Obama Will Release Afghanistan Plan Soon, Promises Exit Strategy
In an interview with CNN, President Obama said he will soon release his plans for Afghanistan, and that there will be an exit plan. "The American people will have a lot of clarity about what we're doing, how we're going to succeed, how much this thing is going to cost, what kind of burden does this place on our young men and women in uniform and, most importantly, what's the end game on this thing," said Obama. "My preference would be not to hand off anything to the next president. One of the things I'd like is the next president to be able to come in and say I've got a clean slate."
Obama's Day In China And South Korea
President Obama held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, at 11:30 a.m. local time (10:30 p.m. ET last night), with a working lunch at 12:15 p.m. local time. Obama toured the Great Wall of China at 2:30 p.m. He departed Beijing at 5:10 p.m., arriving in Seoul, South Korea, at 7:45 p.m. local time (5:45 a.m. ET).
Biden's Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will meet this morning with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), to discuss health care legislation. At 3:30 p.m. ET, he will meet at the White House with Terry O'Sullivan, president of the Laborers' International Union of North America. At 4:15 p.m. ET, he will swear in Aaron Williams as Director of the Peace Corps, and Danny Werfel as Controller of the Office of Federal Financial Management in the Office of Management and Budget. In the evening, he will host a reception at the Naval Observatory, for The New School.
Holder To Testify Today On KSM Trials
Attorney General Eric Holder will testify today before the Senate Judiciary Committee, at 9:30 a.m. ET, addressing his controversial decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other alleged 9/11 conspirators in civilian courts in New York. "I have every confidence the nation and the world will see him for the coward he is," Holder will tell the committee
Obama Won't Read Palin's Book
Also in his CNN interview, President Obama said he will not be reading Sarah Palin's book, as he is too busy: "I probably won't, but I don't get a chance to read things other than briefing books very often these days anyway."
Byrd Becomes Longest-Serving Member of Congress
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) has reached a new milestone, becoming the longest-serving member of Congress ever. "I look forward to serving you for the next 56 years and 320 days," Byrd said in a statement. He regretted that his late wife Erma was not there with him for the occasion: "I know that she is looking down from the heavens smiling at me and saying congratulations, my dear Robert - but don't let it go to your head."
ADL Warns Against Anti-Government Extremism, Glenn Beck
The Anti-Defamation League has raised concern in a new report on anti-government extremism -- particularly targeting Glenn Beck. About Beck, the group says that his broadcasts "play an important role in drawing people further out of the mainstream, making them more receptive to the more extreme notions and conspiracy theories."

TPM Stories Now Surging on Digg.com

CT Voter
November 18, 2009 9:09 AM
One of the things I'd like is the next president to be able to come in and say I've got a clean slate."
Nice poke at the failed Bush administration.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
November 18, 2009 9:26 AM in reply to CT Voter
Yes, a nice poke indeed but I believe Obama. He is really a man of incredible integrity. I have faith in this President and I wish the rest of the libs, progressives and dems would do the same. He really does need our support right now. He has an unbelievable amount of heavy decisions every day and we need to get behind him.
That's my 2 cents
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
FreeRider
November 18, 2009 9:30 AM in reply to lousgirl84
I agree with you, Lousgirl. But don't you know you're a kool-aid drinking sycophant if you don't complain about the president 24/7 and compare him to Bush?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ondioline
November 18, 2009 11:37 AM in reply to FreeRider
Wait, George Bush was a Kenyan Socialist Commie Nazi born in Indonesia? I knew there was something shifty about him...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
LindyLou
November 18, 2009 11:57 AM in reply to lousgirl84
Ditto and well-said. I think Obama is one of the most decent, well-intentioned and honest men we have had for President in a very long time. One feels his motive is not power for the sake of power, but for doing good in the world and for the American people.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
DonDavis
November 18, 2009 9:15 AM
Glenn Beck: Reagan Would've Demanded That Hu Tear Down 'The Great Wall'
http://satiricalpolitical.com/2009/11/18/glenn-beck-obama-china-reagan-hu-jintao-great-wall/
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
The Old Grouch
November 18, 2009 10:02 AM in reply to DonDavis
Will you just go away?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
de TOQUEville
November 18, 2009 10:15 AM in reply to DonDavis
I believe that DonDavis is a convicted child molester.
Well no, not really. I'm just trying to see what it takes to get the attention of the comment moderators... apparently TPM doesn't have moderators... clicking 'flag abuse' doesn't ever seem to do anything.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
theone718
November 18, 2009 4:11 PM
Obama doesn't like Palin(genuinly) the hell would he be reading her book for?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?