The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from December 18th, 2008
Dennis Blair to Head Intelligence
The retired Navy admiral is expected to be the president-elect’s choice for director of national intelligence. Source says the announcement will come at Friday’s Obama presser. Permalink
Rep. Solis Chosen as Labor Secretary
The California congresswoman is expected to be nominated by Obama, with an announcement coming in the next few days. Solis was just elected to her fifth term representing heavily Hispanic portions of eastern Los Angeles County and east L.A. Permalink
Caroline Kennedy Meets the Press
She tells reporters outside of Sylvia's in Harlem Thursday she's interested in the Senate seat because it's "a time when nobody can afford to sit out." "I come at this as a mother, as a lawyer, as an author as an education advocate and from a family that really has spent generations in public service." Watch video above. Comes after Rev. Sharpton takes her to the famed soul food restaurant as Kennedy continues meeting with influential New Yorkers to make her case. Permalink
Bloomberg Speaks Out Against Senate Appointments
The NYC Mayor tells the ladies on “The View” Thursday he doesn’t “think it’s the best idea” to have the governor fill Senate seats because it gives that person an advantage in the next election. Calls Caroline Kennedy “competent” but won’t show support: “No, I should stay out of this race.” Click above to watch. Permalink
Blago Attorney Calls Wiretaps Illegal
The governor’s lawyer tells Illinois impeachment committee Thursday that federal wiretaps were illegal. Says that lawmakers they should not consider material from tapes in their deliberations. Plus: In an interview with MSNBC Thursday the lawyer explains why he thinks the case against his client is "weak." Read full transcript here. Permalink
Axelrod Cuts Ties with Firms
In preparation for his new job, Obama’s senior advisor disassociates himself from the two Chicago companies he founded. Says that the firms will continue to operate without him, Plouffe “continues to be affiliated” with his media and message company. Permalink
Illinois Won't Fund Blago Defense
Attorney general Madigan’s office rejects the governor’s request for taxpayer money to pay legal fees as “absurd” and “meritless.” Blagojevich’s lawyer believes the state should pay because Madigan would’ve been responsible for defending Blagojevich before her attempts to oust him from office. Permalink
Obama Selects Three Financial Regulators
He names Mary Schapiro as SEC head, Daniel Tarullo to the Federal Reserve Board and Gary Gensler as Commodity Futures Trading Commission head during Thursday presser. Mentions Wall Street money manager Madoff in his remarks about how his picks will emphasize tough regulation. Click above to watch. Read Obama's full remarks here. Answers four questions from reporters on the economic crisis, Rick Warren, Madoff and more. Permalink
Obama Defends Picking Warren for Inaugural Invocation
The President-elect responds to criticism surrounding his choice of the Saddleback Church pastor in Thursday's presser. Says that dialogue and respectful differences of opinion are what his campaign has been about. "There's going to be a wide range of viewpoints presented during the inaugural festivities and that's how it should be." Permalink
Clinton Foundation Makes Donors Public
Bill Clinton releases list that includes more than $10 million from Saudi Arabian government. Disclosure is part of agreement for Hillary Clinton to be nominated secretary of state. Other major donors are international business leaders and foreign governments including Norway, Kuwait, Qatar, Brunei, Oman, Italy and Jamaica. Read statement here. Permalink
Another Emanuel Joining Obama Team
The incoming White House chief of staff’s brother Zeke — a National Institutes of Health bioethicist — will be a senior counselor on health policy in the OMB. Rahmbo’s older brother is expected to work closely with HHS secretary nominee Daschle in formulating national healthcare plan. Plus: Obama's weekly radio address to include announcement of Harvard physicist John Holdren as science adviser. And Oregon State University marine biologist Jane Lubchenco will be announced as head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Permalink
Coleman Withdraws More Ballot Challenges
The incumbent Republican drops 400 challenges, leaving the Minnesota canvassing board with about 800 from Coleman left to consider. Board’s evaluation of Franken’s challenges ended Wednesday, leaving him trailing by 360 votes. Evaluation expected to be completed by Friday night. Permalink
The Big Five: Thursday Edition
HALPERIN'S TAKE: The five most important people in American politics right now -- who aren't Barack Obama. Permalink
No Decision from Bush on Auto Bailout
The president says he hasn’t yet made up his mind on how to help struggling automakers Thursday. Tells the American Enterprise Institute that any measure to help the industry will be “temporary,” if that’s what he decides to do. Read transcript here. Plus: Perino says Bush is considering “orderly” bankruptcy for the autos. Read more here. Permalink
Reports: Former Dallas Mayor Picked for Trade Rep
Ron Kirk is expected to be announced as Obama’s U.S. trade representative at Friday’s presser. Comes after former frontrunner Rep. Xavier Becerra says he doesn’t want the job. Permalink
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