Archive - July 2, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

43 4th

Bush heads to Woodward, Okla., for his first post-White House Independence Day. Permalink

Senator Franken Coming Next Week

Minnesota Democrat expected to take the oath of office Tuesday. Photo op with Majority Leader Reid planned for Monday. Permalink

Suspected U.S. Missiles Target Militants

A suspected U.S. drone attack in Pakistan's South Waziristan kills 15 Friday. Plus: Pakistan's displaced refugees face a growing threat of disease. Permalink

Says her husband's behavior was "inexcusable," but is open to forgiving him. "Mark has stated that his intent and determination is to save our marriage.... for the sake of our boys I leave the door open to it." Read the full statement here. Permalink

Obama: Jobs News "Sobering"

Says it "will take more than a few months" to turn the unemployment problem around in afternoon Rose Garden remarks. TRANSCRIPT: Read it here. Earlier: Also reacts to June's 9.5% jobless rate in AP interview. Permalink

DEFIANT

South Carolina Governor resists calls to resign, says he has "no plans to step aside." STATEMENT: Read it here. Plus: State police investigation finds no misuse of public money during Argentina trips. Permalink

Obama Backs Doctor "Conscience Clauses"

President expresses support Thursday for measures protecting health care professionals who decline to perform procedures on moral grounds. Permalink

Jobs, NoKo Dominate Briefing

On unemployment numbers: "We're definitely headed toward 10 percent," but says they think the stimulus is working. On NoKo missile launch: "I take the North Koreans at their word that they're going to continue their provacative actions." Permalink

White House Has Sotomayor's Back

Counsel Greg Craig sends letter to Sen. Sessions rebutting accusations the SCOTUS nominee's allies are withholding documents from her past. Permalink

One Icon on Another

Obama makes first public comments about Michael Jackson's death in Thursday AP interview. QUOTES: Read them here. Permalink

Unbooked

Publisher issues statement releasing Sanford from his book contract, calls it a "mutual decision." STATEMENT: Read it here. Permalink

Commander-in-Chief on Conflicts

Tells AP he hopes to keep to Iraq withdrawal timetable, will reassess Afghan troops in August, is worried about Iran's nuke program. Plus: Says he's building "very good relationship" with Russian President Medvedev. Permalink

Gitmo Giving Obama "Huge Pause"

The president expresses concern over legal implications of exporting Guantanamo detainees in AP interview. Plus: Says SCOTUS is not ending affirmative action, but moving toward "level playing field." Permalink