Archive - January 15, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Bush: "For the Final Time: Goodnight"

In his last primetime address to the nation Thursday the president defends his legacy, admits he may have done things differently if given the chance. Also wishes Obama good luck, calls his inauguration "a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation." Read full prepared remarks here and watch video here. Plus: Most of the President's employees will be gone by the close of business Friday. Permalink

Obamas Move Into Blair House

The incoming first family arrives at their temporary home late Thursday. They'll stay at the presidential guest house until moving across the street into the White House Tuesday. Read pool report here. Permalink

SENATE APPROVES RELEASE OF REMAINING BAILOUT FUNDS

Votes 52-42 to allow Obama to use the leftover $350 billion to stabilize the U.S. financial system. Permits the release of funds within days of the president-elect's inauguration. Permalink

Obama Plans Fiscal Responsibility Summit for February

Tells the WashPost Thursday he'll bring together a variety of voices to help solve long-term economic issues with a focus on entitlements. "We need to send a signal that we are serious." Plans to invite Senate Budget Chair Conrad, ranking minority member Gregg, conservative Democratic Blue Dog coalition, host of outside groups. Permalink

Obama Praises House Stimulus Bill

The president-elect sends out a statement giving his stamp of approval on the House's version of his proposed economic recovery package Thursday. "This plan is a significant downpayment on our most urgent challenges..." Read full statement here. Permalink

Obama Vows to Address Gaza Crisis on "Day One"

The president-elect tells USA Today he'll immediately appoint a team to focus on the situation and other troubles in the region once taking office. "We've got a regional set of problems. They're not going to be solved in isolation. We've got to be active in all these areas in order for us to be successful in any of these areas." Permalink

Geithner Still Soothing Senators' Concerns

The treasury secretary-designate continues his courtesy visits to Senate offices Thursday to personally answer questions about his nomination. Hearing now scheduled for Wednesday. Permalink

SENATOR BURRIS

Blago's pick as Illinois' newest junior senator says "I do" with a grin as VP Cheney administers the oath of office Thursday afternoon. He gets a standing ovation, is showered with handshakes and congratulations from Republicans and Democrats alike. Plus: Sen. Reid releases a statement congratulating Burris. Permalink

House GOP Wants Obama Meeting Too

Reps. Boehner, Cantor draft a letter Thursday asking for a meeting with the president-elect to talk about the stimulus. Comes after Obama accepted invitation to speak with Senate Republicans. Permalink

Obama Drops By The Post

The president-elect heads to the Washington Post offices Thursday afternoon to meet with the editorial board and national political staff. Comes after he turns down a pre-inaugural interview with the NY Times. Read pool report here. PHOTOS: See images of him in the newsroom here. Permalink

Another Poll: Kennedy Losing Support

From the Marist Poll, among registered New York voters: Who should fill Clinton's Senate seat? Andrew Cuomo: 40%. Caroline Kennedy: 25%. A month ago the two were tied at 25%. Kennedy's approval rating drops 16 points, to 46%. Read more here. Conducted Jan. 12-14. Error margin: 4 points. See Wednesday's Quinnipiac poll. Permalink

Biden Says Goodbye

The VP-elect delivers farewell remarks to his colleagues on the Senate floor Thursday, thanks them for their support over the years. Notes he came into the Senate to fight for civil rights and leaves as the incoming VP for the first African American president. Gets standing ovation after he says for the last time: "I yield the floor." Watch video above. Permalink

Clinton: "We Have Much to Do Over at Foggy Bottom"

The secretary of state-designate says goodbye to her colleagues in the Senate Thursday with a farewell speech, looks ahead to her likely new role. Tells the Senators: "And we need your help to kind of clear up the fog..." Also recalls New York after 9/11, her relationship with senior Sen. Schumer. Permalink

Holder: "I Made Mistakes"

Obama's attorney general-designate takes questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee in his confirmation hearing. Says he regrets not studying the 2001 Marc Rich pardon more before his decision. Calls fallout “the most searing experience I’ve ever had as a lawyer.” In break from Bush's stance, declares "waterboarding is torture." Read prepared remarks here. Introduced by recently retired and well-liked GOP Sen. John Warner. Permalink

Bush Signs Off at State Dept.

In final visit to the Foggy Bottom agency, the president touts his administration’s foreign policy, says U.S. should promote "transformative power of freedom and liberty." Condoleezza Rice presents him with flags of five countries she says joined the “circle of freedom” during his presidency. Remarks here. Permalink