Headlines from November 23rd, 2008

Markets Close Slightly Up

Dow ends the day positive 30+ points. Comes after a nearly 900-point rally of the past two trading days. Permalink

Axelrod: No Bailout Until Automakers Come Up With Plan

The incoming White House senior adviser tells ABC News Obama wants the Big Three to create a plan for industry reform before getting federal money. Interview airs on "This Week" Sunday morning. Permalink

No Potted Plants

Axelrod tells ABC's "This Week" when asked whether a Secretary of State Clinton would have Obama's full backing that the president-elect will have "a great working relationship" with his entire Cabinet. "They are not going to be potted plants. ...They are going to be partners with him in governance, and he is going to encourage that." Permalink

Richardson, Summers Slated for Obama Economic Team Slots

Politico: The New Mexico Gov. will be named commerce secretary and the former Clinton treasury secretary will be White House economic adviser. Richardson is expected to be announced separately from the Geithner-Summers unveiling midday Monday at a Chicago hotel. Permalink

Obama Promises Karzai More Aid to Afghanistan

The president-elect pledges fighting terrorism in the region will be a top priority in a Saturday phone conversation with the Afghan leader. Permalink

Obama to Face Unprecedented Deficit

Boston Globe: The president-elect will enter office with a budget deficit likely topping $1 trillion, which could limit his ability to make good on campaign promises. Permalink

Bush Wrapping Up Final Global Summit

The president wins an endorsement of his economic action plan and an agreement for a new round of discussions on North Korea's nuclear program at the APEC summit in Peru. Conference ends Sunday. Permalink

Obama Focuses on His Game

The president-elect spends about an hour and a half Sunday playing b-ball at the University of Chicago Lab School in Hyde Park. Read pool report here. Earlier: Obama kicks off his day in Chicago with a morning workout. Read pool report here. Permalink

Obamas Play Chicago Socialites

The incoming First Couple spends a couple hours dining at national finance chair Penny Pritzker's home in Lincoln Park Saturday night. Later, they head over to the home of friend Marty Nesbitt, a couple blocks from their house. Arrived home by 12:30 am ET. Read pool reports here, here, here and here. Permalink

Palin Juggling Tons of Interview Requests

The Alaska Governor is considering about 800 requests for appearances from December through 2009. Spokesman: "Barbara Walters called me. George Stephanopoulos called me. I've had multiple conversations with producers for Oprah, Letterman, Leno and 'The Daily Show.'" Permalink