Headlines from December 14th, 2008

President-elect Obama and his two daughters pick out their Christmas tree Sunday at an unmarked tree lot across from Nichols Park. Before getting back into the motorcade, Obama stops, waves repeatedly and says, "Merry Christmas, everybody." Read pool report here. Plus: Later Obama attends a recital for one of his daughters at a local high school. Pool report here. Permalink

Shoe Thrown at Man

Who happens to be the President of the United States. Bush was holding presser during surprise trip to Iraq Sunday. Must-watch video here. Interview with President Bush here. And: Press Secretary Perino slightly bruised in the aftermath. Permalink

Illinois GOP Wants Special Election for Obama Seat

Party leaders launched a TV campaign to push for a special election to fill the vacancy instead of an appointment by Blagojevich or Lt. Gov. Quinn. The Democratic-led House and Senate are bringing the legislators back to Springfield this week to vote on a special election. UPDATE: Watch the tv campaign above. Permalink

McCain Gently Urges Release of Blago Info

On ABC's "This Week," the former presidential candidate calls on the president-elect's team to give "all information necessary" about their contact with the Illinois Gov. And/But: Also shoots down the RNC's efforts to tie Obama to Blagojevich. "You know, in all due respect to the Republican National Committee and anybody -- right now, I think we should try to be working constructively together..." Watch video above. Permalink

A Quiet Sunday for Obama, Biden

The president-elect spends the day in Chicago while the VP-elect is in Wilmington, Delaware. No public events are scheduled. Permalink

White House: No Immediate Deal on Auto Loans

Bush officials suggest automakers shouldn't expect an announcement Sunday or Monday from the White House on a possible plan to prevent the industry's collapse. Permalink

Blagojevich Spoofed

"Saturday Night Live" opens up with skit showing the embattled Illinois Gov. cursing and demanding a bailout from Congress. Watch it above. Permalink

Obama's Team of Locals

WashPost: As president, Obama will be surrounded by at least some people who have long called D.C. home. Permalink

Blago Weighs Legal Options

Despite meeting with a prominent defense attorney for four hours Saturday, the Illinois Gov. still hasn't made a decision on his political future. A source close to the governor says: "He's still contemplating what to do." Permalink

Obama Education Team Still A Mystery

NY Times: There's still questions about who he may choose for his Cabinet, but also about the approach to the nation’s schools his selection will reflect. Permalink

ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS

This Week: McCain. Roundtable with Gwen Ifill, Paul Krugman, Gerald Seib, George Will Fox News Sunday: Sens. Levin, Shelby Meet the Press: Illinois AG Lisa Madigan, Gov. Granholm, Romney Face the Nation: Sens. Brown, Levin and Corker Late Edition: Sens. Ensign, Casey, former Clinton economic adviser Sperling Permalink