Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | March 22, 2010, 8:41AM

WaPo: Obama Plans Public Relations Push For Health Care Effort
The Washington Post reports that the Obama administration has planned a public relations blitz to turn around the image of the health care bill: "Planning inside the West Wing for the post-vote period has proceeded quietly, even as the president and his allies on Capitol Hill were fighting for the measure's passage. Reshaping the legislation's image will take place in three phases, White House aides said: the immediate aftermath; the seven months until the November midterm elections; and the several years that follow, during which many provisions in the measure will gradually take effect."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 11:30 a.m. ET with senior advisers.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | March 7, 2010, 1:17PM

DeLay: Dem Leadership Practicing 'Arrogance' In Writing Health Care Legislation
Appearing on State of the Union, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) accused Democrats of "arrogance" in their management of the health care bill. "I think what they're doing wrong is because of arrogance," said DeLay. He elaborated: "They have huge majorities . . . and you would think you could pass anything and pass it quickly with those kinds of majorities. Why is it? Why can't they? It's because they're going back in rooms and then telling the members, take it or leave it. You can't do that. It's obvious."

Dem Rep. Baird: 'We Don't Have A Dance Partner' In GOP
Appearing on State of the Union, Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA), who is retiring this year, criticized Republicans for not participating in a bipartisan manner in the legislative process. "Tom DeLay was on Dancing with the Stars," Baird quipped, who then explained: "We don't have a dance partner. We don't have someone on the other side who is seriously willing to say, 'If you do these things, you will have our support.' And the reason is they see it as such a potent political weapon."

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | February 25, 2010, 9:01AM

Today: The Health Care Summit
Today's big event will be the health care summit between President Obama and members of Congress from both parties. The Associated Press does not have high expectations for success: "Expect them to collide, not come together. Without a no-nonsense referee to slam the gavel on mind-fogging jargon, not to mention apocalyptic rhetoric, some viewers might wish Judge Judy was presiding."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:15 a.m. ET. Obama will walk to the Blair House at 9:50 a.m. ET, and at 10 a.m. ET will host the bipartisan health care summit. At 4 p.m. ET, Obama will walk back to the White House. At 4:30 p.m. ET, Obama will deliver remarks and present the awards for the 2009 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | February 19, 2010, 9:01AM

Iraq War Being Renamed
The Iraq War is being officially renamed, ABC News reports, from its current label of "Operation Iraqi Freedom," to "Operation New Dawn." The change will take effect on September 1, coinciding with the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from the country, and the official change of mission for the troops who will still be there.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will hold a town hall at 1 p.m. ET, in Henderson, Nevada. At 2:55 p.m. ET he will deliver remarks to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. He will depart from Las Vegas at 4:05 p.m. ET, arriving back at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington at 8:05 p.m. ET.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 26, 2009, 8:59AM

White House To Rein In 'Too Big To Fail' Institutions
The New York Times reports that the Obama administration is set to bring out new proposals for dealing with "too big to fail" institutions, with increased regulations for preventing failure: "The White House plan as outlined so far would already make it much more costly to be a large financial company whose failure would put the financial system and the economy at risk. It would force such institutions to hold more money in reserve and make it harder for them to borrow too heavily against their assets. Setting up the equivalent of living wills for corporations, that plan would require that they come up with their own procedure to be disentangled in the event of a crisis, a plan that administration officials say ought to be made public in advance."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 11:30 a.m. ET with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan. He will depart from the White House at 12:45 p.m. ET, arriving at 2:45 p.m. ET in Jacksonville, Florida. He will deliver remarks at 3:15 p.m. ET to servicemen and women, and will meet at 4 p.m. ET, with personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps. He will depart from Jacksonville at 4:25 p.m. ET, arriving at 5:35 p.m. ET in Miami. He will deliver remarks at a 7:25 DSCC/DCCC fundraising reception, and at a 7:50 p.m. ET DSCC/DCCC fundraising dinner.

Read more »

Health Care

White House Strongly Denies It's Given Up On The Public Option

Brian Beutler | August 18, 2009, 12:18PM

The White House has strengthened its denial that the administration's non-committal position on the public option has changed one way or another.

"Here's the bottom line: Absolutely nothing has changed," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

"We continue to support the public option. That will help lower costs, give American consumers more choice and keep private insurers honest. If people have other ideas about how to accomplish these goals, we'll look at those, too. But the public option is a very good way to do this."

Over the weekend, President Obama referred to the public option as a "sliver" of health care reform, and Sebelius said the public option wasn't essential reform's success. Though the White House's core position hasn't changed, the intensity with which it supports the public option has varied over the last several weeks, and this weekend's remarks were the first indication that the administration doesn't even regard the public option as particularly crucial.

But White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs insists that Sebelius' statements were not a trial balloon. "If it was a signal, it was a dog whistle we started blowing three months ago, and it just got picked up," Gibbs said. "It's crazy. It's not a signal."

Death Panels

Sebelius: In Wake Of 'Death Panel' Furor, End Of Life Provision Probably Off The Table

Brian Beutler | August 17, 2009, 4:28PM

Appearing on This Week with guest host Jake Tapper, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that a provision to require Medicare to reimburse doctors who provide end-of-life counseling probably won't survive the legislative process.

"I think it's really horrific that some opponents of the health reform bill have used this painful, personal moment to try and scare people about what is in the bill," Sebelius said referring to politicians like Sarah Palin who falsely suggested that the government planned to create "death panels." But, she added, because of their handy work, the end-of-life counseling provision "probably will be off the table."

So now I guess granny gets to keep that freedom-loving privilege of paying for an optional end-of-life counseling session out her social security check. Thanks, GOP.

Health Care

White House: Public Option Not Essential--A Sliver Of Reform

Brian Beutler | August 17, 2009, 9:10AM

Over the weekend, the White House enraged health care reformers by dangling the public option over the edge of a cliff.

On CNN's State of the Union, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the public option is "not the essential element" of reform.

And, at a Saturday town hall forum in Grand Junction, CO, President Obama himself said, "[T]he public option, whether we have it or we don't have it, is not the entirety of health care reform. This is just one sliver of it, one aspect of it."

White House Office of Health Reform Spokeswoman Linda Douglass sought to contain the controversy late Sunday, saying "nothing has changed," and that Obama still believes the public option is the "best way" to lower the cost of health insurance and create competition in the market. But that will come as little solace to liberals, who have watched the White House waver over the issue for weeks.

The administration has been all over the map on the importance of the public option ever since it became the main battleground of the health care reform fight, pitting liberals against skeptics and raising the ire of reform opponents.

Read more »

Barack Obama

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 16, 2009, 1:00PM

Obama On Death Panel Smear: "I Just Lost My Grandmother Last Year"
At his town hall meeting on health insurance reform yesterday, President Obama fired back at the "death panel" smear. "I just lost my grandmother last year. I know what it's like to watch somebody you love, who's aging, deteriorate and have to struggle with that," Obama said, attacking those who would put forward "the notion that somehow I ran for public office or members of Congress are in this so they can go around pulling the plug on grandma."

Sebelius: Death Panel Scare Attack Is "Horrific"
Appearing on This Week, of Sec. of Health and Human Services fired back at the "death panel" attack, -- but also conceded that end-of-life counseling is likely to be taken out of the bill. "And I think it's really horrific that some opponents of the health reform bill have used this painful, personal moment to try and scare people about what is in the bill," said Sebeilus.

Read more »

Health Care

Teabaggers Try To Shout Down Health Care Reform At Town Halls

Rachel Slajda | August 3, 2009, 12:05PM

Angry teabaggers and other opponents of health care reform are heckling members of Congress at their town hall meetings back home in an effort to sway the debate and drown out reform supporters.

This weekend, a group of teabaggers showed up at a town hall in Philadelphia with Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. They shouted and booed to drown out remarks from both officials and questions from the audience. The Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots reportedly brought 40 people. Watch:

In Austin on Saturday, protesters followed Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) out of a forum at a grocery store, chanting "Just say no!" after he told the crowd he'd vote for a health care reform bill even if his constituents opposed it. Watch.

These aren't the first incidents of this kind, but we think it's a pretty safe bet they'll continue and intensify throughout August.

Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) has suspended town hall meetings after screaming protesters disrupted a June 22 forum in Long Island to the point where residents called the police to escort Bishop to his car.

Last week, a crowd erupted into thunderous applause after a soldier demanded an apology from Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) at a town hall with her staff. (The senator wasn't there.) The meeting was moderated by Americans for Prosperity's Missouri chapter. AFP was a major organizer of the tax day "tea party" protests.

Make sure to check out the teabaggers' strategy memo obtained by Think Progress.

Late update: We'll be adding more incidents as we track them down.

On July 6, Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY) held a town hall meeting that devolved into a shouting match, with tea party protesters loudly interrupting whenever someone mentioned a public plan. Maffei threatened to break up the meeting, and has since said he plans to hold smaller, less publicized events with constituents.

Late late update: On Saturday, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) showed up to a restaurant, where he was supposed to hold one-on-one meetings with constituents, to find 150 angry people who demanded it be a Q&A, town hall style meeting. Murphy and his staff obliged, and changed the format at a second event held later in the day.

The crowd "erupted in a chorus of boos and catcalls" when Murphy said he thought Obama was doing a "pretty great job." Murphy tried to keep the crowd cool, admonishing hecklers from time to time to be respectful.

Late late late update: Saturday was a red-letter day for these protesters. A group shouted the Pledge of Allegiance at Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) as he left a local Democratic Party picnic, where he had pushed for universal health care. Watch:

John McCain

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 12, 2009, 1:20PM

Palin Plans To Stay Involved In Politics
Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) told the Washington Times that she'll be staying involved in politics: "I will go around the country on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation." She did not rule out a presidential campaign in the future. "I'm not ruling out anything - it is the way I have lived my life from the youngest age," she said. "Let me peek out there and see if there's an open door somewhere. And if there's even a little crack of light, I'll hope to plow through it."

McCain: Palin Will Continue To Be A Major Factor
Appearing on Meet The Press, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) was asked about Sarah Palin's resignation. "Obviously I was a bit surprised, but I wasn't shocked," said McCain. "I love and respect her and her family, I'm grateful that she agreed to run with me." He added: "I'm confident that she will be a major factor in the national scene and in Alaska as well."

Read more »

Health Care

Sebelius: Health Care Legislation Must Lower Costs--And It's Hard To Do That Without A Public Option

Brian Beutler | June 24, 2009, 6:05PM

After yesterday's press conference, reporters are understandably trying to get a clearer sense from the administration on whether the president's obvious personal preference for a public option will ultimately translate into an ultimatum to Congress demanding one.

Here's Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius fielding one such question.

"One of his bottom lines is, he refuses to talk about any plan that really doesn't lower costs. And if you have a monopoly in the marketplace, it's very difficult to lower costs."

That may be the closest we'll get to an answer at this point--but the idea here is that Obama a). wouldn't support a plan that doesn't lower costs, and b). finds it hard to believe
that a reform proposal without a public plan would succeed at lowering costs. Ergo.... we wait for the CBO, I guess. But Obama's been pretty clear that he's going to keep his powder dry publicly until the process in Congress reaches greater maturity.

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.

Read more »

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | April 29, 2009, 8:57AM

Obama And Biden Host Specter At White House Press Availability
President Obama and Vice President Biden publicly welcomed Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) to the Democratic Party at the White House earlier this morning -- fittingly, from the Diplomatic Room. "I think that I can be of assistance to you, Mr. President," said Specter. Obama said: "I don't expect Arlen to be a rubber stamp. In fact, I'd like to think that Arlen's decision reflects recognition that this administration is open to many different ideas and many different points of view."

Obama's Day Ahead: Town Hall In Missouri, News Conference From Washington
Following this morning's joint statement with Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), President Obama departed Andrews Air Force Base at about 8:30 a.m. ET, headed for St. Louis, Missouri. He will arrive in St. Louis at 10:30 a.m. ET, and will hold a town hall at 11:20 a.m. ET at Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri, discussing his first 100 days in office. He will depart from St. Louis at 2 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 4 p.m. ET. At 8 p.m. ET tonight, President Obama will hold a news conference.

Read more »

Arlen Specter

Sebelius Confirmed To Health & Human Services, With Specter's Support

Brian Beutler | April 28, 2009, 6:23PM

It's been a day for changing titles. Former Kansas governor was confirmed earlier this evening to be President Obama's Secretary of Health and Human Services. The vote was 65-31. Among the 65 was former Republican Arlen Specter (D-PA). We'll post the Roll Call when it comes down the pipe.

Interestingly, Specter also voted in support of an major piece of anti-fraud legislation earlier today, and, in that roll call, the Senate website still lists him as a Republican. Amateurs.

Anyhow, NARAL/Pro-Choice America has been pushing hard for Sebelius' confirmation, and the group's president, Nancy Keenan, had this to say:

We applaud the Senate's vote to confirm the eminently-qualified Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to serve in this critical position. Anti-choice advocates tried every desperate trick in the book to derail her confirmation, but this vote shows that a majority of senators understand that Americans are tired of the antagonistic politics of the past. As our country faces challenges on a number of fronts, especially on the issue of affordable health care, we look forward to ensuring that women's health and sound science are a priority, rather than the failed political maneuvering that damaged this agency during the previous Bush administration.

Late update: Roll call here. He's still listed as a Republican. Somebody should call the clerk!

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Congressional Dems Reach Budget Agreement
House and Senate Democratic negotiators agreed Monday night to a budget outline for 2010, including the parliamentary ability to pass health care legislation without the threat of a Republican filibuster. The $3.5 trillion plan also includes funds for clean energy and other domestic programs, and a tax increase for individuals making more than $200,000 or couples making more than $250,000 per year.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with FBI Director Robert Mueller and other senior officials at FBI Headquarters, at 10:45 a.m. ET. He will then deliver remarks to FBI employees at 11:10 a.m. ET. At 2 p.m. ET, Obama will meet with the Congressional Progressive Caucus. At 3:05 p.m. ET, he will present the National Teacher of the Year Award in the Rose Garden. At 4:30 p.m. ET, he will meet with Defense Sec. Robert Gates, and at 7:30 p.m. ET he and the First Lady will attend a reception for Cabinet secretaries in the Blue Room.

Read more »

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Congressional Dems Reach Budget Agreement
House and Senate Democratic negotiators agreed Monday night to a budget outline for 2010, including the parliamentary ability to pass health care legislation without the threat of a Republican filibuster. The $3.5 plan also includes funds for clean energy and other domestic programs, and a tax increase for individuals making more than $200,000 or couples making more than $250,000 per year.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with FBI Director Robert Mueller and other senior officials at FBI Headquarters, at 10:45 a.m. ET. He will then deliver remarks to FBI employees at 11:10 a.m. ET. At 2 p.m. ET, Obama will meet with the Congressional Progressive Caucus. At 3:05 p.m. ET, he will present the National Teacher of the Year Award in the Rose Garden. At 4:30 p.m. ET, he will meet with Defense Sec. Robert Gates, and at 7:30 p.m. ET he and the First Lady will attend a reception for Cabinet secretaries in the Blue Room.

Read more »

Bailout

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | April 21, 2009, 9:05AM

Geithner To Face Questions On TARP
Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner will be testifying at 10 a.m. ET today before the Congressional Oversight Panel for the TARP program, where he is expected to face tough questions on the progress of the program -- and regarding a recent report by Inspector General Neil Barofsky criticizing the program for benefitting business and being potentially unfair to the taxpayer.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with King Abdullah of Jordan one-on-one at 10 a.m. ET, and the two will hold an expanded meeting at 10:30 a.m. ET. At 2 p.m. ET, Obama will present the Commander in Chief's trophy to the Naval Academy football team. At 2:45 p.m. ET, he will meet with Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton to discuss national service, and at 4 p.m. ET he will sign the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law, at the SEED School in Washington.

Read more »