The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from December 13th, 2008
Gates in Iraq
The current and future defense secretary makes an unscheduled stop in Iraq, reiterates the Bush administration's pledge to completely withdraw by the end of 2011. Speaking earlier in Bahrain, the defense secretary says: "Anyone who thought that the upcoming months might present opportunities to 'test' the new president would be sorely mistaken." Adds: "President Obama and his national security team, myself included, will be ready to defend the interests of the United States and our friends and allies from the moment he takes office on January 20." AP: Foreign leaders ready to test Obama. Permalink
RNC Attack Video Links Obama, Blagojevich
Three-minute web video includes images of Obama with the governor and references contacts with Emanuel. Ends with the words: "Questions remain." Click above to watch. Permalink
Obama Announces HUD Pick
In his weekly radio/video address, the president-elect says he'll nominate New York City Housing Commissioner Shaun Donovan to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Also addresses continued bad news on the economy. Click above to watch and read text here. For more on Shaun Donovan-- click here. Permalink
Odierno: U.S. Troops Will Remain in Iraq Past Deadline
The senior U.S. commander says thousands of troops will remain in Iraq's cities past the summer deadline. Says the troops would stay to support and train Iraqis. Permalink
The Obamas' Extended Family
Sunday NY Times examines the future first couple's close friendship with three fellow South Siders-- Martin Nesbitt, Eric Whitaker and Valerie Jarrett. "Newcomers are unlikely to replicate the intensity of this group’s ties, formed over more than a decade by births and deaths, Scrabble games, barbecues and vacations, but also by shared beliefs about race, success and responsibility." Permalink
Report: Obama Team Considering Far Larger Stimulus
WSJ: Final plan may total up to $1 trillion over two years, as economy continues deteriorating. Obama to be briefed by his economic team next week. Insider: "Every day there's a new bad number." Permalink
Emanuel, Blagojevich Discussed Senate Pick
NY Times: The incoming chief of staff "spoke several times" with the governor about potential Senate replacements for Obama. Transition aide says no dealmaking took place. Emanuel is not accused of wrondgoing. Earlier: Emanuel gave Blago reps list of "acceptable" Senators, including Jarrett, Duckworth, Schakowsky, Madigan. Permalink
Report: Blagojevich to Choose Course Within Days
Sun-Times: The embattled governor may decide as soon as Monday whether he should resign. Insider: "He was blindsided by this." Earlier: Blago tells reporters he'll have plenty to say "at the appropriate time." Permalink
End May Be in Sight in Minnesota
Pivotal 1,500 absentee ballots may be tallied by late next week. TIME's Joel Stein on the "sloppy and human" recount. Permalink
Rahm Emanuel, At Your Service
The incoming chief of staff winning praise from Congressional Republicans for openness, accessibility. Gave Senators his personal e-mail address and cell phone number, promised to return any communication in 24 hours. Returned a call from Sen. Kyl in 10 minutes: "They are getting off to a good start in terms of reaching out." Permalink
Obama Calls Meetings With Top Teams Next Week
The president-elect is summoning his national security advisers — including Clinton and Gen. Jones — to Chicago Monday and his economic team, with Geithner and Summers, Wednesday or Thursday. They’re expected to form specific plans for the first month in the White House and discuss unfilled deputy-level appointments. Meetings will be accompanied by press conferences. Permalink
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