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Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from July 16th, 2009
Gates Chastises Congress Over Cuts
Defense Sec takes aim in a Chicago speech. Permalink
Gentle, Patient Ben
Nebraska Democratic Senator warns Obama against "arbitrary deadline" on health care -- but is otherwise semi-upbeat. TEXT: Read his statement here. AUDIO: Listen to his statement here. Permalink
Million Dollar Man
Obama hosts two Thursday events for New Jersey Governor Corzine, raising a reported $1 million. Uses speeches before friendly crowds to tout health reform. REMARKS: Read them here. Permalink
AMA Backs House Plan
Group's board writes to Rep. Rangel in support of the health care bill under consideration in Ways and Means, other committees. Plus: Obama applauds endorsement. STATEMENT: Read it here. Permalink
Baucus to POTUS: Help!!
Senate Finance Chair says Obama's hindering efforts to strike a bipartisan deal on health care in his committee. Read his comments to reporters here. Even so, Baucus thinks his panel could reach an agreement as soon as later Thursday. Permalink
Hometown Support
Mayor Bloomberg testifies Thursday before Senate Judiciary Committee. Quips "[Sotomayor] has been supported by Democrats, Republicans and independents; I should know because I've been all three." Permalink
Ricci Returns
New Haven firefighter denounces Sotomayor's ruling against him in Thursday afternoon Senate testimony. Says he "sought basic fairness and evenhanded enforcement of the laws," does not mention the judge by name. PHOTOS: Sotomayor hearings. WITNESS LIST: Read it here. Permalink
Pelosi: Advancing Health Bill "Is Pretty Exciting"
Speaker commends both houses' "huge and historic progress" on health care this week. VIDEO: Click above to watch. Comes as Education and Labor, Ways and Means are scheduled to vote Thursday on Democrats' $1 trillion plan. But: Blue Dog Democrats could stall progress in Energy and Commerce. Permalink
Biden Takes Aim at Stimulus Skeptics
VP heads to Richmond for Thursday speech hitting back against stimulus criticism coming from Cantor, other GOPers. EXCERPTS: Read them here. Permalink
Romney on the Rise
Gallup poll shows Republicans and right-leaning independents favor the former governor over Huckabee, Palin in 2012. More details -- including approval ratings -- here. Conducted July 10-12. Error margin: 3 points. Permalink
House GOP Vows to Fight Health Surtax
Republicans open Thursday committee meetings with denouncement of plan to pay for health bill by taxing the wealthy. Plus: Rep. Hoekstra says the president is "fully intending" to do away with the private health industry. Permalink
Paulson on the Defensive
Former Treasury Secretary faces tough questioning Thursday from the House Oversight Committee. Concedes he pressured CEO in BoA-Merrill Lynch deal. REMARKS: Read them here. Permalink
Something to Prove?
Senator Franken stays glued to the dais throughout first three days of Sotomayor confirmation hearings. Permalink
Jobless Drop
Labor Department reports 522,000 new claims for unemployment benefits last week, 47,000 fewer than the previous week. But: Department says seasonal factors, potential manufacturing layoffs mean it's too soon to herald a rebound. Permalink
"Your Destiny is in Your Hands"
Obama delivers remarks at NAACP's centennial Thursday night in New York, says "extraordinary progress" only possible through personal responsibility. FULL REMARKS: Read them here. VIDEO: Highlights here. Permalink
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