Archive - December 30, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Gives Thumbs Down to Burris Appointment

In a statement, the president-elect sides with Senate Democrats who "cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat." "I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it." Read full statement here. Also calls Roland Burris "a good man and a fine public servant." Plus: Wash Post looks at how Tuesday's drama starred three faces from Obama's past. Politico: "Just as Obama was starting to distance himself from the machinations over filling his Senate seat, Blagojevich’s surprise pick is dragging him back in." Permalink

Defying Democrats, Blagojevich Announces Obama Replacement

The embattled governor names former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to Obama's Senate seat. The move likely sets up a confrontation between Blagojevich and Washington. Click above for a clip. Plus: Rep. Bobby Rush calls for the public not to "lynch" Burris on account of the accusations against Blagojevich. Permalink

Clintons to Lead Times Square Ball Drop

The former first couple will push the button starting the ball drop Wednesday evening. The pair will join Mayor Bloomberg in midtown, with up to a million others. Permalink

Obamas Moving to DC This Weekend

The incoming first family is expected to stay in a Washington hotel this weekend until at least January 15, as Sasha and Malia begin school. The Obamas then head into Blair House before moving to the White House on Inauguration Day. LA Times: "In the remaining weeks of the transition, and after he is sworn in, he will use the bully pulpit to make the case for passage of a stimulus package of up to $775 billion." Permalink

Obama a Man About Town in Hawaii

The president-elect had an unusually busy Tuesday, playing pick-up basketball, visiting the Honolulu Zoo with his daughters and then visiting his late grandmother's apartment. Plus: Turns out Obama is more of a golf fan than many observers may have realized. Permalink

Elmendorf Tapped to Head C.B.O.

Democratic leaders choose Douglas Elmendorf to head the Congressional Budget Office. Replaces Peter Orszag, who's heading to Obama's Office of Management and Budget. Permalink

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It's officially 2009. 19 days until president-elect Obama and his family move into the White House. The Obamas spent New Year's Eve in Kailua "celebrating with friends," spokesman Ben LaBolt said. They'll leave Hawaii Thursday for Chicago. Permalink

For Kennedy, Self-Promotion Is Unfamiliar

NYT: "After a lifetime of being wooed by others, Caroline Kennedy is still learning how to sell herself." Permalink

World Markets Mostly Higher

Most markets were mainly in positive territory Wednesday during limited trading on the final session of a dismal year. And/But: Asian shares saw record falls in 2008. Shanghai was one of the worst-performing markets, ending 65% lower -- its biggest annual drop. Permalink

e-Hail To the Chief

Wash Post analyzes how the incoming administration's online energy will be channeled from campaigning into governing. A survey released Tuesday by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 51% of Obama supporters expect to get e-mail, text messages or other communications from the new administration. Permalink

The Democrat picks up four more votes Tuesday as the Minnesota Canvassing Board winds down its review of challenged ballots. Plus: Dem. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said if the Canvassing Board declares a winner on Monday, the Senate should "consider seating that person pending litigation." Permalink