Archive - December 10, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Foreclosures Dip 7 Percent

Foreclosure filings dropped 7% from October to November, according a report released Thursday. But the flood isn't over yet according to analysts. Permalink

Biden Eats with Clinton, Jones

The VP-elect starts the day at a working breakfast in D.C. with Obama's secretary of state nominee and incoming national security adviser. Details here. Permalink

Asia Stocks Jump on Auto Bailout Progress

Bloomberg: Asian stocks rose, driving the region’s benchmark index to a fifth day of gains, as the U.S. moved closer to a $14 billion rescue of American car companies. Permalink

Blagojevich Should Watch His Mouth

Chicago Tribune: Some culture-watchers troubled by the torrent of profanity in the governor's wiretapped comments. "You expect more from a governor." And: AP on leaders pondering what to do with Blagojevich. Permalink

Blagojevich Allegedly Sought $50,000 from Hospital Chief for Favors

Chicago Tribune: On top of charges related to the Senate seat, the complaint against Gov. Blagojevich charges that he demanded a contribution from the head of Children's Memorial Hospital in exchange for supporting state funding. Permalink

Polls: Strong Support for Obama

From NBC News/Wall Street Journal: 73% support how the president-elect is handling the transition and preparing for the White House. And/but: 77% think Obama will face greater challenges than most recent presidents. Conducted December 5-8; error margin 3.1 points. Plus: A new AP poll gives Obama exactly the same level of support from the public. Permalink

Franken Uses YouTube

The Franken camp releases a YouTube video of emotional voters whose absentee ballots were rejected. The Coleman camp calls it a new low. Permalink

Reports: Obama Picks Chu as Energy Secretary

The president-elect is expected to nominate Steven Chu, the director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as his Energy Secretary. Also: NYT on Obama set to pick Lisa Jackson for EPA administrator, Nancy Sutley as head of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Carol M. Browner as the top official on climate and energy policy. MSNBC: These appointments aren't expected to be announced this week. Permalink

GOP Hopes Rise as Dems Hit Rough Patch

Politico on the Democrats seeing their nominee defeated in the Ga. Senate runoff, losing two winnable House races and having a committee chairman sinking deeper into ethics trouble. Plus: Karl Rove's op-ed in the WSJ emphasizes ideas and organization as the keys to a GOP comeback. Permalink

Bush's Presidential Passion for Sports

The President tells the Washington Post about his love of sports -- both as a participant and spectator. However, he rejected the notion of one day succeeding Bud Selig as commissioner of Major League Baseball. Permalink

"I Had No Involvement Whatsoever In Any Wrongdoing"

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. denies he had any prior knowledge of Blagojevich trying to sell Obama's seat, says he's not a target of investigation in presser. Also says he didn't authorize anyone to engage in "pay to play" politics, he met with the governor for the first time in four years Monday. "I thought mistakenly that the process was fair. I thought mistakenly that the governor was evaluating me and others based on our credentials." Click above to watch. Comes after a lawyer for the Chicago congressman confirms he is "Senate Candidate #5." Permalink

Deputy Governor to Blagojevich Steps Down

A governor spokesperson says Deputy Gov. Bob Greenlee resigned Wednesday. No reason was given. Permalink

Cheney-Bolten Squeeeeeze

The VP and Bush's chief of staff meet with Senate Republicans Wednesday during their conference lunch to persuade them to vote for the auto bailout. Permalink

Jindal's 2012 Non-Answer

The Louisiana Gov. says "no" when asked by a reporter about being interested in becoming president. Comes during a news conference Wednesday with Bob McDonnell, Virginia's 2009 GOP gubernatorial candidate. Permalink

Senate Dems Ask Blagojevich to Quit

Sen. Reid's office is circulating a letter for Senate Democratic Caucus members to sign recommending the Governor step down and not make an appointment to the Senate. The letter also contains a threat, saying the Senate is poised to use its power to refuse to seat any appointment Blagojevich makes. Permalink