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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from December 25th, 2008
Obama Spends Christmas With Family, Marines
The president-elect, his wife and two daughters opened presents in their rented home in Hawaii, and ate a dinner of turkey and ham. Thursday afternoon, Obama visited a Marine Corps base to greet troops eating Christmas dinner. Read pool report here, and here. Permalink
Meet America's Next Second Puppy-- Champ
Vice President-elect Biden's grandchildren have decided to name his German shepherd puppy Champ, a spokeswoman says Thursday. Biden's father often referred to him as Champ growing up. Plus: Jill Biden will also be getting her own dog in the vice presidential residence. Permalink
More Golfing for Obama
The president-elect warms up on the driving range before a round with a mix of Hawaiian high school pals and Chicago confidantes. He hits a ground ball straight ahead first, followed by an airborne shot that created a divet Obama walked out to pick up and replace. Read pool report here. AND: A woman rags on Obama's bowling skills while he was on the golf course. Permalink
President-Elect Gym Rat
WashPost front takes a closer look at Obama's devotion to exercise, noting he's hit the gym at least 48 days in a row. He once went three times in 16 hours, in July. "That's one of the first things you learn working for him: You better make sure he gets his workout." Permalink
Israel Prepares for Possible Invasion of Gaza
Israel says it's completed plans for a broad offensive, after Palestinians fire 100 rockets and shells across the border in two days. Prime Minister Olmert: "I am telling them now, it may be the last minute, I'm telling them stop it. We are stronger." And/But: Israel opened three border crossings with Gaza on Friday, allowing fuels and commodities into the Palestinian territory. Permalink
Lights Out on Obama's Island
A lightning strike cuts off power for hundreds of thousands on Oahu, where the Obama family is vacationing. A generator was to be taken to the Obama's vacation home. Obama told Honolulu's mayor he was fine and planned to sleep through the blackout. Update: Power gradually being restored Saturday. Permalink
Unforgiven
In a a rare, if not unprecedented move, Bush revokes a pardon for a NY developer he had issued just one day earlier. The White House apparently was unaware that Isaac Toussie's father donated money to the RNC and John McCain this year. Toussie had pleaded guilty to fraud and making false statements. Toussie's victims welcome the reversal. Permalink
Paterson on Kennedy: "How is She a Front-Runner?"
The New York governor dismisses talk of a front-runner to fill Sen. Clinton's seat, says the media is responsible for the hype around Caroline Kennedy. Meanwhile, Mayor Bloomberg repeats call for Paterson to make his choice-- "This is just distracting and we don't need to have another sideshow." Plus: The AP examines Kennedy's closely-guarded finances. Permalink
Bush's Christmas Gifts to Aides
The White House announces on Christmas Eve that President Bush has appointed several outgoing officials to high-profile boards and commissions. Includes Condoleezza Rice to the Kennedy Center's board, Commerce Secretary Gutierrez to the Woodrow Wilson Center board, Laura Bush's chief of staff to the Fulbright scholarship board. Permalink
Bidens Hosting Family in Delaware
The incoming second couple attends Christmas Mass Thursday and continues their tradition of hosting their entire family at their Delaware home. On Christmas Eve, the two serve meatloaf to the homeless at a Wilmington soup kitchen. Biden tells reporter: "A lot of people are hurting... It's the number one priority for our administration." Permalink
Minnesota Court Rules Against Coleman
The state Supreme Court denies a bid to disqualify dozens of ballots from Democratic-leaning precincts. Coleman contended the votes were duplicates. Ruling leaves the Republican with fewer options to close Al Franken's 47-vote advantage. Permalink
White House Divergence After 8 Years
NYT: "In exit interviews, President Bush sounds reflective, even chastened, while Vice President Dick Cheney is defiant." Permalink
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