The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from January 29th, 2009
GO STEELERS!
The president reveals which team he'll be rooting for Sunday while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office Thursday. "I wish the best to the Cardinals. But other than the Bears, the Steelers are the team that is closest to my heart." Plus: White House spokesman Gibbs says Obama may invite some lawmakers over for the big game. Permalink
Gregg Gambit?
Is President Obama considering New Hampshire Republican Senator Judd Gregg for Commerce Secretary???? Robert Gibbs: "I'm not going to play the name game. The president hasn't made his decision on the next Commerce Secretary yet." NYT: "Should he accept the position, New Hampshire's governor, John Lynch, a Democrat, would appoint his successor and would be likely to pick a Democrat." Permalink
Daschle Tax Flap Leads to Bad Puns
ABC News: Back taxes paid on car and driver -- not expected to, uhm, send HHS nomination off the road. Permalink
BLAGO GETS THE BOOT
The Illinois Senate votes unanimously to remove Gov. Blagojevich from office, 59-0, in the first removal of a governor in Illinois history. Lt. Gov. Quinn promptly sworn in as governor, says he'll work to "restore the faith of the people of Illinios." Chicago Tribune on how "he will be tested quickly." Obama says in statement that the vote "ends a painful episode for Illinois," wishes Gov. Quinn good luck. Statement here. Permalink
Obama: Wall Street Bonuses "Shameful"
A seemingly peeved president says Thursday that giving financial execs $18 billion in bonuses this year is "the height of irresponsibility." Read Obama's full remarks here. Says his team will be sending this message directly to the folks on Wall Street. Comes after his meeting with Biden and Treasury Secretary Geithner in the Oval Office. Click above to watch. Read meeting pool report here. Permalink
Biden on Stimulus: "It's Not Over Yet"
The VP tells CNBC Thursday the bill will likely improve as it goes through the legislative process, will be able to attract Republicans. Suggests later versions of the bill will have additional infrastructure spending, maybe more tax cuts. "I think it's good. I think you'll see it get better and I also think you'll see Republicans voting for it." Watch video above. More excerpts here, and full transcript here. Permalink
Napolitano Wants "Criminal Aliens" Off U.S. Streets
The Homeland Security Secretary says Thursday she's looking at existing immigration enforcement programs to see if taxpayer money is going to good use. Permalink
Poll: Obama Approval Rating at 65%
Fox News/Opinion Dynamics survey finds a majority of Americans are happy with the job the new president has done thus far. Dates conducted: Jan. 27-28. Error margin: 3 points. Permalink
"I Am the Speaker of the House. I Don't Get Into That"
Rep. Pelosi declines to engage critics of the stimulus bill such as Rush Limbaugh and Matt Drudge at her weekly press conference Thursday. Adds that she's "very happy with how events proceeded" at Wednesday's House vote. Watch video here. Permalink
Grassley: Obama Ethics Rules "Gutted"
The Iowa Senator says the waiver for Deputy Defense Secretary-nominee William Lynn "effectively gutted the ethical heart of the president’s 'Revolving Door Ban.’" Makes the comment in a letter to OMB Director Orzag. Read more here. Permalink
Blago Makes His Plea
The Illinois governor tells state Senators he's done nothing wrong in a long, rambling address in Springfield Thursday. "How can you throw a governor out of office on a criminal complaint when you haven't been able to prove any criminal activity?" Also says his experience has been "painful" and "lonely," uses White House chief of staff Emanuel as part of his defense. Permalink
Gibbs Brushes Off Gitmo Ruling
Says he doesn't think the decision to reject Obama's request to delay one of the court proceedings there will impact the administration's evaluation of the military prison. Adds that he believes all other trials there were stalled. Permalink
Duncan: Schools Key to Economic Recovery
Education Secretary calls a “better-educated workforce” a long-term remedy for recessions. Stimulus bill includes $140 billion for schools. Permalink
Limbaugh Wants Meeting With Obama
The talk radio king says Thursday he wants to personally present a stimulus proposal to the president. “I am ready to build a road, build a bridge ... to the White House.” Plus: Read Thursday’s WSJ op-ed on plan here. Permalink
Michelle Obama's "White House Makeover"
The first lady joins Sasha and Malia on US Weekly's cover. Permalink
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