Archive - January 22, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Gets Casual With the Press

The president spends about 10 minutes visiting, joking with the White House press corps Thursday evening. Says he installed a new backboard on the tennis court he could play ball but hasn't yet because it has been too cold. And/But: Politico claims that "Obama flashes irritation in press room." Permalink

Kennedy Team Blasts "Mudslinging"

Caroline Kennedy's spokesman fires off a statement as criticism mounts: "This kind of mudslinging demeans that process and all those involved." Read the statement here. Blind quotes in white-hot NY Times, NY Post stories suggest Caroline Kennedy's housekeeper, taxes and possibly marriage derailed her Senate bid. Find out more on what they say happened here. Plus: A Democratic source describes to TIME key parts of the tick-tock that led Kennedy to withdraw her name. Read the details here. Permalink

Obama Promises "New Era of American Leadership"

The president addresses the State Department Thursday, along with Vice President Biden and Secretary of State Clinton. Addresses the conflict in Gaza for the first time, says he's "deeply concerned" by the loss of life on the Israeli and Palestinian sides. Speaking beforehand, Clinton names former Sen. George Mitchell as special envoy to the Middle East and former UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke as special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. TIME's Calebresi: Can Clinton and her envoys rebuild U.S. diplomacy? Read pool report on visit here. Permalink

BATTLE FOR THE SENATE

New York Rep. McCarthy says if colleague Kirsten Gillibrand is picked to replace Clinton she'll mount a primary challenge in 2010. Permalink

Coleman: "I Will Win This Election"

In video to Minnesotans explaining why he's contesting the election, the Senate hopeful insists that he will be the eventual victor. Click above to watch. And: Franken's effort to block Coleman's lawsuit over the U.S. Senate recount was rejected by a three-judge panel, setting the stage for a trial to begin Monday. Permalink

Hi 5 Inaug

Who flanks Harold Ford in the latest funnyordie.com video? Watch it here. And read the list of who’s who (including Joe Scarborough, Sarah Silverman, Howard Dean, Robert Gibbs, Obama Girl, and Newt Gingrich)-- click here. Permalink

Gibbs: Obama Requested Daily Economic Briefing

The new press secretary tells reporters Thursday that the president has added an economic briefing to his daily schedule to stay up to date. Also comments on the Gitmo order, finds himself repeatedly defending the decision not to let media tape Obama's re-swearing in. Read transcript here. Permalink

Hasselbeck: "Naysayers" Should be "Objective"

While defending Michelle Obama's fashion choices on "The View" Thursday, Hasselbeck takes a swipe at the media's coverage of new administration. Says that if criticism of first lady's clothes is media's attempt at objectivity, "they're moving in the wrong direction." Click above for video. Permalink

Obama Honors Roe v. Wade Anniversary

The president releases a statement on the 36th anniversary of the landmark ruling, reiterates his commitment to protect abortion rights. Plus: WSJ writes that he'll issue an order restoring U.S. funding for international family-planning groups involved with abortion. Also says both sides of the “sensitive” issue “must work to find common ground.” Read the statement here. Permalink

Caroline Kennedy Works the Phones

NY Daily News: The former Senate candidate is reaching out to supporters, state leaders to personally inform them of her decision, thank them for their support. Spokesman for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver confirms he had chatted on the phone with Kennedy earlier Thursday. Permalink

Obama Executive Order: Close Gitmo Within One Year

The president signs a series of executive orders in the Oval Office Thursday reshaping the country's treatment of terror suspects. Also orders the CIA to follow the U.S. Army Field Manual, which bans the harshest interrogation methods. Click above to watch. Read pool report here. Plus: Sens. McCain and Graham applaud the move. Read their statement here. Permalink

INAUGURATION MANIA

People publishes massive 33-page double issue on the Obama inauguration, details which celebrities flocked to D.C. for the celebration. Hits newsstands Friday. Permalink

First Daughters Head Back to School

Malia and Sasha Obama return to class Thursday after staying home Wednesday to recover from inaugural festivities. Permalink

Senate Panel Gives Geithner Stamp of Approval

Senate Finance Committee votes 18-5 to recommend confirming Obama's treasury secretary pick. Now moves onto the full Senate for a vote. Comes despite controversy over his tax payments. Permalink

Adm. Blair's Turn to Testify

Obama's pick for national intelligence director goes before the Senate Intelligence Committee Thursday for his nomination hearing. Likely to face questions about the role he played 10 years ago in U.S. efforts to rein in the Indonesian military as it cracked down on East Timor. Permalink