Mark Halperin’s Three Things

Mark Halperin's three things to watch for in politics for Tuesday, February 17.

1. Watch for new developments on the administration’s bank bailout plan. The Washington Post reported today that Treasury Secretary Geithner reversed course on his initial plan just days before last week’s rollout, concluding that the ideas were too expensive and risky for taxpayers. Watch to see if there’s any discussion of adopting the original plan in part or in whole. Also watch to see if Geithner announces any more details of what the administration plans to do.

2. Watch for the auto industry’s plans for reform. General Motors and Chrysler must submit restructuring plans to the government today as part of their agreement to get billions of dollars in federal loans. Watch to see what those plans look like and whether they’re tough enough to satisfy members of Congress and taxpayers.

3. Watch for news about the housing plan that President Obama is expected to announce on Wednesday. Watch to see what’s in the plan, what it will do for average people and how Republicans react to its provisions.