeland security. Also releases statement, saying her experience as Arizona's U.S. attorney, attorney general and governor warrants a quick confirmation if she's selected. Full statement here. Plus: Expected Health and Human Services nominee Daschle says he hopes to enact a health care plan next year, which would be implemented over several years. Permalink

STEVENS BIDS FAREWELL

The outgoing senator gives a heartfelt address to his colleagues on the floor Thursday recalling his 40 years of work, Alaska's accomplishments. Says he'll pray for his "successor's success," believes God will give him another opportunity to engage in public service. "I don't have a rearview mirror. I look only forward. And I still see the day when I can remove the cloud that currently surrounds me." Permalink

Senate to Vote on Extended Unemployment Benefits

The measure, already passed by the House, would add up to 13 weeks of unemployment insurance. Vote comes amid word that new jobless claims are at a 16-year high. Permalink

Happy Birthday, Mr. Vice President-Elect

Biden spends his 66th in Delaware with his family. He has no public events scheduled. For details -- including what Obama got him as gifts Wednesday -- click here. Permalink

NEW SIGNS HE'LL STAY

Politico: Dems say Obama aides have talked to Defense Secretary Gates about detailed issues, suggesting he's under "very serious consideration." Permalink

Will She or Won't She?

NY Times: "Aides in each camp have grown increasingly sour toward the other" and some think "strategic leaks by the Clintons" are aimed at boxing in Obama and "forcing him to offer the post." AP: Associates say she's weighing whether to leave the Senate, "believing the job is hers if she wants it." Permalink

Pritzker Not Interested in Commerce Post

The top Obama aide and Chicago billionaire is taking herself out of the running to be Commerce Secretary. Plus: Top Obama adviser Anita Dunn will not join the Obama administration. Permalink