The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from January 27th, 2009
Obama Phones Australia, Colombia
The president chats on the phone Tuesday with Australian PM Kevin Rudd and Colombian President Uribe. First time Obama has spoken to either since his Inauguration. Read release here. Permalink
Gibbs: GOP Will Support Stimulus Bill
The White House press secretary says in his briefing Tuesday he expects the president to get backing from enough Republicans on the legislation. "I think we will have Republican support for this bill." Permalink
Blago Tapes Played at Trial
Illinois Senators hear four wiretapped conversations of the governor Tuesday at his impeachment trial in Springfield. First time the tapes have been publicly played. Listen to the tapes and read transcripts here. A Senator responds: “It sounds like a couple of organized crime figures out preparing to break some kneecaps. It’s just horrible. It’s nauseating. It’s sickening." Permalink
Treasury Distributes First Bailout Money Under Obama
The new administration issues $386 million to 23 banks Tuesday as it begins to give out the rest of the $350 billion remaining funds. Permalink
Obama to GOP: "Feel Free to Whack Me Over the Head"
The president huddles with House Republicans Tuesday over his proposed stimulus bill. Read pool report here. Says he will not compromise on tax cuts, prompting one member to call him "all form -- not substance." Read full remarks here and read pool report here. Boehner says Republicans look forward to working with Obama to "improve" the package. Rep. Pence says Obama spoke for 10-15 minutes, then took 30 minutes of questions. More from TIME's Jay Newton-Small. Permalink
CELEBRITY
A GOP source to TIME's Jay Newton-Small: Nearly as many House Republicans sought to get their photos taken with Obama as questioned him about the stimulus during their meeting. Permalink
Specter: I'll Vote for Holder
The Pennsylvania Republican says he will support Obama's choice for AG. Vote could clear the way for Holder's confirmation, despite concerns over his role in the Marc Rich pardon. A Judiciary Committee vote is expected Wednesday. Permalink
SENATOR GILLIBRAND
The New York Democrat is sworn in by Vice President Biden midday Tuesday. Click above to watch. However, she won’t be handed the keys to Hillary Clinton's Russell Senate Office Building suite for two months. Plus: Gillibrand is already fundraising for her 2010 campaign, sending an e-mail to her supporters. Read it here. And: NYT on Gillibrand's first day in office. Permalink
Jill Biden Goes Back to School
The VP’s wife begins work Tuesday at Northern Virginia Community College, where she'll teach two English courses. Biden, who has a doctorate in education, has been a teacher for 28 years. Permalink
Poll: New Yorkers Differ on Gillibrand
Marist poll shows 55% of upstate New Yorkers think Gillibrand belongs in the U.S. Senate, compared to 40% of city dwellers and 36% of suburbanites. Also shows Gov. Paterson's support remains flat at 46%. Date conducted: Jan 26. Error margin: 4 points. Permalink
Palin Launches "SarahPAC"
The Alaska governor launches a political action committee Tuesday to raise funds for local and national candidates. The PAC’s website makes no reference to Palin’s future political plans. Permalink
Obama Defense Pick Could Profit From Pentagon Lobbying
Deputy Defense Secretary pick Lynn — a former Raytheon lobbyist — could earn $500,000 next month from previous Pentagon-related work. Obama wants to waive tight new ethics rules to have Lynn confirmed. Permalink
Clinton's First Foggy Bottom Presser
New Secretary of State pushes Israel’s right to self-defense and her desire to see Iran reconnect with global community. Also raises prospect of direct talks with North Korea and speaks about China. Permalink
NO
Politico: House GOP leaders Boehner, Cantor tell rank-and-file members Tuesday morning to oppose Obama's stimulus bill when it comes to the floor. Permalink
Gates Aims to Send More Troops to Afghanistan by Summer
The Secretary of Defense testifies before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. Watch live here. Calls Afghanistan a “long and difficult” fight that has only just begun, says U.S. faces “hard choices” on spending for guns or butter. Read prepared remarks here. Also discusses Iraq, Obama’s plans to close Gitmo. Permalink
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