Headlines from January 18th, 2009

Bush Dines With Rice Sunday Night

The president makes a rare foray out to dinner Sunday at his secretary of state's Watergate apartment. Comes after he has a quiet return to the White House from Camp David late Sunday. Permalink

The president-elect delivers remarks following a star-studded kickoff of Inaugural activities Sunday outside the Lincoln Memorial. Says the turnout on the Mall gives him hope that he'll be able to bring change to D.C. "Despite the enormity of the task that lies ahead -- I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure..." Full remarks here. Comes after performances from Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and more. More details here. PHOTOS: See gallery of images here. Earlier: Obama talks to campaign fundraisers at a reception behind the memorial. Pool report here. , 4:15 PM

A Sermon for Obama

The president-elect and his wife attend Sunday services at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, a historically black church in the District. Pastor Hawkins exhorts Obama to follow the example of Queen Esther. Read pool reports here and here. Obama's director of religious affairs says the incoming first couple has yet to select their permanent church home. Statement here. Permalink

Obama Lays Wreath at Arlington National Cemetery

The president-elect holds his hand over his heart as he lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns Sunday morning. He was joined at the tomb by Biden and Gen. Richard Rowe, commander of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Read pool report here. Permalink

Rev. Wright Follows Obama to D.C.

The president-elect's former pastor delivers a sermon Sunday during church services at Howard University in Washington. Says the lesson in Obama's rise to the White House is that black people shouldn't limit themselves -- or allow others to. Permalink

Bidens Attend JFK Church

Biden and his wife sat in a reserved pew toward the back of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in D.C. Sunday. The incoming second couple listen to Rev. Madden delivered a sermon about the promise of hope and change for those who believe. Permalink

Inaugural Address to Emphasize Responsibility

Press secretary-designate Gibbs tells "Fox News Sunday" Obama's speech will stress responsibility and openness. Plans to particularly point to the government, financial institutions. Adds Obama is relieved to have a version of his address on paper already, he sat down and wrote the bulk of the speech himself as it is now. Plus: Incoming chief of staff Emanuel tells "Meet the Press" Obama will ask the nation to reject the "culture of anything goes" in address. Permalink

Axelrod Defends Geithner

The incoming White House senior adviser tells CNN's "State of the Union" the public should have confidence in Obama's pick for treasury secretary. Calls his tax problems a common mistake, says when Americans get to know him they'll have the same confidence in him as the finance community does. Plus: Axelrod tells ABC's "This Week" Obama wants to do whatever's needed to avoid double-digit unemployment. Permalink

Emanuel: Talks With Blago Appropriate

Obama's incoming chief of staff tells "Meet the Press" he didn't ask for anything improper in his discussions with the disgraced Governor Says he talked to Blago and his team about the type of person who should replace Obama, never got the impression the governor wanted anything in return for an appointment. Permalink

Pelosi Wants Bush Officials Reviewed for U.S. Attorneys

The House speakers tells "Fox News Sunday" she wants an investigation into whether the Bush administration broke the law when it fired a group of federal prosecutors. She says that what she calls the politicizing of the Justice Department cannot go unreviewed. Permalink

Poll: Most Blacks Call Obama Election Dream Come True

CNN/Opinion Research poll also finds 62% of blacks are "thrilled" and 34% are "happy" Obama is getting sworn in Tuesday. 96% of African Americans also approve of the way the president-elect has handled the transition. Dates conducted: Jan. 12-15. Error margin: 3 points. Permalink

A Jam-Packed "Day One" for Obama

Associated Press on the prayer, diplomacy, war discussions and welcoming hundreds of visitors to the White House awaiting Obama for his first day as president. Gibbs: Obama "will hit the ground running as soon as he is sworn in. Much of his senior staff will head directly to the White House after he is sworn in." Permalink