Archive - December 17, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Gates Gets Ready for Obama to Take the Reins

The secretary of defense talks to PBS' Charlie Rose Wednesday night about how he's preparing for his new boss. "Well, for me, I think that clearly I’ll be working with a different team of people. And I learned a long time ago that the personal relationships matter a lot..." "And so, working with a new set of people I think will be interesting. The issues remain the same." Permalink

Illinois Supreme Court Rejects Request to Oust Blago

The state Supreme Court refuses to hear the motion filed by Attorney General Madigan to declare the governor unfit to serve. Permalink

Rick Warren to Give Inaugural Invocation

Obama's committee releases list of people participating in ceremony, including the leader of California's Saddleback Church. The choice of Warren is irking some on the left. Civil rights leader Joseph Lowery -- who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. -- will deliver benediction. Aretha Franklin, Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma are among the musicians set to perform. Permalink

Report: Shaiken "Top Candidate" for Labor

WSJ: Sources say the prominent expert on unions, Detroit and the U.S.-Mexican border, has emerged as a top contender for Labor Secretary. Permalink

Former Chiefs of Staff Meet with Emanuel

Politico: "He receives wisdom from some of the most prominent political hands in recent American history." Permalink

Poll: Obama Still on Right Path

Marist Poll: 83% say the president-elect is performing as well or better than they expected as he transitions into office. Nearly two-thirds call Clinton the right choice for secretary of state. Dates conducted: Dec. 9-10. Error margin: 3.5 points. More on the poll here. Permalink

Blagojevich Attorney Challenges Impeachment Panel

Ed Genson goes on the offensive at Wednesday's hearing, asking for a special prosecutor to be appointed and three committee members to be removed. The panel's chair turns down the requests reminding they are not bound by courtroom rules. Permalink

Reports: Republican LaHood Likely Transportation Secretary

Officials familiar with the decision say the retiring Illinois Representative is a leading contender for the Cabinet post. If nominated, he would become the second Republican to join Obama's team. Permalink

Bush Touts National Security Record

The President says Wednesday that despite debate over his policies, there's no argument that America has been kept safe since 9/11. Makes remarks in a speech at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Transcript here. Permalink

Obama Taps Vilsack, Salazar for Cabinet

The president-elect names the former Iowa Governor as agriculture secretary and the Colorado Senator as interior secretary at Wednesday presser. Release on the two new nominees here and Obama's full remarks here. He then answers three questions from the media, two of which were from reporters of the nominees' home states. It’s his third straight day of press conferences to announce Cabinet picks this week. Permalink

Obama: Keeping Quiet on Blago Report "a Little Bit Frustrating"

The president-elect tells reporters during Wednesday's presser answers are coming soon regarding his staff's contact with the governor. Says there's "a lot of speculation in the press that I would love to correct immediately" but he's abiding by the U.S. Attorney's request to hold off. "By next week, you guys will have the answers to all your questions." Permalink

Bushes Ready for “Next Step”

The president tells People magazine he's "open for suggestions" about the next stage of life, while Laura Bush is eager to live in a home of their own. Daughters say Sasha and Malia Obama are eager to play hide-and-go-seek in the White House. Plus: Michelle Obama shares her family's holiday traditions with the magazine. And: Bush is planning a lunch on Jan. 7 with President-elect Barack Obama and all the former presidents, the White House said. Permalink

Blagojevich: I'm "Dying" to Talk to the People of Illinois

The Illinois Gov. tells the press to "hang loose" before going on a run Wednesday, says he's hoping to be able to talk about the case "soon." "I can't wait to begin to tell my side of the story and address you guys and most importantly the people of Illinois." Says he may be able to speak publicly by the end of the day or by Thursday. Click above to watch. Permalink

THE PERSON OF THE YEAR

The president-elect is chosen as TIME's 2008 Person of the Year. This week's magazine features long-lost college photos, an interview with Obama, an explanation of why he was chosen and more. Hits newsstands Thursday. Permalink

Mukasey Recuses Himself from Ponzi Probe

The Atty. General says he won’t oversee the Madoff investigation because his son is representing a senior official at the convicted financier’s Investment Securities firm. Permalink