The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Sebelius to HHS

The president will nominate Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Formal announcement expected Monday. Permalink

The president heads to the Interior Department Saturday to play basketball with friend Marty Nesbitt, body man Reggie Love and press aide Ben Finkenbinder. Pool report: "Who knew they had a basketball court?" Read more here. Game comes after Obama watches the pros do it Friday night at the Verizon Center. Permalink

Oracle of Omaha: Trouble Ahead

Warren Buffet offers a grim '09 forecast in his annual letter to investors, following the billionaire's worst year ever. "The economy will be in shambles throughout 2009 -- and for that matter, probably well beyond." NY Times: Downturn clouds Obama's spending plans. , 1:16 PM

Obama: I'm Ready For a Fight

In his weekly YouTube address, President Obama says he'll take on the "special interests and lobbyists" to pass his budget. "I know they’re gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this: So am I." Click above to watch, and read text here. Permalink

The President Goes Courtside

Obama takes in a Wizards-Bulls game Friday at D.C.'s Verizon Center, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. Sits in courtside seats, joined by friend Marty Nesbitt. Read pool reports here. Permalink

"Glam-a-Lot"

New York's tabloids gush over the first lady's new official portrait. Daily News fronts the picture. NY Post: Hints of Jackie in Michelle's Official Pic. Permalink

Labor Considering New Federation

Leaders from 12 of the largest unions are holding talks to consider forming a single, more powerful group. Talks come four years after a major split in the AFL-CIO. David Bonior: "There's obvious benefits." Permalink

Canadian PM Denounces "Protectionism"

Stephen Harper tells the WSJ the U.S. is enacting "purely protectionist measures" under the guise of "security." "Additional inspection fees on agricultural products. That's just not a security measure." Permalink

Headlines from February 27th, 2009

Court Knocks Down Obama Wiretapping Argument

Federal appeals court in San Francisco rejects Justice Department’s request to block a lawsuit over government’s warrantless wiretapping program. Obama administration, like Bush, claims national security would be compromised if lawsuit was allowed to proceed. Permalink

Gingrich, Again

The NY Times magazine considers the former House Speaker's return to prominence. , 5:10 PM

Obama on Iraq: "I Don't Want to Look Backwards"

The president tells PBS' "The NewsHour" he's not going to harp on mistakes, U.S. military was "successful" in Iraq "without equivocation." Dismisses Democrats' withdrawal plan criticism, saying "they maybe weren't paying attention" to his campaign promises. Admits it's difficult to send more troops to Afghanistan: "I should always lose a little sleep when I'm making these decisions." Read full transcript here. Permalink

Biden Goes Green

The VP promotes green jobs as part of the economic recovery for the middle class in his first task force meeting in Philadelphia Friday. He hails jobs in new energy economy, calling them “good, high-paying jobs, the vast majority of which are not exportable.” Read full remarks here. Biden was joined by several Cabinet members. Read arrival pool report here. Permalink

Obama Sets Iraq Withdrawal Date

Speaking at Camp Lejeune, the president announces he'll withdraw most combat troops by August 2010, and all troops out by the end of 2011. Says administration will "proceed cautiously" on withdrawal, U.S. commanders will be in close contact with Iraqi officials. And/But: Says about 35,000 to 50,000 troops will remain in Iraq initially. Read full remarks here. Permalink

Obama Briefs Bush, Maliki

Press Secretary Gibbs says the president phoned both the former president and Iraq's leader before his troops announcement Friday. Maliki agrees to recieve Chris Hill if he's confirmed as the next ambassador to Iraq. Gibbs says Obama called Bush "as a courtesy." Permalink