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Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from November 26th, 2008

The Obamas Pitch In at a Chicago Food Bank

Following Obama's press conference, the future first family makes a surprise stop at Saint Columbanus Catholic Church on the South Side. They distribute chicken in plastic bags to surprised Chicagoans. Pool report: "Many of them lit up; some shrieked with delight and hugged one or more of the Obamas." Later, Obama visits students at the adjoining school and takes a few questions. Read pool report here. Permalink

"Help is On the Way"

The president-elect makes his third appearance this week on the economy in Chicago. Names former Fed chairman Paul Volcker to head a new White House panel designed to boost the economy and stabilize financial markets. Click above to watch a clip. Read Obama's prepared comments, and read the transition release here. Says his goal in staffing his economic team is to "combine experience with fresh thinking." TIME's Justin Fox: "Given Volcker's history, it is awfully interesting." RNC response: "He fails to explain how he will pay for massive spending increases outside of raising taxes...." Permalink

Consumer Spending Tumbles

Spending drops by 1% in October-- the most since 2001. Bloomberg: "The biggest consumer spending slump in three decades is likely to persist as home prices fall and job losses mount...." Permalink

Bush Spares Pumpkin and Pecan

The president conducts the annual turkey pardon in the White House Rose Garden, absolving two birds-- one at the ceremony and one kept at "an undisclosed location." Read his remarks here. Permalink

Obama Keeping Top Speechwriter

Jon Favreau, 27, is decamping from Chicago for Washington, D.C. Permalink

Minnesota Board Sides Against Franken

The Democrat loses his bid Wednesday to have certain absentee ballots counted in his Senate race. As of Tuesday night, Coleman leads Franken by 238 votes. Permalink

Barbara Bush Undergoes Surgey

The former first lady had laparoscopic surgery in Houston to repair a perforated ulcer. The 83-year-old is expected to remain in the hospital until next week. Bush at Wednesday's turkey pardoning: "I'm thankful for the fact that my mother is doing well." Permalink

First Daughters Share White House Secrets

During their visit to the White House, Barbara and Jenna Bush showed Sasha and Malia Obama the executive mansion's "special tricks," Laura Bush says. They demonstrated how to slide down the solarium ramp on their rear ends, and helped the younger girls jump onto a tall bed. Permalink

A Presidential Thanksgiving Feast

The Bushes -- spending the holiday at Camp David -- will chow down on free-range roast turkey, cornbread dressing and pumpkin mousse trifle Thursday. Read the full menu here. Permalink

Obama to Barbara Walters: Execs Shouldn't Take Bonuses

"I think that if you are already worth tens of millions of dollars, and you are having to lay off workers, the least you can do is say, I'm willing to make some sacrifice as well," the president-elect tells Barbara Walters on her ABC News special. Click above to watch. Airs Wednesday evening at 10 pm ET/PT. Permalink