Report: White House Advises Dems On Health Care Protests
The Associated Press reports that White House officials have advised Democratic lawmakers on how to respond to disruptions at town halls, and promised a strong response if any lawmaker faces direct criticism in TV advertising. This reportedly took place at a closed-door session before members went home for the recess.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks on the economy at 1:15 p.m., from Henderson Hall at Fort Myer. At 5 p.m. ET, he will meet with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

Sotomayor Faces Heavy Workload, Controversial Cases
The New York Times reports that Sonia Sotomayor will face a heavy workload when she takes office as a Supreme Court Justice, most notably a controversial campaign-finance case regarding a documentary against Hillary Clinton. Said NYU law professor Richard Pildes: "Most newcomers tread gently as they come to terms with the dynamics of the group and a daunting array of new issues, including questions lower court judges never face, such as how bound to be by prior Supreme Court decisions."

Senate Extends Cash For Clunkers
The Senate voted last night to extend the Cash For Clunkers program, adding $2 billion by a vote of 60-37. President Obama said in a statement: "Now more American consumers will have the chance to purchase newer, more fuel-efficient cars and the American economy will continue to get a much-needed boost."

Gang Of Six Heads Home, To Continue Talking Over Recess
The key Senate negotiators on health care have headed back to their states for the August recess, without a bill. However, Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) said that teleconferences have been tentatively scheduled, to continue talks over the month: "We are all working very hard, our group of six, on lots of issues -- I mean very hard, and really want to do this right."

Romer Hints At Possibility Of Second Stimulus
In a question-and-answer session at the Economic Club of Washington, White House economic adviser Christina Romer kept the door open to a second stimulus. Romer did say that the current stimulus has stabilized an economy that was in free fall, and that a recovery could begin in the second half of the year. "That said," she added, "if we come to the end of the year, if we're not seeing the kinds of results that we anticipate ... we'd start thinking about other things that need to be done."

Hillary Presses South Africa On Zimbabwe Reforms, Promises Stronger Relationship
Sec. of State Hillary Clinton met with South Africa's leadership, encouraging the country to take a role in encouraging reforms of the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe. She also promised a closer working relationship with South Africa than existed under the Bush administration: "I know that the (foreign) minister and I are interested in making sure that our two countries not only lead but demonstrate the kind of cooperation that results in positive results for the people of the world."