Archive - January 16, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama: I Always Thought Bush Was a "Good Guy"

The president-elect has some kind words for the outgoing president in an interview with CNN's John King Friday. Says he thinks Bush made "the best decisions that he could at times under some very difficult circumstances." Also praises his team for helping with a smooth transition. Permalink

BLAGO'S LAWYER QUITS IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

Ed Genson tells an NBC Chicago affiliate he won't represent the embattled governor in his Senate impeachment trial, slated for Jan. 26. Still plans to represent him when it comes to the criminal allegations. Permalink

Report: Obama Ready to End Harsh Interrogations

Associated Press: Obama is preparing to prohibit the use of waterboarding and harsh interrogation techniques in an order to the CIA. Proposal would require all CIA interrogators to follow conduct outlined in the U.S. Army Field Manual, shut down secret "black site" prisons around the world. Permalink

Obama: Need for Action Has "Never Been More Urgent"

Speaking in Bedford Heights, Ohio, the president-elect says "dramatic action" is needed to revive the economy. "The need for us to act is now. It's never been more urgent." Read prepared remarks. Click above to watch. Addresses workers after getting a tour of the Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Company. Read pool report here. PHOTO GALLERY: See images of Obama's factory tour. Earlier: Travels from Reagan National on a chartered United jet. Read pool report here. Permalink

Trial Date Set for Coleman Challenge

Three-judge panel schedules trial challenging Democrat Franken's lead in Minnesota Senate race for Jan. 26. Franken has filed a motion to dismiss challenge which will be heard Jan. 21. Plus: Franken heads to Washington Sunday to raise money for recount bid, attend Inauguration. Permalink

Cheney Predicts Active Retirement

The VP tells The Hill Friday that while he’ll miss government service, he’s got some things to look forward to in his private life. Stays mum on specifics, says only that his plans will include fishing, adding, “But that’s not all.” Permalink

Last One

Dana Perino holds the final White House press briefing of the Bush administration. Offers lengthy tribute to the president, her late predecessor Tony Snow, and to reporters. "I have a lot of respect for the White House press corps. Don't look so surprised." Read transcript here. Plus: Says the press should go easy on Robert Gibbs-- "for a week." Permalink

Paulson Defends Bailout

Outgoing Treasury secretary tells reporters he understands public anger with the spending program, but insists it's made "real progress” toward stabilizing the economy. "I have always said that stability is our first priority, then recovery, then repair." Permalink

Axelrod Sells Stake in Firm

The incoming White House senior adviser is giving up ownership stake in the media consulting firm he founded before heading to D.C. David Plouffe, John Kupper and John Del Cecato will remain as partners with Larry "Gris" Grisolano joining them as a managing partner. More here. Permalink

Oh, the Waiting!!!

New York Gov. Paterson tells WFAN's Boomer and Carton Friday he'll name Clinton's Senate replacement "right after the inauguration." "I would probably have done it this weekend, but I just kind of decided I didn't want to trample on Senator Clinton's ability to come back and say farewell to her constituents..." Adds he's not worried about recent polls, focusing on picking someone who can be popular in 2010 when they run for re-election. Permalink

SENATOR KAUFMAN

Biden staffer Ted Kaufman is sworn in by Vice President Cheney as the new senator from Delaware Friday, replacing the incoming VP. VP-elect Biden attends the ceremony, gives Kaufman a hug and slap on the back after he signs the book officially enrolling him. Permalink

Bush: Economy Heading Toward Recovery

The president insists his team has "laid the groundwork" for a return to economic growth in optimistic final economic report. Advisers predict "a strong economic recovery" by late 2009 or early 2010. Permalink

Witnesses Push for Holder in Hearing

Former FBI Director Freeh tells the Senate panel the Rich pardon was "a corrupt act" but says the corruption wasn't Holder's. Ex-Bush adviser Frances Townsend calls Holder "an honest, decent man of the highest ethical standards." It's the second day before the Senate Judiciary Committee for Obama's attorney general nominee. Committee vote is set for Jan. 21. Permalink

Beau Biden Leaves Iraq for Inauguration

The VP-elect's oldest son returns from serving overseas to attend his father's swearing-in. The former Delaware attorney general is on temporary assignment to the Pentagon and will rejoin his unit after Jan. 20. Permalink

The Man Polls Well

An Associated Press/GfK poll finds 65% believe Obama will be an "above average" president. 28% think he will be "outstanding." In earlier pre-inaugural polls, 47% believed George W. Bush would be "above average", 56% thought so for Clinton. Conducted Jan. 9-14; error margin 3.1 points. Click here for more poll results. Permalink