The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from December 28th, 2008
Report: Bloomberg Aide Cooling on Kennedy
NY Post: Top Bloomberg deputy Kevin Sheekey is cutting back his efforts to push Kennedy into the Senate, amid her poor reception to date. Sources: "It wasn't working," "Everything was backfiring." "They were out there way, way too early." But: Bloomberg sticks up for Kennedy Tuesday, amid derision of her verbal tics: "If there is anyone who understands the pain and suffering from having the press criticize how you speak, it is me." Permalink
Axelrod: Warren Prayer a "Good Thing"
The top Obama adviser tells NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the country needs to get beyond “shaking our fists” across a political divide. Defends Obama's selection of Saddleback pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the inauguration. Permalink
Obama Chats With Rice About Gaza, Pakistan
While on vacation in Hawaii the president-elect has an eight-minute phone call with the secretary of state to get the latest on the events developing overseas. Obama spokesperson says in statement: "President-elect Obama is closely monitoring global events, including the situation in Gaza, but there is one president at a time." Permalink
Gibbs Reflects on Obama Cabinet Selections
Obama's press secretary nominee tells ABC's "This Week" that there's nothing wrong with having a Cabinet full of strong personalities. "I think a far greater risk is to assemble a group of people that whenever the president opens their mouth, they all nod their heads in agreement." Also defends the transition team on how they handled the Blago scandal, says they were drawn into the investigation "through no fault of our own." Permalink
Laura Bush: Shoe-Throwing Was "An Assault"
The first lady tells "Fox News Sunday" she wasn't amused when an Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at her husband during a Baghdad presser earlier this month. And/But: Also tries to put a positive spin on it: “As bad as the incident is, in my view, it is a sign that Iraqis feel a lot more free to express themselves." Permalink
Isn't It Rich
NY Times' columnist slams 44 for picking Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the inauguration. "Bestowing this honor on Warren was a conscious - and glib - decision by Obama to spend political capital. It was made with the certitude that a leader with a mandate can do no wrong." Permalink
Kennedy: I "Wouldn't Be Beholden To Anybody"
The potential New York Senate candidate shoots down rumors in an interview with the New York Daily News that she'd ally with Mayor Bloomberg if picked. "I know how important it is to, you know, to be my own person. And, you know, and that would be obviously true with my relationship with the mayor." Permalink
Emanuel, Jarrett Avoid Blago Subpoenas
Chicago Trib: The Illinois House panel declines Blagojevich's lawyer's request to call the Obama aides to testify at impeachment hearings. Comes after U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald tells the panel that subpoenaing them would "significantly compromise" his ongoing criminal investigation of the governor. Permalink
Israel Pounds Hamas Buildings in "All-Out War"
Israel bombs a Hamas government compound early Tuesday, leveling at least three structures, including the foreign ministry building, according to eyewitnesses and Hamas security sources. Permalink
Kennedy Says Family Backs Senate Bid
Caroline Kennedy tells the New York Post that despite spending years guarding her family's privacy, her three children are completely behind her for Senate. "And I think they, you know, they understand that there will be adjustments but I think they feel, like we all do, that if you have an opportunity to make a difference and help people and contribute in a positive way, that's a great thing to have." Permalink
Airstrikes Continue As Israeli Troops Near Gaza
Israeli warplanes dropped bombs, missiles on a top Palestinian security installation and dozens of other targets across Hamas-ruled Gaza Sunday. Plus: The U.S. blames Hamas for starting the mess, saying they broke the cease-fire first and attacked Israel. Permalink
O'ahu's Power Grid Under Scrutiny After Blackout
Honolulu Advertiser: The stability of the island's power grid is being questioned again after the second blackout in two years -- which this time raised concerns about the well-being of the president-elect, who is vacationing in Kailua. Permalink
Obama Visits High School Friend in Hawaii
The president-elect, his wife and kids as well as close friends Eric Whitaker and Marty Nesbitt travel two hours from their vacation compound to just west of Waialua, Hawaii. They're said to be visiting the home of Bobby Titcomb, a high school friend of Obama's. Pool report here. Earlier: The Obamas take a bathroom pit stop at Turtle Bay Resort near the far northern tip of the island. Pool reports here and here. Permalink
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