Archive - June 8, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Palin Shows Up

Former VP candidate attends GOP fundraiser Monday night after continuously flip flopping on her plans. She didn't make any remarks. Newt Gingrich acknowledged Palin in the audience and called for an "inclusive, not exclusive" approach regarding the GOP's future. Permalink

Obama-Netanyahu Tete-a-Tete

The president calls the PM Monday, reiterates the principles of his Cairo speech. White House statement here. Permalink

Vigilance

Clinton expresses American concern over NoKo prisoners amid rumors the U.S. might send an envoy to the volatile region. Click above to watch her full remarks. Permalink

S. Korean President to Meet With Obama

White House says Lee Myung-bak will sit down with the president next week to discuss North Korea, other issues. Permalink

Sotomayor stumbles in the airport on her way to D.C. Monday. Click here to find out which bone she broke. Plus: Doesn't stop her from meeting with six Senators Monday afternoon. Schedule here. Permalink

ALASKA SHOCKER!!!

Palin tells Fox News' "Hannity" she's "disappointed" and "frustrated" with Obama for not doing more to rein in spending. "A lot of this is wrapped in good rhetoric but we're not seeing those actions." More excerpts from Monday interview here. Permalink

Tally Ho!!!

The First Lady and her daughters make a surprise visit to the UK Monday after spending the weekend in Paris. BBC: Reportedly makes stops at the House of Parliaments and Big Ben while there. The Guardian: Obama was said to have had a meeting with Sarah Brown at Downing Street. Permalink

Duncan Voices Support for Merit Pay

Education Secretary says he'd like to see teachers be paid based on their students' performance, an idea opposed by many unions. Permalink

GOP Pushing Back on Obama Health Plan

Key Senate Republicans send letter to the president Monday saying they're unwilling to support a public/government insurance plan. Sen. Snowe the only Republican on the Senate Finance Committee not to sign the letter. Permalink

Stressing the Stimulus

Obama tells his Cabinet he's not satisfied with the progress made so far, they need to speed up the flow of stimulus money to create more jobs. Biden says they're on pace to add 600,000 jobs this summer, U.S. will be on the road to recovery by autumn. Full remarks here. White House fact sheet here. Permalink

McConnell: Stimulus Won't Stimulate Recovery

Minority Leader says he's skeptical Obama's "spending binge" will help the economy get back on track. Read more of what he told CNN Radio here. Permalink

POTUS Pleased With Lebanon Elections

The president releases a statement Monday congratulating them for a "peaceful" election Sunday. Read it here. Comes after Anti-Syrian coalition takes majority in Parliament over the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Plus: NYT on why the American-aligned coalition could mark a significant shift in the region. Permalink

WH Working to Release Jailed Journos in N. Korea

Obama administration says Monday they're going "through all possible channels" to secure the two women's release. Earlier: Court finds them guilty of a "grave crime" for illegal entry into the country, sentences them to 12 years of "reform through labor." Permalink

Laura Bush Glad SCOTUS Pick Is a Woman

Former First Lady calls Sotomayor "a very interesting and good nominee" who she's proud to see considered for the court. Also defends Cheney, explains her husband in wide-ranging "Good Morning America" interview. DETAILS: Read them here. VIDEO: Click above to watch. Permalink

Obama Wants "Immediate Discussions" in Mideast

En route to the region, envoy Mitchell says the president has tasked him with getting Israeli-Palestinian talks started as soon as possible. Permalink