Archive - December 19, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Democrat leads by more than 150 votes as Minnesota canvassing board rejects most ballot challenges made by Republican incumbent Coleman. Final totals aren't expected until at least December 31. Permalink

"I Will Fight Until I Take My Last Breath"

The Illinois Governor makes his first extensive public comments on his arrest Friday at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. Confidently expresses his innocence, says he's "absolutely certain that I will be vindicated." "And I'm not going to quit a job the people hired me to do because of false accusations and a political lynch mob." Watch video clip above. Permalink

Obama Fills Out Remainder of Economic Team

The President-elect picks Rep. LaHood for transportation, Rep. Solis for labor, former Dallas mayor Kirk as U.S. trade representative and Karen Mills for the Small Business Administration. Read release on all the nominees here. "If jobs and incomes are our yardsticks, then the success of the American worker is key to the success of the American economy." Full remarks here. Obama takes three questions -- discussing the auto bailout, jobs and his stimulus package -- in his fifth presser this week. Permalink

Plouffe Nation

The Obama campaign manager writes to supporters and asks them to stay involved. Adds that after Inauguration, Obama for America will "announce a clear plan for the future of this movement -- a plan determined by you." Read full e-mail here. Permalink

Obama Daughters Bid Chicago School Goodbye

The incoming first family attends a farewell party for Sasha and Malia on their last day at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Read pool report here. Permalink

Inaugural Festivities to Kick Off at Lincoln Memorial

Obama's committee announces more inaugural weekend events, including a welcome on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial set for the afternoon of Sunday, January 18. Also planned: a ticketed but free kids concert at D.C.'s Verizon Center. Read release here. Permalink

Bush Approves SecState Pay Cut

The president signs a bill Friday that reduces the incoming Secretary of State’s salary by several thousand dollars. Move expected to help Clinton’s confirmation because of a clause that forbids a sitting member of Congress to be appointed to a government position that gives a pay raise. Permalink

The Big Five: Friday Edition

HALPERIN'S TAKE: The five most important people in American politics right now -- who aren't Barack Obama. Permalink

Clinton Foundation Releases Year-End Report

The foundation's HIV/AIDS initiative outlines progress made in 2008. Accomplishments include negotiating lower prices for pediatric and second-line medicines and increasing access to effective malaria medicines and testing for children. Permalink

Levi Johnston's Mom Arrested

42-year-old Sherry Johnston was charged in Alaska Thursday with six counts of "misconduct involving a controlled substance." She is the mother of 18-year-old Levi, who is engaged to Bristol Palin. Their baby boy is due to deliver Saturday. Permalink

Obama: White House Auto Plan "Necessary Step"

The president-elect releases a statement following Bush's announcement the government is loaning $17.4 billion to help struggling automakers. "The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices and begin the long-term restructuring that is absolutely required to save this critical industry..." Full statement here. Meanwhile: McCain speaks out against Bush's decision, calling it "unacceptable" to leave the American taxpayer the tab "while failing to receive any serious concessions from the industry." Statement here. Plus: House Republican Leader Boehner also disappointed with the action. Statement here. Permalink

Warren Laughs Off Charges of Homophobia

The Saddleback pastor -- who has been criticized as Obama's pick to deliver the inaugural invocation -- tells NBC's "Dateline" he's not against gays and lesbians. Says he just believes marriage is between a man and a woman -- which he says is the belief of most religions. Watch video clip above. Permalink

Automakers to Get $17.4 Billion in Loans

The president announces the White House's plan for the struggling industry in a statement from the Roosevelt Room Friday. The auto firms must use these funds to become financially viable by the end of March, or lose the taxpayer money. "Allowing the auto companies to collapse is not a responsible course of action." Says bankruptcy was unlikely to work at this time. Read full statement here. Permalink

Paulson: Second $350 Billion Is Needed

The treasury secretary says in a statement that the first half of $700 billion rescue fund is allocated, asks Congress to authorize the release of the rest. Adds that Treasury, Fed and FDIC have resources to deal with an emergency should one happen before Congress gets to vote. Read statement here. Permalink