Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 23, 2009, 9:00AM

WaPo: Rise In Stock Ownership Among Lawmakers Brings Ethics Concerns
The Washington Post reports on the increasing trend of lawmakers' private investment portfolios creating an appearance of conflict on various issues, with the problem happening on both sides of the aisle: "This juxtaposition of investments and policy has become more common as stock ownership has soared on Capitol Hill over the past two decades. The investments increasingly put lawmakers in the position of voting or advocating on matters that could affect their personal wealth, whether the lawmakers realize it or not."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at 11:40 a.m. ET, at an event highlighting several initiatives designed to boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. He will have lunch with Vice President Biden at 12:35 p.m. ET, and meet with the Cabinet at 1:45 p.m. ET. He will meet at 4:50 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. At 5:50 p.m. ET, he will deliver remarks and present the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award.

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Roundup

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 15, 2009, 1:14PM

Axelrod: Obama Opposed To Bill With Stupak Amendment
Appearing on State of the Union, White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod said that President Obama would oppose the Stupak Amendment as a change in the status quo on abortion law. "The president has said repeatedly, and he said in his speech to Congress, that he doesn't believe that this bill should change the status quo as it relates to the issue of abortion," said Axelrod. Asked whether Obama would sign a final bill that contains the Stupak Amendment, Axelrod replied that Obama "believes both these issues and can and will be worked through before [the final bill] reaches his desk."

Conrad: Health Care Bill Can't Pass Without Restriction On Abortion Funding
Appearing on State of the Union, Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) said that the health care bill cannot pass without something like the Stupak Amendment. "What is clear is at the end of the day, for this bill to be successful, that there cannot be taxpayer funding of abortion," said Conrad, also adding: "It was clear in the House. It'll be clear in the Senate."

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 13, 2009, 9:02AM

RNC Ends Coverage Of Abortion In Its Employee Health Plans
The Republican National Committee has told its insurance company to remove coverage of abortion from the RNC's standard health insurance policy for its employees, following a Politico story revealing the policy that has existed since 1991. "Money from our loyal donors should not be used for this purpose," RNC Chairman Michael Steele said in a statement. "I don't know why this policy existed in the past, but it will not exist under my administration. Consider this issue settled."

Obama's Day In Japan
President Obama arrived in Tokyo, Japan, at 4:15 p.m. ET local time (2:15 a.m. ET). He held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hatoyama at 6:50 p.m. local time, an expanded meeting at 7:10 p.m. They held a joint press conference at 8:20 p.m., and dinner at 8:45 p.m.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 11, 2009, 9:02AM

Poll: Public Opposes Afghanistan Surge, Split On Obama's Decision-Making
A new CNN poll finds that only 40% of Americans favor the war in Afghanistan, with 58% opposing it. American also do not support sending more troops to Afghanistan, by a 42%-56% margin. The public is split on President Obama's decision-making process with 49% saying he is taking too long, and 50% who disagree.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and the First Lady will host a Veterans Day breakfast, at 9:05 a.m. ET in the White House. At 11 a.m. ET, he will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and will deliver remarks at 11:25 a.m. ET. He will meet at 2:30 p.m. ET with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 9, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama To Meet With Netanyahu
President Obama is meeting today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a meeting that comes amidst difficulties over Middle East peace talks and disputes over Israeli settlements. Netanyahu told reporters on Sunday: "We are ready to talk and the Palestinians aren't. It's as simple as that."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will spend the morning in his regular meetings and briefings. At 6:45 p.m. ET, he will sign the Veterans Employment Initiative Executive Order. At 7 p.m. ET, he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 9:01AM

Poll: Public Wants Congress To Keep Working On Health Care
A new CNN poll has mixed news for the health care bill, with a total of 59% saying that Congress should continue to work on it. However, only 26% said the current bills should be passed with only minor changes, with 33% saying major changes should be made. Only 24% said to start over on new bills, and only 15% said to pass no bill at all.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will sign at 11 a.m. ET the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, extending unemployment benefits and other aid in the recession. He will depart the White House at 2:20 p.m. ET, and will visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center at 2:35 p.m. ET. He will arrive back at the White House at 4:15 p.m. ET. He will meet at 4:25 p.m. ET with Congressman-elect Bill Owens (D-NY), and will meet at 5:10 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 9:01AM

GOP's Hopes Rekindled, But Internal Arguments Could Continue
The New York Times reports that the mixed election results from last night -- with Republicans winning solidly in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races, but losing the NY-23 special election -- will simultaneously rekindle the GOP's hopes and continue arguments about the party's direction. "Conservatives can win when they emphasize the right things and don't allow their message to get co-opted," said former Michigan GOP chairman Saul Anuzis. "The Democrats and some of their friends in the media attempt to paint all conservatives as fire-breathing cavemen."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will participate in a 10:30 a.m. ET credentialing ceremony for foreign ambassadors. He will depart the White House at 11:15 a.m. ET, arriving at 1:30 p.m. ET in Madison, Wisconsin. He and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will meet with students at Wright Middle School at 2 p.m. ET, and Obama will deliver remarks on strengthening the education system at 2:30 p.m. ET. He will depart from Madison at 3:55 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 5:55 p.m. ET. He and the First Lady will host an event at 7:15 p.m. ET, celebrating classical music.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 9:00AM

Today: The 2009 Elections
Today is Election Day in the Virginia gubernatorial race, the New Jersey gubernatorial election, the NY-23 special House election and other local races. The polls will close in Virginia at 7 p.m. ET, in New Jersey at 8 p.m. ET, and in New York at 9 p.m. ET. TPM will be live-blogging and keeping a scoreboard of the results.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 9:10 a.m. ET with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He will meet at 11:25 a.m. ET with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. At 2:40 p.m. ET, he will participate in the U.S.-European Union Summit. At 4:30 p.m. ET, he and Vice President Biden will meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. He will meet at 5:15 p.m. ET with Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR).

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 9:01AM

Hillary: U.S. Opposes Israeli Settlements
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is meeting today with several Arab foreign ministers, in an effort to restart peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. Clinton reiterated the administration's opposition to continued Israeli settlements: "Successive American administrations of both parties have opposed Israel's settlement policy. That is absolutely a fact, and the Obama administration's position on settlements is clear, unequivocal and it has not changed."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will have his daily briefing at 10 a.m. Et. He will meet at 11:10 a.m. ET with the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board. He will meet at 2 p.m. ET with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. He will meet at 3 p.m. ET with senior advisers.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 30, 2009, 9:00AM

Hillary Criticizes Pakistan On Terrorism Fight
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized Pakistan's performance in fighting terrorists, telling a group of Pakistani journalists that she thought it was "hard to believe that nobody in your government knows where they are and couldn't get them if they really wanted to."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will sign at 11:50 a.m. ET the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. At 1:30 p.m. ET, he will meet with the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 29, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama Seeks Additional Study On Afghanistan Situation
The Washington Post reports that President Obama has asked for a province-by-province analysis of the situation in Afghanistan, on the performance of local leaders and the different needs for additional help. Said a U.S. official who request anonymity: "How do you separate those who have taken up arms because they oppose the presence of foreigners in their area, because they're getting paid to fight us because we're there, from those who want to restore a Taliban government? How many of the people who we're fighting actually share al-Qaeda's ideology?"

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama last night visited the remains of fallen Americans, returning home from Afghanistan. Today, Obama will deliver remarks at 11:50 a.m. ET, on the administration's plans to help small businesses. He will meet at 1:45 p.m. ET with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. He will meet at 2:40 p.m. ET with Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). At 3:15 p.m. ET, he will sign the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. He will meet at 3:45 p.m. ET with senior advisers. and at 5:05 p.m. ET with representatives of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 28, 2009, 8:59AM

Kyl Prefers Opt-In Over Opt-Out; Thune Condemns Any Public Plan
The Hill reports Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) said he would much prefer an "opt-in" public option for state, over the opt-out model being offered by Democrats. Sen. John Thune (R-SD) expressed surprise at this, as it implies acceptance of a public option at all. "I'd be really surprised if Sen. Kyl votes for anything that includes a government plan," said Thune. "[Democrats] have to come up with a way for this to not look like what it is, but at the end of the day it still is what it is, which is a government plan."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at an 11 a.m. ET Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, honoring former Sen. Edward Brooke (R-MA), the first black Senator since Reconstruction. Obama will have lunch with Vice President Biden at 12 p.m. ET, and the two of them will host a 1:20 p.m. ET meeting with the co-chairmen of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board and the senior leadership of the intelligence community. At 2:30 p.m. ET, Obama will sign the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Obama and Biden will meet at 3:10 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Obama will attend a commemorative tree planting at 5:30 p.m. ET, and he will deliver remarks at a 6:05 p.m. ET reception, commemorating the enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 27, 2009, 9:02AM

Poll: Big Majority Of Americans Support Cap-And-Trade
A new CNN poll finds 60% of Americans supporting a cap-and-trade proposal to control carbon emissions, with only 37% against it. The pollster's analysis says that independents are environmentally conscious, but Democrats would still have to work to mobilize those concerns: "Independents may not be red or blue, but they appear to be green. Earlier polls indicate that Independents believe in global warming and believe that the government can take steps to curtail the problem. But the environment is not a big priority for Independents, as it is with Democrats."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart from Miami at 10 a.m. ET, arriving at 10:50 a.m. ET in Sarasota. At 12:10 p.m. ET, he will tour the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, Florida, and will deliver remarks at 12:25 p.m. ET. He will depart from Sarasota at 2:05 p.m. ET, arriving at 3:50 p.m. ET in Norfolk, Virginia. He will deliver remarks at a 4:55 p.m. ET rally for Creigh Deeds. He will depart from Norfolk at 6:05 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 7:05 p.m. ET.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 20, 2009, 9:01AM

Gates: Don't Wait For Afghanistan Election To Be Resolved
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said that the United States should not wait for the Afghanistan election to be resolved before deciding on a strategy for the country -- putting him at odds with top White House officials. "We're not just going to sit on our hands, waiting for the outcome of this election and for the emergence of a government in Kabul," said Gates, also adding: "The outcome of the elections and the problems with the elections have complicated the situation for us. But the reality is, it's not going to be complicated one day and simple the next."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 10:40 a.m. ET with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. At 11:50 a.m. ET, he will honor recipients of the Presidential Unit Citation, honoring the 11th Armored Combat Regiment of the U.S. Army for service in the Vietnam War. Obama will meet at 1:10 p.m. ET with senior advisers, and depart the White House at 2:20 p.m. ET, arriving in New York City at 3:30 p.m. ET. Obama will tour the Joint Terrorism Task Force Headquarters at 4:15 p.m. ET, and deliver remarks to staff members at 4:30 p.m. ET. He will attend a 7:10 p.m. ET fundraiser for Bill Owens, the Democratic candidate in the NY-23 special election, and deliver remarks at 8:10 p.m. ET at a DNC fundraiser. He will depart from New York at 9:50 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 10:55 p.m. ET.

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 14, 2009, 9:00AM

Hillary Clinton Calls For Political Freedom In Russia
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at Moscow State University, calling for human rights and political freedom in Russia. "In an innovative society, people must be free to take unpopular positions, disagree with conventional wisdom, know they are safe to challenge abuses of authority," said Clinton. "That's why attacks on journalists and human rights defenders here in Russia is such a great concern: because it is a threat to progress."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 9:45 a.m. ET with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan. At 2:05 p.m. ET, he will join Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to tour the Fairfax County Parkway Extension construction site, and he will speak at 2:20 p.m. ET. AT 3:50 p.m. ET, he will sign an executive order restoring the White House Advisory Commission and Interagency Working Group, concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. He will also observe the holiday of Diwali. At 7:10 p.m. ET, he will deliver remarks at an event celebrating the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 13, 2009, 8:59AM

Senate Finance Committee To Vote On Health Care Bill
The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote today on the Baucus health care bill. Democrats hold a 13-10 majority on the committee, so approval is widely expected -- though questions remain as to whether any Dems will vote against it from the left, or whether Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe might vote yes.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 11:25 a.m. ET with Vice President Biden. He will meet at 12:15 p.m. ET with President Zapatero of Spain, and the two of them will make statements to the press at 1:05 p.m. ET. He will meet at 2:10 p.m. with Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN). Obama and Biden will meet at 4:35 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. At 7:15 p.m. ET, the Obamas and Bidens will attend a performance on the South Lawn, "Fiesta Latina."

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 12, 2009, 9:01AM

Hillary Clinton: Obama Given Nobel For Restoring 'Image And Appreciation of Our Country'
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the Today show that President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize because of "his attitude toward America's role in the world." "His willingness to really kind of challenge everyone ... restores a kind of image and appreciation of our country," said Clinton.

Baucus Bill Committee Vote Will Require Leap Of Faith For Several Senators
The Hill reports that the Baucus bill is likely to clear the Finance Committee, with the votes of Democratic members who are in fact critics of it -- but are taking a leap of faith that they can improve it on the Senate floor: "The fact that critics of the Baucus bill such as Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) are already strategizing for the floor debate is a strongest indication that Baucus will have the support he needs on Tuesday."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 8, 2009, 8:59AM

CBO: Budget Deficit Reaches Record $1.4 Trillion
The federal budget deficit for the just-completed fiscal year 2009 reached $1.4 trillion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. This record number was due to multiple factors, including falling tax revenues due to the recession, corporate bailouts and stimulus spending. This was triple the previous record of $459 billion, which was reached last year.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will have lunch at 12 p.m. ET with business leaders. At 2:30 p.m. ET, he will visit the National Naval Medical Center Marine Wounded Warrior basketball game. At 3:15 p.m. ET, Obama and Vice President Biden will meet with Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner, and they will meet at 3:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. At 5 p.m. ET, Obama will play basketball with cabinet secretaries and members of Congress.

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Afghanistan

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 6, 2009, 9:04AM

Gates: "We're Not Leaving Afghanistan"
In an interview with CNN, held jointly with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates bluntly declared that "we're not leaving Afghanistan." He explained: "There should be no uncertainly in terms of our determination to remain in Afghanistan and to continue to build a relationship of partnership ... with the Pakistanis."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with the National Counterterrorism Center leadership at 11:10 a.m. ET, and will deliver remarks to NCTC staff members at 11:40 a.m. ET. Obama and Vice President will meet with the Congressional leadership and the chairs and ranking members of the relevant committees to discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 27, 2009, 1:05PM

Obama: World Leaders Don't Understand The American Right's Hitler References
President Obama spoke last night to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's annual dinner, and he discussed an amusing moment with an unnamed world leader at the G-20: "One of the leaders -- I won't mention who it was -- he comes up to me. We take the picture, we go behind. He says, 'Barack, explain to me this health care debate.' He says, 'We don't understand it. You're trying to make sure everybody has health care and they're putting a Hitler mustache on you -- I don't -- that doesn't make sense to me. Explain that to me.'"

Bill Clinton: Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy Not As Strong, "But It's As Virulent As It Was" In the 1990's
Appearing on Meet The Press, former President Bill Clinton said that the "vast right-wing conspiracy" of the 1990's is still there: "It's not as strong as it was, because America's changed demographically, but it's as virulent as it was. I mean, they're saying things about him--you know, it's like when they accused me of murder and all that stuff they did. He--but it's not really good for the Republicans and the country, what's going on now. I mean, they may be hurting President Obama. They can take his numbers down, they can run his opposition up. But fundamentally, he and his team have a positive agenda for America. Their agenda seems to be wanting him to fail, and that's not a prescription for a good America."

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MA-SEN

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 24, 2009, 9:01AM

Patrick To Announce Senate Pick, Kirk The Favorite
Gov. Deval Patrick (D-MA) will announce today his appointment for interim Senator, at an 11 a.m. press conference. The widespread expectation is that Kennedy family friend Paul Kirk will be appointed to Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, to serve as a caretaker until the January special election.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will chair a 9:15 a.m. ET meeting of the U.N. Security Council. At 12 p.m. ET, he will co-chair, with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, a meeting of the leaders of the Friends of Pakistan. He will depart from New York at 2:20 p.m. ET, arriving at 3:30 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At 6 p.m. ET, the President and First Lady will greet leaders of the G-20 and their spouses. At 7:30 p.m. ET, Obama will attend a G-20 leaders working dinner.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 19, 2009, 1:09PM

Obama: More Work To Be Done On Economy
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama discussed the upcoming G-20 Summit, and the need for more financial regulations to avoid a repeat of the economic crisis:

In the weeks and months ahead, we have an opportunity to build on the work we've already done. An opportunity to rebuild our global economy stronger that before. An opportunity not only to protect the American people and America's economy, but to promote sustained and balanced growth and prosperity for our nation and all nations. And that's an opportunity I am determined to seize.

Myrick: Government Run Health Care Means Delay, Death
In this weekend's Republican address, Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) discussed her experience as a breast cancer survivor, warned that government-run health care would lead to delayed care and death:

"Under the government-run health care system they have in Canada and the United Kingdom, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to get those tests so quickly," said Myrick. "One international study found that three times as many citizens in those countries wait longer than a month to see a specialist. When it comes to life-threatening diseases like cancer, delay could mean death."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 18, 2009, 9:05AM

Boehner Blasts Ex-Rep. Tauzin For PhRMA Working With "Bully" Obama On Health Care Reform
The Hill reports that House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) has sent a letter to PhRMA president Billy Tauzin, who is a former Republican Congressman from Louisiana, castigating Tauzin and PhRMA for working constructively with President Obama on health care reform. "When a bully asks for your lunch money, you may have no choice but to fork it over," Boehner wrote. "But cutting a deal with the bully is a different story, particularly if the 'deal' means helping him steal others' money as the price of protecting your own."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will met one-on-one with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at 11:10 a.m. ET, with an expanded meeting at 11:30 a.m. ET, and a working lunch at 12:30 p.m. ET. Obama will meet with Sec. of State Hillary Clinton at 1:30 p.m. ET, with Vice President Biden at 2:30 p.m. ET, and with former President Bill Clinton at 4 p.m. ET.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 15, 2009, 1:06PM

Obama: We Have Rationed Care And Bureaucracy Right Now
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama set out to debunk the attacks against his health care proposals -- and put the blame squarely on insurance companies with a vested interest in the status quo, who commit the same abuses that opponents of reform are warning against:

"If you're worried about rationed care, higher costs, denied coverage, or bureaucrats getting between you and your doctor, then you should know that's what's happening right now," said Obama. "In the past three years, over 12 million Americans were discriminated against by insurance companies due to a preexisting condition, or saw their coverage denied or dropped just when they got sick and needed it most."

Hatch: Town Hall Protestors Are Not "Un-American"
In this weekend's Republican address, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) said that Republican do support meaningful reforms in health insurance -- and attacked Democrats over their health care plans and for belittling protestors at town halls:

"I am disappointed about the attempts to characterize the behavior of Americans expressing their concerns as 'un-American,'" said Hatch. "Although I strongly encourage the use of respectful debate in these town halls, we should not be stifling these discussions. There is nothing 'un-American' about disagreements. In fact, our great nation was founded on speaking our minds."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 10, 2009, 8:59AM

Obama Looks To Regain Momentum Over Recess
Roll Call reports that President Obama plans to use the August recess to regain momentum in the health care debate. "It's been confusing for people and there's a lot of misinformation, so the president is going to use August to set the record straight," said an unnamed senior White House official. "He'll be very direct."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama is spending today in Guadalajara, Mexico. He will hold a trilateral meeting at 10 a.m. ET with Mexican President Felipe Calderón and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The three of them will hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. ET. Obama will depart from Mexico at 2:15 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 6:35 p.m. ET.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 8, 2009, 1:05PM

Obama: "Outlandish Claims" About Health Care Bill Are "Simply Not True"
In this week's YouTube address, President Obama rebutted what he called "outlandish claims" that have been made against his health care plan:

"So, let me explain what reform will mean for you," said Obama. "And let me start by dispelling the outlandish claims that reform will promote euthanasia, cut Medicaid, or bring about a government takeover of health care. That's simply not true. This isn't about putting government in charge of your health insurance; it's about putting you in charge of your health insurance.

Virginia Gubernatorial Race Takes Center Stage In GOP Address
This weekend's Republican address was delivered by Bob McDonnell, the GOP nominee for Governor of Virginia. He delivered a standard conservative message, with a focus on how these issues affect his own state as well as the country at large:

"As I travel throughout Virginia, I listen to our people who are concerned about the jobs they have, worried about finding the jobs they need, and concerned about what jobs will be available for their kids in the years ahead," McDonnell said, later adding: "As Republicans, we believe you create jobs by keeping taxes and regulation low, and litigation at a minimum."

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Health Care

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 7, 2009, 8:59AM

Report: White House Advises Dems On Health Care Protests
The Associated Press reports that White House officials have advised Democratic lawmakers on how to respond to disruptions at town halls, and promised a strong response if any lawmaker faces direct criticism in TV advertising. This reportedly took place at a closed-door session before members went home for the recess.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks on the economy at 1:15 p.m., from Henderson Hall at Fort Myer. At 5 p.m. ET, he will meet with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

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Tea Party

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 5, 2009, 8:59AM

DNC Web Ad Blasts Republican "Angry Mobs"
The Democratic National Committee is expanding its public relations push against the Tea Party crowds that are interrupting town hall meetings, with this new Web ad tying the right-wing base to the GOP establishment:

"Now, desperate Republicans and their well funded allies are organizing angry mobs -- just like they did during the election," the announcer says. "Their goal? Destroy President Obama, and stop the change Americans voted for overwhelmingly in November."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will be traveling today to Warakusa, Indiana. He will arrive at South Bend Regional Airport at 11:10 a.m. ET, and will deliver remarks on the economy at Monaco RV in Warakusa at 11:55 a.m. ET. He will depart from South Bend at 1:35 p.m. ET, and will arrive back at the White House at 3:20 p.m. ET.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 3, 2009, 9:01AM

Two Sides Taking Health Care Debate Outside Washington
The Obama Administration and its opponents will be spending the August recess heavily promoting their sides of the health care debate. "Our job is to help folks understand how this will help them," said David Axelrod. On the other end of the spectrum, Sens. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and John Barrasso (R-WY) will be going on the road with their "Senate Doctors Show," warning against the Democratic plan.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at 11:05 a.m. ET, on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. At 12:30 p.m. ET, he will meet with Shaykh Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, and the two of them will be joined by Vice President Biden for lunch at 12:45 p.m. Et. Obama will meet with Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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Health Care

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 30, 2009, 9:01AM

CBS/NYT Poll: Public Conflicted About Health Care
A new CBS/New York Times poll finds the public feeling conflicted about health care reform. On the one hand 66% of adults favor a public options, and 55% say the government should guarantee health coverage for all Americans. On the other hand, 56% are very concerned that businesses would cut jobs if government acts to cover all Americans, and a 45% plurality are very concerned that their own taxes would go up.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines, at 3 p.m. ET. He will meet with Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner at 4 p.m. ET, and with Vice President Biden at 4:30 p.m. Then at 6 p.m. ET, he will meet outside the Oval Office with Cambridge Police Sergeant James Crowley and Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr, for that round of beer that was announced last week.

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Health Care

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 26, 2009, 1:04PM

Sarah Palin Resigning Governorship Today
Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) will officially resign today, at the governor's picnic in Fairbanks. The big question now: What's next for her in politics? "I cannot express enough there is no plan after July 26. There is absolutely no plan," she told the Associated Press. "The decision (to quit) was made in the vacuum of what was best for Alaska, and now I'm accepting all the options, but there is nothing planned."

Axelrod: Obama Saw Gates Discussion "Veering Off In The Wrong Direction"
Appearing on Face The Nation, White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod explained President Obama's decision Friday to clarify his comments on the Henry Louis Gates arrest. "I think he understood that the debate was veering off in the wrong direction and as he said, that his words may have contributed to that," said Axelrod, "so he felt a responsibility to step forward and kind of cool the situation down and acknowledge the fact that he had, as he said, calibrated his words poorly and had contributed to that. So that is what he did and I think it has had the desired effect."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 23, 2009, 8:59AM

DeMint: Obama "Has Lowered The Discourse"
Sen. Jim DeMint has responded to a new DNC TV ad, attacking his remarks that health care will "break" President Obama. "It's disappointing that President Obama has lowered the discourse of this important debate with false personal attacks," DeMint said in a statement. "Beyond the fact that the President's accusations are patently false, it is disturbing that he and his team would respond to a policy debate with political attack ads."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will be headed to Ohio today, touring the Cleveland Clinic at 1:15 p.m. ET, and hosting a town hall on health care reform at Shaker Heights High School. He will then head to Chicago, attending a 7:15 p.m. ET fundraising dinner at the home of Penny Pritzker, and speaking at fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at 8:05 p.m. ET. He will depart from Chicago at 9:15 p.m. ET, and is scheduled to arrive back at the White House at 11:05 p.m. ET.

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Jim DeMint

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 22, 2009, 9:01AM

DeMint Stands By "Waterloo" Comment Against Obama: "We've Got To Stop His Politics"
Appearing this morning on the Today show, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) refused to take back his statement that Republicans can make health care policy into President Obama's "Waterloo," and that it will "break" him. When asked whether he stood by it, DeMint responded: "It's not personal. We've got to stop his politics."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner at 11 a.m. ET. At 2 p.m. ET, he will have an expanded meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and a one-on-one meeting with Maliki at 2:45 p.m. ET. AT 3 p.m. ET, the two will hold a joint press availability. At 8 p.m. ET, Obama will hold a news conference.

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