Archive - January 26, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Coleman, Franken Lawyers Duel in St. Paul

Lawyers for the two sides in the Minnesota Senate feud present forcefully contradictory arguments Monday as a three-judge panel convened to determine the winner. Coleman's lawyers want the judges to reject "overjudicious" rules and count more ballots, while Franken's say the decisions of election and recount officials should stand. Court could take weeks or months to decide the winner. Permalink

Blago: "I'm A Very Honest Politician"

The embattled Illinois Governor tells ABC's "Nightline" Monday his situation is "a modern-day Frank Capra story," his statements on the Senate seat have been taken out of context. And/But: Concedes that a future political career is "not very promising right now." Read more excerpts here. Permalink

Axe(l)-Rose

Top Obama aide David Axelrod sat down with PBS' Charlie Rose Monday evening. Permalink

Geithner Takes Over Treasury

The former New York Fed chief is sworn in as Treasury Secretary Monday evening, following his Senate confirmation. Geithner was approved by a 60-34 vote, surviving concerns over $34,000 in belatedly paid taxes. Permalink

Obama Talks to Al-Arabiya

The president conducts his first formal interview as president with the Arabic news channel. Read the transcript here. Coincides with special envoy George Mitchell's departure to the Mideast. Permalink

House Passes Stimulus Without GOP Support

Lawmakers vote 244-188 to approve their $819 billion version of Obama's economic stimulus plan. Not a single Republican votes in favor of the measure. Shortly after, Obama sends out a statement saying he's "grateful" the House helped move the plan forward. Read it here. Legislation now moves onto the Senate. Plus: NY Times on how estimating the package's effectiveness is complex. And: TIME's Sullivan sorts "out fact from fiction on the Republican complaints about a small spending provision in the stimulus bill." Permalink

Obama: Mideast Peace Is "Important to Me Personally"

At a meeting with his secretary of state and Mideast envoy at the White House Monday afternoon, the president calls for renewed efforts toward peace in the region. Envoy Mitchell leaves Monday night on trip to Cairo, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Amman, Riyadh, Paris and London. Plus: Obama's administration will engage in "direct diplomacy" with Iran, said Susan Rice, the newly installed U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Permalink

Thain in Vain

The ousted Merrill Lynch head tells CNBC he will repay the $1.2 million cost of renovating his office suite. "It is clear to me in today's world that it was a mistake." And/but: "It needed to be renovated no matter what." Also says he was surprised to be pushed out 20 days after Merrill merged with Bank of America. Read full transcript here. Permalink

Clinton: Obama Will Succeed Where I Failed

In speech at NC State, the former president says universal health care is possible with new administration's deficit spending. "We can do health care now because we have to grow the economy. We must do it. That's a good thing." Permalink

Limbaugh: “I Think Obama Wants Me to Fail”

The radio host continues feud with the president on his Monday show. Responding to Obama’s alleged suggestion that Republicans stop listening to the host, El Rushbo quips: “Now this is the great unifier.” Permalink

Blago Prosecutor: Goal Isn't to Punish the Governor

In his opening remarks, prosecutor David Ellis says he's not looking to prove that Blago acted criminally, just that he abused his authority. Blago is refusing to take part in the Senate trial, arguing that the rules are so biased that he can't possibly get a fair hearing. Permalink

Paterson Condemns Anti-Kennedy Leaks

New York's governor voices regret over unnamed attacks on Caroline Kennedy during last week's Senate saga. "There’ve been leaks coming from my administration throughout this entire process of choosing a Senator.... I would love to know who is responsible. But at this point, I’ve been unable to determine that." Also says he's canceling his trip to Davos, purportedly to work on the state's budget. Plus: Mayor Bloomberg calls Kennedy's treatment "cheap, dirty politics," without specifically blaming Paterson's office. Permalink

Isn't That Special!!!

NBC News' Matt Lauer snags a live interview with President Obama during the network's Super Bowl pre-game show Sunday. Read release here. Permalink

BLAGO INVADES “THE VIEW”

The embattled governor sits down with the ladies of the ABC show Monday as his trial gets underway in Illinois. Calls the impeachment process “unconstitutional,” and after confusing the hosts with judicial jargon concludes: “Bottom line, I’m not allowed to bring witnesses in to prove my innocence.” Behar presses him for his supposedly “fabulous” Nixon impression, tousles his legendary hair when he refuses. Click above to watch. Permalink

Obama Pushes for Higher Fuel-Efficiency

He signs orders Monday directing the EPA to look at whether some states can have tougher auto emission standards, a reversal of Bush policy. Also directs his administration to get moving on new fuel-efficiency guidelines for the auto industry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars. "For the sake of our security, our economy and our planet, we must have the courage and commitment to change." Plus: Auto execs call Obama’s directives “reasonable”. Permalink