Archive - January 13, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Dine Right

CHANGE! Obama attends dinner party at George Will's house with fellow conservative writers Bill Kristol, David Brooks and Charles Krauthammer. Read pool report here. Permalink

The president-elect touches down in the City of Brotherly Love at 4:15 pm ET Friday. He'll leave for his Whistle Stop Train Tour to the Inauguration Saturday morning. No evening Friday events expected. Read pool report here. Permalink

Bush Disappointed By "Silly Name-Calling"

On CNN's "Larry King Live," the outgoing president says some elements of Washington life disappointed him, and urges Obama to avoid making predictions about the future of the country's economy. Also says he's sure he's lost money in the stock market meltdown, but he's not sure how much. Permalink

Veto Threat

Obama warns Senate Democrats he will veto any restriction on his administration's use of the next tranche of TARP funds. Tells lawmakers at a Capitol lunch he will correct shortcomings in the way the first $350 billion was spent. Earlier: Obama offers a wave to reporters as he enters the Democrats' luncheon, but ignores a shouted question. Read pool report here. Permalink

“Mumbo Jumbo”

Florida Sen. Nelson blasts Obama’s OMB nominee for not offering specifics on the administration’s economic plan during his confirmation hearing Tuesday. “I would think that in this era of freshness and transparency the new administration would want to come forth with detail instead of this mumbo jumbo that is going on.” Orszag had little to say about how they would spend the remaining bailout funds or the stimulus package being drafted. Permalink

Get Ready for Lots of Cheesecake

The Chicago-based Eli’s Cheesecake Co. is making a 500-pound inaugural cheesecake with an apple middle layer in homage to Lincoln's love of apples. They'll use 100 pounds of cream cheese, 30 pounds of sugar, 25 pounds of sour cream, 126 eggs, 50 pounds of apples and 30 pounds of butter to bake it. Will be served at the ball for Purple Heart recipients and military families. Leftovers will be donated to a D.C. food bank. Permalink

Biden Spends Another Day in Iraq

The VP-elect and the rest of congressional delegation spend Tuesday meeting with leaders including Prime Minister al-Maliki. Later they travel to the contested city of Kirkuk to meet with the Provincial Reconstruction Team there. More details here. Permalink

NY Times Magazine Special Inauguration Issue

This week's issue features 52 photographs of Obama and his aides by portraitist Nadav Kander. Includes images of Biden, Emanuel Clinton but also more obscure figures including Steven Chu, Reggie Love and Mona Sutphen. Permalink

Palin (Stays) Unleashed

March's Esquire interview with thoughts on some bloggers ("pathetic"), seeing Russia from Alaska ("You can!") and SNL ("I can laugh at myself, too."). On advice she'd give her former self from a few months ago: "Tell the campaign that you'll be callin' some of the shots..." Plus: Huckabee calls the infamous Couric interview "extraordinarily gentle." Permalink

Franken Takes Senate Fight to Court

The Minnesota Democrat’s legal team approaches the state Supreme Court Tuesday with a petition to get their candidate seated. Move comes one day after Minnesota’s governor and secretary of state reject the same request. Permalink

Sensitive Rahm!!

The incoming White House chief of staff thanks his predecessor Bolten for being readily accessible the past few months in joint Tuesday presser. "We had immediate phone call right after the election when I was named... I've now been over with Josh one way or another four separate times. I'm going miss you." Also calls the administration's cooperation with the transition "unprecedented." Permalink

Wagon Circling or Circular Firing Squad?

Politico: Senate Democrats are scrambling after an emergency meeting to discuss the fate of treasury secretary-designate Geithner. Earlier: Obama team stands by their nominee, says he made a "common mistake" on his taxes, was unaware his part-time housekeeper's work authorization expired during her employment. Full statement here. Plus: Read memo on Geithner's taxes here (PDF) NY Times: Committee called off his nomination hearing tentatively set for this week after Sen. Grassley raised the issues privately. Permalink

Clinton Vows to Lead Using "Smart Power" Strategy

The secretary of state-designate spends Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for confirmation hearing. Promises to exercise "smart power," balancing diplomacy and military muscle. "I believe American leadership has been wanting, but is still wanted." Full opening remarks here. Plus: Read Chairman Kerry's opening statement here. And: Clinton's mother and husband watched hearings together in Washington. Permalink

Chicago Celebrates Burris

City Council passes resolution praising the Illinois Senator-designate’s “intelligence, character and reason.” Burris calls seating drama "an experience -- something that helped me grow and to learn and to be a better Senator." Says he hopes to be sworn in Thursday at 2 p.m. so that his family can attend. Permalink

Bush Gushes About Cabinet in Final Meeting

The president touts his administration's positive achievements, thanks his staff for their hard work in Tuesday remarks. "We also reviewed our record, and this administration has had a good, solid record... I tell people I leave town with a great sense of accomplishment and my head held high." Also says he appreciates his Cabinet's help in prepping the Obama transition team to take over. Full remarks here. Permalink