Archive - December 4, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Dems Talk About Need for Obama to Step Up

Associated Press: Party leaders are growing impatient with the president-elect's refusal to inject himself in the major economic crisis. Rep. Barney Frank tells consumer advocates Thursday: "He's going to have to be more assertive than he's been." Permalink

Obamas Thank Illinois Finance Team

The president-elect and his wife host a thank-you event for the members of the Illinois finance committee. Obama tells the crowd “I could not have asked for better leadership." "We didn’t just win, but we ran and won in the right way." Read pool report here. Permalink

Obama Goes Grassroots

The tranisition team sends an e-mail to supporters urging them to plan house meetings across the country to talk about Obama's agenda and how to make it happen. Tells them to mark their calendars next weekend. Permalink

Bushes Buy Dallas Home

The outgoing first couple has closed on a house in the exclusive Preston Hollow neighborhood. The Dallas Morning News thinks it knows which one, valued at $2 million. The Smoking Gun has details. Permalink

Becerra in Chicago to Discuss Job With Obama

The California Congressman is meeting with the president-elect Thursday about possibly becoming a U.S. Trade Representative. Sources say he's been mulling over the job, is concerned about leaving the House and possibly moving his family to Washington. Former Washington governor Gary Locke is also under consideration for the position. Permalink

Asia, Pacific Markets Mixed

Japanese and Australian stock markets closed in negative territory Friday, but Chinese and Korean exchanges held onto their gains at closing time. Moves followed tumble on Wall St. after rash of job cuts at major companies. Permalink

Wall Street Closes Lower

The Dow falls more than 200 points after a late-day sell-off. First decline in three days. Oil also slumps. Permalink

Obama May Speak From Islamic Capital

NY Times: The president-elect is considering making a major foreign policy speech from an Islamic capital during his first 100 days in office. Paper of Record's Helene Cooper surmises a speech might come from Cairo. Permalink

Rice: Pakistan Promises to Act Against Mumbai Attackers

The secretary of state says Thursday that the country’s president and other top officials have pledged to uphold their “responsibilities to respond to terrorism and extremism.” In a statement, President Zardari says Pakistan will participate in an investigation and “take strong action against any Pakistani elements found involved.” Permalink

Automakers, Senators Spar on Potential Bailout

The Senate Banking Commitee spends nearly six hours hearing testimony and grilling the Big Three CEOs, the UAW president and others on request for $34 billion in aid. "We made mistakes, which we're learning from," GM's Wagoner says, outlining plans for change. Ford's Mulally says his company has shifted "in a completely new direction." The CEOs will also be at a Friday House hearing. Read full lineup here. Fate of bailout bill still uncertain, with Majority Leader Reid saying he doesn't "think we have the votes to do that now." Permalink

Texas Governor Invites Hutchison Challenge

After the Texas Senator files papers Thursday to possibly run for governor in 2010, Gov. Perry responds with a simple statement to the Dallas Morning News: “Bring it on.” Permalink

Thompson: Obama's Relationship With Leadership "Will Be A Mess"

The former Republican presidential candidate tells Fox News he’s "concerned" about how the president-elect’s working relationship with Pelosi, Reid will unfold once in office. Also praises some of his appointments, saying “predictably, he’s moved more toward the center.” More excerpts here. Permalink

Senate May Approve Bailout Watchdog

A lone Senator has lifted his hold on voting to appoint Neil Barofsky as special inspector general. With barrier gone, the Senate could approve him to oversee the $700 billion financial bailout when they convene next week. Permalink

Obama Sends Condolences to Chabad

The president-elect reaches out to the Illinois director of the Orthodox Jewish community after two of its own were killed in Mumbai terrorist attack. Permalink

Alito Ribs Biden on Plagiarism

Speaking at a gala dinner Wednesday, the Supreme Court justice subtly pokes fun at alleged plagiarism in Biden’s past. He mentions the incoming VP and repeats a song lyric, then smiles and asks, "Did somebody say that before?" The two clashed during Alito’s confirmation hearing. Permalink