Archive - January 6, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

Former Time Warner Chairman and CEO is under consideration as possible replacement for Bill Richardson at Commerce. Parsons, a onetime Ford White House aide and former Dime Bank executive, ran Social Security study group in Bush era. Parsons officially left Time Warner in December 2008. He was also a member of Obama's Transition Economic Advisory Board. Plus: Politico: New Commerce Secretary nominee to be announced next week. Permalink

Employers Announce 166,348 Job Cuts in December

The number of announced job cuts in December fell 8.4% from a month earlier, but were nearly four times the total of the same month in 2007. Permalink

Poll: 45% Favor Caroline Kennedy

45% of Americans want Gov. Paterson to name Caroline Kennedy to replace Clinton, according to a new USA Today/Gallup survey. 36% want Paterson to pick someone other than Kennedy. Permalink

Europe Stocks Fall, Asia Stocks Rise

Bloomberg: "European stocks retreated for the first time in seven days...while shares in Asia advanced." Permalink

Cuba Pinning Hopes on Obama

WashPost looks at how many Islanders expect a better relationship with the U.S. under the next President. Permalink

Feinstein: Burris Should Be Seated

The California Democrat breaks with colleagues, saying that Gov. Blagojevich's Senate pick should be granted the position. Says she's concerned that blocking Burris could impact future appointments by other governors. Permalink

COLEMAN REJECTS RECOUNT, FILES SUIT

The Republican refuses to concede in afternoon St. Paul presser, announces he’s taking the Minnesota Senate election to court. Says he's contesting results "to make absolutely sure every valid vote was counted and no one's was counted more than anyone else's." Challenge will likely keep seat open for several weeks or months. Plus: TIME on how Minnesotans say enough already! Earlier: Sen Reid. calls for Coleman to concede race to Franken. Permalink

Jeb Bush NOT Running for Senate

The president's brother and former Florida Governor releases a statement Tuesday announcing his decision not to run in 2010. "While the opportunity to serve my state and country during these turbulent and dynamic times is compelling, now is not the right time to return to elected office.'' Permalink

Paging Surgeon General Gupta?

WashPost: Obama has offered the Surgeon General position to journalist Sanjay Gupta, of CNN and CBS. Howard Kurtz: "Gupta has told administration officials that he wants the job, and the final vetting process is under way... He is expected to accept the position within days." Gupta, a neurosurgeon, is also a TIME contributor. Permalink

Feinstein: Obama, Biden "Apologized Profusely"

The incoming Senate Intelligence Committee chair says she had a "substantial conversation" with the president- and vice-president elect Tuesday. Apologies came after she suggested she was unhappy about not being consulted that Leon Panetta was reportedly tapped as CIA director. "I've been around a long time... I know this happens… so that's not an issue." Permalink

Obama: Expect $1 Trillion Deficits

The President-elect talks economics with reporters following a meeting with top economic advisers in his transition office. Says he expects budget deficits close to $1 trillion. Also says the country is at "a perilous crossroads" and calls budget reform "an absolute necessity." "We are going to bring a long-overdue sense of responsibility and accountability to Washington." Pool report here. Also says he will ban earmarks from the pending stimulus bill. Pool report here. Click above to watch. Transcript here. Plus: Obama team says the president-elect will make an "announcement" from his transition offices Wednesday at 10:15 am ET. Permalink

Biden: Panetta Handling “Just a Mistake”

The VP-elect tells reporters that not briefing Senators on the upcoming appointment of the CIA director was a gaffe. "I think it's always good to talk to the requisite members of Congress ... I think it was just a mistake.” Plus: Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Obama praises Panetta’s "extraordinary management skills" and "impeccable record of integrity." But stresses Panetta has not been announced for the CIA job. Pool report here. Permalink

Biden to Visit Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan

The vice president-elect will leave later this week with a bipartisan congressional delegation to Southwest Asia. Biden will be going in his capacity as outgoing Senate Foreign Relations chair. Sens. Kerry, Reed, Collins and Graham will also be on the trip. Permalink

Blago: Don't Hold Burris Responsible for Allegations Against Me

The embattled Illinois Governor issues a statement following his Senate pick being turned away from the Senate floor Tuesday. "The people of Illinois are entitled to be represented by two senators in the United States Senate... Any allegations against me should not be held against him and especially not the people of Illinois." Also calls Burris "a good and decent man with a long history of public service." Permalink

Obama Still Staying Mum on Gaza

The president-elect again refuses to comment when asked about the current situation in the Middle East, saying that there's one president at a time. "After January 20th I'll have plenty to say about the issue and I'm not backing away at all from what I said during the campaign." Adds he's monitoring the situation from day-to-day, is concerned about civilian deaths. Pool report here. UPDATE: Many are displeased with Obama's restraint on the topic. Permalink