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Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from December 24th, 2008

Condoleezza Rice Discusses Shouting Matches With Rumsfeld

The secretary of state talks to CBS' "Sunday Morning" about her debates with other Bush administration officials, reflects on her time in the White House. “I’ve not won every internal debate, but one thing that you have to understand is they are debates. They’re not fights to the death between people.” More excerpts here. Plus: NYT on the appointments of key members of the president’s inner circle, including Rice, to high-profile boards and commissions. Permalink

Obama Puts Focus on Troops at Holidays

The president-elect reminds listeners that lots of families are celebrating "with a joy that is muted" because a loved one is serving overseas. "That is why this season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship." Listen to the full address here. Watch video above. Permalink

Iran Leader's Message Decries Bullies

Ahmadinejad's TV address suggests that if Jesus were alive, he would oppose "bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers" — an apparent reference to the U.S. and its allies. The Christmas Day broadcast will be delivered on Britain's Channel 4, occupying a slot that provides an often controversial counterpoint to Queen Elizabeth II's annual message. Permalink

Obamas to Appear at 10 Official Inaugural Balls

WashPost: The president-elect and his wife will appear at six balls in the Washington Convention Center. The other four wil be at the National Building Museum, Union Station, the Washington Hilton Hotel and the D.C. Armory. Plus: Police officers from across the country will be helping to manage Inauguration crowds, but the New York police were never asked. Permalink

Reports: Resistance to Kennedy Grows Among Dems

NY Times: Gov. Paterson is "bristling over" suggestions her selection is inevitable, others are concerned she's beholden to Bloomberg. Wash Post: Kennedy "facing sharp criticism from rivals, intense scrutiny from the media and disparagement over everything from refusing to disclose her finances to not voting in some past elections." Permalink

New Congress Likely to Meet Before Ruling in Minnesota

If a winner is not declared by Jan. 6, the governor can appoint an interim senator or decide to forgo one until the recount is resolved. Permalink

Jobless Claims Jump More Than Expected

Labor Department reports requests for unemployment benefits rose to a seasonally adjusted 586,000 last week, up from 556,000 the previous week. Plus: Report on consumer spending in November also expected to show a drop of 0.7% for a fifth straight month of decline. Permalink

Emanuel in Africa for Holidays

The incoming White House chief of staff left Tuesday for a long-planned family vacation to the continent. Permalink

The $100 Million Woman

New York Daily News reports "the Camelot heiress' net worth easily tops $100 million." She is currently refusing to release financial information but aides say she will if appointed to Clinton's Senate seat. Permalink

U.S. and Afghans Plan to Recruit Local Militias

NYT: American commanders and Afghan leaders hope to imitate Iraq’s successful experiment, but there are fears it could push the country into a deeper bloodletting. Permalink

Blago Impeachment Panel to Reconvene Monday

Chicago Sun-Times: The bipartisan committee all but wrapped up its case against the governor, has adjourned until next week. Is expected to give Blagojevich's lawyer the chance next week to show why the governor shouldn't be ousted from office. Permalink

Blagojevich Named Naughtiest Politician of 2008

56% of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Wednesday name Blago the naughtiest politician this past year. The poll also found 23% believed former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer should get the nod, followed by 19% for former presidential candidate John Edwards. Permalink