Archive - January 2, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Quiet Day Back at Work for Obama

Back in Chicago, the president-elect begins his day at the gym and then heads to his transition office. Read pool reports here. Permalink

Strong Start to 2009 on Wall Street

The Dow Jones leaps more than 250 points on the first trading day of the year. Best first day since 2003. S&P at a two-month high. Permalink

Cornyn: Franken Won't Be Seated Tuesday

The GOP Senator says his caucus will fight any attempt to seat the Minnesota Democrat until all legal challenges are resolved. "...There will be no way people on our side of the aisle will agree to seat any Senator provisionally or otherwise unless there is a valid election certificate...." Franken currently leads Coleman by 49 votes. Court challenges could last months. Plus: Minnesota Supreme Court requests more information about a Coleman campaign motion. Permalink

Obama's Last Day in Chicago

The president-elect heads straight to his downtown transition office Sunday morning. Read pool report. Later leaves for a final workout in the Windy City. Read more here. Permalink

Holder Approval Looking Likely

Despite partisan squabbling at Monday's confirmation hearing, Republicans appear ready to back Obama's AG nominee. Sen. Specter says Holder made mistakes, but is well-qualified and should be confirmed. Vote expected Monday evening. Permalink

Blago Impeachment Could Come Next Week

The Illinois House moves up its schedule to consider impeaching Gov. Blagojevich. Speaker Madigan is asking lawmakers to return Springfield next Wednesday. The House originally planned to reconvene Jan. 12. Removing the governor would require a 2/3 vote from the state Senate. Permalink

Senate Showdown Looms

Despite widespread objections, Blago appointee Roland Burris plans to be among new lawmakers being sworn in at the Capitol Tuesday. Democratic leaders expected to extend few privileges to Burris. TIME's Karen Tumulty examines options to avert a confrontation on the Senate floor. Illinois secretary of state: I can't stop Burris. Senate sergeant at arms expects no trouble from Burris: "He plays by the rules." Permalink

Wanted: Speeches, Sermons About Obama

The Library of Congress is looking for audio or video copies of sermons and passionate speeches focused on Obama's rise to power. "If a historian asks 'How did Americans react to Obama's inauguration,' we'll have immediate responses to this powerful event." Permalink

Sources: Paterson Leaning Toward Kennedy

Two insiders tell the AP they expect the New York governor to tap Caroline Kennedy for the Senate. But Paterson insists he hasn't made up his mind. Permalink

Rice: U.S. Seeks "Durable and Sustainable" Cease-Fire in Gaza

The secretary of state speaks to reporters Friday after meeting with President Bush. Also accuses Hamas of holding Palestinains "hostage," says they have created a "very bad daily life" in Gaza. Permalink

Back to Work

President-elect Obama is back in Chicago, following his 12-day vacation in Hawaii. He and his family will spend just 48 hours in Illinois before heading to Washington Sunday. Plans to meet Monday with congressional leaders to discuss his stimulus plan and other legislative issues. Tells well-wishers before leaving: "I wish I could hang out with you, but I've got to go home." Read pool report here. Plus: WashPost on the effect Hawaii has on Obama. Permalink

Saturday Starts Off With Gym Trip for Obama

The president-elect continues his workout routine back in Chicago. Read pool report here. Later he heads to his transition offices, where he'll spend most of the afternoon. Permalink

Republicans Fleeing D.C. for Inauguration

Out of favor throughout government, many in the GOP will hit the road for the January 20 festivities. GOP lawyer arranging "Inaugural in Exile"-- "What better way to mark the Obama Inauguration... than to get out of town to fabulous Las Vegas!” Lobbyist: "I will be pondering the future of my party at a remote location, aided in the conversation by my friend Jack Daniels.” Permalink

New Hope for Lady Liberty?

Some believe the Obama administration will support re-opening the Statue of Liberty, which has been closed since Sept. 11. Obama backed a Senate bill to re-open the icon, sponsored by incoming Interior Secretary Salazar. Permalink

Bush Aides: Notion of Cheney Control "Just Hooey"

In a long interview with the WashPost, Josh Bolten and Stephen Hadley try to set the record straight on their boss. Say the idea that Cheney was truly calling the shots is "hooey" and "bunk." Bolten: "The president is, possibly contrary to public opinion, very good about hearing and wanting contrary advice." Permalink