Former MD Lt. Gov. Michael Steele told the national press today during his first availability as Republican National Committee chairman that his election to the post is "bold step" in the evolution of the GOP -- and he noted that he looks forward to sparring with Pres. Obama.
"I think it's a remarkable moment, some say it's historic, but it's just one more bold step that the party of Lincoln has taken since its founding," said Steele, the party's first black chairman.
Steele's selection followed six rounds of balloting over a period of six hours, a very public show of the party's labored soul searching. His win signals a desire within the GOP establishment to recast the party's image, which was damaged during eight years of the Bush administration as public opinion of the president plunged to record lows.
It was also an answer, several RNC members said privately, to the election of Pres. Obama, the nation's first black president. Diversity, others cautioned, was not the driving issue but an element of Steele's selection.
"I think it was important, but I don't think it was a single deciding factor," said Robin Smith, TN GOP chairwoman and a backer of SC GOP chairman Katon Dawson, today's runner up.
Steele, a former head of the MD GOP, sought to distance himself from statements he made during a failed 2006 U.S. Senate bid criticizing his party and President Bush. Running in the left-leaning state, Steele said at the time that being a Republican was like donning a Scarlet 'R'.
"That was then, and this is now," Steele said. "And this is a new moment for our party. And we can take that Scarlet badge off and wear a very proud 'R' on our chest."
Steele was not reluctant, meanwhile, to make the connection between his election to lead the Republican Party and the new Democratic president.
"It's going to be an honor to spar with him," he said of Obama.
When asked his plan for rebuilding the party, Steele, who served one term as MD's lt. gov., said he'll rely on the states to tell him what they need.
"I said to the members of the committee during this process is that my expectation is that they are going to come to me with ... a plan,' he said.
Steele bypassed an opportunity to criticize Rush Limbaugh for saying on the air recently that he hopes Obama fails, saying that Limbaugh, the conservative radio host, "has a First Amendment right to speak."
"Rush Limbaugh is a conservative voice in this party that clearly people must pay attention to," Steele said in response to a reporter's question. "Rush will say what he has to say. We will do what we have to do."
Not everyone appeared pleased with the outcome of voting. Some argued that they wanted someone with more grassroots organizing experience. The desire to choose one of their own members was another variable for many voting today.
"I wanted leadership from within the committee," said Donna Lou Gosney, a WV committeewoman who backed incumbent chairman Mike Duncan.
VA Gov. Tim Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, issued a statement wishing Steele well:
"Together, we have the honor of leading our respective Parties during one of the most important periods in our country's history. I look forward to working with Chairman Steele as we set out to put partisanship and the politics of the past aside to get our economy working again. The American people have sent a clear message that the challenges we face are too great for us to get bogged down by outmoded ideological divides. They have challenged us to work together to find practical solutions that will put this country back on the right track. President Obama and the Democratic Party are answering that challenge, and I hope Chairman Steele will join us."
Steele said its time for the GOP to "get back in the game" and he called on "the next generation of Republican leaders across the country" to get involved. The new chairman, too, faces very real challenges though in raising money for key 2009 and 2010 races and in building an Internet operation to rival the one created by Obama last year.
"Let's get ready," Steele said, "it's going to be a new day."
Former MD Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele won the Republican National Committee chairmanship today on the sixth ballot.
The final vote: Steele, 91, and SC GOP chairman Katon Dawson, 77.
Steele, 50, also defeated the incumbent RNC chairman, Mike Duncan, who withdrew earlier in the contest.
"As a little boy growing up in this town, this is awesome," Steele said, addressing members of the RNC. "It is with a great deal of humility and a sense of service that I accept and appreciate and thank all of you for the opportunity to serve as the next national chairman."
Steele, the first African American chairman of the RNC, serves as head of GOPAC. He is perhaps best known, however, for his regular appearances on FOX News.
The final two candidates marked a critical choice for the GOP between the party's past and present: Dawson, the socially conservative southerner who recently resigned membership from an all white country club, and Steele, who was raised in Washington, D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood and found his way to Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown Law.
"To those who stand in difference with us, it's time for something completely different," Steele said to applause. "And we're going to bring it to you. We're going to bring this party to every corner, every board room, every neighborhood and every community. And we're going to say to friend and foe alike, we want you to be a part of us. ... And to those of you who will obstruct, get ready to get knocked over."
The party's members broke with the GOP's past as well by choosing a non member and a Yankee. Steele, many concluded in private conversations before and during the voting process, presented a fresh new face for the party, serving as an able messenger with a national profile.
He also provides racial diversity, of course, after Democrats elected the nation's first black president. And today he promised to help the GOP compete across the country, especially in regions dominated by the Democrats last cycle.
"I look forward to visiting all of you in your neighborhoods, in your backyards," he said.
MI GOP chairman Saul Anuzis withdraws from the RNC chairman contest.
"We've got two great people still running," he said, addressing members gathered at the Capital Hilton. "I wish them the best of luck, and I'll work with whoever wins."
Ken Blackwell had 15 last round. Katon Dawson had 62 votes, and Michael Steele had 60. If all of Blackwell's votes swing, per his call, to Steele, the former MD LG will still need 10 of Saul Anuzis' supporters to back him to win the chairmanship.
Ken Blackwell, who won 15 votes in the last ballot, has become the second person to pull out of the RNC chairman contest. He endorsed Michael Steele:
"We are about to embark upon a journey together not uncommon to us in our 155 years of existence as a party. We are back on path to become the majority party again. ... In elections there are two ways that you change outcomes. You either change the composition of the electorate or you change the attitude of the electorate. ... I cannot change the composition of this electorate. Nor would I want to. I do want to influence your perspective and your attitude in this moment in history. We must be a party that makes good the promise of Lincoln. We must unleash a new birth of freedom."
More: "Ladies and gentlemen, I withdraw my name, but I put my fullest support behind the candidate that I think will do three things. And I do it out of the fullness of conviction of my good book. I believe that the next chairman must inspire hope ... And must have the leadership ability and vision to first pull us together and then to pull Americans together because we as Republicans understand that great nations don't come from great governments but good people doing great things together."
And this: "I put my fullest support behind Michael Steele."
The fourth round of voting in the RNC election -- the first without incumbent chairman Mike Duncan, withdrew from the race a few minutes ago -- produced a new leader in SC GOP chairman Katon Dawson:
RNC chairman Mike Duncan is addressing the members gathered at the Capital Hilton -- and withdrawing from the race:
"Obviously the winds of change are blowing at the RNC. I trust the vision and judgment of my fellow members."
More: "At this time I wish to withdraw my nomination as chairman of the RNC. I want to thank President Bush ... It has truly been the highlight of my life."
Word from two individuals affiliated with campaigns is that Mike Duncan and Michael Steele met between ballots. I'm hearing after the first, before the second.
So the deal-making commences.
Saul Anuzis' team appears to be sticking with their guy for the time being. With Ken Blackwell's drop in support between the second and third rounds of voting, many are suggesting that some of his backers -- the more solid social conservatives in the bunch -- moved to Katon Dawson, who gained five votes last round (the most of any candidate). So if Blackwell's members continue to migrate in that direction, they wouldn't shift the race more definitively to Steele or Duncan. That makes Anuzis' crew of 24 ever more valuable.
Here are the scheduled guests for the Sunday public affairs shows and other weekend programs:
SUNDAY:
Meet the Press hosts Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and John Kerry (D-MA), and a roundtable with CNBC's Erin Burnett, Forbes CEO Steve Forbes and Moody's Economy.com's Mark Zandi.
Face the Nation hosts Senate Min. Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and New York Times' David Brooks.
This Week hosts Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), Google CEO Eric Schmidt, FedEx CEO Fred Smith and a roundtable with New York Times' David Sanger, Washington Post's Bob Woodward, ABC's Martha Raddatz and George Will.
Fox News Sunday hosts Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ). Other guests TBD.
State of the Union hosts MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R), MI Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), ex-Clinton Labor Sec. Robert Reich and Americans for Tax Reform pres. Grover Norquist (see below for guests on SOTU's Reliable Sources segment).
From his perch near the door where junior staffers are delivering boxed lunches, with sandwiches, to the Republican National Committee members, National Journal's Jim Barnes confirms that it's a meat friendly crowd. Barnes overhead one young female staffer say to another: "Nobody wants the veggies."
While the GOPers' appetites may not say much about diversity, their preferences probably do reflect the choices of most Americans.
One school of thought about the first ballot is that it indicates the members' preference for one of their own as chairman.
More than half of those who voted cast ballots for the three men who are also committee members: Mike Duncan, Katon Dawson and Saul Anuzis. Their combined total: 102.
That's the chief argument against a surging Michael Steele. That he's not a member, and while people like him, he doesn't have party insider status. That said, we'll see how things shake down in the next round. Does Steele overtake Duncan?
According to a campaign source, who is also circulating data from the 1997 RNC chairman contest that showed Jim Nicholson behind on the first three ballots before seizing a lead and victory during the fifth round of voting.
Ken Blackwell's name was put into nomination by OK GOP Party Chairman Gary Jones, who heralded Blackwell's journey from the projects to the OH Sec. of State's office.
Jones: "I'm not looking for somebody to do what I do. I'm looking for someone to complement what I do. ... We need someone who is a proven leader. ... It's fitting that it's Super Bowl weekend. Ken Blackwell has a record of 13 and 4. A proven record of being elected. ... Ken Blackwell's life is the American dream."
Joyce Terhes, national committeewoman from MD, nominated Michael Steele, calling him "a natural leader."
"Michael Steele works hard," she said. "Michael Steele raises money. Michael Steele wins elections."
Matt Strawn, new state chairman of IA GOP, nominated incumbent GOP chairman Mike Duncan.
Big applause followed Stawn's speech, which touted Duncan's conservative and family values and service to party.
Duncan's nommination was seconded by three other members -- more than anyone else.
Glen McCall, national committeeman from SC, nominated SC GOP chief Katon Dawson:
"This is a great day for our party ... The Lord has put great mentors in my life, and Katon is no exception. ... If we don't have inspired voters, it's all for naught. ... Brought coalitions together in South Carolina. ... The party is the means, winning elections is the goal, and he's done that. ... He's the only one with the experience and proven accomplishments to move our party forward."
McCall also stressed that Dawson, who until recently belonged to a white country club, believes in inclusion and has promoted African American politicians like him.
Keith Butler, national committeeman from MI, nominated Saul Anuzis, MI GOP chairman.
Butler: "Saul is a consistent, outspoken and courageous conservative. ... Saul is the ultimate technoman. ... Saul has been willing to go into the barrios, he's been wililng to go into the ghettos. ... Saul is a blue collar man. ... Saul is the fresh face that we need today to begin our comeback."
Members are filing into the Presidential Ballroom of the Capital Hilton, readying themselves to vote for party chairman after a frenzied round of morning lobbying. ...
Conventional wisdom is that Mike Duncan will hit at least 50 on the first ballot. The question is -- Will that be enough to keep his supporters on board and to convince non supporters -- say those with the fifth and fourth place candidates -- to migrate his way? Also watch how close Michael Steele gets to Duncan on that first and second ballot.
The pre game begins --
"There is absolutely no politicking on the floor while the meeting is in progress," cautioned Jo Anne Davidson, co-chairwoman of the RNC, a few moments ago from the podium.
The group voted to conduct the election by secret ballot.
Each candidate has provided a "member teller" who will witness ballot counting.
"No other person will be allowed near the ballot box or in the counting area," Davidson said.
"World News" led with Pres. Obama criticizing the $18B in Wall Street bonuses. "Evening News" led with Obama criticizing the $18B in Wall Street bonuses. "Nightly News" led with Obama criticizing the $18B in Wall Street bonuses.
Most of the TV talkers applauded the IL Senate for voting unanimously to impeach IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D).
Ex-Chicago Tribune managing ed. Jim Warren, on Blagojevich's closing argument: "This was a classic Rod Blagojevich, rather disingenuous performance. Articulate. Passionate. Threw in historical analogies. Remember that even that bizarre one about meeting Senator John Warner, getting him coffee and making a lot of the other fact that Warner wants to be married to Elizabeth Taylor? I thought he was setting up maybe an insanity defense at that point" ("Hannity," FNC, 1/29).
More Warren: "For the first time ever, I must admit that I really wanted Rod Blagojevich to talk even longer than he did. You know, I was fearful of a Castro-like three or four hours. But the 46 or 47 minutes, in a weird way, seemed insufficient, given all the questions that remained which he failed to address" ("1600," MSNBC, 1/29).
Chicago Sun-Times' McKinney, asked why the IL Senate went a step further by barring Blagojevich from ever holding public office in the state again: "The Blagojevich name right now is so toxic that as we head into an election cycle here, you know, pretty much at the end of this year, I don't think anybody wanted any baggage left over from the Blagojevich era out on the campaign trail" ("On the Record," FNC, 1/29).
More after the jump, including Biden on the stimulus bill's chances in the Senate.
Americans United For Change is featuring Rush Limbaugh in new radio ads running on WTAM in Cleveland, KXNT in Las Vegas, KKOH in Reno and KYW in Philly.
Swing state nation!
The goal, according to a spokesman for the progressive group, is to turn GOP votes in favor of Pres. Obama's stimulus plan.
The spots echo new TV ads launched by the group today in ME, NH, IA and AK, targeting those states' Republican members.
Here is the text of the 60-second ads:
NARRATOR: Listen to what Rush Limbaugh said about President Obama's Agenda and his Jobs Package.
LIMBAUGH: I HOPE HE FAILS!
NARRATOR: The Obama Jobs bill overwhelmingly passed the House.... But not one Republican voted yes. Every Republican member of the House chose to take Rush Limbaugh's advice. Every Republican voted with Limbaugh....and against creating 4 million new American jobs.
We can understand why a extreme partisan like Rush Limbaugh wants President Obama's Jobs program to fail....but the Members of Congress elected to represent the citizens in their districts?... that's another matter.
Now the Obama plan goes to the Senate.... And the question is:
Will our Senator, _____ ,side with Rush Limbaugh too...
LIMBAUGH: I HOPE HE FAILS!
NARRATOR: OR will he reject the partisanship and failed economic policies of the past,
A Republican National Committee source confirmed for On Call this evening that Chip Saltsman is not on the ballot for chairman.
And the Nashville Post scored this letter from Saltsman to party members announcing, but not explaining, his decision:
Since November's election, I've had the remarkable opportunity to travel throughout thirty two states, share my vision for the future of our party, and listen to the advice of the nearly one hundred members who took the time to visit with me in their homes, their offices, their airports, and their coffee shops.
I've seen how the Clark County Republicans of Nevada are organizing online to defeat Harry Reid in 2010, as we defeated Tom Daschle in 2002.
I've heard how Republicans in the District of Columbia have expanded their membership simply by holding their meetings and spreading their message in communities that have long shared our values, but which have never felt welcome within our ranks.
I've witnessed how the hard work of Republican leadership in my home of Tennessee has given our state its first Republican General Assembly since 1869.
And I've met with Republicans in New England's blue states who are ready to plant our party's flag and prove that our coalition is broad enough, strong enough to compete everywhere and win anywhere.
But, while my travels make me confident in our party's future, I wanted you to be first to know that I have decided to withdraw my candidacy to become your next chairman.
Thank you for your passion for our party and for the principles that make it great. I hope that you won't hesitate to call on me as we rebuild our majority.
Within minutes of the IL Senate vote to toss Gov. Rod Blagojevich out of office, the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Chair Gov. Brian Schweitzer welcomed new IL Gov. Pat Quinn to the ranks of Democratic governors:
"Pat Quinn has a long history of standing up for Illinois," Gov. Schweitzer said. "He has been a tireless advocate for taxpayers, consumers, and military families. He values government accountability and transparency. Pat will lead Illinois through trying economic times and help to renew people's faith in government. Welcome, Governor Quinn, to the DGA."
DGA Executive Director Nathan Daschle added, "Governor Quinn fits in well with the nation's 27 other Democratic Governors because he focuses on getting results for the families who make up the backbone of our communities. The citizens of Illinois can count on Pat's strong and ethical leadership to lead the state forward in difficult times."
First elected Lieutenant Governor in 2002, Gov. Pat Quinn was re-elected to the position in 2006. He served as State Treasurer from 1991 to 1995 and has been an active public servant for several decades.
Republican National Committee members will be wooed with drinks, snacks and small talk tonight during soirees hosted by the chairman candidates in several of the Capital Hilton's hospitality suites. Before voting begins tomorrow, the candidates will make a final pitch to the members as they gather in regional meetings.
The program begins at 10:30. A few rules and notes of interest:
-- There is no threshold vote number a candidate must get in order to stay in the race. It's up to each individual to determine if and how they exit the contest.
-- As the votes are counted, staffers will have time to rally support for their candidates. That's also when the deal making between camps will likely take place, should someone be willing to bail. Once a ballot tally is announced, there's a mandatory 15-minute break before voting commences again.
-- Members will determine tomorrow if they'll use secret ballots.
Bill Nowling, former comm. dir. for Saul Anuzis at the MI GOP, said that by his count, each candidate needs another candidate's slate to reach the 85-vote majority needed for victory.
"No one can win without a deal," Nowling said.
But no one wanted to talk deals today because, of course, right now, their candidates are all still possible winners. But as the field winnows, expect the negotiating to commence.
"It's a lot like electing the pope," Nowling said. "A bunch of people you've never heard of go in, and after a while, a chairman walks out."
And whatever happens, word at the Hilton is that there's a wedding here tomorrow eve and that the whole RNC show will have to vacate by 6 p.m. Stay tuned.
The vote was 59-0, despite an earlier appearance by the governor during which he implored members to considered that he has not been convicted of a crime.
Per the Trib:
"There hasn't been a single piece of information that proves any wrongdoing," Blagojevich said to state senators. "How can you throw a governor out of office with insufficient and incomplete evidence?"
Sources say Chip Saltsman, former chairman of Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign, is unlikely to meet the threshold to get on the ballot for Republican National Committee chairman. Rules require each candidate to be endorsed by the majority, or two of three members, of three state delegations. He hasn't been spotted at the committee meeting at the Capital Hilton either. And deadline to make the ballot is 5 p.m. this eve. Saltsman, of course, mailed members a CD featuring a song titled, "Barack the Magic Negro."
Still other sources say that former Ohio Sec. of State. Ken Blackwell's supporters are being lobbied hard for their support by advocates for the other four candidates. As one GOPer described it: "He's roadkill." Likely the first one out of the contest.
And note this, GOPers backing candidates -- other than Party Chairman Mike Duncan -- are wearing special orange name tags to differentiate them from loyal white name tag wearers. Ouch.
WASHINGTON -- It seems the good folks running the Capital Hilton might have considered rotating the merchandise in the hotel's lobby store. As members of the Republican National Committee gather here this week to elect a party chairman, a black t-shirt hangs out front. It is adorned with a picture of Barack Obama, arms folded across his chest, and the word "History" printed in big, bold letters.
It is a reminder to the 168 people charged with selecting the GOP's leadership that the challenge ahead is huge. They're not just tasked with resuscitating a party without message or messenger, without the White House or Congress under its wing, they're up against history, for goodness sake. The first African American president. The purveyor of all things hope and change. THE man who sparked a movement. Obamanation.
Obama, indeed, looms large over this week's chairman election, a six-way scramble to lead the party out of the deep depths of its electoral despair. Theirs is a search not to find a figurehead who could take it to Obama, because sentiment here is that's not the most important job of the next RNC leader, but to tap the right man to revamp the party's operations, from fundraising to registration to technology outreach. Nuts and bolts stuff.
"Reboot the RNC," cries out the stickers worn by advocates for Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis.
Another Anuzis supporter, a young woman wandering the hotel, punctuates that call with a sign draped across the side of her purse: "Live blogging, twittering, vlogging for Saul."
Anuzis might be making a play to be the RNC's Technology Czar, but others are looking to be the GOP's Spokesman in Chief (see former Ohio Sec. of State Ken Blackwell and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele) and others still are making what could be dubbed the Grassroots Guru appeal (see South Carolina Party Chairman Katon Dawson and the incumbent RNC chairman Mike Duncan).
And many, of course, have ambitions beyond the chairmanship (see most of the above). Fitting then that the hotel's Presidential Ballroom will host tomorrow's voting.
So in as much as members of a political party can have an identity crisis en masse, there's one afoot here. One GOPer described the race simply: "Jump ball."
Should activism prevail over personality?
"Duncan or Steele?" a guy asked former New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu, now the chairman of the state GOP, as he wandered the room before today's luncheon.
"I'm not even talking," barked the sometimes irascible Sununu, White House chief of staff to the first President Bush.
Campaign minions wandered about peddling campaign paraphernalia. Dawson's red stickers scream, "Katon!" Steele's signs are blue and modeled on the ones he used in his unsuccessful 2006 U.S. Senate bid, only these read "Steele, RNC chairman" not "Steele Democrat."
While consensus is tough to find around who should lead the party, most agree that tomorrow's balloting will take more than one round and perhaps several.
"There are 500 commitments on the second ballot among 168 people," said GOP consultant and television fixture Phil Musser.
Steele, for his part, appeared to be enjoying himself. "The fun is just beginning," he said to supporters perched ouside the event.
Others chirped that this frenzy represents democracy at its finest. If also its most unpredictable. Though many moments of the lunch event, featuring Wall Street Journal columnist and author John Fund, could have been pre ordained.
Duncan, in introducing Fund, hammered ACORN, a fixture of GOP attacks during the 2008 campaign, for registering Mickey Mouse in Florida and the whole of the Dallas Cowboys. He said Fund is who Bill Moyers, the journalist and former Lyndon Johnson press secretary, thinks he is.
Fund, author of "Stealing Elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens Our Democracy," resented the complement. A person could walk through Moyers deepest work and "not get your feet wet," he said.
Maybe a quick jaunt to the hotel gift shop would provide GOPers with inspiration, guidance in their tortured decision making. The other comment on that Obama t-shirt? A quote from the newly-elected POTUS:
"For that is the true genius of America, that America can change."
Earlier this week, OnCall noted the record positive numbers for Pres. Obama in the latest Diageo/Hotline poll -- among them a 16% jump in his favorable rating since the Dem convo. Similarly, VP Joe Biden's fav mark jumped 15% since the convo, an increase driven by gains across all demographics, particularly minority RVs.
Biden's overall fav/unfav is now 65%/18%, up from 50%/22% in the Diageo/Hotline survey conducted immediately after his selection as VP (8/29-31). Over the same period, his "strongly favorable" rating went from 21% to 35%.
Among hispanics, the VP's fav nearly doubled since the post-convo survey, from 37% to 72%. Over the same period, his unfav was basically static. Biden's rating among blacks of 54%/21% in Aug. has given way to an 85% fav mark today; less than 1% of African-Americans now have an unfav opinion of Biden. Among white RVs, Biden's fav figure is up 12% for a nearly 3:1 positive rating.
As in the earlier survey, Dems have a nearly unanimous fav impression of Biden. His unfav remains in the single digits at 3%, while his fav is up 17% to 85%. Among Indies, his fav is up 16% to 63%, while among GOPers it's up 9% to 39%. GOPers still hold a net negative rating of Biden, however, as his unfav remains nearly unchanged at 45%.
The most recent Diageo/Hotline, conducted 1/21-24 by FD, surveyed 800 RVs and margin of error +/- 3.5%. The earlier Diageo/Hotline survey, conducted 8/29-31, surveyed 805 RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.5%.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), the new leader of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said in an interview yesterday that the GOP "squandered" its majority over the last few cycles and that the party must limit "ideological tests out of Republican central" in order to pick up seats in 2010 and 2012. Cornyn said Republicans must field candidates that are a better "fit" for their states.
"We need a broader base for the Republican Party," Cornyn said during a conversation with Hotline editors.
Cornyn suggested that the GOP needs to take a page out of the successful Democratic playbook that supported candidates like Bob Casey in PA and Kirsten Gillibrand in NY -- despite their differences with the party on abortion and guns, respectively.
"There are some in our conference who say we really ought to not support people who don't vote like I do, true conservatives," he said. "Well, as I indicated I don't think a guy like me could win in Delaware, Illinois, New York and some of these places. So we're going to have to get the candidates that fit. And my message to my conservative senators and supporters is if we get back in the majority, you won't have bills like card check coming to the floor."
The senator also signaled that under his guidance the committee will take a more "aggressive" approach, even in Democratic strongholds. The election of Pres. Obama and Vice President Biden, he said, has provided "early opportunities where we least would've expected them."
For example, in NY, Cornyn said, Rep. Peter King remains a viable GOP candidate -- even with Gillibrand, who hails from rural upstate, in the job.
"He's still interested," Cornyn said of King.
Cornyn also indicated that he doesn't expect additional Senate retirements. Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY), however, remains one possibility.
"I don't know what Sen. Bunning is going to decide, but that's up to him," Cornyn said.
Cornyn said he expects Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to seek reelection.
Cornyn on Coburn: "I'm getting all the right indications that he is" going to run.
On Grassley: "I expect him to run."
While the chairman is not unrealistic about the party's prospects in 2010, acknowledging that seizing the majority is unlikely, he says Republicans will have one critical electoral advantage next cycle: President Bush will not be a factor.
"I don't expect George Bush to be in ads in 2010," he said. "I could be surprised, but I don't expect them."
Cornyn said the committee's new television ad attacking Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) for being a "super spending partisan" should not be viewed as an effort to oust the Democratic leader but as a reflection of the NRSC's broader strategy to face off against every member up next cycle, regardless of party standing.
"The one thing I don't think you should read into the Harry Reid ad is that we are targeting Sen. Reid or that we are treating him any differently than we are any other Democrat," Cornyn said of the spot, which is airing in the Reno market. "I really don't believe we are targeting any individual. I believe we are targeting every seat held by a Democrat. ... But I think Sen. Reid does have some vulnerabilities, given his position on issues in Washington and his relatively bad poll numbers in Nevada."
Cornyn sounded an optimistic call for revamped fundraising and technology operations out of the NRSC. He said he'll hire a chief technology officer for the committee. He also said that Republicans are going to have to demonstrate to the American people that they are worthy again of their "trust and confidence." Despite the party's disadvantage in Congress, Cornyn said the GOP cannot assume a "supine position."
And he had largely kind words to offer the new Democratic president.
"He knows his stuff," Cornyn said of Obama. "He's smart. He's gifted. He's good."
But he added that he thinks Obama will "have problems with his own party leaders."
"Being in charge creates vulnerability because governing is hard work," Cornyn said.
"World News" led with the CIA station chief in Algeria accused of rapes. "Evening News" led with the stimulus package passing the House without any GOP votes. "Nightly News" led with the U.S. Postal Service threatening to take away a day of mail delivery.
Although the stimulus bill passed the House 244-188, not one GOPer voted in favor of the plan. 11 mostly conservative Dems also voted against the measure. A number of GOPers and one Dem who defected spoke about their opposition to the package:
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN): "Every single Republican in the House of Representatives decided to stand with the American people and reject this so-called stimulus bill. ... This was a partisan bill, exclusively written by the Democratic leadership in the House. ... I'm proud of the House Republicans who took a stand for our alternative, which would be not a massive wish list of liberal spending, but tax relief for working families, small businesses and family farms" ("Lou Dobbs Tonight," CNN, 1/28).
Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS), on the WH promising blue dogs "pay as you go": "President Obama ran on change. This isn't change. George Bush during the height of the war cut taxes, increased spending, doubled the national debt on his watch. And this is just more of the same, in my opinion. ... The nation borrowed $800 billion between the Revolutionary War through Gerald Ford's presidency. In one vote, the nation's going to borrow another 800 billion. This is nuts" ("Lou Dobbs Tonight," CNN, 1/28).
Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL): "We had $825 billion bill, about $90 billion worth for infrastructure, $50 million for national endowment for the arts, $1 billion for post 2010 census examination. You can go on and on and on and on. This was not a stimulus bill. Just a tiny portion was. ... If it had been a true stimulus bill, I would have voted along with the rest of Republicans" ("Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC, 1/28).
In the latest Diageo/Hotline poll, Dems in Congress remain popular among RVs while Congressional GOPers struggle for favorable ratings, even among members of their own party. Released this a.m., the second half of this month's survey shows a public feeling generally positive about the Dem brand despite neutral sentiments towards individual Dem leaders.
In the final release from this month's poll, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) rate basically neutral among RVs. Their fav/unfav ratings of 35%/35% (Pelosi) and 18%/20% (Reid) are, however, an improvement upon their respective 31%/40% and 12%/22% marks just after election day. Both Dems have slightly negative net ratings among Indies -- Pelosi at 29%/33% and Reid at 12%/17% -- as well as solid positives among Dems, 54%/14% for Pelosi and 27%/9% for Reid. GOPers, meanwhile, feel strongly unfavorable towards both leaders, in particular Pelosi with a 70% unfav rating.
Although lukewarm towards the leadership, 49% of RVs approve of Dems in Congress and 38% disapprove. Two in three Dems (68%) and a majority of Indies (52%) approve of Dems; among GOPers, just 22% approve of Congressional Dems, while 69% disapprove. GOPers in Congress do not fare quite as well as Dems, with just a fourth of RVs (26%) approving of their job performance. A majority of GOPers (51%), Indies (52%) and Dems (73%) do not approve of GOPers in Congress, and only 39% of GOPers approve.
Looking ahead to '10, Dems lead GOPers 46 to 22% on the generic congressional ballot. More than one-quarter of the electorate (26%) is undecided, including half (49%) of Indies. If the election was held today and all 26% undecideds voted GOP, GOPers would only be statistically tied with Dems on the ballot test.
The latest Diageo/Hotline poll, released in part yesterday, was conducted 1/21-24 by FD. The poll surveyed 800 RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.5%. Party ID breakdown for the survey is 40% Dem, 23% GOP and 30% Indie.
For Hotline subscribers, more details are available in yesterday's and today's Latest Edition.
Pres. Obama will embark on his first foreign trip to ... Canada, Press. Sec. Robert Gibbs announced during today's briefing. POTUS will meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. 2/19.
Hillary Clinton's supporters will stay connected -- and organized -- via a new Web site called NoLimits.org.
The site's name is lifted from a statement made by Clinton at the end of the 2008 Democratic primary campaign:
" ... with our ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit, there are no limits to what is possible in America."
The mission, as stated on the site:
Because we want to stay connected with the wonderful people we met and worked with all over the country in the last two years.
Because we want to share our ideas and experiences, our common goals, and nonpartisan solutions to the challenges that we face - and there are no limits to what we can achieve when we do.
And because we want to keep working for a better future for every child, from every family - a world in which no limits is not just our goal, but a reality!
Longtime aide and FOH Ann Lewis, president of No Limits, emailed supporters today to implore them to join. Lewis' first post on the site, titled, "The Journey Continues," urges HRC backers to share their post-campaign experiences on the site.
Other posts on the site were authored by NH Senate President Sylvia Larsen, who notes that the majority of her chamber's members are women, and Katherine Cooke Mundle, a campaign volunteer who writes that her next service contribution will be to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
The site only requires name and email for membership. Building that HRC fundraising list for the future, perhaps. No limits, indeed.
As the six candidates for Republican Party chairman release of flurry of late-breaking announcements heralding new member endorsements, the party is preparing for the Friday election.
I'm told that the votes -- the RNC's 168 members will register their picks via secret ballot or method of their choosing -- will be tabulated by McGladrey and Pullen, CPA. Each campaign will dispatch a representative to observe the tallying.
Meanwhile, I also understand that RNC co-chairwoman Jo Ann Davidson will oversee the event, which will begin midday at the Capital Hilton.
As the House gears up today to consider Pres. Obama's economic stimulus package, and Republicans appear to dig in against it, the Democrat makes a last pitch to lawmakers -- GOPers, in particular, it seems based on his choice of language -- to get on board. An excerpt from his remarks this morning reveals a positively Reaganesque appeal:
In the end, the answer to our economic troubles rests less in my hands, or in the hands of our legislators, than it does with America's workers and the businesses that employ them. They are the ones whose efforts and ideas will determine our economic destiny, just as they always have. For in the end, it's businesses - large and small - that generate the jobs, provide the salaries, and serve as the foundation on which the American people's lives and dreams depend. All we can do, those of us in Washington, is help create a favorable climate in which workers can prosper, businesses can thrive, and our economy can grow.
Obama's full prepared remarks are available after the jump.
Per The Washington Times' Jon Ward, Pres. Obama knocked Washington's reaction to the season's first winter snow and ice storm:
POOL REPORT #1, 1/28/09
POTUS meeting with business leaders
Potus makes humorous remarks about the inability of D.C. schools and residents to handle wintry weather, says he is confident stimulus bill will pass.
At 10:34 a.m., pool was ushered into the Roosevelt Room for what was expected to be simply a photo op. POTUS sat at the long wood table with 13 business leaders such as Google's Eric Schmidt and Jet Blue's David Barger (full list below). Behind POTUS: Browner, Rahm, Jarrett, Summers, in that order.
POTUS said he wanted to talk about something unrelated to the economy.
"Can I make a comment unrelated to the economy?" -- and launched into weather remarks (please check transcript): "My children's school was canceled today, because of what? Some ice," he said, and all at the table started laughing.
"As my children pointed out, in Chicago school is never canceled," he said, joking about how kids go out for recess on snow days. More laughter.
POTUS said he would have to instill "some flinty Chicago toughness" into Washingtonians.
"When it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things," POTUS said.
Fighting words!
Pool then began to file out only to hear Potus begin speaking in response to a question. He thanked leaders for coming and said they are "on the front lines" of the economy and have helped shape the stimulus.
"I'm confident were going to get it passed," he said.
Attendees as released by the White House:
Steve Appleton, Chairman, President and CEO, Micron Technology David Barger, CEO, Jet Blue Greg Brown, President and Co-CEO, Motorola, Inc.
John Bryson, President and CEO, Edison International David M. Cote, Chairman and CEO, Honeywell Debra Lee, President and CEO, BET Holdings, Inc.
Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and CEO, Xerox
Sam Palmisano, Chairman, CEO and President, IBM Antonio Perez, Chairman and CEO, Eastman Kodak Company Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google Michael Splinter, Applied Materials Wendell Weeks, Chairman and CEO, Corning Ron Williams, CEO, Aetna
"World News" led with Pres. Obama's Hill meeting with GOPers. "Evening News" led with winter ice storms. "Nightly News" led with Obama's Hill meeting with GOPers.
Pols and pundits weighed in on Pres. Obama's meeting with GOPers on the Hill.
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN): "What this bill is and what President Obama heard in what was a frank but cordial dialogue on the House side of the Capitol today was, Look, this bill is a long litany of liberal pet programs that will have very little to do with actually getting this economy moving again. "
More Pence: "This is a flawed bill. And as I said to the president personally, this is a bill that was not fashioned with what I believe is his very genuine desire for a bipartisan compromise on issues like the stimulus. The Democrats in Congress, as I told him, have completely ignored his call for bipartisan compromise, and they're bringing a partisan Democrat bill to the floor tomorrow that will not create jobs, will not lift our economy, and Republicans are poised to oppose it" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 1/27).
CNN's Blitzer, to House Min. Whip Eric Cantor: "Before the meeting, you were urging your fellow Republicans to vote against the measure tomorrow. Do you still feel like that after the meeting?"
Cantor: "This is the message that we delivered to the president. Somehow, his goal of trying to change the way things work here in Washington has not seeped through to the congressional Democrats. In fact, the bill that they are bringing forward to the floor tomorrow does not do what we need to do to stimulate the economy. ... We're in, as the president has said, unprecedented economic times. We have got to get some relief for the families of this country. This bill is not the way to do that."
More after the jump, including the Blago PR blitz and Coleman's first interview since the recount.
On a day that Republicans announced their nominee in the NY-20 special election, Democratic leaders say NY Gov. David Paterson needs to take an active role in finding a candidate to fill the seat vacated by Kirsten Gillibrand, whom he appointed to the U.S. Senate.
"The DCCC and the Democratic caucus are working with state party leaders to gain consensus around a candidate very quickly, and we await Gov. Paterson's plan for the 20th District and how he plans to help," said Brian Wolff, executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
The District was a lock for Gillibrand, who won her second House term in '08 by 18 points, and Barack Obama won there by three points, but GOP voter registration outnumbers Democratic by 70K.
The Dem field, meanwhile, looks very muddled at this point. The two dozen reported potential candidates include ex-TV anchor Tracy Egan (D), Greene Co. atty Carol Schrager (D), Saratoga Co. Dem Chair Larry Bulman (D), Coxsackie Town Supervisor Alex Betke (D), Assemb. Tim Gordon (D) and '08 NY-21 candidate/Sen. Clinton ex-aide Tracey Brooks (D).
But while Dems lack a deep bench, one name -- ex-NY Rangers goalie Mike Richter (D) -- stands out among the other relative unknowns. Richter, who has a vacation home in the NY CD, was mentioned in '08 as a candidate in his home district against then-Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT 04) but decided against the race. He brings name ID and a hockey resume to a CD that includes Lake Placid -- home of the '80 "Miracle On Ice." He also could potentially self-fund, a plus in a condensed contest.
Meanwhile, there appears to be less drama on the GOP side. This afternoon, the CD's party chairs nominated Assemb. Min. Leader James Tedisco (R) over state Sen. Betty Little (R) and '02 Comptroller nominee/'06 GOV nominee John Faso (R). Tedisco emerged from the crowded field of contenders after Saratoga Co. GOPers -- who hold roughly a third of the weighted vote in the endorsement process -- endorsed him 1/24.
About half of Tedisco's legislative district lies outside of the 20th, and he is known as "Mr. Schenectady" -- a city that also lies outside of the CD's boundaries. But he owns a home in Saratoga Springs, which is within the district, and in his 17 years in the legislature, he's built up significant name ID in the CD.
Tedisco will be a formidable candidate for GOPers, and while he has a long record for Dems to mine, he also has name ID that whoever emerges on the Dem side will envy. This race is a toss up, but with a slight thumb on the scale for GOPers.
Paterson has yet to schedule a date for the special election. While he noted he's not legally bound to act until Jul '10, he said a date would come "soon."
The first Diageo/Hotline poll of the year, conducted immediately after Pres. Obama's inauguration, reveals Americans are enthusiastic about their new leader and his agenda but also cognizant of the difficult road ahead. The survey, conducted 1/21-24 by FD, shows record concern about the U.S. economy as well.
The poll, released this a.m., gives the new POTUS a favorable rating of 76%, up from 65% just after the general election. More than half of U.S. RVs (55%) have a "strongly favorable" impression of Obama, and he gets an almost unanimous 95% total fav figure among Dems. GOPers, meanwhile, have a net-positive feeling towards him (fav/unfav of 44%/40%).
Although Obama has been in office just a few days, 63% of RVs approve of Obama's handling of the job, and 9% disapprove. Obama's "strong approval" of 42% is higher than George W. Bush's total job approval of 29% in the previous Diageo/Hotline poll, conducted 11/6-9. Among Dems, 76% approve of Obama's job performance, and 60% "strongly approve".
More than two-thirds of RVs (68%) watched the inauguration, including a majority of GOPers (53%); 78% of Dems and 66% of Indies watched. Nearly four in five RVs (78%) who watched Obama's speech said it was better than average for an inaugural address. An even greater proportion of those who saw it (83%) say the speech made them more optimistic about the U.S. meeting its challenges. Two-thirds of RVs (67%) have been so inspired by Obama's election and inauguration they intend to become more involved in helping the U.S. meet those challenges. This group includes 86% of Dems, 62% of Indies and 77% of those who saw Obama's speech.
Looking beyond 1/20, RVs across all spectrums agree the most important issue facing the nation and the new POTUS is the economy. More than three-quarters of RVs (76%) say the economy is the top issue, vastly outpacing second-place foreign policy at 7%. Just after 11/4, 47% said the economy was the most important issue to their WH '08 choice, with moral/social issues next at 21%. Concern about the economy spans gender, age, ethnicity, geography, education, income and party affiliation.
A majority of RVs also support Obama's proposed $825B economic stimulus package. Using split samples, Diageo/Hotline tested the recovery plan with and without details of how the money will be spent.
In one sample, 54% of RVs support passing a $825B plan to jumpstart the economy even if it means increasing the federal deficit. In the other sample, 66% support the same plan also knowing it includes $550B for alternative energy technology, roads/bridges, state gov'ts/local school districts and increasing benefits for the unemployed, as well as $275B in tax cuts/credits for individuals and businesses to generate jobs. And when subsequently asked which single part of the proposed package is most important, RVs most frequently name tax cuts for businesses to create jobs (27% among six individual policies tested).
The strong support for Obama's planned investment in infrastructure and tax breaks is in sharp juxtaposition to RV feelings about TARP. About one-third (32%) think the Senate's approval of the second $350B in TARP funds was a good idea. This position is shared across party lines; only 36% of Dems, 26% of GOPers and 31% of Indies think it was a good idea.
And looking ahead to economic recovery, 65% of RVs are confident the proposed stimulus package will be effective in turning around the U.S. economy, including 84% of Dems. RVs generally seem patient; barely anyone (3%) believes the U.S. will emerge from recession in less than 1 year, and 26% say it will be in 1 to 2 years. A plurality (43%) say it will be between 2 and 4 years, and a quarter of RVs believe it will be more than 4 years before the U.S. comes out of recession.
The latest Diageo/Hotline poll surveyed 800 RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.5%. Party ID breakdown for the survey is 40% Dem, 23% GOP and 30% Indie.
Register another Republican National Committee member endorsement for chairman today for Saul Anuzis, the MI GOP chief.
Dick Wadhams, the well-respected leader of the CO GOP, explains his reasons for backing Anuzis in a letter to fellow members: new energy, technology knowledge and familiarity with purple state politics.
CO and MI are bound to be critical to any national GOP strategy moving forward. And Wadhams' reasoning seems to echo the core motivations of Rebuild the Party and others who believe the party needs a chairman with brings fresh blood and practical experience.
Give it a read:
Dear RNC Members:
I've read literally hundreds of emails. I've read all the plans. I've listened to more arguments than I can count. I've spoken to and met with all the candidates. My conclusion: Saul Anuzis is best prepared to bring our party back, and I enthusiastically endorse his candidacy for RNC Chairman. Why? Three reasons:
1. New energy. To be in a room with Saul, or to be involved in a cause with Saul, is to get swept up in a swirl of energy and feel like you're part of something bigger than yourself. The Republican Party desperately needs that energy right now.
2. 21st century communications. It's not just "technology." It's understanding how people communicate today, how they build relationships and how to lead a movement of people from coast to coast. And there's simply no one running for Chairman who has more immersed himself in modern communications than Saul.
3. Purple states. The Democrats beat us in the swing states in 2006 and 2008 because they learned how to speak to the dreams and aspirations of the middle class while Republicans in Washington seemed to forget everything they ever knew about it. Those of us fighting hard in the purple states watched in dismay as the GOP became more known for its scandals than its ideas. Saul's been fighting the tough battles in the toughest of places -- the home of the UAW and the AFL-CIO -- and he knows how to communicate our ideas at the kitchen tables of middle class families.
With Saul Anuzis as our Chairman, we can turn our party around and earn back the support of our fellow citizens. That's why I hope you'll join me in supporting him on Friday.
AK Gov. Sarah Palin has taken the first firm step toward a 2012 WH bid, launching a new political action committee based in VA.
The mission, per the site:
Dedicated to building America's future, supporting fresh ideas and candidates who share our vision for reform and innovation.
SarahPAC believes America's best days are ahead. Our country, founded on conservative principles and the fight for freedom, must confront the challenges of the 21st century with integrity, innovation, and determination.
SarahPAC believes energy independence is a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves.
SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of an historic renaissance that will build a better future for all. Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals. Join us today!
Signaling a strong desire to find common ground with the Muslim world, Pres. Obama gave his first television interview since taking his oath to Al Arabiya, the Arab cable network.
An excerpt:
Obama: My job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives. My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect. But if you look at the track record, as you say, America was not born as a colonial power, and that the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there's no reason why we can't restore that. And that I think is going to be an important task.
But ultimately, people are going to judge me not by my words but by my actions and my administration's actions. And I think that what you will see over the next several years is that I'm not going to agree with everything that some Muslim leader may say, or what's on a television station in the Arab world -- but I think that what you'll see is somebody who is listening, who is respectful, and who is trying to promote the interests not just of the United States, but also ordinary people who right now are suffering from poverty and a lack of opportunity. I want to make sure that I'm speaking to them, as well.
"World News" led with Pres. Obama issuing two presidential memoranda dealing with the environment. "Evening News" led with massive layoffs. "Nightly News" led with massive layoffs.
IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) continued to make the TV rounds. Some highlights from his appearances:
Blagojevich, asked if he is a dirty pol: "No, I'm a very honest politician and I see myself -- and you can laugh and call this delusional -- but when all the facts come out you will see that I'm right."
ABC's McFadden: "But your political career is over now, wouldn't you agree to that?"
Blagojevich: "Well, I think it's not very promising right now and to be put in a place in the not too distant future, where I'll be looking for another livelihood, but I'm not as important..."
McFadden: "No, but I mean all these big dreams. You talked about running for president in 2016. That's over isn't it?"
Blagojevich: "Let me say that, things are taken out of context and what I have to do now is focus on doing the best I can while I'm still the governor of Illinois."
One big message from the first day in court for the longest-running Senate race of 2008: Sit tight, Minnesotans, it's going to be even longer than you thought.
Ben Ginsburg, attorney for GOP Sen. Norm Coleman - who has filed a lawsuit that's dragged the election out of the polls and into court - told reporters on a conference call this evening that after judges decided to subpoena thousands of rejected absentee ballots today, the case, already expected to take weeks, will be extended.
"It's gonna take a little bit longer now," Ginsburg said of the ruling.
The ballots are central to the Coleman case. Lawyers for the GOP senator say MN fails to present a uniform standard for accepting absentee ballots, and therefore some ballots might have been unfairly rejected across the state. The legal team is hoping that if the ballots are recounted by the court under a uniform standard created by the court, Democrat Al Franken's 225-vote lead in the race will disappear.
Other than the judge's ruling in favor of the Team Coleman request to subpoena all the absentee ballots cast in the race, the second biggest news from the first day of the trial was Coleman's appearance. The senator sat in court during opening arguments but said nothing and didn't take any questions from gathered reporters. The case continues tomorrow as thousands of ballots that Coleman's camp says were improperly rejected are read into the official record.
Today's Latest Edition includes some amazing indicators of Pres. Obama's popularity, both nationally and in the states.
Daily Kos/Research 2000's weekly tracking poll completed 1/22 shows Obama with a 77% favorable rating up from 68% on 1/15. The next highest pol tested is Speaker Nancy Pelosi at 42%. What's more, Gallup and Rasmussen Reports (IVR) track Obama's job approval at 68% and 60%, respectively.
In the states, a new Siena Research Institute poll has Obama at 81% fav in NY, and a Des Moines Register/Selzer & Co. survey of IA adults gives the new POTUS a 68% job approval. Meanwhile a series of 14 Survey USA (IVR) polls have Obama doing strikingly well.
The table below shows Obama's approval rating per Survey USA matched to the percentage of the vote he took in the state on 11/4.
AL CA IA KS KY MA MN MO NM NY OR VA WA WIApproval 60% 77% 68% 62% 62% 78% 64% 65% 65% 78% 68% 62% 69% 70%
11/4 %age 39 61 54 41 41 62 54 49 57 62 57 53 57 56
And tomorrow, we'll be out with our first Diageo/Hotline poll of the new year and new admin. Check Latest Edition and OnCall for the latest numbers.
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted this weekend shows Sen.-designate Kirsten Gillibrand (D) is more popular among GOPers than Dems but generally remains an unknown quantity among NY RVs. The survey, conducted 1/23-25 and released this a.m., also shows NYers blame Caroline Kennedy (D) over Gov. David Paterson (D) for the confusion around her Senate bid, but they have nonetheless grown more tepid towards the Gov. over recent months.
About half of NYers (49%) blame Kennedy and her aides for her failed Senate bid, including 63% of GOPers, 42% of Dems and 54% of Indies. Meanwhile just 15% of NY RVs blame Paterson and his aides. Nevertheless, NYers are split over Paterson's process for selecting a replacement for Sec/State Hillary Clinton; 44% approve of his handling of the appointment and 42% disapprove.
When it comes to Gillibrand, 46% approve of Paterson's choice, while 30% disapprove. Far more GOPers (56%) and upstaters (55%) approve of his pick than do Dems (41%), NYCers (41%) and suburbanites (35%). Gillibrand is not, however, particularly well known among NYers -- 63% do not know enough about her to form an opinion. As expected, this lack of recognition for the Albany-area Rep. drops to 58% among upstate RVs.
GOPers give Gillibrand her highest fav/unfav at 30%/7%, while Dems and Indies offer marks of 22%/11% and 28%/10%, respectively. The Sen.-designate also holds higher favorability among upstaters (34%/8%) than among NYCers and suburbanites, both of whom give her a 19%/13% rating.
In addition to division among NYers about the Sen. selection process and its outcome, Paterson has seen a drop in overall approval since HRC's nomination. In Quinnipiac's last poll before Pres. Obama tapped HRC -- completed 8/6 -- the Gov. had a 64% approval rating. Today, just 50% of NYers approve of his job performance. Over the same period, his disapproval figure has more than doubled, from 14% to 30%.
Another survey released this a.m. by Siena Research Institute offers additional evidence of Paterson's waning popularity, although it was conducted 1/20-23, before the Gov.'s appointment of Gillibrand.
Asked if they would prefer to elect Paterson or another candidate in '10, more NY RVs now prefer another candidate for the first time since Paterson took office. Less than one in three NYers (32%) say they would vote for Paterson, down from 42% on 11/13. Looking towards a potential primary challenge from AG Andrew Cuomo (D), Paterson's once-commanding lead of 28% just after election day has evaporated to just 2% today.
The Quinnipiac Univ. poll, conducted 1/23-25, surveyed 1,047 NY RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.0%. The Siena Research Institute poll, conducted 1/20-23, surveyed 627 NY RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.9%.
CO AG John Suthers (R), long-rumored to be a potential SEN candidate, announced he will run for re-election today instead. Suthers is the only GOP statewide office holder in CO, so his loss as a SEN candidate is something of a blow to the NRSC's recruiting efforts in what could potentially be a vulnerable Dem seat.
With Suthers out, knowledgeable sources believe RNC cmteman/ex-state Treas./ex-state Senate Maj. Leader Mark Hillman (R), '06 GOV nominee/ex-Rep. Bob Beauprez (R), and Aurora councilor Ryan Frasier (R), an African-American, are the candidates most likely to take another look at the race.
Terry McAuliffe, one of three Democrats running for VA governor, is airing his first television spot in the Norfolk market, featuring ideas he says he learned from voters in this southeastern community of Hampton Roads: invest in renewable energy jobs, make ports more competitive and keep carriers in VA. The 30-second ad -- called "Listened" -- emphasizes McAuliffe's business experience not his political background. McAuliffe, the consummate Washington insider, stresses in the spot:
"It goes to show the best ideas don't always come out of Richmond."
By Jennifer Skalka, editor, Hotline On Call, with reporting from Hotline writers Matthew Gottlieb, Katherine Lehr, Evan McMorris-Santoro and Steven Shepard
WASHINGTON -- Though the leadership of the Republican National Committee will meet in Washington this week to elect a chairman tasked with rebuilding the floundering party, even at this late date there is no clear frontrunner for the job, according to a recent phone and email survey of the RNC's 168 members conducted by National Journal's Hotline On Call.
While incumbent chairman Mike Duncan has an advantage among the six candidates hoping to lead the GOP, more members said they were undecided than supporting Duncan. And even more declined or did not respond to requests for comment.
Opinions varied widely about who has the best communication skills and leadership record necessary to transition the party out of the doldrums.
"We don't have the perfect candidate, but we have some who are more perfect than less perfect," said one Western region committeeman who asked not to be identified.
Duncan, who has presided over the GOP since January 2007, leads the pack with 24 committed supporters. He is trailed by Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, who is backed by 17 members; South Carolina Party chairman Katon Dawson, 12 supporters, Michigan Party chairman Saul Anuzis, 11 supporters; and former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, with 10. Chip Saltsman, who led Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign, does not have a solid vote, according to On Call's reporting.
Meanwhile, one member each said he or she is inclined to support Dawson, Saltsman and Steele.
By On Call's count, 29 members are undecided, and 60 did not respond. The survey was conducted over the last 10 days.
(The Massachusetts GOP is electing a new chairman this week, so that person could not be included in our tally.)
The chairman vote comes during a critical time for the Republican Party. Trounced in the November presidential contest, facing a growing technology deficit against the Democrats and an electorate weary of the contentious language and divisive politics utilized by the GOP during the Bush era, there is a call by some within the party for a new, younger and more positive leader at the helm. But that cry is tempered by the pleas of others who say that the conservative base - less than smitten with its 2008 presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona - must first be reenergized.
That balancing act is proving a challenge for the party in picking a leader. Its 168 members - who will vote by secret ballot during this week's three-day meeting at the Capital Hilton - must weigh who will best boost the party's national image with who might better handle the critical substantive tasks of growing its technology operation and helping to pitch a forward-looking policy agenda.
Many believe that dichotomy of purpose could help the soft spoken Duncan, a Kentuckian who has also served the party as general counsel and treasurer. Duncan has been a delegate to six national conventions and has worked on five GOP presidential campaigns, from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush. He has also weathered the 2008 election and knows better than anyone, supporters say, what the party needs to do over the next several years to try to match President Obama's formidable grassroots operation.
"I'm sticking with Mike Duncan," said Fergus Cullen, chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party. "Whenever there is a disappointing election, it's easy to blame the chairman and call for change for the sake of change. ... But Mike did as good a job as one could under difficult circumstances."
Donna Lou Gosney, a West Virginia committeewoman who has also endorsed Duncan, said that he has been a "diligent" foot soldier for the party over the years and that he deserves another chance.
"Mike is one of the few in this who doesn't have an agenda," she said. "He's not running for anything. He's got one thing in mind, and that's the welfare of the party."
Duncan's supporters believe he will have to have a fine showing on the first ballot - collecting support from at least 60 members - to win reelection. If not, his backers could migrate to another candidate during the next round of voting, sensing a consensus for the incumbent might be hard to reach.
Committee members will cast ballots until one candidate wins the votes of 85 members. While many of those voting have already offered public endorsements, their loyalties can change. Momentum is key in the balloting process, as members can select a new candidate at any point.
Running second in our survey is Steele, who, as the first African American lieutenant governor in Maryland, ran unsuccessfully in 2006 for the state's open U.S. Senate seat. Steele, who heads GOPAC, has a contract with FOX News, and his supporters believe he's the best communicator in the bunch.
"We need a new face for the party, too," said Pat Brady, the committeeman from Illinois. "I think he will be a great person to carry our message."
But Steele's detractors question his commitment to the party's core values. He ran for Senate in left-leaning Maryland by downplaying his ties to the party and President Bush. Steele's bumper stickers were blue and appeared to identify him as a Democrat. And having run on a ticket with gubernatorial candidate Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., Steele has never won office on his own.
Steele is one of two black Republicans in the contest. The other is Blackwell. Blackwell has made a traditional values-based pitch for the job, and, likewise, he has garnered endorsements from high profile fiscal and social conservatives, including former presidential candidate Steve Forbes, Patrick Toomey of the Club for Growth and James Dobson of Focus on the Family.
Blackwell's bid seems to be resonating with those members who believe the party's survival requires intense outreach to the base.
Oklahoma Party Chairman Gary Jones said he is supporting Blackwell because he has a history of working with groups like the National Rifle Association and Family Policy Council.
"We lost" the White House in 2008, Jones said, "because we talked as conservatives and ran as conservatives and governed differently. ... The first thing you've got to do is consolidate the base and then reach out."
Jones also said that the party needs to elevate the importance of outreach to non white voters.
"The minorities are tired of us paying lip service," Jones said. "They want to see something."
But one Anuzis supporter - Giovanni Cicione, chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party - said that race shouldn't be a defining factor in who leads the GOP.
"I think there's a lot of ways to signal change and a new path for the party, and that alone shouldn't be a litmus test either way," Cicione said.
Anuzis' backers, like Connecticut GOP Chairman Chris Healy, believe he would bring grassroots organizing experience in a vital swing state to the job of party chairman. Healy said Anuzis understands that revamping the party's online outreach and fundraising will be critical to its future success. He noted that in the process of wooing members, Anuzis has not tried to "promise something to everybody" but has stressed that the party has to grow its ranks and teach activists how to win at every level of politics.
"He understands technology better than anybody in the party," Healy said.
Healy also emphasized that victory in this week's vote will turn not just on biography or the best plan for the party's rebirth but on which candidate has built the best personal connection with members.
Though Saltsman seems to have alienated many members by circulating a CD featuring a tune called "Barack the Magic Negro," Dawson, who until recently belonged to an all-white country club, appears to remain on the radar.
Brad White, the Mississippi GOP chairman, said he is supporting Dawson for his fundraising prowess, communication skills and tactical abilities.
"I'm a very firm believer that we need new leadership," White said. "I think it's time for Mike Duncan to go."
(Contact Jennifer Skalka at jskalka@nationaljournal.com)
** Fergus Cullen is no longer NH GOP chairman. As of Jan. 17, former Gov. John Sununu took over the job. Mike Duncan's total has been adjusted accordingly in the story.
The Sunday shows mainly concentrated on the stimulus package/TARP funds and Pres. Obama's executive order to close the Guantanamo Bay prison within a year.
During an appearance on "This Week," Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussed a bipartisan approach to the stimulus package.
ABC's Stephanopoulos: "The president has made it pretty clear he wants this to be a real bipartisan effort. Yet House Republicans have said they have been shut out of this process. There were no Republican votes in the appropriations Committee, no Republican votes in the Ways and Means Committee. Is this the bipartisan effort President Obama has called for?"
Pelosi: "Well, because the Republicans don't vote for it doesn't mean they didn't have an opportunity to. The Republicans asked for a couple things. One that related to process that you described, that there would be an open process where they could present their amendments. They didn't vote for the final bill but we voted for some of their amendments in the committees that had the markups the day before yesterday and this week. Secondly ... some ideas that were put on the table by the Republicans at that time were contained in the bills that we wrote. And now this morning they had some more suggestions which we will review and see if they create jobs, turn the economy around and to do so in a cost-effective way."
More after the jump, including the exception to Obama's lobbying rules, NY SEN and Biden on his new role.
The very talented NY1 reporter Josh Robinscored the first interview with the Empire State's new junior senator, Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand. Gillibrand talked to Robin about the messy selection process and her plans for NY:
"It might be bumpy for a day, but it's going to be a very short story," Gillibrand said. "I am here to represent New York, and I think what's going to happen over the next few days and weeks is that folks are going to begin to get to know me. And they're going to being to realize that I'm going to be such a strong advocate for them, that I'm going to go to Washington and fight every day for their needs and their concerns. So I think it's a short story, and I'm really looking forward to doing this job, and I'm so grateful to have the privilege and honor to do it."
GOPers are salivating at the chance to take back the newly-open NY-20. Even before NY Gov. David Paterson (D) announced at noon today that Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) would fill Sec/State/ex-Sen. Hillary Clinton's (D) seat, several GOPers had begun putting the machinery in place for a run. State Sen. Betty Little (R), for instance, has already begun talking to county chairs about a bid.
Others will follow quickly. But before the GOP pack gets too confident, they need to consider the fact that this seat isn't as friendly as it may look at first glance.
Sure, on paper this is a GOP seat. Or at least it was. In '04, George W. Bush won the CD with 54%. But could that number have been inflated by the 9/11 "halo effect" that gave a bump to Bush in some parts of NY and NJ? The numbers haven't been crunched yet from '08, but Pres. Obama may have indeed won the seat.
Certainly, the GOP has its advantages here. First and foremost may be the fact that the Dem bench looks pretty thin. Ex-NY Rangers goalie Mike Richter (D) is an intriguing name that's been mentioned, but in '08, he was considering a bid against then-Rep. Chris Shays (D-CT 04). Has he been CD shopping?
But then again, that Dem bench wasn't too deep when Gillibrand successfully mounted what was considered a long-shot bid against Rep. John Sweeney (R) in '06.
House GOPers certainly got a gift with Gillibrand's exit. But taking back a historically GOP seat that's trending Dem won't be a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination.
Here are the scheduled guests for the Sunday public affairs shows and other weekend programs:
SUNDAY:
Meet the Press hosts House Min. Leader John Boehner and Nat'l Economic Council dir. Lawrence Summers, and a roundtable with New York Times' Thomas Friedman, NPR's Michele Norris and Weekly Standard's Stephen Hayes.
Face the Nation hosts VP Biden (live).
This Week hosts Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a roundtable with ex-HP CEO Carly Fiorina, New York Times' Paul Krugman, Sam Donaldson, Cokie Roberts and George Will.
Fox News Sunday hosts Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
State of the Union hosts NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) (see below for guests on SOTU's Reliable Sources segment).
Gov. David Paterson introduced Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand this afternoon as the next U.S. Senator from NY, calling her "the best candidate" to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton and a "courageous" and "outspoken" representative for Empire State residents.
"This senator," the governor said, "has great shoes to fill."
Paterson said his decision was not based on gender, geography, race, religion or sexual orientation. And perhaps in light of the fallout from Caroline Kennedy's withdrawal from the race, Paterson stressed that he had established a formal process to review all possible contenders for the job. He said he interviewed each personally, required that he or she complete a detailed questionnaire and noted that he examined the candidates' backgrounds for possible issues that would exclude an individual from consideration.
"I didn't ask for this responsibility, but it is my privilege and honor to execute our state statute this afternoon," Paterson said, ending a messy two-month process that culiminated in his decision to pass over two of the state's most prominent figures, Kennedy and AG Andrew Cuomo.
The governor did not mention Kennedy or Cuomo during his remarks.
Gillibrand, a second-term representative from the 20th District, is a conservative Democrat who has scored high marks in her young career with both the gun and union lobbies. Largely unknown statewide, Gillibrand will have to run in a special election in November 2010 and then again in 2012, when Clinton's term would have expired. She is a proven fundraising powerhouse, having raised more than $4M for her last congressional race. Still, Gillibrand will have to raise eight times that to run statewide.
Gillibrand acknowledging that though many voters might not know her now, she will work to earn their support.
"I appreciate the opportunity that you have afforded me and the trust that you placed in me," Gillibrand said to Paterson.
She said that in taking on the role of junior senator she looks to Clinton, "with extraordinary appreciation and humility," for guidance and with admiration for the work that she has done on behalf of the state and for women at home and abroad.
"I aspire to follow in her footsteps," Gillibrand said, surrounded by a collection of lawmakers from Albany and Washington. "... I can't tell you how many times she personally inspired me to action."
Paterson, for his part, has made a politically safe decision. He followed through on his pledge to pick a woman for the job, and he found one who could boost his profile in upstate NY and with moderate and independent voters. Paterson, who was sworn in when Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned, will run for the first time in 2010 at the top of the ticket.
With Gov. David Paterson's (D) imminent appointment of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-20) to the Senate seat of Sec/State Hillary Clinton, let's revisit a few recent polls testing the almost-Senator.
In a Quinnipiac University poll conducted 1/8-12 among NY RVs, just 5% thought Paterson should pick Gillibrand to replace HRC. She finished fourth in the poll, behind AG Andrew Cuomo (D) at 31%, Caroline Kennedy (D) at 24% and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-14) at 6%.
Meanwhile, Gillibrand finished sixth in a similar question posed by Marist College to NY RVs between 1/12-14. Ahead of her 3% support was Cuomo at 40%, Kennedy at 25%, '06 GOV candidate/Nassau Co. Exec. Thomas Suozzi (D) at 6% and Reps. Maloney and Steve Israel (D-02) each at 5%.
Finally, in the most recent poll to test Gillibrand's statewide favorability -- a Marist survey of NY RVs conducted 12/8 -- she earned a 13%/4% rating. In fact, 58% of NYers have never heard of Gillibrand; she is the least known of the nine potential HRC replacements tested.
Two stories dominated last night's TV coverage: A close source to NY Gov. David Paterson (D) saying he had "no intention" of picking Caroline Kennedy (D) for SEN after "potentially embarrassing personal issues" surfaced and Pres. Obama ordering the Guantanamo Bay prison to be closed within a year. First up, Kennedy:
New York Post's Dicker, on the personal issues involving "taxes, her nanny and possibly her marriage": "We don't know if it's true, but it was interesting that someone close to the governor, who was considered authoritative, would bring it up" ("O'Reilly Factor," FNC, 1/22).
Newt Gingrich: "You're watching Mr. Geithner, who has a tax issue, and he's not throwing in the towel. He's trying to brazen his way to the secretary of the Treasury job. ... The governor could pick her with any kind of problems she has. And if he names her, she is the senator. So I think, you know, that's not necessarily a problem. I wonder, though, if deep down, as she looked at her life, if she really wanted to try to do this" ("On the Record," FNC, 1/22).
Chicago Sun-Times' Sweet: "Here's why she needs to clean this up, though, because I can only guess that she would be up, if she wanted, for some appointment within the Obama administration. ... I would think that she needs to clear this up for her own future. There are many years where she could take an appointment and many places she could be plugged in. So I think the onus is on her" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 1/22).
Gov. David Paterson is expected today to appoint a relative political newcomer -- Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand -- to the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton. In naming the second-term member, Paterson passes over two scions of political families, former first daughter Caroline Kennedy and NY AG Andrew Cuomo.
Gillibrand, 42, is a former Manhattan corporate lawyer and mother of two who represents NY's 20th District, which hugs Albany and includes much of the Hudson Valley.
She comes from a politically sophisticated family: her father was an attorney and lobbyist with ties to George Pataki; her grandmother was a prominent Democratic activist in Albany who brought Gillibrand along with her on the campaign trail. Gillibrand attended an all-girls prep school in Troy and graduated from Dartmouth College, where she majored in Asian studies. She traveled widely, worked a summer for Republican Senator Alfonse D'Amato, went to law school at UCLA, and did a United Nations internship in Vienna, Austria. After law school, Gillibrand clerked for a federal appeals court judge and served briefly as special counsel under Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo, before going to work for a major New York City law firm.
The Empire State Senate soap opera kept the nation transfixed over the last two months since Kennedy, who pulled her name from consideration earlier this week, first expressed interest in the job. She had never sought elected office, opting instead for a private life of philanthropy and writing. Inspired by her involvement in Barack Obama's campaign, Kennedy made a play for Clinton's seat; she never ably articulated, however, her reasons for wanting the job, and a botched rollout seemed to sink her public approval ratings. Cuomo also made his interest known. But the family's link -- he divorced Kerry Kennedy, Caroline's cousin -- made for an almost Shakespearean display of family drama.
If named, Cuomo's replacement would've been determined by the Democrat-controlled NY legislature. Another problem for his candidacy, as the governor probably didn't want to provide that power to lawmakers.
Paterson will hold a noon presser to announce Gillibrand.
Newly-confirmed Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island in New York Harbor tomorrow, a sign, some New Yorkers believe, that the Obama Administration will reopen the sections of Lady Liberty closed since 9/11. The trip is Salazar's first to a national park. He'll hold a press availability with members of the NY congressional delegation.
The statue's pedestal was opened to the public in August 2004 but the National Park Service, which oversees the famed monument, kept the statue closed.
Rep. Anthony Weiner, a Democratic candidate for New York major, has pushed for the lady's great crown to be reopened, calling it his "mission." He unsuccessfully sponsored legislation in the House to do so. The bill's Senate sponsor and co-sponsor? Salazar and Obama.
Personal aside alert ... For this granddaughter of a Polish immigrant who arrived at Ellis Island in 1921, and whose name is inscribed on its wall, this is welcome news.
Until/if (likely until) AG Nom. Eric Holder is confirmed, there's a Chicagoan and former editor of the Harvard Law Review keeping the seat warm for him. But the able place holder, who like Pres. Obama also taught at the University of Chicago Law School, is also a George W. Bush appointee.
Mark Filip, who was United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Illinois before being nominated in March 2008 to serve as Dep. AG, is at the helm.
In Washington these days, the Second City reigns supreme ...
Does Zoe Baird need to moderate a Learning Annex panel for Washington wannabes about the consequences of not paying taxes on the help?!
People, please don't put your names into the mix for office -- read federal or Cabinet level appointments or even local dog catcher -- if you haven't done your legal level best to pay the taxman. Real folks -- like, um, the ones who don't who don't have $50M estates on Martha's Vineyard -- manage to do their civic duty.
So it seems Caroline Kennedy had a taxes and household employee problem, a person close to Gov. David Patersontold the New York Times this afternoon. But the paper also reports conflicting versions of Kennedy's status before pulling out -- that she was the likely pick and that she and the governor's team were figuring out how to handle potential looming issues (read taxes), and that Paterson never intended to select her.
Meanwhile, hard feelings apparently abound. The governor's staff was blindsided by her decision. Kennedy, for her part, has not provided additional comment beyond that one-sentence statement.
Hard not to surmise that Kennedy was notified that she wouldn't be appointed and that she chose the 'save face' option -- pulling out of the running -- before the governor's team leaked their actual choice.
Note that Pres. Obama's statement, released just a few moments ago, acknowledging the anniversary of Roe v. Wade includes but one mention of the word "abortion" -- and that reference comes as he says the nation should be united in seeking to "reduce the need for abortion." Instead, Obama broadens the meeting of the day by saying the Americans should recommit to ensuring that the country's daughters should have the same access as her sons to education, employment and equal pay.
On the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that this decision not only protects women's health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman's right to choose.
While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make. To accomplish these goals, we must work to find common ground to expand access to affordable contraception, accurate health information, and preventative services.
On this anniversary, we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work; and to have no limits on their dreams. That is what I want for women everywhere.
During last night's "Thank-You Ball" for Pres. Obama's campaign staff, the nation's chief executive urged his faithful workers not let go of the ideals they brought to his cause.
"Cling on to that essential thing about you," he said before a crowd of thousands of twenty-somethings at the D.C. Armory event hosted by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. "You'll set me right. And maybe someday you'll be in office, and you'll make it right."
Following a performance by Arcade Fire, VP Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, took to the stage. Over chants of "Joe, Joe, Joe," Biden told the assembled staffers that they "created this moment." The VP said that, like the crowd, he feels young, adding, "In my heart, but not in my hair."
He also gave special thanks to the staffers from Tallahassee, whom he credited with the campaign trail chant, "Jill Baby Jill!"
Actor Kal Penn, an active campaign surrogate, introduced campaign manager David Plouffe, who was greeted by enthusiastic cheers. Plouffe then introduced Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore a sparkling, black tea length dress.
Looking energized, Obama told the crowd he gets "choked up" when talking about Plouffe. Paying homage to his campaign manager, Obama referenced a line from "The Departed" spoken by Staff Sergeant Sean Dignam (played by Mark Wahlberg): "I'm the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy."
"That's Plouffe," Obama said. "Always working, always doing his job, never hobnobbing with the big shots."
Obama surveyed his audience. "Look at you," he said. "You guys are so young. You guys dress a lot sharper than you did in Iowa. You clean up nice!"
Although he said his wife had instructed him to be brief, Obama spoke for 15 minutes, paying tribute to all those who helped him reach the White House. He said that their example, discipline and creativity drove the campaign.
As Obama exited the stage, staffers put down their plastic wine-filled cups and lifted their cameras to the air, hoping to capture a snapshot of the man who benefitted from their door-knocking, phone-banking and volunteer-organizing.
Pres. Obama issued orders this morning to close the Guantanamo detention center within a year, following through on a critical campaign promise and reinforcing his commitment to breaking with the intelligence gathering policies of his predecessor.
The move signals to the world that Obama will rekindle a foreign policy that turns on diplomacy not force in a broader effort to restore the nation's standing in the world.
Questions remain, however, about where the 250 or so detainees will be placed. And the GOP jumped to counter Obama's order by mentioning that has not yet been fully addressed by the new administration. During his first appearance before reporters, WH Press Secretary Robert Gibbs urged patience, saying that today marks just the start of what is bound to be a lengthy and complicated process.
Here, meanwhile, is a statement issued by House Minority Leader John Boehner:
"The Guantanamo Bay prison is filled with the worst of the worst - terrorists and killers bent on murdering Americans and other friends of freedom around the world. If it is closed, where will they go, will they be brought to the United States, and how will they be secured? Will they be released by the courts, despite reports that more than 60 former terrorist detainees have already returned to battlefields to fight us again? Unfortunately, in briefings yesterday the new Administration did not have any real answers to these concerns.
"Just as important, if a terrorist detainee is brought to the United States that terrorist is automatically afforded more constitutional rights than U.S. military personnel under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. That only increases the threat that a judge will release the detainee into the U.S. population. There are also serious questions about whether the Army Field Manual, while appropriate to guide soldiers on the battlefield, is best suited for professionally-administered lawful interrogations. Republicans want to work with our President to address these national security concerns, but we should not gamble with the safety and security of the American people and our troops on the battlefield. It would be irresponsible to close this terrorist detainee facility until these important questions are answered."
After the jump, the text of Obama's executive orders.
National Journal's Julie Kosterlitz writes today for the mag's Under the Influence blog about Sen. Norm Coleman's next steps outside of Senate life ...
Even while Minnesota's courts continue to wrestle with the state's disputed U.S. Senate race, Republican contender Norm Coleman (who hopes to return to the Senate seat he held for one term from 2003-2008), has decided to keep busy by agreeing to sign on as a consultant and strategic adviser to the Republican Jewish Coalition.
RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said that Coleman will represent the group by addressing Jewish communities around the country on "the state of current affairs" and helping expand the group's "national leadership base." Brooks said the RJC is "confident that in a few months Senator Coleman will return to his seat in the Senate, but until that time, we are eager for him to travel across the country on our behalf and to be an important voice within the organization." See full statement here.
Meanwhile, the Democratic aspirant to the seat, Al Franken, who was in town to celebrate the inauguration, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he held a fundraiser to help defray the costs of his ongoing Senate quest.
I recently interviewed Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards via email about her expectations of the policy differences between the Bush and Obama administrations on reproductive health issues and abortion rights. As thousands gather on the National Mall today -- the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade -- for the March for Life, here are Richards' thoughts about which Bush initiatives should be reversed.
JS: The Bush era has been friendly to the anti-abortion community. Over the last eight years, Bush has reinstated the global gag rule, which restricts federal funding to overseas groups that provide abortion services, and his administration has advocated for abstinence-only education efforts. During his tenure, the Supreme Court upheld the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. President Obama has said he would sign the Freedom of Choice Act, limiting restrictions on abortion procedures. The choice community is looking to undo many of Bush's initiatives restricting access to abortions. So, what are the priorities for Planned Parenthood and like-minded groups for the earlier months of Barack Obama's first term?
CR: Planned Parenthood is first and foremost a health care provider. Each year, Planned Parenthood provides approximately five million women, men and adolescents with health care and education services worldwide. And with many Americans seeking affordable health care services, the eight years of the Bush administration have been devastating. With President Obama, we have a president who will work to ensure that women's health is a priority and that women have access to comprehensive and affordable health care services.
We look forward to working with President Obama on three critical women's health priorities:
First, we need commonsense policies that reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and teen pregnancies. We can do this by expanding family planning programs, restoring affordable birth control for college health clinics and low-income clinics, and investing in age-appropriate, medically accurate sex education and rejecting dangerous, ineffective abstinence-only programs.
Second, we must expand access to affordable family planning and prevention care, both domestically and internationally. That means increasing funding for Title X, the nation's family planning program; investing in cost-effective preventive health care, such as breast cancer screenings and Pap tests; reversing the global gag rule and restoring funding for the UN Population Fund, which both provide valuable family planning work internationally; and overturning Bush's midnight HHS regulation that would limit the rights of patients to receive complete and accurate health care information.
Third, we need to make sure that everyone has access to affordable, quality health care, especially women. Women are adversely affected by the soaring costs of health care. According to studies, women of childbearing age spend 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men, in part because of reproductive health-related supplies and services. Planned Parenthood is also increasingly seeing more and more women who have no health insurance and can't afford it.
JS: Obama has said that he would sign FOCA as one of his first acts in office. In the time since he made that campaign trail pledge, however, the economy has tanked, unemployment has increased and several industries sit on the brink of financial ruin. Can the President afford to tackle policy matters related to abortion, long a divisive social issue, early in his administration?
CR: President Obama understands that the time has come to bring people together around commonsense solutions to reduce unintended pregnancies. The vast majority of Americans want government to focus on solving problems, such as increasing access to affordable health care, investing in prevention care, and helping children stay healthy and safe and not become parents before they are ready.
Planned Parenthood will work with the President to address the immediate problems that women are facing: access to affordable health care, reducing unintended and teen pregnancy, and investing in preventive health care. The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would codify and protect a women's right to choose by securing women's access to reproductive health care services under federal law. It is one item on a long list of priorities that the Obama administration will have to tackle to reverse the damage of the past eight years.
JS: What's your advice for Obama about how he should shape his health care proposal to include coverage for reproductive health services such as Pap smears and breast exams? Should he push for contraception to be covered as well? What about the morning after pill?
CR: Investing in preventive health services such as Pap smears, family planning and breast exams not only saves lives, it's a smart economic investment, particularly during these difficult economic times. President Obama understands this and we believe his health care proposal will put women's health care needs first. First, this means increasing access to high-quality, affordable care.
The President has also said that any comprehensive health care plan should cover contraception to reduce unintended pregnancies. Contraception is basic health care: 98 percent of women use birth control at some point in their life, and 27 states require insurance companies that cover prescription drugs to cover the full-range of FDA-approved contraceptives. [LINK] Plan B, which is also contraception, should also be covered. Planned Parenthood is also holding Women's Health Matters Conversations across the country, engaging our supporters and taking part in the grassroots effort to reform our nation's health care system and build support for a comprehensive health care plan.
JS: Is there room for abstinence education in our schools' comprehensive sex education programs?
CR: Yes. Abstinence education already is a part of comprehensive sex education. All credible studies, including one funded by Congress have shown that abstinence-only programs don't work, and don't delay when teens have sex. In our society, teens need honest and accurate information so they can make responsible decisions. As the mother of two teenagers, I know it can be difficult to talk with your kids about sex. We need education programs in our schools that will keep teens healthy -- by including information about abstinence as well as contraception, healthy communication, responsible decision making, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. It's time to put money toward real solutions that will help prevent sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancies.
After hours of confusion over whether Caroline Kennedy (D) was still in contention for an appointment to NY's open Senate seat, Kennedy cleared the air just after midnight last p.m. to confirm earlier reports that she had dropped out.
Last night's TV talk focused largely on Pres. Obama's first acts in office. Obama instituting ethics rules, freezing WH salaries over $100K, meeting with military leaders and allowing more public scrutiny received a fair amount of praise.
ABC's Stephanopoulos: "On day one, symbolism is substance. Today it was all about showing that he was keeping the promises of the campaign. ... He was trying to demonstrate that he didn't forget what got him here" ("World News," 1/21).
CNN's J. King: "It was very important to get off to a good first step, especially since the last Democratic president, Bill Clinton, had a horrible beginning in the early days. ... These new lobbying restrictions and the other restrictions he had put on his staff are being applauded by all of the groups that watch these things outside of government as groundbreaking and landmark. So, in that regard, he's off to a good start. ... The whole idea of trust, trust me, you can trust me, is very important as he begins to spend billions and billions of dollars" ("AC 360," 1/21).
FNC's Barnes: "I liked that order on transparency and openness in government. ... I think that was probably the most important thing that happened today. ... The Freedom of Information Act is some that probably should be opened up a little bit more" ("Special Report," 1/21).
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO): "He kept a lot of promises today. He's got a lot to keep, but he kept a lot today on ethics, on transparency and on meeting with the military leaders, listening to them, but most importantly, saying, 'The policy I'm setting is we must get out of Iraq as quickly and as reasonable as we can, hopefully one brigade a month over the next 16 months'" ("Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC, 1/21).
More after the jump, including Caroline Kennedy's withdrawal and Pelosi on the stimulus.
Given their mutual flubs during yesterday's swearing-in, Chief Justice John Roberts was called to the WH tonight to readminister the oath to Barack Obama.
So I ask ... Will the WH reissue the executive orders and presidential directives that have gone out between noon yesterday and 7:35 p.m. today? If you're dotting and crossing all letters faithfully, wouldn't that be prudent?
And, relatedly, were we presidentless for 31 1/2 hours?
Here's the charming pool report, per Wes Allison, Washington Bureau, St. Petersburg Times :
At 7:35 p.m., Chief Justice John Roberts administred the oath of office again to Pres. Obama in the map room. Robert Gibbs said the WH counsel, Greg Craig, believes the oath was fine Tuesday, but one word was out of sequence so they did this out of a "an abundance of caution."
"We decided it was so much fun..." Obama joked while sitting on a couch.
Obama stood and walked over to make small talk with pool as Roberts donned
his black robe.
"Are you ready to take the oath?" Roberts asked.
"I am, and we're going to do it very slowly," Obama replied.
Oath took 25 seconds.
After a flawless recitation, Roberts smiled and said, "congratulations,
again."
Obama said, "thank you, sir."
Smattering of applause.
"All right." Obama said. "The bad news for the pool is there's 12 more
balls."
And here is the official statement from WH Counsel Greg Craig:
"We believe that the oath of office was administered effectively and that the President was sworn in appropriately yesterday. But the oath appears in the Constitution itself. And out of an abundance of caution, because there was one word out of sequence, Chief Justice Roberts administered the oath a second time."
The New York Postreported this evening that Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn her name from consideration for the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton:
Sources said the reason Paterson had decided not to tap the daughter of John F. Kennedy was her poor performances in media interviews and in in private sessions with various officials.
Aides to Kennedy couldn't be reached for comment.
Paterson has said he is not yet sure who he will select, but plans to announce his pick by this weekend - and an announcement is expected either Friday or Saturday.
For the first time on Tuesday, shortly after Obama was inaugurated, Paterson acknowledged publicly that he is considering state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for the slot.
Cuomo, who has bested Kennedy in recent public opinion polls, was married to Kennedy's cousin, and the rancor between the families marked a critical subtext to the drama surrounding the appointment. Cuomo's former wife, Kerry Kennedy, even took to the airwaves to make a pitch for her timid cousin, the former first daughter and only remaining heir to Camelot.
It's safe to posit that Cuomo is the leading contender for the job. But other Democrats remain in the mix, including Rep. Steve Israel, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Carolyn Maloney and teachers union head Randi Weingarten.
A USA Today/Gallup poll released this p.m. shows three in five U.S. adults watched Pres. Obama's inauguration ceremonies as they occurred, up from two in five in 1/05. Another 20% watched news reports about the 1/20 ceremonies, down from about one in three (33%) adults in 1/05.
Among the 80% who watched live or saw news reports yesterday, 81% said Obama's speech was excellent or good. Four years ago, 62% of the corresponding group said the same about George W. Bush's speech. What's more, 62% of all adults said yesterday's inauguration made them feel more hopeful about the future, up from 43% in 1/05.
The poll was conducted 1/20 among 1,012 nat'l adults and has margin of error +/- 3.1%.
Former NM U. S. Attorney David Iglesias, fired by the Bush Administration, told KRQE News 13 about his new job as a Navy judge advocate general prosecuting terrorism cases at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Hillary Rodham Clinton for Secretary of State by a vote of 94-2, according to the AP. The dissenters? Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) and Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC).
Her confirmation vote was delayed a day after Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest given former President Clinton's foundation fundraising.
A Quinnipiac University poll of FL RVs shows wide-open Dem and GOP primary contests for the seat of retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R). The survey shows three GOPers drawing double digits in a five-way primary fight, as well as a five-way Dem matchup in which more than half of Dem RVs are undec.
On the GOP side, '00 nominee/'04 candidate/AG Bill McCollum (R) leads Rep. Connie Mack IV (R-14) 22-21% with Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-13) at 10%, ex-state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) at 6% and ex-state House Speaker Allan Bense (R) at 2%. Just 4% of GOPers are undec.
Among GOPers, McCollum has a fav/unfav of 51%/10% and a job approval rating of 63%, with just 9% disapproving; Mack, meanwhile, posts a GOP fav/unfav of 41%/8%. Indeed, at 61% McCollum is the only GOPer tested with more than 50% name ID. His recognition bests Mack's mark by 12% and is more than double the 26% and 22% of FL GOPers who recognize Buchanan and Rubio, respectively.
Meanwhile among Dems, CFO Alex Sink (D) leads with 15% of the vote, despite her 1/16 announcement not to seek the seat. Reps. Kendrick Meek (D-17), Ron Klein (D-22) and Allen Boyd (D-02) draw 13%, 9% and 8%. State Sen. Dan Gelber (D) is at just 1%, while 54% are undec.
Sink, whose announcement occurred while the poll was in the field, is most recognized among Dem RVs at 30% (with a 28% fav), while Meek is close behind at 24% ID, including 22% fav. Klein and Boyd trail with ID ratings in the teens and fav/unfavs of 15%/3% and 13%/4%, respectively. Just less than half of Dems (49%) approve of Sink as CFO, while 14% disapprove.
Despite their narrow primary leads, Quinnipiac tested a general-election matchup between McCollum and Sink; the GOPer led by 1% with 29% undec. Signaling a more diverse base of support, McCollum leads Indies by 11% and draws twice as many crossover votes from Dems as Sink gets from GOPers.
The Quinnipiac Univ. survey, conducted 1/14-19, surveyed 1,370 RVs and has margin of error +/- 2.6%. The poll includes subsamples of 522 GOPers (with margin of error +/- 4.3%) and 442 Dems (with margin of error +/- 4.7%).
Democrats elected VA Gov. Tim Kaine as their next party chairman today in Washington. Kaine, an early endorser of Barack Obama's presidential bid, told an audience gathered at a Washington hotel that he will build on the successful efforts of outgoing party chairman Howard Dean, who crafted and ably championed a 50-state strategy that helped Obama win the White House.
Here is Kaine today, per a transcript of his remarks circulated by the DNC:
The best lesson I've learned-one that applies to politics in Virginia as well as the rest of the country-is that we don't win races just because of the "D" after our names. We win because we have made the Democratic Party stand for something in people's minds...
...We are the problem solvers-not the ideologues.
... We are the unifiers-not the obstructionists or gridlock masters.
...We reject the politics of anger and fear and embrace the values of hard work and equality.
...We don't rally the 52 percent by figuring out new ways to demonize or marginalize the 48 percent.
...We offer a positive vision for the country based on the core values of our party.
And here's what Kaine had to say about Dean:
I also want to thank Howard Dean for his remarkable service to our party and our country. I have no doubt that our future success will be in no small part due to the incredible work of Governor Dean-and I am well aware of the big shoes I have to fill following on the heels of a certain 50-state strategy that made us competitive in places we never thought possible.
I'm honored by the opportunity to channel my faith and passion for good government into an unstoppable movement for change in this country-and I'm eager to turn a commitment to the success of visionaries like Barack Obama and Howard Dean into the continued success of the Democratic Party and a generation of leaders to come. ...
There's no question it'll be hard to match Howard Dean's record as chairman of this party. His 50-state strategy was simple and powerful. The Obama campaign adopted it and the results speak for themselves.
The basic point-and the principle I'll carry with me as DNC Chair-is that everybody matters...
...You don't have to be a big donor for your donation to matter.
...You don't have to be an expert for your idea to matter.
...You don't have to be a full-time campaign worker for your effort to matter.
I will be true to that strategy-every state, every community, every person matters.
A clear tribute to Dean. Long overdue, however, by the measure of many DNCers and Dean supporters angered by Obama's decision to officially pass the baton to Kaine earlier this month without Dean on hand for the press event.
Kaine's full remarks are available after the jump.
A first statement from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs:
At 8:35 AM, the President arrived in the Oval Office and spent 10 minutes alone in the office. He read the note left to him by President Bush that was in an envelope marked "To: #44, From: #43". At 8:45 AM, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel came in to discuss the schedule of today's events. The First Lady came into the Oval Office at 9:10 AM. We will release a picture shortly.
Former state Del. Brian Moran's gubernatorial campaign will officially announce later today that Joe Trippi has signed on as media consultant and general strategist.
His hire marks an interesting intersection of the past and present Democratic National Committee. Trippi was a key adviser to Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign. And Moran is vying with former DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe, as well as state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County, for the party's nomination. McAuliffe, a close confidant of Bill and Hillary Clinton, led the DNC from 2001-2005.
No doubt the Moran camp will work to emphasize the difference in tone and efficacy of the party between the McAuliffe and Dean eras.
Trippi, who most recently advised John Edwards' 2008 presidential campaign, announced his work for Moran today in a post on Daily Kos:
Yesterday marked a triumph for this people-powered movement. Obama's win proved that the politics-as-usual is over, that no longer are we at the mercy of party bosses, big money candidates, and the Washington insiders. We control our Party. It is the people's time. And I celebrated that fact last night.
But as Obama said yesterday (in slightly different context, of course), "we must [...] dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America." So, despite our triumph, the work of this movement continues.
With that inspiration, I officially announce that I have joined the Brian Moran for Governor campaign in Virginia. As the Media Consultant and General Strategist for the campaign, I'll fight for Brian and his mission - to stand-up for working families and continue the progress that Governors Kaine and Warner began.
And this:
And we need a candidate who understands Virginia, a leader who has lived in Virginia, a man that doesn't just search for political opportunity, but has been there in the trenches fighting for working families. Brian has spent two decades fighting for people - working to raise the minimum wage, expand healthcare for every child, and raise teacher salaries.
That's why I'm supporting Brian Moran. He grew up in a struggling middle-class family and took his first job at 14. He worked construction, gas station attendant and bar tender to put himself through college and law school.
The reviews of Pres. Obama's inaugural address are in:
WH historian Doris Kearns Goodwin: "There were echoes of Roosevelt, echoes of Lincoln -- he made it his own. He made it his call to this generation to be able to experience what other generations in our country have been lucky enough to experience, a time when their concerns were larger than their individual lives and they felt that sense of being summoned to a larger spirit. ... It sort of was a profound level below the ordinary domestic policy speech or the foreign policy speech. It was a return to the values that America stood for. America has never been just a country. It's always been an ideal that ordinary people could govern themselves" (MSNBC, 1/20).
Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC): "I am ready to do many of the things that were said in the speech, but I just want to be met half way" (FNC, 1/20).
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields: "It was not a great speech. Speeches have brought Barack Obama to where he is: the speech of 2004; certainly, the Reverend Wright speech; memorable speeches along the way, his announcement speech; the speech accepting the nomination. This was not his greatest speech. But the speeches have brought him to where he is. And now it's time for action and decisions, but it's given him that chance to become a great president" ("NewsHour," PBS, 1/20).
Ex-Sec/State Colin Powell: "I think it was a very powerful statement, and I think it was a proper statement. We do have foes out there, and they should be on notice that America will deal with them. ... But I think he also made it clear that his preference is to find peaceful ways to talk to people and to work with our friends and allies" (CNN, 1/20).
More after the jump, including Obama's thoughts on the historic day.
WASHINGTON -- Many Americans -- and political figures -- struggle to find the appropriate intersection of faith and government in our society. Today's inaugural remarks -- the invocation given by Pastor Rick Warren, the Rev. Joseph Lowery's benediction and President Obama's speech -- show that the interweaving of God and religion in public life will not likely be tempered by this new Democratic administration but rather could be ever more prevalent -- and yet more inclusive. These three men together created a narrative of faith in the public life that turned on love.
Warren, leader of the Saddleback Church who has equated the gay lifestyle with incest and whose selection by Obama to lead the nation in prayer was met with cries of outrage from many factions of the Democrat's base, did not shy away today from references to God in his invocation before the nation.
Warren began: "Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can't see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is one. And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made."
He continued by asking the Lord to bless the Obama family.
"I humbly ask this," he said, "in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus, Jesus (Hay-soos), who taught us to pray."
In invoking the name of Jesus in four languages, Warren's message is that Jesus is his God but also the God of many, no matter race or nationality. It seems a modest outreach perhaps from a man who has used divisive, inflammatory language to describe the lifestyles of gay Americans. But relatedly, Obama would massage a broader point of the day, describing the diversity of Americans and their beliefs as a great asset.
"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness," said the nations' 44th president. "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers."
Non-believers. Had to be a first reference in inaugural history.
Obama, a Christian, also referenced Paul's letter fo the Corinthians, which explains that the embracing of deep love marks maturity, a sense of self and purpose. A message that is easily broadened to apply to the governance of this great country -- especially emerging from the less tolerant, more rigid Bush years.
"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things," Obama said. "The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
His allusion is to a chapter and verse that turns on the many measures of love:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous. ... it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury."
A translation for America during these trying times is that affection for the national cause, for our neighbors, too, marks a high purpose, a call to service even.
Lowery, who referenced God or Lord eight times during his benediction, made the pitch plain. "And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance," he said.
How will the era of Obama shape the use of religion in the public life? Faith as service. Service as love. Love as devotion to country -- and countrymen.
Here's Lowery:
"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen."
Sen. Ted Kennedy's office issued a statement this afternoon from Dr. Edward Aulisi, chairman of neurosurgery at Washington Hospital Center:
"Senator Edward Kennedy experienced a seizure today while attending a luncheon for President Barack Obama in the U.S. Capitol. After testing, we believe the incident was brought on by simple fatigue. Senator Kennedy is awake, talking with family and friends, and feeling well. He will remain at the Washington Hospital Center overnight for observation, and will be released in the morning."
Kennedy had a seizure during the congressional lunch today honoring President Obama.
Check out Whitehouse.gov's first post, which promises communication, transparency and participation via the site. With a new POTUS, comes a new Web age at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
With his hand on the great book used by Abraham Lincoln at his inaugural, Barack Obama manage today to mangle his oath of office. Actually, the usually easy repeat-after-me statement was clumsily administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Both men managed nonetheless to smile their way through the stumbles.
Here's how the proper oath:
"I (name) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
And click above for the Obama/Roberts version.
Two usually unflappable men who, with history at the tips of their tongues, showed they're only human.
And one other note, while Obama was introduced to the crowd at the outset of the ceremony as "Barack H. Obama," he stated his full name -- Hussein and all -- during the oath.
When President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush arrive home in Midland, Tx., this afternoon, a celebration awaits, featuring the Gatlin Brothers and Lee Greenwood.
From my perch in a press section near the front of the Capitol grounds, I saw the famed photographer Annie Leibovitz snapping shots of the inaugural ceremony. Wearing a black cap and black ski jacket and hiking boots, she darted about, changing cameras frequently, and shooting the officials on stage as well as the grand landscape of people who filled the National Mall.
NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and companion Diana Taylor perched in the back of the press section. He told a colleague that he was headed back to New York after the ceremony. Via Amtrak.
A hatless Usher wandered through as well. Adding a dash of cool to the pit.
Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin stopping by Rep. Anthony Weiner's post inaugural bash in the Rayburn HOB building.
Outlets are reporting that Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), who is undergoing treatment for a malignant brain tumor, collapsed during a congressional luncheon honoring President Obama. Reports indicate that Kennedy had a seizure.
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), the most elderly member of the Senate, also fell ill the luncheon, according to the AP.
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued a statement after Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States that promised an effort to find "common groundd" to solve the nation's problems:
"The defining characteristic of our American democracy is the peaceful transfer of presidential power, and once again, our nation has proven to friends and foes alike that the world's most powerful nation is governed above all else by the wisdom and will of its citizens. The next four years will be marked by considerable challenges - but also considerable opportunities for all leaders in Washington, regardless of party, to work together on behalf of the American people. House Republicans look forward to finding common ground with the President on solutions to rebuild our economy, strengthen American families, and keep our country safe. Today is a day of celebration - a celebration of our thriving democracy and a celebration of our nation's first African-American President. I wish President Obama and his family all my best and look forward to traveling the next four years with him in our continuing American journey."
WASHINGTON -- Barack Hussein Obama struck a somber, cautionary note today as he was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, advising a newly optimistic American public that healing the nation's economic woes and rekindling strained international relationships will require hard work, but also promising a break from the political rancor that has marked the last eight years.
"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord," he said, standing without a topcoat on this cold morning. "On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things."
Though he thanked President Bush at the outset for his service and for easing the transition between administrations, much of Obama's speech plainly denounced the policies and governing approach of his predecessor, a man who preferred his vacation home in Midland, Texas, or the peace of Camp David over Washington and governing. Bush, just the second son of a president to win the nation's highest office, was a central figure of Obama's brief address as the new president promised to rebuild the country with the help of everyday Americans.
"In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given," he said. "It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."
Without naming them, Obama also said that the constitutional freedoms that have been hampered in recent years -- including perhaps warantless wiretapping and torture -- would be restored under his leadership.
"As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals," said Obama, the former law professor. "Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more."
His speech -- given before a National Mall dotted with flag waving citizens as far as the eye could see -- emphasized the importance of equality for all and included a promise to restore the "vital trust" between citizens and government. He advised those who aim to harm our nation, even in this time of great domestic financial concern, that the country's "spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
"To the Muslim world," Obama said, "we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
Ordinary Americans braved bitter temperatures -- the day dawned at 19 degrees, according to local weather reports -- as well as a local transportation system not accustomed to carrying millions of people. They wore hats and furs, babies strapped to their chests, tucked safely underneath coats, and they carried cameras to document the day they saw the first African American assume the highest office in the land. While the journeying was difficult, spirits were high.
"I went to segregated schools," Ngina Lythcott, 63, a Boston University associate dean of students, said, her eyes filling with tears as she assessed the enormity of the 2M who gathered for this quadrennial tradition. "This is a miracle."
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who leads the joint congressional committee handling inaugural matters, reveled early in the ceremony in the "sweet victory of this hour," calling Obama's election a "turning point for real and necessary change." She said no one should ever again doubt the supremacy of the ballot over the bullet in this nation.
Pastor Rick Warren, who gave the day's much anticipated invocation, also noted the historic nature of Obama's election, calling America the "land of unequaled possibility."
After the ceremony, the Obamas escorted the Bushes to a waiting helicopter outside the Capitol. The couples embraced warmly. Bush ascended the steps, turned and waved one final time. The helicopter lifted and traveled back over the building, allowing the President and First Lady a final view of the packed mall. Revelers exiting the event stopped in their tracks to watch Bush fly off. They waved back at him. Many cheered his departure.
"Goodbye," one woman said, gazing toward the sky. "Finally."
As Pres.-Elect Barack Obama prepares to make history as the 44th POTUS, a new poll shows a plurality of Americans believe he should model his Dem admin. on that of a historic GOP POTUS. Out of 10 notable predecessors, more than one in four U.S. RVs (26%) think Obama should look towards Ronald Reagan -- 8% more than any Dem tested.
The survey, conducted by DC-based Clarus Research Group, showed Franklin D. Roosevelt directly behind Reagan with 18%, followed by John F. Kennedy at 17% and Abraham Lincoln at 13%.
Reagan's success was driven by greater solidarity among GOPers, while FDR and JFK saw a close one-two finish among Dems. More than half of GOP respondents (59%) chose Reagan, while the 32nd and 35th POTUSes pulled 27% and 26% of Dem support, respectively.
In addition, to Reagan, FDR, JFK and Lincoln, RVs could choose among George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The poll, conducted 1/13-18, surveyed 1,000 RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.1%.
For all the media coverage of and liberal grumbling regarding Pres.-Elect Barack Obama's choice of Pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation 1/20, more than half of U.S. adults do not know enough about the selection to have an opinion about it.
According to a Gallup poll released this p.m., 52% of respondents were not familiar with Obama's selection of the controversial evangelical leader and best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life.
At the same time, those adults aware of Obama's choice overwhelmingly approved of Warren giving the invocation. Nearly two-fifths (39%) of all adults surveyed said they approved of Warren offering the inaugural prayer, while just 9% disapproved.
The Gallup survey, conducted 1/16-17, surveyed 1,046 adults and has margin of error +/- 3.0%.
(King anchoring "State of the Union" -- photo courtesy of CNN)
The Hotline caught up with CNN's John King yesterday on the roof of the Newseum, where his new show, "State of the Union," was being taped (the show will be back in the net's DC studios next Sunday).
King, who set his alarm yesterday for 5:10am (but hit snooze until 5:20am), used to say "sleep is overrated" while working for AP. King: "I'm about to find out if it's true."
Among the best pieces of advice predecessor Wolf Blitzer has offered him, King said "just have fun" and "have a passion for what you do." King added that Blitzer has led by example, naming Blitzer's ability to remain calm and "go with the flow" as good techniques to follow. King: "He's unflappable."
"I wasn't born with patience," said King, who noted live TV has helped teach him the virtue.
Incoming Obama staffers made the TV rounds to discuss Pres.-elect Obama's inauguration and the goals of the new admin. In its first broadcast, "State of the Union" hosted Obama sr. adviser David Axelrod.
Axelrod, on what this moment means to him: "You can't help but be here this weekend and not be moved by the magnitude of this. And mostly, I'm thrilled because I really believe in him. I think this country needs an extraordinary president right now, and I think he'll be one."
Axelrod, asked what Obama's very first act as POTUS will be: "I think it's telling that his first acts happened before he was president. He came to town two weeks early to begin working on an economic recovery package. ... And so he is going to continue to work on that. And, you know, he's going to follow through on some of his other commitments. He will be meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to begin an orderly and responsible withdrawal from Iraq."
More after the jump, including an interview with Obama and Pelosi/Summers on the stimulus.
Embarking a whistle stop tour reminiscent of those taken by presidents past, most notably idol Abraham Lincoln, Pres.-elect Barack Obama and his family rolled through three states today that played critical roles in the birth of our nation: PA, DE and MD. The trip, which concluded at Washington's Union Station, marked the start of a three-day inaugural celebration that is expected to draw up to 4M visitors to the capital city.
During speeches in Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore that drew tens of thousands, Obama called for a new declaration of independence, one that requires citizens to abandon "ideoplogy and small thinking, prejudice and bigotry" to help restore this country to greatness.
Obama urged Americans not to forget that they are the "heirs of that first band of patriots," those ordinary people who helped craft -- against all odds and obstacles -- the principles that still guide our government. Revolution, he said, "remains an ongoing struggle."
Obama's words marked a cry not just for unity but for shared sacrifice. For an understanding that for progress to be made, the country as a whole must band together to make tough choices and transitions. Beyond the pomp and circumstance of the moment, the comparisons to Lincoln, this appears to be the very core of Obama's message. Obama has, of course, advocated a change in how government does business, but he is equally urgent in his plea to Americans to get active again in the communities, to make responsible decisions about their consumption, and to brace themselves for the difficult journey that lies ahead.
For those who might've missed it, snippets of this historic trip:
To the inauguration of the nation's 44th POTUS. For those planning to brave the frigid temps, remember to leave behind the following objects:
* Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
* Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
* Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
* Mace and/or pepper spray
* Sticks or poles
* Pocket or hand tools, such as "Leatherman"
* Packages
* Backpacks
* Large bags
* Duffel bags
* Suitcases
* Thermoses
* Coolers
* Strollers
* Umbrellas
* Laser pointers
* Signs
* Posters
* Animals (other than service animals)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners
Mobility Aids such as canes, including those with a fold-down seat, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters are allowed, according to the Presidential Inaugural Cmte.
When FL Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that she would not seek the state's open U.S. Senate seat in 2010, the floodgates opened for a string of lesser known Democrats to take a shot at the job.
Having run a successful statewide campaign previously, Sink was widely believed to be the frontrunner for the Dem nomination, and without her in the race, the advantage shifts, marginally perhaps, to the GOP. Sink's decision surprised the FL political establishment, and local reports indicate that she is instead eyeing a 2014 gubernatorial bid. Republican Gov. Charlie Crist is term limited.
"Over the past several weeks, I have given serious and careful thought to my own future and, more importantly, to the future of our state," Sink said in a statement. "And I am extremely grateful for the support and advice so many friends and fellow Floridians have shared.
"I believe my skills and abilities are of greatest use here in Florida, where I am honored to serve as Chief Financial Officer. And I will run for re-election as Chief Financial Officer to continue being a fiscal watchdog on behalf of the people of Florida."
With Sink out on the Democratic side and Jeb Bush's recent announcement that he would not seek the GOP nomination for Senate, the highest profile candidates are out of the running.
Who remains?
Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek, who hails from the 17th District, announced his intention to run this week. And he has already scored one well-known party adviser, Steve Hildebrand, a veteran strategist who served as President-elect Barack Obama's deputy campaign manager.
Some believe that Reps. Allen Boyd (D-FL 2) and Ron Klein (D-FL 22) might make a play for the seat.
Here's Boyd in a release today:
"Alex Sink would have been a tremendous candidate for the U.S. Senate. Florida is fortunate that she'll be staying on as CFO. I've always said that the decision to run for the U.S. Senate is a personal one for me and does not hinge on what anyone else decides to do. I love serving the people of North Florida in the House of Representatives, but I'm considering a Senate run because of the very serious challenges facing my fellow Floridians. I'm not going to drag this out. I'm very close to a decision and will make my decision public."
And former FL House Minority Leader Dan Gelber, who waited for Sink to make her decision, will also seek the nom.
"Given this morning's news, I fully expect to officially enter the race in the coming weeks," Gelber said in a statement on his campaign's Web site. "The task of preparing for such a race is complex, thus I will be making a more formal announcement soon."
On the GOP side, potential candidates in the mix include Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL 13) , Rep. Connie Mack (Fl 13) and Marco Rubio, the former FL House Speaker whose campaign Web site looks all but ready to roll.
Mack, son of the former senator of the same name, likely has the greatest statewide name recognition -- an undeniable asset given the shape of the field. Buchanan, a car dealership owner with ties to the business community, has access to a solid fundraising network. And Rubio has vital establishment ties from his time in Tallahassee; he's also close to retiring Sen. Mel Martinez.
The nets' extensive plans for inauguration coverage are below (in alphabetical order):
ABC
• ABC's 1/20 coverage begins at 7am with a special three-hour edition of "GMA" at the Library of Congress. At 10am, Charles Gibson, Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos will anchor coverage of the inauguration from the Newseum.
• At 8pm, ABC will broadcast "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration." At 10 pm, Gibson, Sawyer and Stephanopoulos will anchor the ABC News Special "A Moment in History: The Inauguration of Barack Obama."
• The net will also provide live coverage of many of Obama's events 1/17-19, beginning with his train trip from Philly. "World News" will be anchored from DC beginning 1/17. On 1/20, "World News" will be an extended, 90-minute edition (6:30-8pm).
• "GMA" will originate from DC on 1/19 and the weekend edition will originate from DC on 1/18. "Nightline" will be anchored from DC 1/19-20.
Here are the scheduled guests for the Sunday public affairs shows and other weekend programs:
SUNDAY:
Meet the Press hosts incoming WH CoS Rahm Emanuel and a roundtable with NBC's Tom Brokaw, New York Times' David Brooks, WH historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, PBS' Tavis Smiley and NBC's Chuck Todd.
Face the Nation hosts incoming Nat'l Economic Council dir. Lawrence Summers, Georgetown Univ.'s Michael Eric Dyson and Slate's John Dickerson.
This Week hosts Obama sr. adviser David Axelrod and a roundtable with Washington Post's E.J. Dionne, PBS' Gwen Ifill, Dem strategist Donna Brazile, ex-Bush strategist Matthew Dowd and George Will.
Fox News Sunday hosts Speaker Nancy Pelosi and incoming WH press sec. Robert Gibbs.
State of the Union hosts Pres.-elect Obama, Axelrod, Bush WH press sec. Dana Perino and Bush WH counselor Ed Gillespie (see below for guests on SOTU's Reliable Sources segment).
Despite the sometimes intense friction over the last eight years between the WH and reporters, Dana Perino, Pres. Bush's fourth and final press sec., today lamented the decline of traditional journalism.
Perino, who grew up as a "consumer of news" in Denver, said during a Christian Science Monitor breakfast at DC's St. Regis Hotel that she strongly believes the world needs more reporters. Having left the journalism world because "it just wasn't for me," Perino said she is still saddened to see the industry's shrinkage. Perino described her job as not just defending the POTUS but also defending the press to the POTUS (she later noted that she had to spend more time defending Bush).
Asked what advice she gave incoming Obama administration press sec. Robert Gibbs, Perino said she advised him not to return to the press gaggle scenario, to utilize the people around him in the West Wing and in the admin., to keep the nat'l security spokesperson in the West Wing, and to always return his spouse's phone calls (Perino's '08 New Year's resolution). Moreover, she told Gibbs that most WH press secs. want to be proactive but end up being reactive.
After the breakfast, Perino returned to the WH for her 145th and final press briefing. Perino and husband Peter McMahon will embark next week on a six-week trip (with stops in Scotland, the Arab Health Conference in Dubai and South Africa). Perino is most looking forward to the month in South Africa, where she will spend two weeks volunteering for Bush's PEPFAR.
Perino dismissed rumors that she will be working for PEPFAR after her time in the WH. As for a future book, Perino said she would be interested in writing about GOP women because they are "misunderstood, miscast and ridiculed." Although nothing has been set in stone, she said she would never write a kiss-and-tell memoir.
In response to the U.S. Airways plane crash overshadowing Bush's farewell speech last night, Perino said, "Of course that's going to happen. ... We've come to expect the unexpected."
And what are her boss's post-inauguration plans? Perino: "He looks forward to making [Laura Bush] coffee on Wednesday."
We're debuting a new feature this morning -- The Hotline's Morning Grind -- a look, via video, at the day's biggest stories. Editors Amy Walter and John Mercurio will give readers an inside view of Hotline prep, providing a preview of the stories that will be covered later in the The Hotline. Enjoy!
The Hudson plane crash completely dominated last night's TV coverage, but there managed to be some reaction to Pres. Bush's farewell speech, AG-designate Eric Holder's confirmation hearing and Pres.-elect Obama's stimulus plan. First up, Bush's goodbye:
FNC's O'Reilly: "I thought the president's speech was good. He's certainly entitled to give it and should give it. Lists his accomplishments and what he believed he did for the country. But he should have done it a long time ago, because by not answering his critics, which became louder and louder and more hateful and more hateful, the critics basically beat him in the public relations battle" ("O'Reilly Factor," 1/15).
Ex-WH press sec. Scott McClellan: "There was opportunity wasted. ... You're not even going to begin to get people to really tune in and listen to what you have to say unless you express candidly where your mistakes and misjudgments were. And the president won't even acknowledge a single mistake of significance. ... There is plenty of opportunity missed in all these exit interviews, and the exit press conference, and the farewell speech tonight" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 1/15).
CNN's Blitzer: "I thought he was gracious in welcoming a new president of the United States. ... And he went about as far as he wants to go, certainly, as he can in acknowledging mistakes, acknowledging things didn't always go well" ("No Bias, No Bull," 1/15).
A Pew Research Center poll released this a.m. shows two of three U.S. adults plan to watch Pres.-Elect Barack Obama's 1/20 inauguration. Nearly nine of 10 Obama voters (89%) will watch, while less than half (46%) of John McCain voters will tune in.
Pew reports 85% of Dems, 49% of GOPers and 62% of Indies plan to watch. Among African-Americans, 92% say they will watch, the largest proportion of any demographic surveyed.
The poll, conducted 1/7-11, surveyed 1,503 adults and has margin of error +/- 2.5%.
The White House released excerpts this afternoon of President Bush's latest stop in his goodbye tour -- his 8 p.m. televised address to the nation.
Snippets ...
On 9/11:
Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed. Our Nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them.
There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe - law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
On challenges ahead:
While our Nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.
At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.
On the Administration's accomplishments:
For eight years, we have also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America's air, water, and lands are measurably cleaner. And the Federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.
On the transfer of power:
Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole Nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.
On gratitude:
Tonight I am filled with gratitude. I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.
As DC braces for Hurricane Barack, a new poll from NBC News/Wall Street Journal makes clear why hotel rooms are scarce and street closures plentiful. The survey, conducted by Dem-pollster Peter Hart and GOP-pollster Bill McInturff, shows an American public feeling more positive towards and more confident in the Pres.-Elect than in '01 and '93.
More than three-quarters of U.S. adults (77%) like Pres.-Elect Barack Obama personally and six in 10 approve of his policies. Asked how they feel towards the PEOTUS, nearly two-thirds (66%) give Obama a positive rating -- besting Pres. George W. Bush's 1/01 mark by 14% and ex-Pres. Bill Clinton's by 2%. What's more, Obama's 43% "very positive" rating is 18% higher and 10% higher than the corresponding inaugural ratings for Bush and Clinton, respectively.
Meanwhile, 59% are confident Obama has the right personal characteristics to be POTUS, including 31% who are "extremely confident." In 1/01, 40% were confident in Bush's character (with 19% extremely), and in 1/93, 47% were confident in Clinton's character (with just 16% extremely).
Asked if Obama has the right set of goals and policies to be POTUS, 54% are confident he does, including 29% who are "extremely confident." When Bush took office, 40% were confident in his goals and policies, with 15% who were extremely confident; in 1/93, 50% were confident in Clinton's goals and policies, including 19% who were extremely confident.
The NBC/WSJ poll, conducted 1/9-12, surveyed 1,007 adults and has margin of error +/- 3.1%.
Roland Burris was sworn in today as the junior senator from IL, giving the Democrats a 58-41 majority in the U.S. Senate and ending one storyline in the ongoing political drama surrounding the arrest of his homestate governor.
VP Dick Cheney administered the oath to Burris, and his colleagues toasted the newest member of this exclusive club with brownies and cookies.
After eight years as the junior senator from NY, Hillary Clinton bid adieu today to her colleagues. She thanked her fellow senators for their mentoring and friendship and the people of NY for allowing her to serve. Clinton said she's visited eight state fairs, 45 parades and 62 counties, and attended more than 4,600 events across the state.
"I look back wistfully," said the nation's next Secretary of State, "and I look forward hopefully."
CBS' Couric sat down with Pres.-elect Obama. In the interview, Obama was asked if Treas. Sec.-designate/NY FED Pres. Tim Geithner's failure to pay taxes is embarrassing.
Obama: "Well, I think he's embarrassed about it. ... But we knew about this before we nominated him. It was an innocent mistake, a common mistake that's made. But here's the bottom line: Nobody denies that he is uniquely qualified for this job, that he has more experience in dealing with international crises. He has been uniformly praised by Republicans and Democrats and by the marketplace, and so I'm confident he will be confirmed and I'm confident he will do an outstanding job."
More from the interview:
Couric: "Forty percent of your stimulus package relies on tax cuts with the hopes that people will invest that money or put it back into the economy. ... But some critics have said, hey, that didn't really happen the last time. Why will it this time?"
Obama: "First of all, I think it's important to understand that the majority of our spending is direct government spending on critical infrastructure that will set the table for long-term economic growth. We're going to double alternative energy, we're going to rebuild our schools and community colleges and public universities. We're going to invest billions of dollars in health information technology so that we can drive down costs for average families. So that's where the majority of the money is going."
After the jump, Obama reaches out to the right and legacy tour '09.
It didn't take long for the strengthened Dem majority of the new Congress to test vulnerable GOPers. Yesterday's S-CHIP vote passed overwhelmingly, and with the help of a few GOP converts.
The roll call of the 40 GOP "Ayes" on the vote includes a few newly endangered Members, including the brothers Diaz-Balart (21 and 25) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (18). All three failed to vote for the bill in '07, but had a change of heart after they endured difficult re-elections in '08.
Other surprise "Ayes" include Rep. Don Young (R-AK AL), who burnt off two of his nine lives with improbable primary and general election victories [CORRECTION: Young voted three times for S-CHIP in '07, and voted "present" for a separate Dem S-CHIP bill]. Ditto for Rep. Thad McCotter (R-MI 11) -- yes, he of the conservative Republican Study Group. But McCotter also was surprised on election day, earning only 51% of the vote against a nominal challenger.
Have Dems found new legislative partners in these newly endangered Reps? Time, and plenty of controversial legislation to come, will tell.
A new poll released this a.m. shows a drop in support among NY RVs for Caroline Kennedy's (D) appointment to the U.S. Senate. The new survey from Quinnipiac Univ. comes amid appeals from NY Dems for Gov. David Paterson (D) to appoint another candidate.
Quinnipiac reports just 24% now believe Paterson should appoint Kennedy to Sec/State-designate Hillary Clinton's (D) nearly vacant seat, down from 33% in a poll taken late last year. More NYers (31%) now favor AG Andrew Cuomo, who is up 2% from the 12/08 survey. Kennedy's support also dropped 10% among Dems and 9% among Indies.
In the 12/08 poll, 46% of NY RVs thought Kennedy would make a good Sen., and 48% thought Paterson would appoint her to replace HRC. Today, just 37% think she'd make a good Sen., and 38% think she'll get the nod from Paterson. Among Dems, those figures are down 9% and 12%; among Indies, they're down 14% and 9%.
In addition to diminished support for her appointment, Kennedy's favorable rating dropped 7% to 39%, while her unfavorable jumped 12% to 29%. Of particular note, Kennedy's fav among Indies fell 13% to 33%, and her Indie unfav rose 8% to 31%.
The new Quinnipiac poll, conducted 1/8-12, surveyed 1,664 NY RVs and has margin of error +/- 2.4%. The earlier survey, conducted 12/17-21, surveyed 834 NY RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.4%.
Former Rep. Rob Portman announced his intention this morning to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. George Voinovich. Portman, who led the Office of Management and Budget and served as U.S. Trade Rep. during President Bush's administration, becomes the first GOPer to enter the fray.
"I understand some of the pressures that businesses are facing right now as they try to create jobs and opportunity," Portman said. "I understand what middle-class families are going through in Ohio. We have got to put politics aside in Washington and solve these problems."
Portman represented OH's 2nd District for a dozen years before entering the administration. He was rumored last year to be on John McCain's short list for veep. He is wonky and well-respected, a lawmaker who gravitates to issues like pension reform and, while party loyal, has a reputation for working across the aisle. He also has the national network necessary to raise the $25M or more the race is expected to cost.
There are other Republicans considering a bid, including Auditor Mary Taylor and former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, according to local published reports. And former OH Sec. of State Ken Blackwell, who is vying for the Republican National Committee chairmanship, is another high profile Republican who, depending on the outcome of the party contest, could seek the seat.
Today, however, House Republican Leader John Boehner, who represents OH's 8th District, endorsed Portman, saying there is "no stronger candidate to represent Ohio" and that he has the "unique ability to build a consensus around his core principles."
"Rob is a capable and principled reformer, well-liked throughout the Buckeye State and well-known for his commitment to policies that help create new jobs," Boehner said in a statement. "With Congressional Democrats plotting to increase government spending to unprecedented levels, America will need an experienced public servant like Ohio’s Rob Portman to help keep Washington from burying our children under mountains of debt.
“Rob has spent his career advocating for everyday families and small businesses, and has been an important partner in the fight against wasteful spending. For example, in Congress he was instrumental in crafting legislation to strengthen retirement options for workers. And his tenure as OMB Director led to the first-ever online earmark database accessible to the public -- an important tool for taxpayers weary of runaway pork-barrel spending."
There is no end, apparently, to the branding of Barack Obama. Even designers Donna Karan, Derek Lam, Diane Von Furstenberg and Tory Burch are getting in on the action. Think tees and totes emblazoned with "I Heart My President" and more. For your shopping pleasure, courtesy of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Questions were raised about the nomination of Treas. Sec.-designate/NY FED Pres. Tim Geithner, amid reports he failed to pay some personal taxes and a problem with his housekeeper.
Pat Buchanan: "Geithner's got a nanny problem. ... What he did, apparently, wasn't that bad. ... But the other stuff, the taxes and stuff like that, here's a guy that's going to be running the IRS, who's going to pounding on guys like us ... saying pay every dime, and he missed about eight years" ("Hannity," FNC, 1/13).
Fortune's Serwer: "You would rather have a treasury secretary who had a couple speeding tickets, rather than problems with their taxes, right?" ("No Bias, No Bull," CNN, 1/13).
Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), on whether Geithner's tax issues will affect his chances for confirmation: "No, because I understand that he repaid that sometime ago, that he misunderstood the fact that he was self-employed when he was working with the IMF. I don't fully understand that. But my understanding is that he paid it all back" ("Rachel Maddow Show," 1/13).
After the jump, HRC's confirmation performance and Bush continues his farewell tour.
The Nat'l Weather Service released its first detailed forecast for Inauguration Day this afternoon, and it includes -- drumroll, please -- the chance of snow. The weather service is predicting a mostly cloudy day with a 30% chance of snow. Daytime highs will top out in the lower 30s.
The weather service is typically vague more than four or five days in advance due to wide variations in long-term projections, and their operational forecast discussion this p.m. reflects that philosophy: "Below normal temperatures are expected for Tuesday as well. Another disturbance will bringing (sic) the chance for snow. The exact timing and track of this disturbance remains uncertain this far out."
Still, even the prospect of snow is likely to send DC and fed. agencies scrambling. What to do with the estimated 2M to 4M people expected to make the pilgrimage to Washington for Pres.-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony?
If significant snow does fall, it would not be the first time the inauguration was impacted by adverse weather conditions.
A new study released by the Pew Center On The States suggests that for thousands serving in the U.S. military, the right to vote is not guaranteed. According to the study's findings, fully half the states "need to improve their absentee voting process for overseas military voters." Of those, 16 and D.C. "do not provide enough time to vote for military men and women stationed overseas."
"It's a little troubling that as we have thousands of men and women serving us overseas that those trying to vote in half the states have significant problems," said David Becker, director of Pew's "Make Voting Work" project.
As Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) testifies before the Sen. Foreign Relations Cmte, USA Today/Gallup released a new poll showing a restored public image of the Sec/State-designate. According to the survey, 65% of U.S. adults now have a favorable image of HRC, up from 54% in 8/08. Over the same period, her unfavorable rating has dropped from 43% to just 33%.
HRC's current fav rating is actually her highest mark in a decade. The ex-FLOTUS last hit 65% in 3/99 -- just as Monica Lewinsky sat down with Barbara Walters, graced the cover of Time and dropped by "Saturday Night Live" to promote Monica's Story.
Indeed, beyond those trying years of '97-'99, the only other time HRC's fav has crossed 60% was the first days of her husband's presidency. In 9/93, 4/93 and 3/93, USA Today/Gallup tracked HRC at 62%, 61% and 61%, respectively.
The latest poll, conducted 1/9-11, surveyed 1,031 adults and has margin of error +/- 3.1%.
As Sen. Hillary Clinton fields mostly friendly questions from members of the Senate Foreign Relations Cmte, she is repeatedly hitting a matter of interest and concern that has been prominent throughout her public career -- the plight of the world's underserved women and children.
Clinton has, of course, addressed Iran and Iraq, and other hot spots in the international scene, promising to use "smart power" in approaching the nation's delicate diplomatic endeavors. But listening closely to her comments and the answers to her colleagues' questions, Clinton appears most animated, most passionate when addressing the needs of women.
“Our foreign policy must reflect our deep commitment to help millions of oppressed people around the world," Clinton said in her opening statement. "And of particular concern to me is the plight of women and girls, who comprise the majority of the world’s unhealthy, unschooled, unfed and unpaid. If half the world’s population remains vulnerable to economic, political, legal and social marginalization, our hope of advancing democracy and prosperity is in serious jeopardy.”
Clinton discussed the work of Pres.-elect Barack Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, whom she called "a pioneer in microfinance in Indonesia." This aside amounted to more than a shout out to Obama's late parent. It allowed Clinton to complement Obama for embracing his mother's "care and concern" for women and the poor and to show that Dunham's work in international development informed her son's views and vision. Clinton said that her charge as secretary of state will reflect the values imparted to the nation's 44th president by his mother.
"We will be honored to carry on Ann Dunham's work in the months and years ahead," Clinton said, noting, too, that Dunham had planned to travel to Beijing in 1995 for the women's conference that featured then First Lady Clinton has a prominent speaker.
Clinton captured the world's attention when she chided China for marginalizing women. "It is no longer acceptable," she said at the time, "to discuss women's rights as separate from human rights."
Clinton is perhaps entering the position in her career most suited to tackling the many issues of concern to women around the globe.
Her full opening statement is available after the jump.
Last night's TV talk primarily focused on Pres. Bush's "ultimate exit interview" at the WH.
Newsweek's Wolffe: "What really struck me was the lack of awareness that he displayed throughout, the lack of self-awareness, the lack of understanding about the impacts of his policy, his position in the world, but even just about himself. I mean, it's very striking when you compare him to the incoming president who has this extraordinary capacity to look at himself and his surroundings. ... This was a president who came in believing that the presidency was about a performance and we saw the final act today" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 1/12).
Syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer: "He displayed his usual equanimity, and also generosity of spirit. He is a man who is not at all tortured by his years in office. ... I think he sees himself as a Truman president. ... Truman was scorned, excoriated, very low popularity, also in the middle of an unpopular war. But history has a different judgment. ... Ultimately history will judge him as the man who allowed us to achieve a victory" ("Special Report," FNC, 1/12).
GOP strategist Ed Rollins, on Bush's defense of the Katrina response: "The idea that you can stand in a press conference, when the American public watched a major urban city collapse, crumble, people displaced, and be ashamed of it, and say, we did everything we could, I didn't land the helicopter because it would have taken police away, it was just an absurd statement" ("AC 360," CNN, 1/12).
Philadelphia Inquirer's Rubin: "What fascinated me was the way he framed Iraq, talking about disappointments when it came to not finding WMD and Abu Ghraib, but then really not talking about mistakes, and focusing on the fact that the surge has brought results. ... He also didn't look at the repercussions on the region which President-elect Obama will have to deal with" ("NewsHour," PBS, 1/12).
Presidential transition comm. dir. Dan Pfeiffer released a statement tonight about the news that Democratic lawmakers have decided to seat Roland Burris. Note the reference to Burris, the former IL AG, by a new title:
"As the President-elect has said repeatedly, he knows Roland Burris and has high regard for him. He looks forward to working with Senator Burris and the rest of the United States Senate to rebuild our economy and meet the great challenges of our time."
President Bush will give a farewell address Thursday evening from the East Room of the White House, the AP reports:
"White House press secretary Dana Perino said Monday that Bush will 'uphold the tradition of presidents using farewell addresses to look forward - by sharing his thoughts on greatest challenges facing the country, and on what it will take to meet them.'
"The president also will defend his record, Perino said, but will show graciousness toward Obama and not attempt to revisit the old battles of his presidency."
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) was impeached by the IL House on 1/9 and is now facing the prospect of a trial in the IL Senate. This is uncharted territory, and the rules for how the trial will proceed are still being finalized, but incoming IL Senate Pres. John Cullerton (D) gave On Call a primer.
“We’re basically using the Clinton impeachment rules as a model,” he said. “We’re the judges. There’s a prosecutor from the House. The prosecutor puts on his or her case.”
An IL House-designated attorney will present its case for Blagojevich’s removal from office. No word yet on who will have the honor. Still, the IL House seems confident in its case; it passed the 13-point article of impeachment alleging the governor “abused the power of his office” by a 114-1 margin.
IL Supreme Court Justice Chief Justice Tom Fitzgerald will preside over the Senate trial.
“He’s the judge, he presides over the trial just like you see in a courtroom trial,” said Cindy Davidsmeyer, press secretary to outgoing IL Senate Pres. Emil Jones Jr. (D).
The state senators will have the power to query witnesses and attorneys but only via questions submitted through Fitzgerald. Cullerton said Blagojevich will be allowed to mount a defense.
In addition to weighing the testimony and documents gathered in the House impeachment proceedings, the state Senate will consider its own evidence, Cullerton said. That could include the tapes of Blagojevich’s wiretapped conversations, as well as witnesses for the prosecution and defense.
“There’s no standard of proof – it’s up to the individual senators,” he said. “This is more like a political trial.” With the standard of proof reduced to political grievance, the proceedings put the defendant at a disadvantage, Cullerton said. Although he added quickly, “We’re using Clinton’s rules and Clinton was acquitted.”
Cullerton said he has scheduled the trial to start on 1/26 in the state Senate chamber, and he’s expecting it to last at least nine days. “There’s no deadline," he said. "It’s a trial so you don’t know what’s going to occur."
Still, the state Senate will try to finish its deliberations before the regular session of the chamber scheduled to start 2/4.
“We’re not going to delay," Cullerton said. "You don’t want to have an impeachment trial hanging over the regular session."
In the end, either Blagojevich is found not guilty, in which case he stays in office, or he’s found guilty and removed. If the latter occurs, the state Senate will have to weigh an additional punishment.
“If he was removed, there’s a second verdict to see if he can be banned from ever running [again],” he said, adding, “as a practical matter, I don’t think this guy’s going to be running again.”
The IL Constitution is notoriously vague about the process for impeachment. The guidelines for punishment are embedded in the one paragraph statute:
"Judgment shall not extend beyond removal from office and disqualification to hold any public office of this State. An impeached officer, whether convicted or acquitted, shall be liable to prosecution, trial, judgment and punishment according to law."
Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe has raised almost $1M from Virginians since announcing in November that he was exploring a bid for governor, according to a memo released today by his campaign manager.
McAuliffe, the newest entry in a three-way Democratic primary, raised the cash from Virginia residents, campaign manager Mike Henry said in the memo.
"We set a goal for that six-week period to raise half a million dollars in Virginia – and we’ve nearly doubled it," Henry said. "This is great news and matches the enthusiasm Terry’s been seeing out on the road – the announcement tour has been a tremendous success. The response to Terry’s message about getting our economy moving again has been exceptionally strong. And the media response has been outstanding."
The dollar amount comes as no surprise. McAuliffe, a McLean resident, has a rolodex to match any of the candidates he's backed through the years. His fundraising prowess has never been in question. The looming issue is how much he can raise in-state, and will it be enough to quiet cries from his opponents that he's a veritable carpetbagger looking to buy the nomination.
In the hours before McAuliffe's team released their baseline fundraising numbers, his Democratic opponents -- state Sen. Creigh Deeds and former VA Del. Brian Moran -- released a flurry of press releases touting a range of credentials, from their able campaign staffs and readiness for the job to ties to the Tim Kaine legacy.
The full McAuliffe memo is available after the jump.
Democratic leaders say that Roland Burriswill be seated in the U.S. Senate, ending an episode that has caused party officials great embarrassment and distracted from the pressing matters facing the 111th Congress.
A joint release from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL):
The Secretary of the Senate has determined that the new credentials presented today on behalf of Mr. Burris now satisfy Senate Rules and validate his appointment to the vacant Illinois Senate seat. In addition, as we requested, Mr. Burris has provided sworn testimony before the Illinois House Committee on Impeachment regarding the circumstances of his appointment.
“We have spoken to Mr. Burris to let him know that he is now the Senator-designate from Illinois and as such, will be accorded all the rights and privileges of a Senator-elect.
“Accordingly, barring objections from Senate Republicans, we expect Senator-designee Burris to be sworn in and formally seated later this week. We are working with him and the office of the Vice President to determine the date and time of the swearing-in.
“As we had outlined to Mr. Burris, a path needed to be followed that respects the rules of the Senate. We committed to Mr. Burris that once those requirements were satisfied, we would be able to proceed. We are pleased that everything is now in order, we congratulate Senator-designee Burris on his appointment and we look forward to working with him in the 111th Congress.”
The Presidential Inaugural Committee released details about performers who will participate in the launch of opening celebration of the 56th Presidential Inaugural: "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial." Think Beyonce, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder, among many others.
More notably, however, the PIC in that statement buried a line about the very significant individual chosen to give the event's invocation -- the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the Episopal Bishop of New Hampshire. Robinson was elected the first openly gay bishop of the Episcopal Church in June 2003. I covered that event. His election was greeted by parishioners gathered at St. Paul's Church in Concord, NH, with thunderous applause, foot stomping and tears. In the years since, however, the global church has divided over the issue.
Pres.-elect Barack Obama's selection of Robinson for the high profile prayer is no doubt aimed at quelling outrage in the gay community over Obama's decision to ask Pastor Rick Warren, who has likened homosexuality to incest and bigamy, to give the inaugural invocation.
Robinson, an early Obama backer, told the Concord Monitor that he won't use a Bible for the 1/18 event.
"While that is a holy and sacred text to me, it is not for many Americans," Robinson said. "I will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer. This is a prayer for the whole nation."
Gay activists -- and citizens at large -- infuriated by Warren's involvement in the nation's sacred quadrennial democratic celebration will have to ask themselves if in selecting Robinson for the honor Obama's team is providing needed balance to Warren. Or is the pick simply a ploy to quiet the rumblings of a key Obama constituency?
A new Research 2000 poll conducted for Daily Kos shows a striking change in public opinion regarding the MN Sen. candidates since 11/4. Entertainer/almost-Sen. Al Franken (DFL) has seen his numbers improve -- particularly among Indies -- while quasi-ex-Sen. Norm Coleman (R) has experienced comparable declines.
The new survey, conducted 1/8-9, shows Franken with a fav/unfav of 49%/45% and Coleman with a rating of 41%/58%. In a previous Kos survey -- conducted by Research 2000 just days before the general election -- Franken and Coleman posted nearly identical marks of 45%/52% and 46%/51%, respectively.
Since the earlier poll, completed 10/27-29, Franken has improved moderately among Dem and GOPers and seen a massive swing among Indies. The DFLer's net -17% rating of 40%/57% among unaffiliated voters from 10/29 has given way to just a net -1% rating (45%/46%) today. Conversely, Coleman's pre-11/4 net rating of -7% among Indies (44%/51%) has dropped to a net -19% (35%/64%). Coleman experienced more temperate declines among both Dems and GOPers.
Another indicator of the changing public views of the would-be Sens. is Research 2000's re-matchup. Given the chance to cast their vote again, LVs in the new Kos poll select Franken 43-40% with Indie ex-Sen. Dean Barkley at 15% -- a 6% swing from the poll taken before the election. On 10/29, MN LVs backed Coleman by a 43-40% margin, with Barkley again at 15%. (On 11/4, Coleman and Franken each garnered 42% of the vote, while Barkley carried 15%.)
What's more, 46% say Franken won the Sen. race -- a higher proportion than actually voted for him; at the same time, 41% say Coleman was re-elected. Similarly, 47% oppose Coleman's legal challenge to Franken's victory, while just 34% favor it.
Both Daily Kos/Research 2000 polls surveyed 600 MN LVs and have margin of error +/- 4.0%.
In the final news conference of his tenure, President Bush defended his policies and decisions and argued that history will ultimately regard him favorably. At times melancholy and more personally reflective that he has been during his eight years in office, Bush had kind words for his successor. He also suggested that he has made mistakes, prime among them prematurely declaring the Iraq war over with the now infamous banner that read "Mission Accomplished."
On his mistakes:
"I have often said that history will look back and determine that which could have been done better. Clearly putting a 'Mission Accomplished' (banner) on an aircraft carrier was a mistake. It sent the wrong message. ... Obviously, some of my rhetoric has been a mistake."
"Not having weapons of mass destruction was a significant disappointment. I don't know if you want to call them mistakes or not."
On Obama:
"I genuinely mean what I say, I wish him all the very best. I found him to be a very smart and engaging person."
On the WH press corps:
"Sometimes you misunderestimated me," he said, adding that he respected reporters even if he didn't always like their stories. He said the relationship has been "professional." "And I appreciate it," Bush said.
Full transcript, per a WH release, available after the jump.
Sunday was a mix of the past, present and future. Pres.-elect Obama appeared on "This Week" to discuss his upcoming challenges.
Obama, asked if his admin. can fix the economy: "I think we can fix this. But it's going to take some time. It's not going to happen overnight. And what we tried to do this week was, first of all, explain where we are in the economy. ... What we tried to do was put forward a plan that says let's act boldly, let's act swiftly. Let's not only provide a jumpstart to the economy and immediately or save 3 million jobs, but let's also put a down payment on some of the structural problems that we have in our economy."
ABC's Stephanopoulos, on some Senate Dems being critical of the tax cut portions: "Do you really believe those business tax cuts are going to work to create jobs? Or do you put them in so you could get Republican votes?"
Obama: "[The tax cuts] may not help as much as some of the direct spending projects do, but they still provide a stimulus, especially if they are targeted towards people who are really in need. ... There are a range of different business tax cuts that we proposed, that we looked at. ... But our general philosophy ... is we don't have pride of authorship. ... If people have better ideas on certain provisions ... then we welcome that. And so we're going to have a collaborative, consultative process with Congress over the next few days."
After the jump, more Obama, Pelosi on stimulus package, IL SEN battle, Bush/Cheney look back and Blitzer says goodbye to Sundays.
Several media sources are reporting this evening that 2-term Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH), up for re-election in 2010, will announce his retirement tomorrow. Voinovich would be the 4th Republican senator (out of 19 GOP seats up next year) who will not be running for re-election this cycle, along with Sens. Sam Brownback (R-KS), Mel Martinez (R-FL), and Kit Bond (R-MO).
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) said today the state's second U.S. Senate seat should remain vacant until Gov. Rod Blagojevich is impeached and a new appointment can be certified. "At this point we've clearly reached an impasse," Durbin told reporters at his Chicago office. Durbin said a candidate for the job must have signatures from the governor and secretary of state on his certification papers. Secretary of State Jesse White has not certified Roland Burris.
Indicted! Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, a Democrat, was indicted today on multiple counts of theft and perjury.
Former Clinton Treasury Sec. Robert Rubin is leaving Citigroup. Rubin is also a member of Pres.-elect Barack Obama's economic advisory team.
Obama announces Leon Panetta as his CIA director. Retired Adm. Dennis Blair will be the national intelligence dir. From prepared remarks, here's Obama on Panetta: "Let me be clear -- In Leon Panetta, the Agency will have a director who has my complete trust and substantial clout. He will be a strong manager and a strong advocate for the CIA. He knows how to focus resources where they are needed, and he has a proven track record of building consensus and working on a bipartisan basis with Congress. I am confident that he will strengthen the CIA’s capability to protect the American people as it continues to adapt to our reformed intelligence community."
On the brink of impeachment by his own legislature but nonetheless completely unbowed, Gov. Rod Blagojevich signaled today that he will not relinquish his office and instead sought to portray state lawmakers as obstructionists who have prevented him from forwarding an agenda to expand health care and invest in public works projects.
With a small coterie of regular citizens at his side -- including a man in a wheelchair and a crying child -- Blagojevich said the Illinois House's almost unanimous decision earlier today to impeach him is "not a surprise."
"We're going to move forward, and I'm going to continue to fight every step of the way," he said. "Let me reassert to all of you once more that I am not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing. ... And I'm confident that at the end of the day I will be properly exonerated. In the meantime, I have a job to do for the people."
During a 10-minute statement after which he did not take questions, Blagjevich painted himself as a champion of the people. He reminded voters that his working class parents never owned a home, and he said that not a day goes by when he doesn't think of them and the values they imparted to him.
Blagojevich did not discuss the criminal charges against him, saying only that they would be addressed in federal court. He was at times flip and cocky, fully defiant, blaming everyone but himself for his legal and political troubles.
As he did in his last press conference, he recited a poem. This time, he noted, it would be Alfred Tennyson's 'Ulysses' -- a poem that Teddy Kennedy quoted during the 1980 convention to pay homage to his brothers.
"I want to quote another British poet," Blagojevich said before diving in.
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Last time, he recited Rudyard Kipling's 'If.'
IL Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn quickly followed with a press conference of his own, noting that Blagojevich failed to address the central issue of the scandal that has captivated the political world -- his alleged abuse of power.
"Governor Blagojevich has lost the confidence of the people of Illinois," Quinn said. "He's lost the consent of the governed."
Quinn called, as he has before, for Blagojevich to resign. And he answered Blagojevich's poetic diversions with a recitation of the third verse of America the Beautiful:
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
"There are times in one's life when you have to put country first," Quinn added.
Much has been made over the last day about the 79% of Americans who favor Pres.-Elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus package. This figure, which hails from an Allstate/Politico poll conducted by Dem pollster Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group, was released 1/8 a.m. and includes a striking 55% who "strongly favor" the plan.
If these numbers seem high, it may have to do with how the question was asked:
"The Obama administration is considering a proposal to create jobs and strengthen the economy. It would cut taxes for the middle class, make major investments in the country's infrastructure, reform health care to make it more affordable and accessible to all Americans, and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. Do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this proposal?"
Gallup meanwhile released a similar poll 1/8 p.m. which found only 53% favor the stimulus plan. Their question, more measured in its wording, includes the $775B price tag associated with the stimulus package but does not mention elements of the proposal:
"Do you favor or oppose Congress passing a new $775-billion dollar economic stimulus program as soon as possible after Barack Obama takes office?"
After presenting the proposal without details, Gallup does find 72% favor "Income tax cuts of $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples for most Americans" and 78% favor "Creating new jobs with major new government spending on the nation's infrastructure, such as bridges, highways and power grids" as part of the economic stimulus package.
These proposed policies -- both elements of the longer Allstate/Politico question -- test significantly better than the plan itself.
The Allstate/Politico survey was conducted 12/27-29 among 1,007 RVs and has margin of error +/- 3.1%; the Gallup poll was conducted 1/6-7 among 2,049 adults and has margin of error +/- 2.2%.
Here are the scheduled guests for the Sunday public affairs shows and other weekend programs:
SUNDAY:
Meet the Press hosts Bill Cosby, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty (D), Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) and a roundtable with ex-Rep. David Bonior (D-MI), Wall Street Journal's Paul Gigot, CNBC's John Harwood, Vanity Fair's Bethany McLean and McCain economic adviser Mark Zandi.
Face the Nation hosts House Min. Leader John Boehner, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen.-designate/ex-IL AG Roland Burris (D).
This Week hosts Pres.-elect Obama and a roundtable with Newt Gingrich, New York Times' Thomas Friedman, Wall Street Journal's Peggy Noonan and George Will.
Fox News Sunday hosts Pres. Bush and ex-Pres. George H.W. Bush.
Late Edition hosts VP Cheney, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, ex-WH adviser David Gergen, Washington Times' Tara Wall, Dem strategist James Carville, CNN's Gloria Borger and CNN's Candy Crowley.
WASHINGTON -- Retired Gen. Colin Powell, in conjunction with the presidential inaugural committee, today unveiled a program -- dubbed "Renew America Together" -- to spark a national wave of community service.
The initiative and new Web site -- usaservice.org -- will allow citizens to use online tools similar to those that Barack Obama's team crafted and employed with such success during the campaign. Via the site, users can host or seek out events in their community.
"Volunteering is something you give to your community and to our society," Powell said during a press event at the Mayflower Hotel. "It comes back to you in terms of satisfaction, in terms of feeling good about yourself."
The program will facilitate several events in the Washington area on the eve of the inauguration of the 44th president, which coincides with the federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. The Pres.-elect, Michelle Obama, VP-elect Joe Biden and Jill Biden will all participate in local service events that day, Powell said. And presidential inaugural committee spokeswoman Linda Douglass noted that 5,000 volunteer events have been scheduled across the country. She called the new site a hub, a "Craigslist" for community service.
One planned event touted on the site is a project to "Renew the Anacostia" scheduled for 1/19 and sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the No Child Left Inside Coalition. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and former Sen. Paul Sarbanes are expected to attend. Students will clean up trash along the river and plant trees.
Powell said he will support the program in his role as a private citizen, and he urged Americans to pause and examine what they are doing in their own lives to contribute.
"What can each and every one of them do to help someone in need?" he said, adding, "I hope that this crusade grows. I hope that it thrives."
Powell broke with the party he'd long served to endorse Obama during the campaign, citing the Democrat's ability to change the tone in Washington and to bring lawmakers together to solve the nation's problems. At the time he also expressed concerns about the direction of the GOP.
Since then there's been much speculation about Powell's potential interest in an official position in the Obama administration. He said today that's not in the cards.
"I'm not looking for a job," he said. "I think I can help this effort along from the outside."
He added: "I am very happy in private life, thank you very much. ... I've not been offered a job, and I've kind of made it clear I'm not looking for a position."
Powell, who was President Bush's first Secretary of State, was asked today by a reporter for his reaction to Hillary Clinton in the job. Powell called Clinton "a friend."
"Hillary is a most distinguished public servant," he said. " ... I think she'll do a very, very fine job."
The Illinois House voted this morning to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich by a vote of 114-1. The lone vote against was Rep. Milt Patterson (D-Chicago).
Blagojevich still faces a Senate trial, where a two-thirds vote is required for impeachment. A spokesman for the governor told the Chicago Tribune that the governor will not resign. Blagojevich will hold a 2 p.m. CT news conference today.
Buy your inaugural parade route tix, via Ticketmaster.com. No kidding. An inaugural cmte release:
Washington, D.C. -- The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced today that 5,000 tickets for the 56th Inaugural Parade will go on sale to the public at 1:00 PM EST today for $25 each. Tickets will allow spectators access to bleachers along the historic parade route from the Capitol to the White House. Tickets will be available for sale at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 202-397-SEAT(7328), 410-547-SEAT(7328) or 703-573-SEAT(7328). Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
"We are very pleased to make these tickets available to the public as part of our commitment to holding the most open and accessible Inauguration in history," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "The Inaugural Parade is a celebration of America, and we are working to make sure that as many citizens as possible can take part in this historic tradition."
Thousands of spectators will line the 1.7 mile parade route as the new President and Vice President are escorted from the Capitol to the White House by over 13,000 parade participants. Over 90 music, cultural and community groups will join representatives from our Armed Forces in the historic parade, which concludes at the presidential reviewing stand, where the President and Vice President will watch the processional with their families.
Tickets are limited to four per person for purchase. Tickets are not required to view the parade, but the purchase of tickets will guarantee spectators a seated spot along the parade route. Ticket holders must be in their seats no later than 1:00 PM EST on January 20th. Standing room will be available along Pennsylvania Avenue on a first come, first serve basis.
Earlier this month the PIC announced that hundreds of free parade tickets were being made available to Washington, DC students and their families. DC residents can visit www.pic2009.org/page/s/dcstudentessay for more information on how to obtain those tickets.
For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.
Will the dire national job news released today -- 11M Americans are unemployed, the unemployment rate is at 7.2% -- put pressure on Republicans to back Pres.-elect Barack Obama's eventual stimulus package? The news certainly validates Obama's use of the word "crisis" during his economic address yesterday at George Mason University.
Can the GOP, bailout weary at this point, afford to quibble over the size and scope of the plan and the impact it might have on the deficit when Americans are losing jobs at such a rapid rate? The country is experiencing the highest unemployment rate since 1993.
Here's House Republican Leader John Boehner yesterday:
“The president-elect today in his remarks made clear that, while help for our economy is necessary at this point, that we have to be concerned about the deficit. You know, actions speak louder than words. And I do think that, as we develop this and we look through the balance of this year, we begin to lay out, how are we going to restore fiscal health to our budget? Because if you start to think about $800 to $1 trillion package on top of the deficit that we already have, you’re adding an awful lot of weight to the debt. And at the end of the day, those that are here aren’t going to pay that debt. It’s going to be our kids and their kids.”
Much of last night's TV talk focused on Pres.-elect Obama's solemn economic speech, where he warned of dire and lasting consequences if his economic stimulus plan is not passed.
Washington Post's Birnbaum: "We've heard President-elect Obama talk about dire predictions of the economy. We have heard him speak about it several times. But not a major address like this. It really was a stark wake-up call. He used the word 'crisis.' ... If he was trying to instill confidence, which he said was what was needed to try to help turn the economy around, I think that he did a lot more fear mongering in this speech than he did confidence building. And I think that his rhetoric, which can be soaring at times, probably needs to be adjusted so that it gives more confidence."
More Birnbaum: "There's no question, though, that this kind of speech has galvanized Congress, and Republicans and Democrats both agree now that there needs to be a very large economic recovery plan. What was not clear from this speech but which is now happening all over Capitol Hill is that there is a tremendous battle over where that money will go" ("Special Report," FNC, 1/8).
House Min. Whip Eric Cantor: "The president-elect has said he wants to work in a bipartisan fashion. ... But I'll tell you, what I heard today just gives me a great bit of concern. We're talking about spending a trillion dollars. ... It's a tremendous expansion of government if you look and listen to what he's saying. We still don't know the details though, and that's really what's very troubling. Where is this money going?" ("Situation Room," CNN, 1/8).
Newsweek's Fineman: "I think what he was doing was giving an address to the nation that will deal with some of the specifics of the economy in a way that he may not when he gets into the poetry of Inauguration Day of January 20th. But I don't know that it lit any additional fires up on the Hill, because they're waiting for the specifics" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 1/8)
More after the jump, including Pelosi's view on the stimulus package.
By a vote of 21-0 the special House Investigative Committee of the Illinois state House voted to recommend the Illinois House impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich. State House Speaker Mike Madigan said he expected the full House to take up articles of impeachment as soon as tomorrow.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Blagojevich "would not heed some lawmakers' calls to resign before the full House votes."
As she ponders a run for Golden State guv, Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman has signed up a public relations firm, Sacramento-based Randle Communications, according to O’Dwyer’s Public Relations News.
More:
Randle is the PR firm led by Jeff Randle, a veteran Golden State Republican political operative who was chief of staff to ex-Gov. Pete Wilson and a top advisor for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Randle’s current clients include the California Realtors Assn., University of Phoenix and the Golden State Water Company. Mitch Zak, a partner of the firm who directed coalitions for Schwarzenegger’s campaigns, is handling media relations for Whitman.
Schwarzenegger is barred from running again in 2010 because of term limits.
Whitman, who backed Sen. John McCain for president and was believed to be a likely cabinet pick if he won, stepped down from the corporate boards of eBay, Procter & Gamble and DreamWorks Animation SKG at the end of 2008.
Confirmation hearings for Pres.-elect Barack Obama's Cabinet commenced today with Tom Daschle's appearance in front of his former colleagues. The HHS Sec nom cautioned that "as we face a harsh and deep recession, the problem of the uninsured is likely to grow."
Sarah Palinexplains whyKatie Couric isn't the center of the universe.
Sorry, Sanjay. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) works to block Pres.-elect Obama's selection of the CNN doc for Surgeon General.
The Samoa Newsreports that local Dems are gearing up to welcome DNC chief Howard Dean. A paper editorial: "A visit to the territory by Governor Howard Dean, currently chair of the National Democratic party is historic by any measure. It gives those of us out in 'the territories' hope that we will not be forgotten by the Obama administration."
Expect Obama to officially name Leon Panetta as his CIA director tomorrow during a 10:30 event at the transition office in Washington.
And per the transition: Obama will meet 1/12 with Mexico's President Felipe Calderón in Washington at the Mexican Cultural Institute. "There is a long-standing tradition, since 1980, of U.S. presidents meeting with the Mexican president prior to being sworn in to underscore the important relationship between the United States and Mexico. This meeting is in keeping with that tradition."
WASHINGTON -- Pres.-elect Barack Obama officially tapped VA governor Tim Kaine today as the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, saying they share a "pragmatic, progressive philosophy" to govern across party lines.
"We cannot afford to abandon the movement we built," Obama said during an afternoon press event at party headquarters. "We have to strengthen it."
Kaine said he has three priorities as chairman: to promote the president's agenda, carry the "proud banner of a proud party," and find new ways to engage citizens in the political process.
"All Americans, however they voted on Nov. 4, have a huge stake in this president being successful," said Kaine, who was the first governor in the nation to back Obama's White House bid.
Neither man took questions.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean was absent from today's press conference. He exits the job having successfully executed the 50-state strategy that many Democrats criticized as overly ambitious and expensive early in his term. Today, however, Obama and Kaine offered praise for Dean, the former VT governor and 2008 presidential candidate.
"Howard deserves enormous credit for having ushered in a new era in Washington," Obama said, calling Dean a "visionary and effective leader."
Kaine added, "What a remarkable job he did in his four year tenure. I have huge shoes to fill."
Dean, who is traveling in American Samoa, issued a statement via the party's press office:
“I want to congratulate Governor Tim Kaine on being named the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee. I was actively engaged in Tim’s campaign for governor in 2005, and knew then he would become one of our Party’s great leaders. Tim's strong record of accomplishment has resulted in Virginia being named the best managed state in America and includes numerous important victories for Virginians including record breaking efforts in land conservation, increased funding for Virginia's schools and the newly approved rail transit line to Dulles Airport.
“Tim understands the importance of reaching out to everyone, standing up for our values and I know he will continue to build and strengthen our party from the grassroots up. Tim is the right choice to lead the Democratic National Committee into this new era of American politics. Democrats have made great gains over the past four years, but we know we still have work to do to ensure that we keep America moving forward as we support President-elect Obama’s agenda to address the critical issues facing our country."
With Dean's trip to American Samoa, he has completed his pledge as chairman to visit every state and U.S. territory. Though he wasn't at today's presser, a top aide said he would have gladly rescheduled his trip had he been asked by the Obama transition staff.
Excerpts of President-elect Barack Obama's speech today on the economy at George Mason University, as prepared for delivery, per the transition:
I don’t believe it’s too late to change course, but it will be if we don’t take dramatic action as soon as possible. If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years. The unemployment rate could reach double digits. Our economy could fall $1 trillion short of its full capacity, which translates into more than $12,000 in lost income for a family of four. We could lose a generation of potential and promise, as more young Americans are forced to forgo dreams of college or the chance to train for the jobs of the future. And our nation could lose the competitive edge that has served as a foundation for our strength and standing in the world.
In short, a bad situation could become dramatically worse. …
There is no doubt that the cost of this plan will be considerable. It will certainly add to the budget deficit in the short-term. But equally certain are the consequences of doing too little or nothing at all, for that will lead to an even greater deficit of jobs, incomes, and confidence in our economy. It is true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth, but at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe. Only government can break the vicious cycles that are crippling our economy – where a lack of spending leads to lost jobs which leads to even less spending; where an inability to lend and borrow stops growth and leads to even less credit.
-- Support is widespread, 73% polled were in favor, including 69% of independents and 74% of moderate/liberal Republicans.
-- A demographic caution for the GOP -- 76% of Hispanics back the measure, which would require employers to recognize unions once a majority of their workers sign cards of support.
-- Seven of 10 adults in right to work states endorse the plan.
Pres.-elect Barack Obama was a firm backer during the campaign, and unions are pushing hard for the measure, but business groups are opposed. And the initiative could spark one of the most divisive political debates of the new Congress.
The telephone poll of 1,007 adults was conducted by Hart Research Associates.from 12/4 to 12/10, 2008. The margin of error is 3.2 percentage points.
CNBC's Harwood sat down with Pres.-elect Obama. Some highlights:
Obama, on his meeting with the ex-POTUSes: "President Bush has been incredibly gracious. The transition, I think, has been as smooth as any we've seen in history partly because President Bush and Josh Bolten and his team have worked very closely with ours. And all of the former presidents as well as current President Bush, I think have a unique understanding of what the pressures and possibilities of that office."
More Obama: "And so they gave me good counsel, not just on specific issues, but more importantly, some of the typical problems that you may end up confronting in the office. How do you make sure that you get good information? How do you make sure that people aren't just telling you what you want to hear? How do you make sure that people are thinking as a team instead of promoting their own individual agendas. And so I found it very helpful. All of them have insights that I hope to apply when I'm president."
Obama, asked if he received any family advice: "I believe in the general theory that if mom is happy, everybody's happy. And I think everybody concurred on that one."
Pres.-elect Barack Obama has two big events tomorrow; he'll give what the transition is billing as a major speech on the economy during a morning event at George Mason University, and he and VA governor Tim Kaine, the next party chairman, will do a press event at the Democratic National Committee.
The first speech will be Obama's first extensive presentation of his economic proposal -- dubbed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan -- which he has promised will save or create more than 3M jobs by investing in health care and energy, among other industries. Cost estimations, though not confirmed by the transition, are said to range from $800B to $1T. Perhaps tomorrow we'll get a more firm projection.
Meanwhile, Kaine will replace Howard Dean at the DNC. Dean leaves having spurred the creation of the once ridiculed 50-state plan. And while Kaine, who loyally endorsed Obama during the Democratic primary and before VA's critical contest, has landed in a position key to the party's future and allowing him a direct line to the soon-to-be administration, Dean has been left out to pasture.
Dean. Passed over for any of the Cabinet or govt. posts -- HHS or surgeon general -- that might have been suitable for the Vermont doctor. Or those positions that would've been perhaps less fitting but equally hard-earned. Obama has been meticulous in wrapping former adversaries into his orbit, but Dean seems the one person who has gotten truly shafted by Obama's team. It seems unfortunate -- unfair even -- because outside of Obama's immediate campaign crew, one could argue Dean did the most -- especially as the Democratic primary appeared stalemated last spring --to keep the party from imploding over the superdelegate counting frenzy. And to allow Obama to emerge victorious, even after Hillary Clinton won several critical contests -- read PA, among others -- and made strong and many believed valid play for the nomination.
Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer, who has toyed with a bid for Republican National Committee chairman, instead announced today that he is not running and endorsed former MD Lt. Gov. Michael Steele for the job.
“Michael has everything that the GOP desperately needs right now: the ability to communicate our message from a fresh point of view, an appreciation of how we can use technology to build the party, and the ability to reach out to new voters,” Greer said in a statement released by the party. “Democrats are not the only people calling for change. These are our priorities in Florida, and they must also be our priorities on a national level.”
Steele, in the same release: “I am grateful for Chairman Greer’s support. As the GOP Chairman in one of the largest states in the nation, Chairman Greer’s support is critical to our campaign and takes it to a whole new level. He has been recognized as one of the most dynamic and successful state party chairs in the country, and I look forward to working with him closely.”
Steele served one term as MD LG; he and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., were defeated in 2006 by Democrats Martin O'Malley and running mate Anthony G. Brown. Steele, a former MD GOP chairman, runs GOPAC and is a regular commentator on FOX News.
The three living former presidents lunched today at the White House with Pres.-elect Barack Obama and President Bush.
Pres. Bush: "I want to thank the president-elect for joining the ex-presidents for lunch. One message that I have, and I think we all share, is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country. To the extent we can, we look forward to sharing our experiences with you. All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual. We wish you all the very best, and so does the country."
Obama: "I just want to thank the president for hosting us. This is an extraordinary gathering. All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office. For me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary. I'm very grateful to all of them."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) suggested a few moments ago that if Roland Burris leaps a few remaining legal hurdles, and pending a full Senate vote to seat him, he will likely become the junior senator from IL.
Reid, who stongly opposed seating embattled IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pick to replace Barack Obama, said Burris "appears to me to be candid and forthright" and noted that Burris is not "trying to hide anything," a nod to the corruption investigation swirling around Blagojevich. He also said that Burris, who would be the only black member of the Senate, has assured him that he believes there is no racial component to the Democratic leaders initial opposition to his appointment.
Reid said the leadership is waiting for an IL Supreme Court decision assessing if IL Secretary of State Jesse White must sign Burris' certification papers for him to be seated; White has thus far refused to do so. Reid also said that once that decision is finalized he will refer the matter to the Senate Rules Committee.
"There is going to be a time when the entire Senate is going to have to act on this," Reid said, suggesting a full vote to seat Burris.
Durbin said he has known Burris, 71, for 36 years in IL politics. Burris is a former state attorney general who had unsuccessfully run for governor.
"We've always been friends," Durbin added. "I've always respected him."
Reid said that he believes White's certification is "vital to comply with Senate rules" but that the whole situation would be reassessed when the state Supreme Court decision is issued. He stressed that no one has an issue with Burris personally.
"We're going to do the best we can to insure that the state of illinois has two senators not one senator," Reid said.
The latest developments show a marked evolution in the leadership's view. When Blagojevich was first arrested, Durbin called for a special election to fill the seat. But that possibility was costly and opened the door for a Republican to run and possibly win a seat long held by Democrats. Lawmakers then suggested Blagojevich resign so that Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn could appoint the next senator. Blagojevich, of course, dug in, denying wrongdoing in the criminal case, insisting that he deserves to keep his job and nominating Burris to the Senate, despite the calls from his party leaders, Obama included, to step aside.
So what have we learned? Blagojevich is a street fighter, and he won this battle against the party's top leaders. He could likely argue that he's doing the responsible thing in appointing Burris. If Burris is seated, Blagojevich's authority is inherently validated by the very people who want him out of a job.
I hear that the Republican National Committee members gathered in Washington today for a morning meeting with the men seeking to chair the party did not have a quorum and opted to close the event to press, staff and friends. Emblematic, one GOP source says, of their desire to keep the process committee-driven. And a likely reflection of the lack of a clear consensus frontrunner for the job.
High drama at the Capitol Hill Club today. More details to come.
Former Democratic National Committee chief Terry McAuliffe launched his bid for VA governor today in Hampton Roads (see write-up below). He is also airing his first radio spot, which, curiously, mentions none of the political work for which he's best known. Focuses on unspecified corporate work and notes that McAuliffe paid his way through college. Says he wants to "build on the progress" of the state's best known Dem duo, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.
The Associated Press is reporting that Senate Democrats will allow Roland Burris to take Pres.-elect Barack Obama's seat in the U.S. Senate. More information to come.
A number of Dr. Sanjay Gupta's colleagues at CNN responded positively to the news that Pres.-elect Obama offered Gupta the job of surgeon general.
CNN's Henry: "Dr. Gupta, while he's not commenting publicly, is very interested in this privately, to the point that my colleague John King is reporting that he has approached both CNN and CBS News, where he also does some work, to try and get out of his contracts. And I should note that CNN has put out a statement tonight saying -- quote -- 'CNN has made sure that his on-air reporting has been on health and wellness matters, and not on health care policy or any matters involving the new administration.'"
Henry, on the Obama admin. wanting to reinvent the role of surgeon general: "For the most part, surgeon general, it's a bully pulpit. ... You don't usually have a seat at the policy table. What we're told is that, in private, people like Tom Daschle, the incoming health secretary, have been very blunt and direct in trying to recruit Dr. Gupta, and saying, look, you are going to have a seat at the table in helping to use your expertise to craft whatever health care reform legislation Barack Obama ends up unveiling ... in the first 100 days. ... Number two, that you will have a big role as well in trying to sell this, not only to the American people, but to the Congress" ("No Bias, No Bull," 1/6).
CNN's Blitzer: "He can probably convince the president-elect to quit smoking. That's one of his great passions" ("Situation Room," 1/6).
After the jump, more Gupta, the Burris battle continues and Paterson addresses Kennedy rumors.
Launching his first campaign as a candidate, former Democratic National Committee chief Terry McAuliffe will officially announce his bid for VA governor tomorrow morning during an event in Hampton Roads. McAuliffe, who has spent the last 15 years as an enthusiastic advocate for Bill and Hillary Clinton, will embark on a weeklong tour of the state.
During a call with reporters earlier today, campaign manager Mike Henry and senior strategist Mo Elleithee pitched McAuliffe as the candidate with the "strongest bio" who has the "best ideas" to jumpstart the state's economy.
"There's probably nobody who has more energy than Terry McAuliffe," Henry said.
Henry also stressed that the Democratic race is wide open, highlighting a Washington Post survey in October showing the three party candidates running somewhat even with a large segment of voters still undecided. When self-identified Democrats and independents who lean Democratic were asked which candidate they prefer as the nominee, 16 percent named former state delegate Brian Moran, 12 percent McAuliffe and 11 percent state Sen. Creigh Deeds.
"The race is wide open," Henry added.
McAuliffe's rivals are expected to paint him as an outsider, a Democratic celebrity of sorts who will raise ample campaign cash nationally but who doesn't know the problems of Virginians. McAuliffe, a father of five who lives in McLean, will likely counter, aides said, by stressing his executive and business experience and by noting the changing demographics of the state. Virginia is growing, and the northern portion, in particular, has several thriving immigrant communities and has effectively become a bustling Washington suburb.
"Not all good ideas come out of Richmond, come out of the General Assembly," Elleithee said.
All three candidates are already working to seize the mantle of Gov. Tim Kaine, who is taking the party chairman job McAuliffe once held, and Sen. Mark Warner, also a successful former governor. It remains to be seen if McAuliffe's backing of Hillary Clinton during the presidential primary will in any way shape the public's view of his campaign. Barack Obama trounced Clinton by 30 points during the state's February primary contest.
McAuliffe spent the last two months crisscrossing the state on a Clintonesque listening tour. His Web site indicates that he has visited more than 40 towns and cities, from the Waterside Motor Inn in Chincoteague to the Blue Mountain Coffee Shop in Staunton.
After tomorrow's kick-off event in Hampton Roads, McAuliffe will travel to Richmond, Charlottesville and Alexandria. He'll hit Harrisonburg, Roanoke and Bristol on Thursday and Martinsville, Danville, South Boston and Emporia on Friday.
Stay tuned for additional announcement tour information.
Former FL Gov. Jeb Bush issued a statement today noting that he would not seek to replace Sen. Mel Martinez in the U.S. Senate:
“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided not to run for the United States Senate in 2010.
“While the opportunity to serve my state and country during these turbulent and dynamic times is compelling, now is not the right time to return to elected office.
“In the coming months and years, I hope to play a constructive role in the future of the Republican Party, advocating ideas and policies that solve the pressing problems of our day. We must rebuild the Party by focusing on the common purposes and core conservative principles that unite us all – limited government, a strong national defense and safe homeland and the protection of liberty tempered by personal responsibility.
“While fundamentally different ideologies divide Republicans and Democrats, we can not allow politics to come before the needs of our people and communities. We must raise the level of debate to reflect the American people’s desire for change and bi-partisanship, embodied by November’s historic election. President-elect Obama ran a tremendous campaign and I am proud to call him my President. I am confident Republicans will find productive ways to work together with the new administration to advance reforms both sides of the aisle can support.
“For me, there is no greater calling than education reform. Securing our nation’s economic future starts with providing a world-class education to every single American student – building a system that lessens our populace’s dependence on government. Through the Foundation for Florida’s Future and Foundation for Excellence in Education, I remain committed to advancing policies key to a reform agenda, including higher academic standards, greater accountability for learning and more educational choices for all families.
“Finally, I thank Senator Martinez for his extraordinary service to our great state and thank the many Floridians and Americans across the country that offered me support and encouragement as I came to this decision.”
The refusal of Senate Democratic leaders today to seat Roland Burris (D) as the new junior Senator from Illinois raises an interesting question. Will Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) be impeached any time soon, thereby opening the door for an "untainted" candidate to be appointed by a new governor?
IL Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn (D), who would become governor should Blagojevich resign or be removed from office, has predicted that his boss will be impeached "swiftly." During a recent appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation," Quinn cited Abraham Lincoln's upcoming bicentennial birthday celebration -- 2/12 -- as a deadline for the Legislature to complete the impeachment process which started 12/15.
Shortly after Quinn made his bold claim, IL House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) summoned lawmakers back to Springfield, saying he expects them to be available to work fulltime on the impeachment matter until the new session of the Legislature begins. That happens 1/14, which is also the deadline for the House impeachment committee to submit its report on Blagojevich. Although the committee is still waiting for court decisions about whether it can use Blagojevich's wiretapped conversation in its investigation, members say they can proceed with the evidence they already have. Madigan's spokesman today declined to speculate about whether an impeachment vote could take place before the new session is sworn in, noting only that the report was due by 1/14, at 11:59 a.m.
Should the House vote two-thirds in favor of impeaching Blagojevich -- there are 65 Democrats, 51 Republicans, and two vacancies -- the matter would move to the 59-member Senate for a trial. Incoming state Senate President John Cullerton (D) has set aside the last week of January for hearings, but it's unclear whether that process would be completed in time to meet Quinn's deadline. Recent history offers no comparison. The last time Illinois lawmakers impeached a state official was 175 years ago.
Although liberal bloggers don't exactly view ex-WH CoS Leon Panetta as a progressive champion, they're nevertheless pleased that he's been tapped by Pres.-elect Barack Obama to become the next CIA dir. Why? Because Panetta satisfies the netroots' primary criterion for the position: he's an outspoken opponent of torture.
After it was reported in November that ex-National Counterrorism Center head John Brennan was the leading candidate to become CIA dir., the netroots complained vociferously. They didn't want anyone associated with the Bush admin.'s controversial interrogation programs to lead the agency. Lefty bloggers were relieved when Brennan took himself out of the running, only to start fretting once more when it was reported that Obama might ask current dir. Mike Hayden to stay on for a while.
Coming on the heels of the Brennan and Hayden rumors, the Panetta selection came as welcome news to liberal bloggers. While the netroots may not love everything about Panetta's record, they think his appointment signifies a much-needed departure from George W. Bush's intelligence-gathering policies. "Good for Obama for not letting the CIA's torture apologists pressure him into naming one of their own," one blogger wrote. Another declared: "By picking Panetta, Obama is repudiating the waterboarding ways of the Bush-Cheney administration."
Meanwhile, liberal bloggers did not take kindly to incoming Senate Intel Cmte Chair Dianne Feinstein's (D-CA) criticism of the Panetta selection. "The fact is that DiFi is actually implicated in the torture regime and should just shut up on this," one blogger snapped. Another complained: "Feinstein had no problem voting for pro-torture Attorney General Mike Mukaskey and pro-torture CIA head Porter Goss and both have by and large bought Bush's bullsh*t for 8 years running, but heaven forbid someone who will not run the CIA like a '24' episode be appointed."
The epic race for the MN senate seat will have yet another chapter before its finale. Republican Sen. Norm Coleman announced today that he'll take the fight for the seat to the state Supreme Court, less than a day after the state canvassing board certfied Democrat Al Franken's 225-vote win after a statewide recount.
Coleman told reporters at a news conference today that "he was not absolutely confident that the suit, which will be overseen by a three-judge panel to be appointed by the chief justice of the [state Supreme Court], will result in victory for him." But Coleman said that "making sure the system worked, even if it validates a victory by Mr. Franken, will be worth the fight."
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune Coleman was "cheered on" at the presser by "a room full of supporters, including Republican notables" from MN. But at least one prominent MN Republican, former Gov. Arne Carlson, isn't cheering Coleman's vow to fight to the bitter end. Carlson, a supporter of Coleman's 1998 gubenatorial run, said today that he thinks it's time for Coleman to concede.
Carlson: "There's no disgrace in losing."
Coleman's full statement is available after the jump.
The Secretary of the Senate today blockedRoland Burris, Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pick to replace Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, from taking his seat. Drawing a swarm of reporters, Burris arrived in Washington to be sworn in with the 111th Congress.
After being turned away, the New York Times reports that "the aspiring legislator stood in the rain outside and declared, 'Members of the media, my name is Roland Burris, the junior senator from the State of Illinois.'"
But Senate Democrats have said they view the appointment as tainted. They suggest that Blagojevich should step aside to allow his lieutenant governor, Pat Quinn, to select the state's next senator. But a constitutional question lingers. Blagojevich has not (yet) been impeached, and though he is fighting federal corruption charges, he remains for the time being the governor of IL. He is legally tasked with selecting the state's next senator. If Burris digs in, which it appears he is, will the Dems have to fold? Or will the IL House expedite impeachment proceedings?
The Democratic gubernatorial primary contest reaches its first boiling point this week as former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe prepares to officially announce his bid and former state delegate Brian Moran counters with a series of NoVa endorsements that his team believes will show he is the homegrown candidate.
Moran, an Alexandria resident who resigned his seat to run for governor, will announce today that a majority of Arlington County officials are backing his candidacy. Per a campaign source, they are:
Board of Supervisors. Barbara Favola (Chair), Chris Zimmerman and Walter Tejada;
School Board. Ed Fendley (Chair), Libby Garvey, and Abby Raphael;
Constitutional Officers. Ingrid Morroy (Commissioner of the Revenue), Paul Ferguson (Clerk of Court), Frank O’Leary (Treasurer), Dick Trodden (Commonwealth’s Attorney) and David Bell (former Clerk of Court);
General Assembly. Delegates Bob Brink and Al Eisenberg, former Delegate Karen Darner and former Senator Ed Holland; and
Arlington Democratic Committee Chair Peter Rousselot. He joins the 8th District Democratic Chair, Margo Horner, who was previously announced.
The announcement coincides with the final stop of Moran's Virginia Values Tour. McAuliffe, who lives in McLean, is expected to hold a town hall meeting in Alexandria tomorrow eve. His top advisers, campaign manager Mike Henry and senior strategist Mo Elleithee, are holding a call with reporters this afternoon, the contents of which will be embargoed until tomorrow morning.
Northern Virginia is, of course, a critical Democratic battleground. Obama outperformed Hillary Clinton there during the state's presidential primary. And whoever emerges dominant in the region during the state's gubernatorial primary will likely be the party's nominee.
The Republican National Committee announced this morning that its members will convene tomorrow in Washington for a forum with the candidates for party chairman. The six men seeking the job will give statements, and the members -- we're still waiting for word about how many of the 168 will attend -- will have the opportunity to pepper them with questions. The meeting follows yesterday's candidates debate -- the first televised event in history for chairmanship of the RNC -- held at the National Press Club and sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform.
Meanwhile, 'Rebuild the Party' -- the coalition of influential activists working to unite the party around a comprehensive technology strategy -- will launch an online forum in coming days allowing voters to submit video and text questions to those pursuing the chairmanship.
All of this action spells one certainty; the party faithful isn't smitten with any one of the candidates. Each individual has assets, but not one of them presents a full complement of grassroots experience, technology prowess and star status. Many members are sitting on the fence waiting to be swayed.
Pres.-elect Obama's surprise selection of ex-Clinton CoS Leon Panetta as CIA dir. generated mixed reactions:
NBC's Mitchell, on Panetta being criticized for not being an experienced intelligence official: "He may have problems with confirmation. It is clear the incoming Obama folks did not check all the boxes, did not check with the key people that they need to check with in the Senate because the incoming chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Dianne Feinstein, is not pleased, neither is Jay Rockefeller, the outgoing chair, neither of them were checked with. And they are, in fact, supporting, I am told, Steve Kappes, who is the current deputy director of the CIA. So there is a lot of roiling going on in the intelligence front" ("Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC, 1/5).
Syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer: "The reason this happened is because Obama has caved to his left. The left will not accept anybody who served in any way in the last eight years under the Bush administration because of the enhanced interrogation, the secret prison programs, and the eavesdropping programs. ... It's a mistake. ... He'll pass because Panetta is known and liked. But you got a rookie as a president, a novice as head of the CIA in a time of war -- not a good idea" ("Special Report," FNC, 1/5).
Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN): "Leon Panetta is an outstanding public servant and I intend to support his nomination. ... Perhaps they can convince Mr. Kappes to stay on. But I think, look, we have a president. We have to respect his judgment. When it's someone of Leon Panetta's stature, I personally would support that" ("Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC, 1/5).
After the jump, more Panetta, stimulus package reviews and Burris doesn't back down.
Democrat Al Franken released a statement tonight attempting to draw the curtain on the prolonged MN Senate race:
"It has been a remarkable couple of months. Our recount brought national attention to Minnesota, and what Americans saw is that we take our democracy seriously. Our recount process was long, it was fair, and it was thorough. We should all be proud of our state, and we should all be grateful for the incredible hard work and dedication of all of our elections officials, from the state canvassing board and the Secretary of State's office to the officials in the cities and counties and precincts of Minnesota.
"After 62 days, after the careful and painstaking hand inspection of nearly 3 million ballots, after hours and hours of hard work by elections officials and volunteers across the state, I am proud and humbled to stand before you as the next Senator from Minnesota.
"This victory is incredibly humbling - not just because it was so narrow, but because of the tremendous responsibility it gives me on behalf of the people of Minnesota.
"While the recount process played out, the challenges facing our state and our nation have only grown. With tensions in the Middle East reaching the boiling point, our economy facing its worst crisis since the 1930s, and Minnesota's middle class families being squeezed harder than ever, it's clear that we have a lot of important work to do.
"I want you all to know that I'm ready to go to Washington and get to work just as soon as possible. And I look forward to joining President-Elect Obama and Senator Klobuchar in getting our country moving in the right direction again.
"I know this is not an easy day for Norm Coleman and his family, and I know that because Franni and I and the kids have had plenty of time over the past two months to contemplate the possibility that this election would turn out differently. Norm has worked hard for this state and this country, and I hope to ask for his help to ensure that Minnesotans can continue to count on receiving excellent constituent services from their two Senators without interruption."
The rest of Franken's statement is available after the jump.
Meanwhile, attorneys for Sen. Norm Coleman have said his team will file suit, sending this media advisory to reporters' within minutes of Franken's statement in all caps: SENATOR COLEMAN TO MAKE PUBLIC STATEMENT TOMORROW AFTERNOON IN MINNESOTA. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
WASHINGTON -- The six men vying to lead the Republican Party out of the era of a botched war tried today to outgun each other, quite literally, during a 90-minute debate sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform.
When moderator Grover Norquist asked how many firearms the candidates own, the current RNC chairman, Mike Duncan, who despite presiding over his party’s 2008 electoral trouncing is reapplying for his job, noted proudly that he claims four handguns and two rifles.
Rival Katon Dawson, chairman of the South Carolina GOP, said that he has “too many to count.”
Former OH Secretary of State Ken Blackwell was willing to count. Seven, he said, adding: “And I’m good.”
MI GOP chairman Saul Anuzis said he has two guns, but in case the RNC’s 168 committee members, who will vote this month for the next party chairman, wanted to verify his stash, Anuzis said, perhaps only half jokingly, that he is not allowed to carry them in Washington.
Chip Saltsman, who managed Mike Huckabee’s presidential campaign, offered up a list so long it was hard to track the pistol persuasion.
And GOPAC head Michael Steele, a one-term lieutenant governor of blue state MD, was the only man on the panel to say that he hasn’t a single firearm.
What’s wrong with all this gun talk? It is the Grand Old Party these guys are seeking to lead, and the Second Amendment is, no surprise, a cherished Republican value. But it wasn’t just the testosterone-charged arms race that smacked of stale GOP politics during the debate held at the National Press Club in front of a packed house. At a time when change seems to be the order of the day for voters, the men seeking the party’s top job were trading in the rhetoric of old.
Abortion rights? The GOP six said they’re opposed. School choice? They’re for it. Praise of Ronald Reagan was plentiful, and to the person, each panelist cited him as their favorite Republican president.
“Ok, everybody got that right,” Norquist said.
The RNC’s 168 members have a tough choice to make this month in determining who of the six men seeking to lead the party is most deserving, and it’s clear in talking to activists that it’s anyone’s guess still who will emerge the victor. Why? Because not one of the candidates appears to have all of the critical attributes – true tech savvy, proven grassroots experience, inspirational messaging – needed to lift the party out of the doldrums.
They missed opportunities today to show that they learned tangible lessons from Barack Obama’s resounding victory over John McCain. With the Republicans facing a problematic technology deficit, a new and growing group of young GOP leaders is working to push that problem to the fore through a grassroots coalition called ‘Rebuild the Party.’ Several questions today focused on that challenge. But the answers didn’t necessarily provide a thoughtful game plan.
Duncan said he doesn’t Twitter but added curiously that the party’s site allows people to Twitter for him. Blackwell and Anuzis jousted over who has more Facebook members. When Anuzis said he has 3,000 friends, Blackwell held up four fingers -- like rabbit ears -- over the Michigan chairman’s head, reminding audience members that he has “four thousand.” As in, Blackwell has 1,000 more friends than Anuzis.
Hey, guys, Obama has 3.6 million Facebook friends.
The men were also asked what they would do to bring young people into the fold. They responded with talk about the 18-to-24 set being the “heart and soul of the party” (Saltsman). And one remarked that he was the youngest mayor of Cincinnati in history (Blackwell).
Sure, each candidate has winning attributes.
Blackwell won in a swing state that Obama flipped this cycle, and he seems to be attracting support from the critical conservative wing of the party. Steele, with his FOX News contract, is telegenic and a familiar face in many living rooms. Dawson and Saltsman are southerners who have roots – and connections – in a region that is trending Democratic. Anuzis, raised in Detroit, is a swing state native, too, and his personal biography – family members worked in an auto factory – seems to intersect with the economic problems facing the industry and the nation. And Duncan has experience on his side and has shown a willingness to brave the long slog ahead.
But for the GOP to transition, as Anuzis put it, to being the Grand Opportunity Party, doesn’t it need a leader willing to not just sound the required bites but to find a way to counter the machine Obama has built? To find a message – and a program – that woos voters who defected this cycle, Hispanics, young people and working class whites, back into the fold? To urgently embark on building the party's technological outreach and voter database?
“It doesn’t seem like it’s the easiest thing in the world right now to be a Republican,” Steele said today, adding, “we’re here to prove that it is.”
But it doesn’t seem easy to be a Republican at the moment or for that matter, if you’re one of 168 committee members, to pick a Republican Party leader.
This Chicago Tribune item just missed our HRH deadline, but Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) announced the special election dates for ex-Rep. Rahm Emanuel's (D-IL 05) seat this afternoon. The primary election will be held 3/3, and the general will be on 4/7.
Emanuel formally resigned the seat 1/2, and Blagojevich had until 1/7 to pick the dates for the specials.
More than a dozen candidates have shown interest in the seat, but the Chicago Sun-Times'Lynn Sweet named state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D), Cook Co. Commis. Mike Quigley (D) and ex-TSA official Justin Oberman (D) as frontrunners in an 12/30 column.
The MN Supreme Court rejected an appeal today by Sen. Norm Coleman's campaign to count rejected absentee ballots from GOP-leaning areas, the latest blow to the incumbent's bid for re-election. The decision effectively allows the State Canvassing Board to certify the recount results, and at this point, Democrat Al Franken holds an unofficial 225-vote lead.
Will MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican with designs on a WH bid, sign off on the certification? Will Coleman's team sue? And will Senate Dems move to seat Franken when they convene tomorrow?
Franken camp attorney Marc Elias: "Today, the Supreme Court once again affirmed the validity of the rules under which this recount was conducted. Minnesotans have waited a long time for a winner to be declared in this race, and today, with the last attempt to halt the counting process now having failed, Al Franken will be declared the winner."
Pres.-elect Barack Obama's transition team announced today that Elena Kagan, dean of Harvard Law School, will serve as Solicitor General of the United States. Kagan is oft mentioned in legal circles as a potential Supreme Court justice. With one woman -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg -- remaining on the high court, court watchers anticipate that Obama's first nominee to the SCOTUS will be a woman. Others have been mentioned, of course, including, and perhaps most prominently, Federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who would be the first Hispanic to serve on the court.
The transition also announced that, if confirmed, David Ogden, a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, will serve as Deputy AG; Tom Perrelli, managing partner of Jenner & Block's Washington office, will sign on as Associate AG; and Dawn Johnsen, professor of law at Indiana University's School of Law, Bloomington, will be Asst. AG for the Office of the Legal Counsel.
Full bios, per the transition, are available after the jump.
The Obama girls -- Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7 -- started class today at the exclusive Sidwell Friends School in Washington. They follow in the footsteps of another First Daughter -- Chelsea Clinton -- who attended the private Quaker school.
Courtesy of the transition, here are photos of Pres.-elect Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and the girls as they got ready to leave their temporary home away from home, the Hay-Adams Hotel, for Sidwell.
The Sunday shows kicked off '09 with talk about ex-IL AG Roland Burris (D), IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich's (D) choice to fill Pres.-elect Obama's Senate seat.
During an appearance on "Meet the Press," Senate Maj. Leader Harry Reid was asked the constitutional basis for denying Burris the seat.
Reid: "Blagojevich obviously is a corrupt individual. I think that's pretty clear. And the reason that he's done what he's done is to divert attention from the arrest that was just made of him and the indictment which will be coming in a few days. ... I don't know a thing wrong with Mr. Burris. It's not the person that has been appointed, it's the appointee. If Blagojevich would do the right thing, that is step down, or he'll probably be impeached. And he gave us Mr. Burris, he gave us Jesse Jackson Jr., Danny Davis, Madigan, all the fine people who we have from Illinois, they would be taken care of just like this."
NBC's Gregory: "You say he's an obviously corrupt person. He has not been formally charged, nor has he had a chance to confront the evidence against him. Isn't that a rush to judgment?"
Reid: "We have to understand that this man has had a cloud over him prior to his arrest. That's why the Illinois state legislature's moving forward expeditiously -- in fact, next week -- to start impeachment proceedings. So I don't think we have many cheerleaders for Blagojevich that he's an honest, upright citizen."
After the jump, the economic stimulus and the Bushes don't want to bid farewell just yet.
NM Gov. Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name from nomination as the next Commerce Department secretary. NBC News first reported that Richardson, a 2008 Democratic candidate for president, cited a pending investigation into a business that has won contracts from the state -- and that appears also to have contributed generously to the governor's political committees.
Pres.-elect Barack Obama released a statement via the transition today honoring Richardson's decision:
"It is with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson's decision to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of Commerce.Governor Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal and state office. It is a measure of his willingness to put the nation first that he has removed himself as a candidate for the Cabinet in order to avoid any delay in filling this important economic post at this critical time. Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service to our country and in my administration."
Richardson issued a statement as well via the transition, insisting that no wrongdoing has taken place but noting that he would not want Obama's efforts to restore the nation's economy to be hampered:
"For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as governor. So when the President-elect asked me to serve as Secretary of Commerce, I felt a duty to answer the call.I felt that duty particularly because America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs.
"It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time.I do so with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months.
"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process. Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done.
"So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico, and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the future.I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country."
And NBC News reports that the pending NM investigation echoes the wrongdoing refrain -- pay-to-play -- that is circulating in the IL governor's scandal:
"A person familiar with the proceedings has told The Associated Press that the grand jury is looking into possible 'pay-to-play' dealings between CDR Financial Products and someone in a position to push the contract through with the state of New Mexico. State documents show CDR was paid a total of $1.48 million in 2004 and 2005 for its work on a transportation program."
It will take as long as it takes. That’s the message today from Sen. Norm Coleman’s (R) campaign.
“We remain confident that the winner of this election was, and will be Norm Coleman," Fritz Knaak, a lawyer for the Coleman campaign, said during a conference call with reporters today. But with the current vote tally showing comedian Al Franken ahead, the Coleman camp is taking issue with the absentee ballots the State Canvassing Board is deciding to accept. "There is no uniformity in the treatment of previously rejected absentee ballots," Knaak said. "There is simply no way the numbers they may report next week should be considered valid.”
After the Canvassing Board makes a determination of who won November’s Senate election, Knaak said, “an election challenge here is inevitable,”
“I would be very surprised if we weren’t the ones bringing the action,” he added.
The Denver Postreports that CO Gov. Bill Ritter (D) has chosen Denver schools superintendent Michael Bennet (brother of Atlantic editor James Bennet) to replace Sen./Interior-designate Ken Salazar (D). Ritter could announce his choice as early as 1/3.
It's tradition that an American president will spend the waning months of his final term trying to negotiate a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. Bill Clinton spent a memorable two weeks out at Camp David in July '00 with then Israeli Pres. Ehud Barak and Palestinian Authority Chair Yasser Arafat trying to broker a deal. The two sides couldn't reach an agreement. Clinton tried again in October of that year, convening a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, but still violence persisted.
Pres. Bush hasn't followed Clinton's example. As violence between the old foes is again flaring up, his administration has kept a low profile. But today, Secretary of State Condoleezza Ricespoke to reporters at the White House where she reiterated the administration's call for a cease fire. When asked by reporters if she had plans to fly to the Middle East to try to broker a peace deal she said, "I have no plans at this point."
NY Gov. David Paterson (D) isn't considering a caretaker candidate to fill Sen. Hillary Clinton's (D) Senate seat. Reports surfaced New Year's Day suggesting that Paterson would appoint a "big name," such as former Pres. Clinton, to fill the seat until an election could be held in '10. But speaking to reporters at the Executive Mansion in Albany 1/1, Paterson said picking a caretaker "would cause New York to lose seniority. And in the United States Senate, the most effective senators are the ones who have seniority. So I'm hoping the person I select wins the primary."
Paterson dodged questions about possibly picking Caroline Kennedy, whose candidacy is now receiving the backing of one of her loudest opponents. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D) told the New York Post 1/1 that he had changed his mind about Kennedy and thought it was a "good possibility" Paterson would pick her. "If she is the appointee of the governor, I will certainly be supportive of her. I will work for her and will work strenuously for her election," Silver said.
Contributing Editors: John Mercurio, Quinn McCord, Tim Sahd, Maura O'Brien, and Abby Livingston
Contributing Writers: Holly Noe, Ian Faerstein, Rachelle Douillard-Proulx, Steven Shepard, Felicia Sonmez, Jamie Shufflebarger, Dan Roem, and Sean Sullivan
On Call editors reserve the right to delete inappropriate comments. The Hotline, National Journal Group, Inc. and Atlantic Media Company are not responsible for the content of the comments that remain.
