Archive - January 12, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

Reid, Durbin issue a joint statement saying they'll likely swear in the former Illinois AG later this week, barring objections from the GOP. "We have spoken to Mr. Burris to let him know that he is now the Senator-designate from Illinois.... " Statement here. Announcement comes after the secretary of the Senate approves Burris' credentials. Permalink

Obama Vows to Change TARP Spending

The president-elect tells reporters major changes are in store for the second half of the $700 billion rescue package. Says after meeting with President Calderon: "I think many of us have been disappointed with the lack of clarity, the absence of transparency." Adds that helping homeowners and small businesses are among his priorities. Pool report has more. Permalink

Obama Preparing Order to Close Gitmo for First Week

The president-elect's advisers say he's planning to issue an executive order to close the U.S. military prison during his first week in office. Would direct his administration to figure out what to do with the estimated 250 al-Qaeda and Taliban suspects and potential witnesses being held there. Still unlikely the prison would be closed any time soon. Permalink

Obama, Calderon Do Lunch

The president-elect and Mexican president grab a bite as part of a pre-Inauguration tradition Monday at the Mexican Cultural Institute in D.C. Obama tells press after lunch they spoke about organized crime, immigration reform, the financial crisis, energy and other hemisphere issues. Never utters the word "NAFTA." Read pool reports here and here. Permalink

All-Star Lineup for Inaugural Opening Festivities

The opening inaugural ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Sunday night is set to kick off with a celebrity cast. Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks, John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and more will perform. Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington will read historical passages. More details here. Permalink

Foggy Bottom Dinner for Four

The secretary of state and the national security adviser will host a private dinner Monday for their likely replacements, Sen. Hillary Clinton and Gen. James Jones. Clinton’s confirmation hearing begins Tuesday. Permalink

O-Rod

Topps to release a set of Obama playing cards to honor the president-elect. The 90-card set features key moments in Obama’s life, from his youth in Hawaii through his rise to power. Also features relatives and other allies. Read more here. To be sold in packs of six cards, including a sticker. GALLERY: See more Obama cards here. Permalink

Voinovich Won't Run in 2010

The 72-year-old Republican releases a statement Monday saying he won’t seek a third term representing Ohio. Says he’ll devote all his energy to finishing out his term. Fourth GOP Senator to announce retirement. Read statement here. Update: Former GOP Rep. Portman expected to seek Voinovich's seat. Permalink

Change the Tone, Take 44

House Republicans extend an olive branch to Obama, invite him to deliver an address to the GOP conference at his “earliest convenience.” It's thought he will do. Say they “do not want partisan differences to stall achievement in those areas where we share common goals.” Read letter inviting him here. Obama is expected to attend the House Democratic retreat in early February. Permalink

FRANKEN DENIED

Minnesota’s secretary of state says he won't sign anything certifying the Senate seat winner until all lawsuits have been resolved. Comes after Franken's camp sent a letter requesting his election be certified based on the recount panel's decision. Permalink

Inauguration Lunch Fit for Lincoln

The Congressional inaugural committee plans their menu based on the 16th president’s favorites and preference for simplicity. Features seafood stew, pheasant, duck and apple sponge cake served on replicas of Lincoln’s White House china. Permalink

Hasselbeck Drops By the Oval Office

The lone conservative on “The View” reflects on her and her children’s fifteen minutes with President Bush on Monday’s program. “It was eye-opening to be in his presence...he is so not the caricature that we have been fed for so long....” Click above to watch. Plus: Says as a sign of affection her youngest son Taylor headbutted the president. Permalink

North By Northwest

North Korea proposes to send its chief nuclear envoy to Obama's inauguration next week, according to state news reports. Washington rejected the idea, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said. Permalink

Bush Agrees to Ask Congress for Rest of Bailout

White House spokeswoman Perino says the president will ask for the release of the remaining $350 billion at Obama's request. Would give Obama access to the money, but would also allow him to change its goals and conditions. Congress would have 15 days to reject the request. Plus: Obama aide Larry Summers sends Congress a letter detailing Obama's plans to reform TARP. Read letter here (pdf). Permalink

Obamas Named One of Year's “Hottest Couples”

EBONY fronts the incoming president and first lady this week as part of their “10 Hottest Couples” issue. Says they've “fundamentally changed the look of Black love and set a new example for all who are searching to find that perfect partner.” Hits newsstands Tuesday. Permalink