TPMDC Morning Roundup

Senate GOP Accuses Parliamentarian Of Democratic Bias
Senate Republicans are accusing Senate Parliamentarian Alan Frumin of bias in favor of the Democrats, when he allowed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to withdraw his single-payer amendment in the face of a Republican push to have it read aloud and thus delay the legislation process for hours. "If there was any good faith, it's gone," said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), adding: "No one can say this is a fair process when they basically have a Parliamentarian in their pocket."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET, will meet at 10 a.m. ET with members of the National Economic Council, and will meet at 11 a.m. ET with senior advisers. At 6:50 p.m. ET he will depart the White House, taking off at 7:05 p.m. ET from Andrews Air Force Base en route to the Copenhagen climate-change conference.

Biden's Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will travel today to Dawsonville, Georgia. At 11:30 a.m. ET, he will make an announcement about the stimulus program and job creation in Georgia and other rural areas across the country. He will be accompanied by Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Mullen To Troops: We 'Strategically Lose' With Civilian Casualties
Visiting troops on the front lines in Afghanistan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen stressed the importance of avoiding civilian casualties. "We can tactically win, but if we're killing local civilians we're going to strategically lose," said Mullen. "I hope more than anything you will be able to focus on the people of this country. That's what this is all about."

Clinton: U.S. Ready To Join $100 Billion Climate Aid Fund
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced that the United States is prepared to join an effort with other wealthy countries to raise $100 billion in yearly climate financing for poor countries by 2020. "$100 billion is a lot," said Clinton. "It can have tangible effects."

House Narrowly Passes Increase In Debt Limit
The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a $290 billion increase in the debt limit, passing the necessary legislation by a thin margin of 218-214. The Senate is expected to approve the bill before adjourning this year -- otherwise, there would be a first-time default on U.S. debts.

House Narrowly Passes Pelosi Jobs Bill
The House of Representatives last night passed Speaker Nancy Pelosi's $174 billion jobs bill, with a margin of only 217-214. "We've got to indicate we're serious about the deficit," said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), who voted against it. "We didn't cause the deficit, but we have to address it."

Rove: Obama Is No B+
In his latest Wall Street Journal column, Karl Rove attacks President Obama's self-grading of a B+. "Mr. Obama may believe, as he told Oprah Winfrey in a recent interview, that he deserves a 'solid B+' for his first year in office, but the American people beg to differ," Rove writes. "A presidency that started with so much promise is receiving unprecedentedly low grades from the country that elected him. He's earned them."