Mark Halperin’s three things to watch for in politics for Thursday, May 14.
1. Watch to see if the Cheneys continue to try to stay in the spotlight. The former vice president ad his daughter Liz have made it through most of the week getting attention on cable TV and from the White House. Watch to see if that attention continues today or if they choose to retreat for the time being.
2. Watch President Obama in New Mexico with Gov. Bill Richardson today. It’s their first time sharing a stage since Richardson pulled out of consideration for Commerce Secretary, so watch to see if any mention is made of that scuffle.
3. Watch for progress on health care reform. The president spent a third consecutive day yesterday pushing for an overhaul and made it clear that he wants it to happen by the end of this calendar year. Speaking with him outside the White House, Nancy Pelosi set the end of July as the Democrats’ deadline to get a bill through the House. Now that a general timeline has been set, watch to see how health care negotiations evolve on the Hill. The Senate Finance Committee is considering whether to create an opt-in federal health insurance program in a hearing today and other discussions are certain to emerge. Watch for new ideas and developments coming from the Hill, the White House and the health care industry.