Archive - January 8, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Announces Kaine to Head DNC

The president-elect taps the Virginia governor at an afternoon presser at the party's offices in D.C. Neither take questions from reporters. Obama says they share a "pragmatic progressive" philosophy. Read their full comments. Obama also praises outgoing chair Dean, says he "deserves enormous credit for helping usher in a new era in Washington." But: Politico reports that "the conspicuous absence of Howard Dean ... was no accident." Permalink

Paterson: Caroline Kennedy Has "Pluses and Minuses"

The New York Governor says there are "pluses and minuses" to Kennedy as a Senate candidate, and plans to interview her within the next week. "Caroline Kennedy obviously does have a tremendous relationship with the president and that’s certainly a plus. She does not have much political, I mean legislative, experience which is a minus…" Also tells a New York radio station that he has discussed the position with about 10 candidates and hopes to speak with 4 or 5 more in the next week before deciding. Permalink

Obama Team Wants Delay on TV Switch

Obama transition director John Podesta is asking Congress to delay the Feb. 17 switch to digital TV transmission. Says spending to support the switch has been "woefully inadequate." Millions of TV sets without digital converter boxes will stop receiving TV signals after the change is made. Permalink

Change You Can't Taste

Change is coming to Washington, but not to the White House kitchen. The Obamas will keep the Bushes' executive chef, despite complaints from some foodies. Permalink

Congress Formally Declares Obama President

Democrats and Republicans from both houses give a standing ovation on the floor of the House as Cheney announces the electoral vote count giving Obama the win. The tally came to 365 for Obama, 173 for McCain. Last step in the electoral college system to formally confirm Obama as the 44th president. Permalink

Obama Announces Pentagon Staff

The president-elect announces more top officials at the Defense Department. Includes William Lynn as deputy defense secretary. Read more here. Biden also announces scheduling, advance and trip directors. Read more here. Permalink

Pelosi: No Stimulus by President's Day, No Recess

The Speaker says Thursday that she will keep Congress in session through its February recess if the Obama stimulus package isn’t completed by the holiday. “We are not going home without an economic recovery package...It is long overdue.” Permalink

Burris: There Was No Quid Pro Quo

The former Illinois AG tells the state impeachment committee Thursday that Blagojevich didn't ask for anything in return for the appointment. Also promises that if seated he won't "interfere" to help the governor remain viable politically as he battles impeachment. Late Thursday night, Senate Majority Leader Reid said he hadn't decided whether Burris' testimony improved his chances. And Dick Durbin said he and his colleagues will "carefully review" Burris' testimony. Get the latest updates from the hearing here. Permalink

Obama Calls for "New Course" On Economy

The president-elect promotes his stimulus package in a speech at Virginia's George Mason University. Asks Congress to act urgently, working weekends if needed to pass the massive legislation. Warns of dire consequences without action. Doesn't mention a price tag for his stimulus package. Read full remarks here. Click above to watch. Permalink

Daschle On the Hill

Senate confirmation hearing underway for Health and Human Services nominee Tom Daschle. He's being questioned Thursday by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Kennedy. Plus: Politico digs into the backstory of Daschle reportedly not caring for Hillary Clinton's tactics for fixing health care 15 years ago. See latest schedule of the hearings here. Permalink

Clinton's State Department Taking Shape

The secretary of state-designate is expected to keep many of the same faces in key roles at Foggy Bottom. Expected to tap Holbrooke and Ross for high-profile special envoy posts. Permalink

Obama's Comic Book Cameo

Marvel Comics features the president-elect playing hoops and fist bumping in "Spidey Meets the President!" Obama enjoyed Spiderman as a boy. Editor: "We thought, 'Fantastic! We have a comic-book geek in the White House.' " Permalink

Bush Defends "No Child Left Behind"

In one of his final speeches as president, Bush defends his signature education law and urges Congress to avoid weakening it. Says the measure "forever changed America's school systems." Plus: Bush tells Philadelphia schoolchildren he trusted his wife to choose their post-White House home in Dallas. "That's called faith." Permalink

Palin Unplugged

The former VP candidate suggests Katie Couric and Tina Fey have been "exploiting" her, and denounces a media double standard with Caroline Kennedy. "I think that as we watch that we will perhaps be able to prove that there is a class issue here...." To Couric: "Katie, you’re not the center of everybody’s universe." Click above to watch. Permalink

Boehner: Striking the Right Balance "Critical" to Stimulus' Success

The House minority leader speaks to the press following Obama's major speech Thursday, says the GOP will work with him to get something passed. Notes he's concerned about the cost: "At the end of the day, how much debt are we going to pile on future generations?" Senate Minority Leader McConnell also speaks, says it's clear from listening to Obama he wants to work with the GOP. And/But: Obama’s already running into opposition from Senators in his own party on his proposed tax cuts. Permalink