TPMDC Morning Roundup

U.S. Plans To Isolate Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail
The Washington Post reports that the Obama administration is preparing to further cut Iran's economic links with the rest of the world: "While officials stress that they hope Iran will agree to open its nuclear program to inspection, they are prepared by year's end to make it increasingly difficult for Iranian companies to ship goods around the world. The administration is targeting, in particular, the insurance and reinsurance companies that underwrite the risk of such transactions."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will meet at 11:30 a.m. ET with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Obama and Vice President Biden will meet at 4:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Biden's Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will attend President Obama's meetings as listed above. At 6 p.m. ET, Biden and his wife Jill will host a reception at the Naval Observatory, in honor of the 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, which was originally authored by then-Senator Joe Biden.

Michelle Obama: President's Appeal For Olympics Sends Good Message
First Lady Michelle Obama told reports that her husband's trip to Copenhagen to appeal for the Olympics is a positive thing, rebutting criticism that he's taking time away from health care reform and other priorities. "Having the leader of the free world there supporting the bid sends a good message," said the First Lady. "It will demonstrate to the I.O.C. that this bid has unprecedented commitment throughout our government."

"Palin Paradox" Felt Among GOP Officials
The Politico surveyed prominent Republican party officials from across the country, finding a very mixed view of Sarah Palin -- the base loves her, but at the same time there is considerable uncertainty about her. New Hampshire GOP chairman Fergus Cullen dubbed it the "Palin Paradox." "If you were a candidate, you'd still want her to be campaigning with you because she would attract the crowds," Cullen said, but also adding: "How can you quit without finishing your first term and then ask us to entrust the presidency to you?"

Romney Staying Plugged Into Capitol Hill GOP
Roll Call reports that Mitt Romney is staying in touch with Congressional Republicans, in apparent preparation for another run for president: "Romney, who lost the 2008 presidential nomination to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), has kept up a full campaign-like travel schedule and donated to Republican candidates through his Free and Strong America political action committee. But Romney has also managed to remain a fixture on Capitol Hill."

House GOP Extending Target List For 2010
The Hill reports that House Republicans are working to expand their target list for 2010, to include seemingly safe Democratic incumbents whose districts have nevertheless trended Republican: Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO), Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), and Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV). Said Missouri state Sen. Bill Stouffer, one of the GOP challengers to Skelton: "My beef is with the leadership of Congress, and the only way the 4th district can have their say about the leadership is to change their congressman."