TPMDC Morning Roundup

Biden: Palestinians Deserve 'Viable' State
Speaking at a news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Vice President Biden said that Palestinians deserve a "viable" state with contiguous territory. Biden also reiterated his condemnation Israel's plan to expand settlements, and urged both sides to refrain from actions that could "inflame" tensions.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will receive his daily briefing at 9:45 a.m. ET and his economic briefing at 10:15 a.m. ET, and will meet with senior advisers at 10:45 a.m. ET. He will meet at 11:20 a.m. ET with President René Préval of Haiti, and the two will make statements to the press at 11:55 a.m. ET. Obama will depart the White House at 2:05 p.m. ET, and Andrews Air Force Base at 2:20 p.m. ET, arriving at 4:25 p.m. ET in St. Louis, Missouri. He will deliver remarks on health insurance reform at 4:50 p.m. ET. He will deliver remarks at a fundraising reception for Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) at 8 p.m. ET, and also deliver remarks at a grassroots fundraising reception for McCaskill at 8:25 p.m. ET. He will depart St. Louis at 9:35 p.m. ET, arriving back at Andrews Air Force Base at 11:20 p.m. ET, and at the White House at 11:35 p.m. ET.

McConnell To House Dems: Do You Trust The Senate On Reconciliation?
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is warning Democrats of a risk within the current plan to pass the Senate health care bill along with a budget-reconciliation supplemental. "House Democrats will have to decide whether they want to trust the Senate to fix their political problems," said McConnell.

Gates: Some Troops Could Leave Afghanistan Early -- But It Depends On Conditions
Visiting Afghanistan, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said that some American troops could potentially leave the country early, though he cautioned: "It would have to be conditions-based." In a press conference with Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak, Gates said: "We will begin that transition no later than July of 2011, but the pace will depend also on conditions on the ground."

Reid To Meet With Rookie Dem Senators On Strategy To Combat GOP
Roll Call reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will be meeting today with junior Democratic Senators, to discuss their concerns about forming a strategy against Republican obstruction. "They are young and untainted by their time in Washington," a Democratic leadership aide said Tuesday. "As former Congressmen and former governors ... they're used to more action. And they've got good ideas."

Durbin, Schumer Jockey For Filibuster Reform With Junior Senators
The Hill reports that both Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have been talking to freshman Democratic Senators about reforming the filibuster: "For the two ambitious leaders, the exercise could serve another purpose: building stronger ties with junior colleagues as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's future is in doubt. If Reid (D-Nev.) loses reelection, Durbin and Schumer are expected to run against each other to fill his spot. Democrats elected in 2006 and 2008, who are among the strongest proponents of Senate rules reform, represent a trove of votes."

Senate To Pass Jobless Aid, Business Tax Breaks
The Senate is set to pass a long-term unemployment benefits bill, after defeating a Republican filibuster last night by a vote of 66-34. The bill combines unemployment benefits with tax breaks for businesses and individuals.