Archive - January 28, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Minnesota Senate: The Never Ending Story

Franken's lawyers elicited testimony that the GOP focused on rejected ballots after Coleman fell behind. Permalink

Obama: "Difficult Decisions" Ahead on Iraq, Afghanistan

Says the U.S. needs to ease the strain on its military, provide better strategic support after meeting with Defense officials Wednesday. "And that's something I talked to the Joint Chiefs about and something I intend to change." Full remarks here. He spent over almost two hours meeting with Secretary Gates, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Tank. Pool report here. Permalink

Drinks at Obama's Place

President Obama continues his charm offensive Wednesday, inviting congressional leaders from both parties to the White House for drinks and snacks. The evening get-together comes as the president continues working to garner support for the stimulus bill. Permalink

Putin on Obama Team: "We Wish Them Well"

The Russian Prime Minister makes conciliatory comments in Davos Wednesday. "We can’t afford being isolationist or economically selfish... We are all in the same boat.” Permalink

House Denies Push to Slow TV Switch

Republicans block an attempt by Democrats to slow the transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting. Vote keeps in place the current Feb. 17 deadline. One Republican calls the switch "a problem that exists mostly in the mind of the Obama administration." Permalink

Obama's Canada Trip Planned for Mid-February

Press Secretary Gibbs confirms at his briefing Wednesday that the president will be making his first foreign trip to the neighbor up north. Plans to leave Thursday, Feb. 19. Permalink

Game Day at the Bidens'

The VP is putting his new D.C. home to good use — by hosting a Super Bowl party Sunday at 6 pm ET Among the guests: Sen. Bill Nelson, whose home state of Florida is hosting the big game. Permalink

Senate Committee Clears Blair

The Intelligence Committee votes to send Obama’s nominee for director of national intelligence to full Senate. He’s expected to be confirmed before the end of Wednesday. Permalink

Obama: Workers "Need Help Now"

The president speaks at the White House after meeting with CEOs and other business leaders. Says he understands many are skeptical of the stimulus plan-- but pledges to "try something new in Washington-- we'll invest in what works." Read his prepared comments here. Participants include heads of Xerox, Google and Aetna. Earlier: The president says he's "confident" Congress will back his economic recovery bill. Pool report here. Permalink

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE BACKS HOLDER

Senators vote 17 to 2 to recommend Obama's AG pick. Vote now goes to the full Senate for a vote. Holder could be confirmed by the end of the week. Permalink

A SNOW DAY!?!

The president jokes Wednesday morning about his kids getting a day off from school after a few inches of snowfall and some ice. "As my children pointed out, in Chicago school is never canceled," adding how kids go out for recess on snowy days. Says he'll have to instill "some flinty Chicago toughness" into Washingtonians. Read pool report here. Permalink

Limbaugh: I Must “Hijack the Obama Honeymoon”

The talk radio king continues his critique of the new president Wednesday, and hits back at critics petitioning against him. “It is up to me to hijack the Obama honeymoon -- and I’ve done it.” Calls attacks on him “an attempt to stifle dissent.” Permalink

The Goreman on the Hill

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee hold hearing Tuesday featuring the former VP at the Capitol. Calls the climate crisis an "urgent and unprecedented threat," says the U.S. has a "dangerous over-reliance on carbon-based fuels." Read prepared remarks here. Plus: Kerry calls testimony "traumatic and remarkable," pledges to get copy to every member of the Senate. Permalink

Ahmadinejad to U.S.: Say You're Sorry

The Iranian president says in a speech Wednesday he wants an apology from the U.S. for its treatment of his country over the past 60 years. “Change means that they should apologize to the Iranian nation and try to make up for their dark background and the crimes they have committed against the Iranian nation.” Comes after Obama says Tuesday he’s open to bettering the U.S.-Iran relationship. Permalink

Chicago Cook Returns to Obama Kitchen

Sam Kass, a private chef for the Obamas in Chicago, will bring his healthy cooking style to the White House. He’ll cook for the first family alongside former Bush executive chef Cristeta Comerford. Permalink