The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from December 3rd, 2008
GOP Congresswoman Hangs Up On Obama... Twice
Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ends two calls on her cell phone with the president-elect because she didn't believe it was him. When Obama finally did get her on the phone she apologized, said she thought it was a prank from a South Florida radio station. Permalink
Obama Works the Phones
The president-elect calls several world leaders Wednesday. Speaks with four prime ministers, an emir, a sheikh, and a former prime minister-- click here to learn whom. Permalink
Biden, Napolitano Briefed By WMD Commission
The VP-elect and incoming Homeland Security Secretary are given details of the commission's latest report at the Obama transition offices in D.C. Biden says in opening remarks: “This report is more than a warning about what we are doing wrong. It’s a pragmatic blueprint for how to get it right." Study concludes the world is more likely than not to experience a WMD attack during Obama's term, between now and 2013. Read pool report here. Permalink
Oprah to Bring Show to D.C. for Inauguration
The entertainment superstar tells "Access Hollywood" she has rented out the Opera House at the Kennedy Center to film her talk show the week of Jan. 20. "I'm going to break that right here; that's where I'm going to be. See you there... that's the place to be." Permalink
The Slip!
Obama ditches his press pool on the way home from the transition office Wednesday. Ducks out early, arrives home before reporters had gathered for the trip. Read pool report here. Permalink
Chertoff Urges Successor to “Go Slow”
The Homeland Security secretary tells reporters that apparent successor Napolitano should be cautious in creating new positions or spinning off FEMA. Offers specific warning about creating too many “czars” -- “Then you have czars on top of czars and then czars fighting with czars.” Permalink
The Belle of the Ball
Women's Wear Daily gets major designers - including Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta - to sketch potential Inauguration dresses for the incoming first lady. See the gallery here. Permalink
Chrysler Exec Warns Collapse Could Spark Depression
The company's vice chairman tells the AP U.S. automakers are "down to months left" and a "catastrophic failure" could make a huge economic impact. Meanwhile: The United Auto Workers agree to new concessions for their companies at an emergency meeting in Detroit. Plus: CNN poll finds 61% oppose using taxpayer money to help the Big Three. Permalink
The Big Five: Friday Edition
HALPERIN'S TAKE: The five most important people in American politics right now -- who aren't Barack Obama. Permalink
In Minnesota Recount, Both Sides Claim Lead
Coleman's campaign issues a release claiming Franken has "invented a story of a lead" in the vote totals after his campaign says they're up by 22 votes. Coleman led by 303 votes as of Tuesday night. All counties must submit vote totals by Friday. Permalink
From the White House to Dallas
Laura Bush confirms Wednesday that she and her husband will move to Texas’s third-largest city after Inauguration Day — though they don’t have a place to move to yet. Says she and her husband need to be careful with their holiday spending because "there might be a new house coming along." Permalink
DOW CLOSES UP
Despite high November unemployment numbers and a day spent mostly in the red, Dow rallies in final hours to close up nearly 260 points. Permalink
Barack Obama Day
Commissioners in Alabama’s Perry County approve a measure to close county offices the second Monday in November to celebrate their new annual holiday in honor of the president-elect. Permalink
Obama Taps Richardson for Commerce
The president-elect formalizes the New Mexico governor's appointment Wednesday at a presser in Chicago. Read press release here. Dismisses question about choosing the prominent Hispanic politician to satisfy Latino groups pushing for Cabinet representation. Also jokes that he's "deeply disappointed" Richardson ditched the "rugged Western look" and shaved his beard. Read his prepared remarks here. Richardson also gives remarks -- in both English and Spanish -- pledging to work to renew the economy. Plus: Politico: More announcements possible as early as Thursday. Permalink
Schweitzer Set to Take Over DGA
The Montana governor was elected head of the Democratic Governors Association, replacing West Virginia Gov. Manchin. Maryland Gov. O'Malley will be vice chair. Read release here. Permalink
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