TPMDC Morning Roundup

Hillary Clinton: People Weary Of War, 'But We Cannot Ignore Reality'
Speaking at NATO headquarters, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed the necessity of continuing the U.S. effort in Afghanistan. "Today, our people are weary of war. But we cannot ignore reality," said Clinton. "The extremists continue to target innocent people and sow destruction across continents. From the remote mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan, they plot future attacks. As Secretary General Rasmussen said earlier this week, `This is our fight, together.' And we must finish it together."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart the White House at 9:15 a.m. ET and Andrews Air Force Base at 9:30 a.m. ET, arriving at 10:20 a.m. ET in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He will tour the Allentown Metal Works at 10:50 a.m. ET, delivering remarks and holding a discussion on the economy at 11:50 a.m. ET. He will depart Allentown at 4:05 p.m. ET, and will arrive at Andrews Air Force Base at 4:50 p.m. ET, and back at the White House at 5:05 p.m. ET.

Biden's Day Ahead
Vice President Biden met at 8:30 a.m. ET for a breakfast meeting at the White House with Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) and Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI). At 10:15 a.m. ET, he will meet with Hungarian Prime Minister South Lawn, and they will deliver remarks to the press at 11 a.m. ET. Biden will meet at 2 p.m. ET with former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE). AT 3:45 p.m. ET, he will swear in David Huebner as Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.

Kyl: Nelson's Abortion Amendment Unlikely To Reach 60 Votes
Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) told The Hill that Sen. Ben Nelson's (D-NE) Senate version of the Stupak Amendment will be unlikely to pass, even with Republican support, because of the 60-vote cloture threshold: "Most Republicans will [support it] but I don't think that will be enough to carry it through, it's a 60-vote margin." Nelson has of course promised to filibuster the health care bill if his amendment isn't accepted.

Corker's Daughter Carjacked, Senator Praises OnStar For Quick Arrests
Sen. Bob Corker's (R-TN) daughter was carjacked in Washington, though he said she is fine but "really sore." The suspects were arrested very quickly, with Corker crediting the vehicle's OnStar system. "I was telling the lady who handles that for me in Chattanooga, each month I was saying, 'I don't want to pay this, I don't want to pay this,'" said Corker, who also added: "Certainly it paid off tremendously last night."

Hostettler Running For Senate Against Evan Bayh
Former Rep. John Hostettler (R-IN) is running for Senate in 2010 against centrist Democratic incumbent Evan Bayh. Hostettler, who was first elected in 1994 and ultimately defeated by a 61%-39% margin in 2006, would be an underdog against Bayh, who has $12 million on hand.

Palin Fans Cheer For 2012 Presidential Run
Sarah Palin's book tour is being greeted by crowds of supporters, urging her to run for president. "I'd do anything, go anywhere," said Lynn Giese. "B.O. scares me," said Mike Booth, who also added that Palin "is as American as it gets."