The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from January 17th, 2009
Poll Finds Wave of Optimism Toward Obama
NY Times/CBS poll finds 79% optimistic about the next four years under Obama-- more than than any of the last five presidents. Respondents also say they expect major problems to take years to improve. Conducted Jan. 11-15. Error margin: 3 points. Permalink
Israel Declares Ceasefire in Gaza
Prime Minister Olmert says Israel will end its assault on Gaza, after 22 days of conflict. But troops will remain on the ground. On Sunday, Hamas also announced an immediate ceasefire with Israel in Gaza, according to Hamas officials. The group said it would hold fire for a week to give Israel time to withdraw its forces. The cessation of hostilities was earlier cast into doubt by fresh rocket fire into Israel and an Israeli air strike on militants in Gaza. Conflict has killed more than 1,100 Palestinians and 13 Israelis. Permalink
Rolling to Power
The Obamas and Bidens arrive in Washington, D.C. after a day-long whistle stop train tour, beginning in Philadelphia. Biden joins the train in Wilmington, Delaware. Tells supporters in the freezing afternoon: "I tell you-- spring is on the way with this new administration." Obama also addresses the crowd-- read his remarks. Before leaving Philadelphia, Obama calls on Americans to emulate the courage of the nation's founders. America needs "a new declaration of independence, not just in our nation, but in our own lives - from ideology and small thinking, prejudice and bigotry." Read his prepared remarks. Read more on the train trip, watch the train pass, and read pool reports here, here and here. Permalink
Obama Working Overtime to Court Conservatives
Politico: Obama team's charm offensive "runs much deeper and wider than is publicly known." Includes frequent phone calls, e-mails and sit-downs. Story includes praise from Sens. Burr and Graham, Rep. Cantor and Richard Land. Graham: "So far, so good." Plus: Democratic Rep. Cooper: " He is smarter than Bill Clinton and disciplined." Permalink
Emanuel: "This Is an Extraordinary Time"
The incoming chief of staff spends an hour with PBS' Charlie Rose. Discusses challenges facing the country, why knowing Congress so well is an asset and liability, and how Clinton was different from Obama. Clinton would be "doing a crossword puzzle, NCAA March Madness is over here... the phone calls are coming in.... You'd have to kind of knock on the door, rip it apart, get it done." Read transcript here. Permalink
Obama to Meet With Military Commanders Wednesday
On his first full day in office, the president will convene top-ranking officers to discuss the Iraq War and other matters. Wednesday to also include a church service and a White House reception for hundreds of visitors. Permalink
Obama: Moment Holds "The Promise of a New Beginning"
In his final Saturday address as president-elect, Obama reflects on presidential transitions and braces Americans for tough times ahead. Adds: "There is much work to be done. But now, all Americans hold within our hands the promise of a new beginning." Click above to watch, and read transcript here. Permalink
ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS
Meet the Press: Emanuel. Roundtable with Tom Brokaw, David Brooks, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Tavis Smiley, Chuck Todd Fox News Sunday: Pelosi, Gibbs This Week: Axelrod. Roundtable with Donna Brazile, E.J. Dionne, Matthew Dowd, Gwen Ifill, George Will Face the Nation: Larry Summers State of the Union: Axelrod, Dana Perino, Ed Gillespie Permalink
Obama Chats With Hero Pilot
The president-elect spends five minutes on the phone with US Airways Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger Friday evening. Thanks Sullenberger for his "heroic and graceful job" landing his crippled jet in the Hudson River Thursday. Read release here. President Bush also makes a congratulatory phone call to the pilot. Permalink
Obama Announces "Organizing for America"
The president-elect introduces a new volunteer effort in a video message. Click above to watch. “As president, I will need the help of all Americans.... That’s why I’m asking people like you who fought for change during the campaign to continue fighting for change in your communities." Permalink
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Obama
Michelle Obama celebrates her 45th birthday Saturday. She and her husband celebrated Thursday evening at the Washington, D.C. restaurant Equinox. AP takes a closer look at the future first lady, calling her assertive but "more polished." Permalink
Obama-mania Doesn't Spread to Wyoming
Residents of the state that voted most heavily against Obama remain wary of the president-to-be. "The man is very capable in some areas, but I think that he's awfully green in the gills." Permalink
Inaugural Porta Potties to Make History, Too
Some 7,000 portable toilets are expected in DC for next week's festivities-- said to be the most ever assembled in the U.S. Toilet contractor: "We feel like we're part of history." "We're lucky it's cold now. In the summer, the smell can be very bad." Permalink
Administration Profiling
NY Times examines new White House counsel Greg Craig's "high-wire act." Permalink
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