Archive - December 12, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama's Inauguration Donors Released

The president-elect's inaugural committee makes public a list of donors Friday who have given or raised money for his four days of festivities. Actress Halle Berry, actor Jamie Foxx, financier George Soros are among those giving the maximum $50,000. Read Obama release here and see searchable donor database here. Permalink

Blagojevich's Chief of Staff Steps Down

John Harris -- who was arrested along with his boss Tuesday -- dropped off his letter of resignation in person Friday. His lawyer says he won't be returning to the office. Permalink

Illinois AG Asks State Supreme Court to Declare Gov Unfit

Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan files a motion Friday under an obscure law aimed at temporarily removing Blagojevich from office. Says at midday presser: "These are extraordinary circumstances." Calls on the court to stop Blagojevich from spending state funds and give the authority to Lt. Gov. Quinn. Permalink

Emanuel Seems Ticked at Networks Over Blago Scandal

The incoming White House chief of staff says he’s avoiding the Chicago transition offices to keep reporters off his back about any discussions with the Gov. on Obama’s Senate seat. Tells a ABC News cameraman Friday: "I'm getting regular death threats. You've put my home address on national television. I'm pissed at the networks. You've intruded too much.” Permalink

Canvassing Board Gives Two Key Rulings to Franken

After their Friday meeting the Minnesota board unanimously recommends that all counties include the absentee ballots deemed “unfairly rejected” on Election Day. Also decides to include the 133 missing ballots from a Minneapolis precinct that voted overwhelmingly for Franken. Rulings could overturn Coleman’s razor-thin lead. Next week the Canvassing Board will pore over 4,000 ballots that both camps have disputed. Plus: Coleman’s legal team says board’s actions are “confusing,” is filing petition asking the state Supreme Court to create a uniform set of standards for “rejected” absentee ballots. More details on the media call here. Permalink

Poll: Most Happy With Obama Cabinet Picks

Latest Fox News/Opinion Dynamics stats show 65% think his choices so far have either been “excellent” or “good.” Plus: Also finds 72% think Hillary Clinton will make a good Secretary of State. Permalink

Bush's Commiserates With College Grads

In the final commencement address of his Presidency, George W. Bush tells Texas A&M graduates he knows how it feels to be unsure of what comes next. The president was introduced on stage by his father former president George H. W. Bush. Read his full remarks here. Meanwhile: McCain speaks at the Texas Tech Graduate School commencement ceremony in Lubbock Friday evening. Permalink

No Room at the Blair House for Incoming First Family

CNN: The president-elect is unable to move into Bush's guests house in early January because of previously scheduled events, guests. The Obama family initially "explored the idea" of moving into the house early 2009 so his daughters could start school on time. Obama will instead arrive January 15, when incoming presidents traditionally begin to occupy the house ahead of the Inauguration. Permalink

Blagojevich: I Will Be Vindicated

The Governor meets and prays with ministers in his Chicago home Friday morning, and tells them he is innocent. One pastor says the governor is trying to put a legal and political team in place, but feels he's not getting "any space or chance to sort anything out." The meeting lasts about 20 minutes. PHOTOS: See more images of Blagojevich at home Friday-- click here. To watch pastors leaving the governor's North Side home Friday, click here. Plus: RNC Spokesman says Obama has been "less than forthcoming" about his team's involvement. Read statement here. Permalink

Obama "Disappointed" in Auto Bailout Bill's Collapse

The president-elect says he hopes Congress and the White House can still find a way to give the industry short-term relief. Read full statement here. Permalink

White House Will "Consider Other Options" for Automakers

Press Secretary Perino says Friday the Bush administration is discussing other measures to rescue the auto industry, including using TARP funds. "A precipitous collapse of this industry would have a severe impact on our economy, and it would be irresponsible to further weaken and destabilize our economy at this time." Full statement here. Comes after the Senate kills the auto bailout bill late Thursday. Details here. Permalink

Obama's Friday

The president-elect spends his day once again hosting private meetings in Chicago. He also records and video tapes the weekly radio address. VP-elect Biden spends the day in Delaware for private meetings as well. Permalink

Jesse Jackson Jr. to Meet With Prosecutors Friday

"Senate candidate #5" is scheduled to explain his efforts to be appointed to Obama's vacated Senate seat. Chicago Sun-Times: Despite Jackson Jr. saying he's been told by the feds he's not a person of interest, sources say not yet in the clear. Plus: Chicago Trib: Businessmen with ties to Blagojevich, Jackson Jr. discussed raising at least $1 mil for the governor's camp to encourage him to pick Jackson for the job. Permalink

Quiet Saturday for the President-Elect

Obama hits the gym and returns home, with no other announced plans for the day. "A short shift for your pool reporter." Read pool report here. Permalink

Axelrod: Jarrett Didn't Drop Bid Because of Blago Scheme

The president-elect's senior adviser says the Obama aide's decision to remove her name from Senate contention "had nothing to do with her knowing about" Blagojevich's apparent "pay for play" agenda. Permalink