Archive - January 23, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

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Politics up to the Minute

Obama Orders End to Abortion "Gag Rule"

The president signs executive order lifting the U.S. ban on funding international groups that provide abortions. Obama opted against issuing an abortion-related order on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, unlike Clinton and George W. Bush. Permalink

McCain Digs at Obama on Ethics Waiver

The Arizona Senator takes the president to task for waiving his own ethics requirements for Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn. "I am disappointed in President Obama's decision...." Read full statement. Statement comes after McCain calls for fellow Republicans to show support for Obama. Permalink

"I'm Not Even Getting a Fair Trial. They're Just Hanging Me"

The embattled Blagojevich speaks to reporters in Chicago. Says, "I have done nothing wrong," and complains he won't be allowed to call witnesses or address charges against him in next week's impeachment trial. "That is a gross violation of every constitutional principle that exists... If they can do this to a governor, they can do this to any citizen of the state of Illinois." Mayor Daley: Blago "cuckoo." Permalink

President Obama Works the Phones

On his third full day in office, the new president places phone calls to the leaders of Canada, Saudi Arabia and the UK as well as the UN secretary-general. Read more here. Permalink

Salazar Scales Lady Liberty

The new Interior secretary climbs to the Statue of Liberty's crown Friday-- but doesn't commit to reopening the statue. "It is tight. It is cramped. It is hot. It probably isn’t completely safe to have everyone go up, in any numbers, at any time." The iconic crown has been closed since 9/11. Local political leaders want it re-opened. Permalink

Sen. Gillibrand: I Vow to Represent "Entire State"

The former U.S. Rep. from upstate New York promises to listen to constituents from all parts of the Empire State as its new Senator. "I realize that for many New Yorkers this is the first time you've heard my name and you don't know much about me." Says she has looked up to Hillary Clinton throughout her career, aspires to follow in her footsteps. Click above to watch. Earlier: Paterson calls her "the best candidate" among the slew he interviewed. Says decision was not based on gender, geographic location, etc. Permalink

During Presser, Obama Tries to Congratulate Gillibrand

The president calls the New York Senate appointee twice during Friday’s midday announcement. Gillibrand was speaking during the first call, but stepped out to take the second one while Sen. Schumer spoke. Press Secretary Gibbs reads a statement from Obama on the pick at second briefing. Read it here. Plus: Clinton also celebrates selection. MORE: TIME's Tumulty on why Hillary Clinton fans are happy about Gillibrand. Permalink

GOP Still Wary About Stimulus

House Minority Leader Boehner says at post-White House meeting presser he’s not convinced “spending nearly a trillion dollars” to jumpstart the economy is the best course of action. Says he expressed his party’s concerns to the president Friday, will meet with him again next week. GOP also reportedly offered their own econ plan. More details here. Plus: Senate Majority Leader Reid tells reporters he doesn’t think Republicans will block the bill. Permalink

Clinton Addresses USAID Friday

The new secretary of state delivers remarks to the U.S. Agency for International Development Friday afternoon on her second day on the job. Permalink

Obama: Congress "On Target" to Approve New Stimulus

The president says he expects his economic recovery package to be passed by the Feb. 16 deadline after a bipartisan meeting at the White House Friday. Also takes a swipe at former Merrill Lynch CEO Thain saying any legislation on the remaining bailout funds must include new measures of accountability. House Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader Hoyer, Senate Majority Leader Reid, Minority Leader McConnell and others were in attendance. Read Obama's pre-meeting remarks here. Permalink

Powerful Ex-Lawmaker Indicted in New York

Joe Bruno, the state's Senate Majority Leader until last year, is charged with defrauding the public between 1993 and 2006. Accused of reaping millions from companies seeking business from the state or labor unions. Permalink

Boehner Hits the Airwaves to Deliver GOP Message

The House Minority Leader will give the first post-Bush Republican weekly radio address Saturday, focusing on the economic recovery. Like Obama’s, the address will also be posted on YouTube. Permalink

Blago Compares Arrest to Japan's Attack on Pearl Harbor

The embattled Illinois Governor tells the AP in an interview that his arrest last month was to his family what Pearl Harbor was the the U.S. "It was a complete surprise, completely unexpected. And just like the United States prevailed in that, we'll prevail in this." Plus: Also tells local radio station he wouldn't have sworn so much if he knew he was being recorded, insists he's innocent. Permalink

Donor Limits Upped for 2010 Races

FEC raises maximum individual donations to $2400 per candidate per election, up $100 from the '08 cycle. Also limits single donors to giving no more than $115,000 to candidates and parties. Permalink

Gates Undergoes Surgery Friday

The Defense Secretary tells reporters he injured his left arm manhandling snow equipment over Christmas, is having an operation to repair the damage. He's briefly handing off his duties to a deputy during the procedure. Expects to be back to work Saturday. Permalink