The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from December 23rd, 2008
Obama Team Releases Blago Report
Much-anticipated report detailing contacts with Gov. Blagojevich available here. Five-page memo authored by incoming White House Counsel Greg Craig says only Emanuel had contacts with the governor, and there's "no indication of inappropriate discussions with the Governor or anyone from his office about a 'deal' or a quid pro quo...." Reveals that the U.S. Attorney's office interviewed Obama, Valerie Jarrett and Rahm Emanuel last week. More from Washington Post, Politico, WSJ, NY Times. Obama team also holds conference call on the report. Craig says Emanuel's "contacts were totally appropriate and acceptable." Legal observers say report unlikely to influence Fitzgerald's criminal probe. Plus: WSJ on the affidavit alleging Blagojevich sought a racing official's contribution. Permalink
Obama Honors His Late Grandmother
The president-elect and his family pause their Hawaiian vacation to attend a private memorial service for Madelyn Dunham. Later they scatter her ashes at an ocean lookout. Read pool reports here and here. Dunham died on the eve of the election at age 86. Plus: Obama begins his day at the "Semper Fit" gym at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Read pool report here. Permalink
More National Security Appointments Announced
The Obama transition team announces incoming deputy secretaries of state, deputy national security adviser and Biden's national security adviser. Get details here. Permalink
Wolfson Joining Bloomberg Camp
The longtime top Clinton aide returns to New York to serve as senior communications adviser to the mayor's re-election effort. Asked on NY 1 television about negative comments he has made about the mayor-- including calling him an "out-of-touch billionaire"-- he jokingly responds, "That was my evil twin." Click above for a clip. Full interview airs on NY 1 at 7 and 10 pm ET. Permalink
Bush Issues More Pardons
The president grants 19 more pardons and commutes one prison sentence. Includes a posthumous pardon to a man who helped Jewish resistance in the 1940s. See full list here. White House releases the pardons as the Bushes head to Camp David for final Christmas as first family. Read Bush's holiday statement and radio address. Permalink
Biden: Stimulus Plan Won't Be "Christmas Tree"
The VP-to-be says the giant stimulus plan to be proposed by the new administration will not include any earmarks. "It's important for the American taxpayer to know that this is not going to be politics as usual... I know it's the Christmas season, but President-elect Obama and I are absolutely, absolutely determined that this economic recovery plan will not become a Christmas tree." Says passing the stimulus will be "the most urgent order of business." Read pool report here. Permalink
Poll: Most Support Obama's Stimulus Plan
From CNN/Opinion Research: 56% said they favor the stimulus package President-elect Obama is proposing; 42 percent were opposed. Read more here. And/But: 93% of Americans think the economy is in poor condition, up 10 points from late October. Three-quarters call the economy the most important issue facing the country. Health care, Iraq, terrorism also concerns. Read more here. Conducted Dec. 19-21. Error margin: 3 points. Permalink
Poll: New Yorkers Split on Kennedy's Creds
From Quinnipiac University: Is Caroline Kennedy qualified to be a U.S. Senator? No 41, Yes 40. And/but, New Yorkers expect Gov. Paterson to name Kennedy to the seat by a 48-25 margin. Read more here. Conducted Dec. 17-21. Error margin 3.4 points. Permalink
Fitzgerald Asks Blago Panel to Limit Investigation
U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald wants the legislature's impeachment panel to avoid looking into potential criminal charges against Gov. Blagojevich. In a letter, Fitzgerald says interviewing Blago aides about possible crimes could "significantly compromise" his own investigation. Permalink
Home Sales Slide, Economy Shrinks
November new home sales fall to the lowest level in 18 years. And new GDP figures show the economy shrank by an annual rate of .5% between July and September, matching estimates. Corporate profits also fell. Permalink
More White House Staffers Announced
Obama's transition releases several White House deputy appointments as well as staffers for Michelle Obama. Includes Cassandra Butts as deputy White House counsel and Katie McCormick Lelyveld as the incoming first lady's press secretary. Read more here. Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
The Political Schedule
The Page on the Go
Read THE PAGE on your Mobile Device
Bookmark thepage.time.com on your mobile device for an easy to read version of Mark Halperin's The Page.
