Archive - November 25, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The President-elect is in negotiations with his staff on how to stay connected. "One of the worst things I think that could happen to a president is losing touch with what people are going through day to day," Obama tells Barbara Walters. Permalink

Paterson Won't Rush Finding Clinton Replacement

Albany Times Union: Paterson's decision is a complex political calculus that factors his own political future, the needs of his party and governing. Permalink

Asian Stocks Finish Mixed

The Street: Asian markets closed mixed Wednesday, with shares in Japan falling after Fitch Ratings cut its top-notch credit rating on Toyota. Permalink

MTV to Throw an Inaugural Ball for Obama

AP: The network announced Tuesday that it will host the "Be the Change Inaugural Ball" at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington on Jan. 20. Permalink

Gates Accepts Offer to Stay

Sources say the Defense Secretary will remain in the top Pentagon job. His appointment is expected to be part of a roll out of his security team -- including Clinton for State -- after Thanksgiving. Permalink

Obama Team to Limit Inaugural Donations

Will only accept donations up to $50,000, prohibit contributions from corporations, PACs and federally-registered lobbyists. Past president-elects have accepted donations as high as $250,000. Also working with authorities to open up the National Mall to more attendees. Get all the details here. Permalink

Brennan Withdraws Name for CIA Director

NBC News: The former Tenant chief of staff asks the president-elect in a letter to drop his name of consideration. Permalink

Charlie Rose Chats With Citigroup CEO

CEO Vikram Pandit discusses the bailout and more on the PBS show Tuesday evening. Permalink

Donilon to Counsel Biden

Old wise hand Mike Donilon will serve as the VP-elect's counselor. Also announces Terrell McSweeny will serve as Biden's domestic policy advisor and Evan Ryan as assistant for intergovernmental affairs. Get all the details here. Permalink

Obama Calls More World Leaders

The president-elect returns congratulatory calls from foreign leaders including Afghanistan's Karzai. Click here for list of recent calls. Permalink

Plouffe Keeps Grassroots Engaged

The president-elect's former campaign manager sends out an e-mail to supporters about the details of Obama's economic team. Tells them they'll be "instrumental" in generating support to pass economic legislation. Read it here. Permalink

Gibson to Sit Down With the Bushes

The ABC News anchor will interview the President and the First Lady from Camp David. Will air Monday at 6:30 pm ET on "World News" Permalink

The Big Five: Tuesday Edition

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

McCain Laughs Off Question About Another Presidential Bid

The Arizonan tells reporters he doesn't "envision a scenario" where he'd run for the White House again, plans to run for Senate re-election in '10. Says he looks forward to working with Obama. Lauds his appointments, including Napolitano, who is expected to be Homeland Security Secretary. Continues to defend his choice of Sarah Palin as his VP candidate after being asked about it by reporters. Permalink

Pentagon Cancels Big Holiday Gala

Adm. Mike Mullen cancels the large annual holiday reception held by the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, citing “these trying financial times.” Instead he'll host a smaller gathering for wounded service members, their families and survivors of military personnel killed in action. Permalink