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Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from November 22nd, 2008

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Pritzkers'

The Obamas' SUV stops at a Chicago firehouse Saturday evening after his motorcade apparently makes a wrong turn. He and his wife were heading to adviser and businesswoman Penny Pritzker's home for dinner. They arrived without incident. Read pool reports here and here. Permalink

Obama Announces Communications Staff

As expected, Robert Gibbs will be White House press secretary. Also, EMILY's List director Ellen Moran will be director of communications, campaign spokesman Dan Pfeiffer will be deputy director of communications. Read release here. Statement from EMILY's List founder Ellen Malcom. Permalink

Obamas Keeping Chicago Home

In a little-noticed comment Friday, the president-elect says the family will not sell their $1.6 million Hyde Park home. "We're staying in there for awhile. Now's not the time to sell." Permalink

Obama Proposes Expanded Economic Plan

The president-elect's weekly radio/video address promotes a two-year economic plan promising "a new direction, new ideas, and new reforms." Pledges to save or create 2.5 million jobs, more than the 1 million he spoke of during the campaign. "The news this week has only reinforced the fact that we are facing an economic crisis of historic proportions." Click above to watch, and read it here. Permalink

Obama and Clinton: Foes to Partners

NY Times looks at the potential of a strong bond between Obama and his future secretary of state. Clinton associate: “She feels like she’s been treated very well in the way she’s been asked." Plus: Sen. Clinton has spoken several times to Michelle Obama about raising a family in the White House. Permalink

Cabinet-Building

President-elect Obama's team takes shape, with reports of Geithner at Treasury and Clinton at State. Also reports of Daschle at HHS, Richardson possibly at Commerce, Rep. Raul Grijalva possibly at Interior, retired Marine Gen. James Jones as national security adviser. NY Times: Choices "suggest that Mr. Obama is planning to govern from the center-right of his party, surrounding himself with pragmatists rather than ideologues." Permalink

Minnesota Ballots Get Another Look

A recount is underway this weekend in at least three counties in the North Star State's super-close Senate battle. Latest tally: Coleman up by 115 votes out of 2.4 million cast. Permalink

Sidwell Friends "the Best Fit" for Obama Girls

Statement from Michelle Obama's spokeswoman on choosing the D.C. Quaker school for Sasha and Malia Obama: "A number of great schools were considered. In the end, the Obamas selected the school that was the best fit for what their daughters need right now." Permalink

WSJ: Geithner Choice Mystifies Some Democrats

SEIU president Stern: "I just don't know him." Other reaction: Former SEC chief Levitt: "As sound a thinker as anyone I can think of in this country." New Yorker's Surowiecki: Reassures Wall Street "Obama is serious about bringing real stability to the markets." Permalink