Archive - November 24, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

AP: Bush Pardons 14, Commutes 2 Prison Sentences

President Bush issues his first round of pardons since March. List includes people convicted of drug offenses, income tax evasion, and violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Permalink

Poll: Two-Thirds Approve of Transition

Obama is managing his transition well, according to 67% of respondents to an ABC News poll. And/but: Just 44% think Obama will be able to improve the economy significantly. Conducted Nov. 19-23; error margin: 3 points. Permalink

Bidens Send Holiday Cheer to Troops

The vice-president elect and his wife volunteer Monday at a "Stockings for Soldiers" event in Wilmington, Delaware. The two were expected to help prepare holiday packages for troops overseas. Event is closed to the press. Permalink

Longtime Biden Adviser to Fill Delaware Senate Seat

Gov. Minner announces Monday that she's appointing former Biden chief of staff Ted Kaufman to fill the VP-elect's seat until a 2010 special election. Widely seen as a move to protect Biden's seat for his oldest son Beau, now deploying to Iraq with his Delaware National Guard unit. Permalink

Report: Susan Rice Top Candidate for UN Ambassador

ABC News: The Obama foreign policy adviser is the leading contender for the post in New York. Rice was a member of Bill Clinton's National Security Council and was an assistant secretary of state. Permalink

Obama on New Economic Team: "We Don't Have a Minute to Waste"

At a Chicago press conference, the president-elect names Geithner as treasury secretary, Summers as director of the National Economic Council and Christina Romer as head of the Council of Economic Advisors. Click above for a clip. All the details on the announcements here. "I look forward to working closely with them in the months ahead. And that work starts today, because the truth is, we don't have a minute to waste." Also takes reporters' questions on stimulus package, tax cuts, auto industry. Read prepared remarks here. Will hold another presser Tuesday to discuss the federal budget, "meaningful cuts and sacrifices" needed. Permalink

Reaction to Obama's Economic Team

Some comments after Obama's Monday presser: NBC's Savannah Guthrie: "He wants to make good on all those campaign promises of change, and yet not have an administration that's full of new people who don't know what they're doing." Harvard's Kenneth Rogoff on CNBC: "I think it's a good team. Obviously Larry is a very powerful personality, but Christie Romer is no shrinking violet, and Tim Geithner is very, very effective...." Democratic strategist Steve McMahon on MSNBC: "The centrists that he appointed today, if that's what they are, are people who are designed to send a positive message to the international community." Read more reaction here. Permalink

Schumer Gives Up DSCC Role

After two election cycles in the job, New York’s senior senator says he’s “had a great run” as chairman, but is ready to step down. New Jersey’s Robert Menendez will take the helm. Permalink

The Big Five: Monday Edition

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

Obama's Monday

The president-elect arrives at his transition office in downtown Chicago. Earlier, he starts the day with a trip to the gym before heading to Hilton Chicago for economic presser. Permalink

Obama Meets With Joint Chiefs Chairman

The president-elect met with Adm. Michael Mullen for 45 minutes in Chicago on Friday. President Bush approved the "get acquainted" session, CNN reports. Permalink

Bush, Obama Spoke About Citigroup Deal

Speaking outside the Treasury Department, President Bush says there is "close cooperation" between the White House and the future Obama administration on economic planning. "Any time we were to make a big decision during this transition, he will be informed, as will his team." Read full remarks here. Permalink

Obama Wants Stimulus Package on Desk by Inauguration

ABC News: The transition team is working with lawmakers to get the bill passed in both the House, Senate by Jan. 20. Would allow Obama to sign the bill into law on his first day in office. Permalink

Obama Stars in Georgia Senate Race Robocall

The president-elect tells Peach State voters that electing challenger Martin in the runoff would give a big boost to Obama's agenda in the Senate. Listen to the call here. And/But: NY Times notes Obama has "shied away" from strongly inserting himself into the unresolved Georgia, Minnesota races. Permalink

Wall Street Closes Higher

The Dow ends close to 400 points higher -- its second strong gain in a row. Increase follows 500-point surge Friday, suggesting approval of Citigroup rescue and Obama's economic appointments. Permalink