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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from December 2nd, 2008
Emanuel Briefs the Press
The incoming White House chief of staff gives a rehash on the plane of what the governors discussed with Obama at the NGA meeting in Philly. Says there was a consensus about the need for investments in infrastructure, green technology, reform. Get full transcript of his remarks here. Permalink
Gates Thanks Obama for Putting Confidence in Him
The Secretary of Defense holds a presser one day after being officially selected to stay under Obama. Says he considers himself a Republican when asked about his party affiliation, confirms he and Obama agreed his time at the position would be open-ended. Insists he has "no intention of being a caretaker secretary," focusing on new strategy in Afghanistan will be a priority. Permalink
Poll: Consumer Confidence Lowest in 23 Years
ABC News index also finds 93% say the economy is poor, with nearly 60% saying their own finances are in bad shape. Permalink
Political President-Elect
Obama records a radio ad backing a Louisiana Democrat in a House runoff race. He earlier recorded a robocall and sent two e-mails to his political list supporting the Shreveport-area candidate, Paul Carmouche. Permalink
Poll: Most Approve of Transition So Far
USA Today/Gallup poll says 78 percent approve of Obama’s handling of the presidential transition and Cabinet picks. Also shows partisan divide on a potential economic stimulus. Read more here. Permalink
Obama A Kiddy Crowd Pleaser
A grinning president-elect shook the hands of students from a Quaker school across the street from his hotel Tuesday as he got ready to leave Philly. The children had been chanting "Obama! Obama!" for about 15 minutes as they waited for him to emerge. Read pool report here. Permalink
Pawlenty: We Appreciated Meeting With Obama
The GOP Governor from Minnesota tells MSNBC that Obama had the right tone, attitude in his address to the bipartisan group. Adds he's concerned about Obama putting more money toward federal bailouts. Also shoots down characterization of Palin as potential '12 White House rival saying she's a “colleague and a friend.” Watch video clip above. Permalink
Bill Clinton Seeks Praise for His Wife
The former president e-mails his wife’s supporters asking that they leave “a message of congratulations” at her web site for being Obama’s pick for secretary of state. A second link leads to an online donation form. Permalink
Paterson Mum on Possible Senate Picks
The New York governor denies Obama’s team is pushing for Caroline Kennedy to fill Clinton's soon-to-be vacant seat, says he’s getting a lot of names thrown at him. "There are a lot of people to in the middle now who want to, as the kids say, play high post – act like they're in the process. But they're not." Plus: After the NGA meeting Obama jokes with Paterson about the decision, saying “I’m sure I made your life easier.” 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
Obama to Govs: "The Partnership We Begin Here Must Not – And Will Not – End Here"
The president-elect asks those at the National Governors Association meeting in Philly for help in shaping an economic stimulus. Also tells Republicans they'll have the same kind of "friendship and cooperation" as Dems -- a statement met with applause. Watch video clip above. Full remarks here. Plus: Rahm Emanuel will brief press pool on meeting during flight back to Chicago. Permalink
Biden Singles Out Palin
The VP-elect thanks the Alaska Governor at the start of his speech to the National Governors Association meeting Tuesday. Going off his prepared remarks, he jokes that "no one pays attention" to him since the race against her is over, says it's great to see her. "I hope, you know, the whole country can see the sort of a metaphor for the fact that this election is over and here we are. We're all together." Video here and prepared remarks here. Plus: For colorful pool report of the two greeting the govs, click here. Permalink
Obama on Keeping It Grassroots
The president-elect tells Ebony in their January issue that it was people at the lowest levels of politics that kept his campaign afloat — and he doesn’t “want that to dissipate.” Special edition hitting newsstands Dec. 9 also names Obama their first “Person of the Year.” Permalink
McCain Visiting India Tuesday
The GOP Senator -- joined by buddies Graham, Lieberman -- arrive in Bangladesh Tuesday as part of a broader congressional trip to Asia. Permalink
Barbara Bush Headed Home
The former first lady will be discharged from The Methodist Hospital in Houston Tuesday one week after undergoing ulcer surgery. Permalink
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