Archive - December 29, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Group Urges Obama to Study Up on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Five people approach a security checkpoint near the Obama compound Monday carrying a gift of informational DVDs about the conflict, asking to deliver it to the president-elect. The Secret Service declines to let them give Obama the box wrapped in gold ribbon and a letter they wrote him. One tells a reporter: “I don't think he's taking a vacation, he's preparing to be the next President. I'm deathly afraid he'll continue the failed policies of the Bush administration." Read pool report here. Permalink

Ex-Bush Aides: He Never Recovered from Katrina

Former top Bush aides Dowd and Bartlett say the 2005 hurricane "was the tipping point" in which "the president broke his bond with the public." Their comments are a part of an oral history of the Bush White House that Vanity Fair magazine compiled for its February issue. Permalink

IMF Approves of Obama Stimulus Plan

The International Monetary Fund's top economist generally endorsed the Obama administration's approach to economic stimulus. Permalink

Hawaii Banking on Obama Tourism

While the president-elect hasn't lived in Hawaii for 30 years, the state still hopes his roots and his current vacation will mean big bucks for its tourist industry. , 5:45 PM

Little Town Bombards Daschle with Healthcare Woes

Tom Daschle attended a community meeting in Dublin, Ind. where residents complained that healthcare costs were too much and coverage was too low. Permalink

It's a Boy for Bristol Palin

Sarah Palin's 18-year-old daughter delivers a 7-pound, 4-ounce boy. Permalink

NY Daily News Not Lost for Words

The tabloid continues to target Caroline Kennedy, as she apparently "revealed some cringing verbal tics that showed her inexperience as a speaker..." Permalink

Candidates for R.N.C. Chairman to Compete in Forums

The major candidates for the chairmanship will face off in several forums in early January, including one organized by party leaders. Permalink

Emanuel to Resign House Seat Friday

The Illinois Rep. and incoming Obama chief of staff sends a letter to Gov. Blagojevich Monday indicating he plans to step down at week's end. State law gives Blago five days to set a date for a special election to fill his seat. It must be held within 115 days after the resignation. Permalink

Blago Lawyer to Panel: Impeachment Not Justified

Ed Genson tells the Illinois House committee Monday that there's not "clear and convincing" evidence to remove the governor from office. Also argues he's been forced to fight "shadows" since his subpoenas of witnesses -- including Obama aides Emanuel, Jarrett -- have been denied. Plus: U.S. Atty. Fitzgerald asks a federal judge to let him release secret recordings to the committee used in the case against the governor. Permalink

Israel Defense Minister Quotes Obama in Defending Attacks

Defense Minister Ehud Barak invokes the president-elect while addressing the Gaza crisis on the floor of the Knesset Monday. Tells the plenum: "Obama said that if rockets were being fired at his home while his two daughters were sleeping, he would do everything he could to prevent it." Goes on to say that Israel is engaged in a "war to the bitter end" with Hamas. Permalink

Day Nine in Hawaii Again Begins With Workout

The president-elect kicks off his Monday with a trip to the Semper Fit Ultimate Health and Fitness Club at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kailua. He's accompanied by his wife and friend Eric Whitaker. Greets onlookers as he exits the gym alone. Read pool report here. Permalink

Advisory Warns of Tough Conditions on Inauguration Day

Obama's committee releases alert cautioning ticketholders about the slew of difficulties anticipated for January 20. Cites weather, transportation and crowds as factors to consider before heading toward the Capitol. "Please think carefully about whether you can stand outside in cold weather in a large crowd for up to six hours, and whether you are ready for long delays getting home afterwards." Read release here. Permalink

McConnell Aims to Slow Obama Stimulus

Senate Minority Leader says Monday he wants more information on how the “trillion-dollar spending bill” will be used before supporting expected legislation in January. The Kentucky Republican says in a statement he wants a week to spend examining bill for "fraud and waste" once a draft is released. Permalink

Poll: Mixed Opinions for Caroline Kennedy

From CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll: 52% of Americans nationwide think she is qualified to fill the New York Senate seat, 42% say she's not. Error margin: 3 points. Dates conducted: Dec. 19-21 (before her slew of interviews with NY media). Permalink