Archive - July 10, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Makes Abortion Pledge

White House aides confirm the president says he'd work to reduce number of abortions in America with Pope visit. POOL REPORT: Read it here. Permalink

Burris Not Running Because of Fundraising

Says he isn't seeking re-election for Obama's Senate seat in 2010 because of the burden of raising money to pay for a campaign. "I was called to choose between spending my time raising funds, or spending my time raising issues for my state." Permalink

Papal Visit

Obama shakes hands with Pope Benedict XVI after arriving at the Vatican Friday, says it's "a great honor" to meet him. Gives Pope stole belonging to sainted 19th century Catholic American, private letter from ailing Senator Kennedy. POOL REPORT: Read it here. PHOTOS: Obama in Italy. Permalink

Prepping for Sotomayor

AP previews what next week's confirmation hearings will look like. Permalink

Report: Kirk Not Running in Illinois

The Washington Post reports GOP Rep. Mark Kirk is not planing to seek Burris' Senate seat in 2010. Permalink

Obama Shoots For August

Reiterates he really wants health care reform by the August recess during press Q&A across the globe in Italy Friday. EXCERPTS: More of what he had to say here. PHOTOS: Obama in Italy. Permalink

Geithner: Stimulus on "Expected Path"

Treasury Secretary defends the Recovery Act on Friday in testimony before Congress. Plus: Administration pushes expansion of foreclosure prevention measures. Permalink

Specter Hurls "Flagrant Hypocrite" Line at Rival

The Republican-turned-Democrat hits back at Senate challenger Rep. Sestak on Thursday, questioning his party bona fides. Permalink

Clinton Prods NoKo on U.S. Journalists

SecState says Friday two American reporters sentenced to 12 years of labor in North Korea show "great remorse" and should be released. Permalink

White House Looks to Beef Up SEC

The adminstration proposes legislation Friday expanding the commission's power and seeking to protect investors. Permalink

House Health Bill Held Up

Unveiling of health care legislation stalled by House Democrats' demands, now expected to be revealed early next week. Meanwhile: Biden pitches health reform to small business owners Friday at the White House. Permalink

Palin Press Person Pummels Levi

Suggests Bristol's former fiance is "honing his acting skills" for a potential movie deal after he tells reporters Palin is resigning over money concerns. Read what Levi said to start it off here. Permalink

Obama at G-8: Still More Work to Do

Notes some accomplishments at closing presser, but says economic "recovery is still a ways off," group failed to agree on global warming. TRANSCRIPT: Read it here. POOL REPORTS: Read them here. PHOTOS: Obama in Italy. Permalink

A New GM

CEO Henderson announces the company has emerged from bankruptcy, will be far faster and more responsive to customers than in the past. Permalink

Presidential Pun

Obama jokes about attending the World Cup in South Africa next year in G-8 meeting with President Zuma, saying "that's my goal. Get it?" POOL REPORT: Read it here. PHOTOS: Obama in Italy. Comes ahead of Obama's arrival in Ghana later Friday. Permalink