TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Palin: 'It Would Be Absurd To Not Consider' Running For President In 2012
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Sarah Palin did not rule out running for president in 2012. "I would. I would if I believe that that is the right thing to do for our country and for the Palin family. Certainly, I would do so," said Palin, also adding: "I think that it would be absurd to not consider what it is that I can potentially do to help our country."

Palin: Obama Could Win In 2012 If He Played 'War Card'
Also during her Fox News Sunday appearance, Sarah Palin commented on how President Obama could potentially win reelection in 2012: "It depends on a few things. Say he played, and I got this from Buchanan, reading one of his columns the other day. Say he played the war card," said Palin. "Say he decided to declare war on Iran, or decided to really come out and do whatever he could to support Israel, which I would like him to do. But that changes the dynamics in what we can assume is going to happen between now and three years. Because I think if the election were today, I do not think Obama would be re-elected."

Brennan: I Briefed GOP Leaders On Handling Of Christmas Attack -- They Didn't Object
Appearing on Meet The Press, Deputy National Adviser John Brennan criticized Republicans' objections to the administration's handling of terrorism, saying that he is "tiring of politicians using national security issues, such as terrorism, as a political football...They're unknowing of the facts." Brennan also said that he called Republican leaders on Christmas evening, to inform them how the attempted Flight 253 bombing was being handled. "None of those individuals raised any concerns with me at that point," said Brennan.

Hillary Clinton: 'I've Had A Number Of Conversations' On Health Care Reform
Appearing on State of the Union, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she has had some conversations with the White House on health care reform, in light of her own experiences with the issue in 1993 and 1994. "Well when I'm asked I am very happy to respond," Clinton said. "I mean it's not anything I have direct responsibility for, but I've had a number of conversations. And both in the White House, and on the Hill, and with others who are playing a constructive role. And I - I like I think many Americans hope that there can be a positive outcome."

Hillary Clinton Stands By Obama's Engagement Strategy With Iran
Appearing on State of the Union, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Iran has not responded to the Obama administration's outreach, but that the outreach itself was beneficial. "But the fact is, because we engaged, the rest of the world has really begun to see Iran the way we see it," said Clinton, also adding: "Yes, we reached out on engagement to Iran, but we always had the second track which is that we would have to try to get the world community to take stronger measures if they didn't respond on the engagement front."

Geithner: 'We Are Beginning The Process Of Healing'
Appearing on This Week, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said that the economic situation has been improving, and that the risk of a double-dip recession has lessened. "We have much, much lower risk of that [a double-dip recession] today than at any time over the last 12 months or so," Geithner said. "Again just think of where we are. We are in an economy that was growing at the rate of almost 6 percent of GDP in the fourth quarter of last year. The most rapid rate in six years. So we are beginning the process of healing."

Greenspan: Taxes Must Be Raised To Address The Deficit -- And Entitlement Benefits Must Come Down
Appearing on Meet The Press, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said: "I have no doubts that we have to raise taxes in order to close this huge deficit. But we cannot do it wholly on the tax side because that would significantly erode the rate of growth in the economy and the tax base, and the revenues that would be achieved would be far less than anybody'd expect. We have to recognize the fact that one of the things that we have to do, as tough as it's going to be, is that benefits are going to have to be paired in conjunction with tax increases to resolve this very serious long-term budget problem."