Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 19, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama: U.S., Allies, Discussing Sanctions Against Iran
At a press conference in South Korea, President Obama said that the United States and allies could have a package of sanctions against Iran "within weeks." "We weren't going to duplicate what has happened with North Korea," said Obama, "in which talks just continue forever without any actual resolution to the issue."

Obama's Day In South Korea
President Obama visited U.S. Embassy staff and their families in Seoul, South Korea, at 10:10 a.m. local time (8:10 p.m. ET last night). He participated in an arrival ceremony at the Blue House, at 11 a.m. He held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Myng-bak at 11:15 a.m., with an expanded bilateral meeting at 11:50 a.m., and a joint press conference at 12:30 p.m, and a working lunch at 1:10 p.m. Obama delivered remarks to service-members at at Osan Air Base at 3:20 p.m., and departed South Korea at 4:05 p.m. (2:05 a.m. ET). He will arrive in Anchorage, Alaska, at 9:40 a.m. ET, will depart form Anchorage at 11:40 a.m. ET, and arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington at 6:05 p.m. ET.

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James Jones

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 4, 2009, 1:04PM

James Jones Hits Back At McCain: I Don't Play Politics With National Security
Appearing on State of the Union, National Security Adviser James Jones fired back at Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who said on the Senate floor that Jones doesn't "want to alienate the left base of the Democrat [sic] Party." Jones responded: "I've known him for many, many years. And he knows that I don't play politics with national - I don't play politics. And I certainly don't play it with national security. And neither does anyone else I know. The lives of our young men and women are on the line. The strategy does not belong to any political party and I can assure you that the President of the United States is not playing to any political base. And I take exception to that remark."

Greenspan: Economic Growth To Be 3%, Unemployment To Go Over 10%
Appearing on This Week, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan predicted that the third-quarter economic growth figure will hit 3% -- but that this won't be enough to prevent an increase in the unemployment rate. "But remember, the end of the job loss is not the same thing as if the unemployment rate is going to start down," said Greenspan. "My own suspicion is that we're going to penetrate the 10 percent barrier and stay there for a while before we start down."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 29, 2009, 8:58AM

U.S. Plans To Isolate Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail
The Washington Post reports that the Obama administration is preparing to further cut Iran's economic links with the rest of the world: "While officials stress that they hope Iran will agree to open its nuclear program to inspection, they are prepared by year's end to make it increasingly difficult for Iranian companies to ship goods around the world. The administration is targeting, in particular, the insurance and reinsurance companies that underwrite the risk of such transactions."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will meet at 11:30 a.m. ET with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Obama and Vice President Biden will meet at 4:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

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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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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 26, 2009, 1:05PM

Obama: "The International Community Is More United Than Ever Before" On Iran
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama spoke of international cooperation at the G-20 Summit -- including on the crucial issue of dealing with Iran's nuclear program:

"On this, the international community is more united than ever before," said Obama, later adding: "Iran's leaders must now choose - they can live up to their responsibilities and achieve integration with the community of nations. Or they will face increased pressure and isolation, and deny opportunity to their own people."

Isakson Blasts Dems For "Demonizing Regular Citizens" On Health Care
In this weekend's Republican video, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) criticized the Democrats on health care, accusing Democrats of a "heavy-handed approach" that has involved "demonizing regular citizens":

"Americans are rightly concerned about the rush to pass a massive overhaul that will raise their taxes, lower their quality of care and put government between them and their doctor," said Isakson. "They also are concerned about the heavy-handed approach the Democrats have taken, such as demonizing regular citizens for asking questions about their plans and imposing a gag order on insurers for suggesting anyone might lose benefits under the Democrats' plan."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 25, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama Publicly Accuses Iran Of Building Secret Nuclear Facility
President Obama and two other G-20 leaders, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, this morning accused Iran of building a secret facility to produce nuclear fuel. Obama said that "the size and configuration of this facility is inconsistent with a peaceful program."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama held a news conference at 8:30 a.m. ET, in Pittsburgh. At 9:30 a.m. ET, he will attend the morning G-20 plenary session. He will attend the G-20 leaders lunch, at 12:45 p.m. ET, followed by the afternoon G-20 plenary session at 2 p.m. ET, and another news conference at 4:40 p.m. ET. He will depart from Pittsburgh at 6:10 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 7:20 p.m. ET.

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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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Jimmy Carter

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 16, 2009, 9:01AM

Carter: Wilson's Outburst and Tea Parties "Based On Racism"
Former President Jimmy Carter has accused Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), as well as Tea Party activists opposed to President Obama, of being motivated by racism. "I think it's based on racism," Carter said. "There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet one on one with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at 10:45 a.m. ET, with an expanded meeting at 11 a.m. ET. At 1 p.m. ET, Obama and the First Lady will host an event with the White House Office on Olympics, Paralympics and Youth Sport, to promote Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Obama will meet with Gen. Colin Powell at 2 p.m. ET, and with Sec. of Defense Robert Gates at 4:30 p.m. ET. Finally, Obama will deliver remarks at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 32nd Annual Awards Gala, at 8:10 p.m. ET.

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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 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 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 Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 5, 2009, 12:56PM

Palin Attacks "Main Stream Media" Not Understanding Her Resignation
Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) released a statement yesterday to comment further on her decision to resign -- and again, she attacks the media for going after her. "The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the 'politics of personal destruction,'" Palin writes. "How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it's about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will depart from the White House tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET, leaving for Obama's overseas trip this week starting with Moscow, Russia.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Iraqis Gain Control Of Cities As U.S. Troops Pull Back
U.S. combat troops have officially pulled out of Iraqi cities and towns, handing control over to the Iraqis. "This day, which we consider a national celebration, is an achievement made by all Iraqis," said Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. At the same time, there was a significant increase in violence over the last few weeks, in the run-up to the pullback, leaving questions as to what the future will hold.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will speak at 2 p.m. ET from the East Room, highlighting innovative nonprofit programs from across the country. At 3:15 p.m. ET, he will meet with Sec. of Energy Steven Chu.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 28, 2009, 1:12PM

Axelrod: Obama Won't Rule Out Middle-Class Tax Hike
Appearing on This Week, Senior White House David Axelrod did not rule out the idea of President Obama raising taxes on people making under $250,000 -- which Obama pledged not to do during the 2008 campaign -- in order to fund health care. "One of the problems we've had in this town is that people draw lines in the sand and they stop talking to each other. And you don't get anything done," said Axelrod. "That's not the way the president approaches us. He is very cognizant of protecting people -- middle class people, hard-working people who are trying to get along in a very difficult economy. And he will continue to represent them in these talks."

McConnell: We Have Best Health Care System In The World
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) attacked the Democrats' health care proposals. "Well, listening to them, you wouldn't recognize that America has the finest health care system in the world. We have some problems with access and with cost, which can -- addressed without wrecking the best health care system in the world," said McConnell. "What they really have in mind, Bret [Baier], is to create a government-run plan after which there won't be any private insurance companies."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 27, 2009, 12:59PM

Obama Praises Energy Bill, Calls For Senate Passage
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama praised the House of Representatives for passing the energy bill last night, calling it an important component of economic growth and technological development. And he urge the Senate to follow suit quickly:

"Now my call to every Senator, as well as to every American, is this: We cannot be afraid of the future. And we must not be prisoners of the past," said Obama. "Don't believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth. It's just not true."

Boehner Blasts "Go-It-Alone" Democrats
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) delivered the Republican address this weekend, going after the Democrats on the issues of spending, health care and energy:

"Republicans are offering common-sense solutions that will make a real difference in creating jobs, making health care more affordable, and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment, and reducing energy costs," said Boehner. "We hope our Democrat colleagues will abandon their failed go-it-alone approach and work with us to make these reforms a reality."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 25, 2009, 9:02AM

Obama: In Ten Years, Health Care Will Cost Twice As Much If We Do Nothing
In his town-hall special on health care last night, President Obama sought to communicate a message of urgency for reform. "So if you're happy with your health care right now -- and many people are happy with their health care right now," said Obama, "the problem is, 10 years from now, you're not going to be happy, because it's going to cost twice as much or three times as much as it does right now."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will participate in a "United We Serve" event today, joining hundreds of Congressional family members and five national nonprofit organizations at Fort McNair to prepare 15,000 backpacks with books, healthy snacks, Frisbees and other items for the children of servicemen and women. At 2 p.m. ET, Obama and Vice President Biden will meet with members of Congress from both parties to discuss immigration. At 3:15 p.m. ET, Obama will meet with Sec. of the Treasury Tim Geithner, and at 4 p.m. ET with Sec. of State Hillary Clinton. At 6:30 p.m., Obama, the First Lady and Biden will host a luau on the South Lawn, for members of Congress and their families.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Sanford's Office: He's Hiking
Gov. Mark Sanford's (R-SC) office told reporters last night that he is hiking the Appalachian Trail. However, they apparently do not know exactly where is along the Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine -- but interestingly enough, does not pass through South Carolina. "He's an avid outdoorsman," said his spokesman. "Nobody's ever accused our governor of being conventional."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will hold a news conference at 12:30 p.m. ET, in the Rose Garden. At 2:15 p.m. ET, he will meet one-on-one with President Michelle Bachelet of Chile, and they will have an expanded meeting at 2:45 p.m. ET. At 4:45 p.m. ET, Obama will meet with Sec. of Defense Robert Gates.

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FL-SEN

Rubio: Iran Should Have 2nd Amendment Like Ours

Eric Kleefeld | June 22, 2009, 10:57AM

There can be no doubt that the situation in Iran really does make all of us Americans appreciate the rights we take for granted in a functioning representative democracy. For Marco Rubio, the conservative candidate in the 2010 Florida Senate primary, that means...the right to bear arms.

Check out this post that Rubio put up on Twitter:

I have a feeling the situation in Iran would be a little different if they had a 2nd amendment like ours.

Now on the one hand, it is true that things would probably be different right now if Iranians were heavily armed. But a) this is just one of many rights they don't have, and b) don't American conservatives usually oppose the heavy arming of people in that part of the world?

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 22, 2009, 8:58AM

Obama: U.S. Shouldn't Be Distraction For Iran
In an interview with CBS, President Obama explained his cautious approach to the situation in Iran. "The last thing that I want to do," said Obama, "is to have the United States be a foil for -- those forces inside Iran who would love nothing better than to make this an argument about the United States. That's what they do. That's what we've already seen. We shouldn't be playing into that. There should be no distractions from the fact that the -- Iranian people are seeking to -- let their voices be heard."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will sign the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act today, at 2 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden. In the morning, he will have his routine daily briefings.

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Ted Kennedy

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 21, 2009, 12:50PM

Ted Kennedy Records TV Ad For Dodd
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) has recorded this TV ad for Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), a friend and ally on health-care issues, whose popularity has fallen sharply back in his home state going into the 2010 election:

"Quality health care as a fundamental right for all Americans has been the cause of my life," says Kennedy, "and Chris Dodd has been my closest ally in this fight."

Poll: Overwhelming Support For Public Option
A new CBS/New York Times poll finds overwhelming support for a government-run health plan that would compete with the private sector -- also known as the public option -- at 72% in favor to only 20% against. Also, 57% are willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for health insurance for all, to 37% against, with support falling to 43%-49% when a specific price tag of $500 is attached.

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Iran

Ron Paul Is Sole Dissenter From Resolution Supporting Iranian Protests

Eric Kleefeld | June 19, 2009, 1:53PM

The House voted 405-1 today for a resolution in support of the Iranian dissidents and condemning the ruling government. And the one man who opposed it was...Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX).

Paul said in his floor speech that he was in "reluctant opposition" to the resolution -- that he of course condemns violence by governments against their citizens. On the other hand, he also doesn't think the American government should act as a judge of every country overseas, and pointed out that we don't condemn countries like Saudi Arabia or Egypt that don't even have real elections.

"It seems our criticism is selective and applied when there are political points to be made," Paul said. "I have admired President Obama's cautious approach to the situation in Iran and I would have preferred that we in the House had acted similarly."

Check out Paul's full floor statement, after the jump.

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Iran

Poll: Plurality Say Obama About Right On Approach To Iranian Reformers

Eric Kleefeld | June 19, 2009, 10:51AM

A new Rasmussen poll suggests that the criticism of President Obama for not being tough enough on behalf of Iranian dissidents -- which has come mainly from the right -- is not the majority view among American likely voters, and is not even a full majority view among Republicans.

The question is pretty straightforward: "Has President Obama been too aggressive in supporting the reformers in Iran, not aggressive enough, or has his response been about right?"

The numbers: 43% about right, 35% not aggressive enough, and 9% too aggressive. The margin of error is ±3%.

From the pollster's analysis: "Democrats overwhelmingly view the president's response as about right while 49% of Republicans say he has not been aggressive enough. Voters not affiliated with either party are closely divided on the question."

Afghanistan

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 19, 2009, 9:01AM

New Health Care Draft Leaves Out Public Option
The Washington Post reports that a new draft health-care proposal from the Senate Finance Committee includes an individual mandate expands Medicaid coverage -- and leaves out the public option: "Yesterday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) met with four Republicans, including Sen. Charles Grassley (Iowa), the ranking GOP member on the panel, along with two Democratic colleagues in an attempt to find bipartisan consensus. Baucus dubbed the group 'the coalition of the willing.'"

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at 9:30 a.m. ET, at the Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference. At 3:15 p.m. ET, he will mark Father's Day weekend by holding an event in the East Room to discuss fatherhood and mentoring. At 4 p.m. ET, he will meet at the South Lawn with young men from local schools. At 8 p.m. ET, he will attend the Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner.

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Guantanamo Bay

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 16, 2009, 8:57AM

WaPo: Documents Suggest CIA Mistakes In Torture Of Detainees, False Confessions
The Washington Post reports that new documents show that key Guantanamo detainees told the Combatant Status Review Tribunal that they either lied to the CIA in order to stop being tortured, or were later informed of mistakes in their capture. "They told me, 'Sorry, we discover that you are not Number 3, not a partner, not even a fighter,'" said Abu Zubaida. And Khalid Sheikh Mohammed described his interrogation: "Where is he? I don't know," Mohammed said. "Then he torture me. Then I said yes, he is in this area."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet one-on-one with President Lee Myung-bak, of the Republic of Korea, at 10:30 a.m. ET. They will have an expanded meeting at 10:45 a.m. ET, and then a joint press availability at 11:35 a.m. ET, and a working lunch at 12 p.m. ET. At 4:30 p.m. ET, Obama and Vice President Biden will meet with Sec. of Defense Robert Gates.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 14, 2009, 1:04PM

Biden Casts Doubt On Iranian Election Results
Appearing on Meet The Press, Vice President Biden express doubt regarding the re-election of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "It sure looks like the way they're suppressing speech, the way they're suppressing crowds, the way in which people are being treated, that there's some real doubt," said Biden. He added: "I have doubts but we're going to withhold comment until we have a thorough review of the whole process and (see) how they react in the aftermath."

Biden: "Everyone Guessed Wrong" On Economic Figures
Also during his Meet The Press interview, Vice President Biden said that "everyone guessed wrong" on the impact of the economic stimulus. Biden's explanation was that White House economists used standard formulas to estimate that the stimulus program would save or create 3.5 million jobs -- but in fact the economy was really worse off than anyone thought. Biden promised that with money now flowing out of Washington to states and cities, there would be 600,000 new jobs in the coming months.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 13, 2009, 1:01PM

Obama Proposes New Savings On Health Care, To Pay For Reform
In his weekly Presidential YouTube Address, President Obama argued that health care reform must be done quickly. And to help in this effort, he announced that he will save $313 billion in various areas, to go for paying the short-term costs of reform:

"These savings will come from commonsense changes," said Obama. "For example - if more Americans are insured, we can cut payments that help hospitals treat patients without health insurance. If the drug makers pay their fair share, we can cut government spending on prescription drugs. And if doctors have incentives to provide the best care instead of more care, we can help Americans avoid the unnecessary hospital stays, treatments, and tests that drive up costs."

Pence: Dem Energy Plan A "Declaration Of War" On Families
In this weekend's Republican address, Rep Mike Pence (R-IN) lambasted the Democratic proposals for a cap-and-trade program:

"This national energy tax amounts to an economic declaration of war on America's families, small businesses and family farms. The American people know we can do better," Pence said.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 2, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama: Cheney "Happens To Be Wrong" On National Security
In an interview with National Public Radio, President Obama responded to Dick Cheney, saying that while Cheney has every right to speak up on national security, "He also happens to be wrong, right?" Obama added: "Last time, immediately after his last speech, I think there was a fact check on his speech that didn't get a very good grade."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will be meeting with Senate Democrats at 2:30 p.m. ET in the State Dining Room, to discuss health care reform. At 3:45 p.m. ET, he will sign the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act. At 4:15 p.m. ET, he will meet in the Oval Office with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. At 6:45 p.m. ET, he will depart from the White House, heading for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | May 20, 2009, 9:00AM

Rumsfeld Spokesman Denies Accusations Of Biblical Quotes In Iraq War Briefings
Keith Urbahn, the spokesman for former Sec. of Defense Don Rumsfeld, is strongly denying the GQ report that Rumsfeld approved Iraq War briefings for President George W. Bush that incorporated Biblical quotes. "Rumsfeld was fully aware that words and actions could be harmful and counterproductive to the war effort. It's safe to say that some of these cover slides could be considered in that category," Urbahn said. "The suggestion that Rumsfeld would have composed of, approved of, or personally shown the slides to President Bush is flat wrong. It did not happen."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will attend the first quarterly meeting of the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board, at 10 a.m. ET in the Roosevelt Room, focusing at this meeting on clean energy jobs. At 3 p.m. ET, he will participate in a credentialing ceremony for foreign ambassadors in the Oval Office. He will hold a bill signing at 4:30 p.m. in the East Room, signing the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act and the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act. At 5:45 p.m. ET, he will call the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. At 7:30 p.m. ET, the President and First Lady will host a bipartisan reception in the Blue Room for members of the House and their guests.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | May 18, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama's Day Ahead: Meeting With Netanyahu
President Obama will meet one-on-one with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, at 10:30 ET in the Oval Office. He will hold an expanded meeting with Netanyahu at 11:30 a.m. ET, also in the Oval Office, and the two of them will attend a working lunch at 12:25 p.m. ET.

Bibi To Press Obama On Iran
Going into today's meeting, Netanyahu will press President Obama on the issue of confronting Iran's nuclear ambitions. "There is a sense of urgency on our side," said Israeli National Security Adviser Uzi Arad. There could also be some tension on the two-state solution, which is resisted by many on the Israeli right.

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Arlen Specter

TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Specter: "Do I Want To Stay In The Senate, Of Course I Do"
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) held a town hall event last night in his home state, re-introducing himself to voters as their new Democratic Senator. Specter bluntly acknowledged that a desire to remain in office was a reason for his switch. "Do I want to stay in the Senate, of course I do," said Specter. "Do you like your jobs? Sure you do."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will meet with Democrats from the Energy and Commerce Committees, at 10:30 a.m. ET in the State Dining Room. Obama and Biden will have lunch at 12:30 p.m. ET. Obama will meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres at 2 p.m. ET. At 3 p.m. ET, he will meet with senior advisers.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | May 4, 2009, 9:00AM

Gates: Administration Is "Pretty Realistic" About Iran
Defense Sec. Robert Gates is on a trip to the Middle East, telling reporters that he'll reassure America's allies on outreach to Iran: "And I just think it's important to reassure our friends and allies in the region that while we're willing to reach out to the Iranians, as the president said, with an open hand, I think everybody in the administration, from the president on down, is pretty realistic and will be pretty tough-minded if we still encounter a closed fist."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will be speaking at 11:05 a.m. ET from the Grand Foyer, delivering remarks on international tax reform, to close loopholes for overseas tax havens that encourage companies to ship jobs overseas. At 5:15 p.m. ET, he will speak at a Cinco de Mayo event in the East Room.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

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

Gibbs States White House Reticence On Truth Commission
Appearing on Meet The Press, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs stated the White House's reluctance for a truth commission on the torture issue, deferring instead to the ongoing work of the Senate Intelligence Committee: "Well, I think the president had great fears that the debate that you've seen happen in this town on each side of this issue, at the extremes, has -- that's taken place would be what would envelop any commission that looked backward. That's why his focus, David, the whole time is how we look forward in this country."

Poll: Close Public Divide On Torture
A new ABC/Washington Post poll finds a majority of Americans supporting President Obama's decision to release the torture memos: 53% in favor, to 44% again. A slim 51%-47% majority supports investigation of whether laws were broken in the treatment of terrorism suspects. At the same time, it's a close divide on whether the U.S. should consider using torture in some cases: 49% against it, versus 48% who say there are cases where it should be considered.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Al Gore, Newt Gingrich, John Warner To Headline Committee Hearing
The House Energy and Commerce Committee will be holding a hearing on climate change at 10 a.m. ET today, featuring an all-star line-up of guests: Former Vice President Al Gore, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and former Sen. John Warner (R-VA). Gore and Warner support various legislation to limit carbon emissions, while Gingrich was added at the last minute, at the request of Republicans, as an individual who is skeptical of the claimed human contribution to climate change.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with Vice President Biden for lunch at 12:30 p.m. ET. Then at 1:30 p.m. ET, he will speak about higher-education costs, discussing his proposal to end the Federal Family Education Loans program, a government subsidy to banks, in favor of direct government financing.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | April 14, 2009, 8:59AM

Obama Giving Economic Speech Today, While Administration Warns Of More Immediate Bad Times
President Obama will be giving a speech on at the economy at Georgetown University, at 11:35 a.m. ET. Obama will discuss the steps his administration has taken to fix the economic crisis. At the same time, the administration are hedging their rhetorical bets and bracing the country for less than stellar news. Appearing on NBC's The Today Show, economic adviser Christina Romer said that there are "small little signs that maybe some parts of the economy are stabilizing," but also that there will likely be "several more months of job losses."

Report: Obama To Tap Fannie Mae's Herbert Allison To Administer TARP
The Washington Post reports that the Treasury Department plans to tap Fannie Mae CEO Herbert Allison to run the financial recovery program. Note that Allison became head of Fannie Mae after the government took it over this past September, and would be replacing the current Bush-appointed TARP head Neel Kashkari.

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Iran

Poll: U.S. Should Hold Diplomatic Talks With Iran

Eric Kleefeld | April 8, 2009, 3:42PM

Wow, the American public's general opinion on foreign policy really has shifted away from the uber-hawkishness of the Bush era. Check out this new CNN poll:

Do you think Obama administration officials should hold diplomatic talks with the leaders of Iran in the next few weeks, or should they wait to hold diplomatic talks with Iran until that country makes significant changes in its policies towards other countries?

Yes hold talks with Iran - 59%
No, wait to hold talks - 40%

The poll also finds that only 22% of Americans say Iran is an immediate threat, 60% say it's a long-term threat, and 17% say it's no threat at all.

What will John Bolton say?

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | April 1, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama And Brown Point To Unity In Economic Crisis
During their joint press conference earlier today, President Obama and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown assured the public that the world would not fall into the trap of protectionism that exacerbated the Great Depression: "That is a mistake that we cannot afford to repeat." Brown also pointed to the G-20 summit itself as a sign of consensus among world leaders: "As President Obama has said, never before has the world come together in this way to deal with an economic crisis."

Obama In London For G-20
President Obama is in London for the G-20 summit. At 3:05 a.m. ET he met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and the two held a press conference at 5:15 a.m. ET. At 6:45 a.m. ET he met with Russian leaders. At 8 a.m. ET he met with British Conservative Party Leader David Cameron. At 9 a.m. ET he is meeting with Chinese leaders, and at 12:35 p.m. ET he will meet with the Queen of England. At 1 p.m. ET he will attend a reception for G-20 leaders, and at 3:30 p.m. ET they will hold a working dinner.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | March 21, 2009, 1:02PM

Obama Promotes Budget In New Web Address
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama lays out the priorities of his budget on issues such as energy, health care, education, and fixing the deficit:

"I realize there are those who say these plans are too ambitious to enact," said Obama. "To that I say that the challenges we face are too large to ignore. I didn't come here to pass on our problems to the next President or the next generation - I came here to solve them."

Barbour: Obama Budget "Massive Government Spending Spree"
This weekend's RNC YouTube address is delivered by Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, blasting the proposed Obama budget for taxing and spending:

"While families are cutting back, President Obama has proposed a massive government spending spree," said Barbour. "It reminds me of how one of our old senators used to joke about the federal budget. He said it was like a newborn baby: insatiable appetite at one end and total irresponsibility at the other."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

NYT: Obama Offered Deal To Russians On Iran, Missile Defense
The New York Times reports that the Obama Administration sent a secret letter to the Russian government last month, suggesting that the U.S. could stop development of a missile-defense system if Moscow could get Iran to back off its own nuclear-weapons development. An administration official told the Times: "It's not that the Russians get to say, 'We'll try and therefore you have to suspend.' It says the threat has to go away."

WaPo: Clinton Pessimistic On Iran Outreach
The Washington Post reports that Hillary Clinton told the foreign minister for the United Arab Emirates that she had serious doubts as to whether the Obama Administration's attempts to reach out to Iran could work, and appeared to suggest the White House is being realistic about it, too. A source told the Post: "She said we are under no illusions about Iran and our eyes are wide open."

Obama's Day Ahead: Meeting With Gordon Brown
President Obama will be speaking at the Department of Transportation at 9:45 a.m. ET this morning. Then at at 11:30 a.m. ET he will meet with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, with whom he is expected to discuss the financial crisis. At 2 p.m. ET he will speak at the Department of the Interior, and at 3 p.m. ET he will receive a delegation from the Boy Scouts. At 4:30 p.m. ET, he and Vice President Biden will meet with Robert Gates.

Biden's Day Ahead: Discussing The Stimulus
Vice President Biden will be joining President Obama at the Transportation Department this morning, where they will both be speaking. In the afternoon, Biden will hold a conference cal with governors, and another one with mayors, to discuss the implementation of the stimulus program. Then he will join Obama for their meeting with Robert Gates.

Primary Today For Rahm's House Seat
Today is Primary Day in the special election for Rahm Emanuel's former House seat in Chicago. A total of 12 candidates are running in the Democratic primary, which is virtually tantamount to the election itself in this solid-blue district.

WaPo: Obama Budget Will Require Large Expansion In Federal Workforce
The Washington Post reports that President Obama's budget, with its expansion of social programs and creation of new initiatives, will require a large increase in the size of the federal workforce. The Post cites an independent estimate that the federal labor force could grow by 100,000 people, reversing the trend since the Reagan years of shrinking it down.

The Hill: McConnell's Earmarks Make Good Target For Dems
The Hill reports that Democrats are preparing a strong rebuttal to Republican attacks over earmarks: Namely, pointing to the earmarks that Republican Senators themselves have put in recent legislation, especially the $75 million from Mitch McConnell. Said a Republican aide: "This is exactly why it was important for Republicans last year to clean up our act -- because we knew we would be in this situation and it undercuts our credibility."

Pawlenty: GOP Needs To Be Relevant, Move Beyond Reagan
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Tim Pawlenty said the Republican Party has to move beyond just talking about Ronald Reagan. "We need to develop new Ronald Reagans and new reference points," said Pawlenty. "It would be as if Barack Obama was going around and constantly talking about Truman or LBJ. It's just become a reference point that isn't as relevant for young people."