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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from January 30th, 2009
Obama Talks Trade in First Call to China
The president phones communist Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday, stresses the need to "correct global trade imbalances." Also agree to work together on global issues, particularly North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan/Pakistan, counterterrorism and more. Read White House statement here. Permalink
Man of Steele
The former Maryland Lt. Gov is voted in as the first African American RNC chair after six rounds of ballots, Beats out South Carolina GOP Chair Katon Dawson 91 to 77. Vows to help the GOP win in all regions in the U.S. in post-election remarks: "This is our opportunity. I cannot do this by myself." Transcript here. Permalink
First Lady Ventures Out for Lunch
Michelle Obama dines Friday with Jill Biden and D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty at Georgia Brown’s. The one-hour meal was Obama's first solo outing since moving into the White House. Permalink
Obama to Sign-Off on Digital Delay
Gibbs says in his Friday briefing that the president will sign a bill to give consumers more time to make switch from analag to digital TV. Comes after Senate passed the bill Thursday for the second time. House plans to try again after vote failed last week. Permalink
More Military Meetings for President Obama
He met with senior enlisted officials of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Situation Room Friday afternoon. Permalink
McCaskill Trashes "Idiots" on Wall Street
The Missouri Democrat introduces a bill in the Senate Friday to cap compensation of employees of companies getting bailout money. "We have bunch of idiots on Wall Street that are kicking sand in the face of the American taxpayer. They don't get it!" Permalink
Geithner Huddles With Bernanke
The Treasury Secretary meets with the Fed Chair and other senior banking regulators to discuss financial reform. Permalink
Gregg Confirms He's Being Considered
The New Hampshire Republican Senator says in a statement Friday Obama is looking at him, among others, for Commerce Secretary. White House says no decision has been made. Plus: GOP mounts full-court press to keep Gregg in Senate and out of White House. Permalink
Gov. Quinn to “Fumigate State Government”
The new Illinois governor announces his first executive order will be to create a reform commission to evaluate corruption in state government. Says at morning presser: "Today is a beginning, a start." The group will have recommendations ready within 100 days. And: Crews begin replacing signs that identify Blagojevich as governor. Permalink
Biden Takes On Middle Class Task Force
The VP makes remarks after Obama announces his mandate under the new initiative. Obama also signs a series of executive orders that he says should "level the playing field" for unions in struggles with employers. Comes after Obama calls the economic slump "continuing disaster" for America's families. Plus: Read Biden's USA Today op-ed on why it's time to put the middle class front and center. Permalink
McCain to Obama: Going After Limbaugh a Mistake
Former rival tells “Fox and Friends” Friday he can’t understand why the president would go after the conservative radio king. “He has a very wide viewing audience. He is entitled to his views. People listen very carefully to him... I don’t know why the president would take him on.” Watch video above. Read excerpts here. Permalink
U.S. Chips in $20 Mil for Gaza Relief
The Obama administration makes an emergency contribution Friday for relief efforts in the Gaza strip. The funds will be distributed by U.N. Agencies and the ICRC for food assistance and other relief. Permalink
White House: GDP Report Shows Stimulus Is Needed
Council of Economic Advisors Chair Romer reacts to news the economy dropped 3.8% at the end of 2008 by pushing the president's plan. "Aggressive, well-designed fiscal stimulus is critical to reversing this severe decline and putting the economy on the road to recovery and improved long-run growth." Read full statement here. Permalink
Obama Lauds Congress for Passing SCHIP
The president releases statement Friday applauding lawmakers for approving the children’s health care bill. Read it here. Permalink
Mitchell Chats With Israel Opposition Party
Obama's Mideast envoy meets with Binyamin Netanyahu, the Likud Party leader. Also sits down with Issac Herzog, Israel's welfare minister. Later Friday he'll travel to the Jordanian capital, Amman. Permalink
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