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TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Obama To Explain Surge, Exit Plan In Afghanistan
The Washington Post reports President Obama will use his speech on Afghanistan next week to simultaneously explain his plan to increase America's troop presence, and to lay out an exit strategy: "Obama's prime-time address, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, will begin the White House effort to sell his revised war plan -- one leading scenario calls for sending 30,000 additional U.S. troops -- to powerful skeptics within his party, reluctant allies abroad and an Afghan public uncertain whether international forces or the Taliban will win the war."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will hold the annual turkey-pardoning ceremony, at 11:35 a.m. ET in the Rose Garden. In the afternoon, the First Family will participate in a service event in the Washington area.

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 24, 2009, 8:54AM

Poll: Public Opposes Afghanistan War -- And Favors More Troops For It?
A new CNN poll finds a somewhat contradictory result regarding the war in Afghanistan. The poll has 50% of respondents favoring a troop surge in Afghanistan, with 49% opposing it. At the same time, only 45% favor the war, with 52% opposing it -- meaning that there are a few respondents who oppose the war, and want to send more troops.

Obama's Day Ahead
The President and First Lady will welcome Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur to the White House, at 9:15 a.m. ET. President Obama and P.M. Singh will hold a bilateral meeting at 10:20 a.m. ET, with an expanded bilateral meeting at 10:55 a.m. ET, and a joint press conference at 11:35 a.m. Et. President Obama will meet with senior advisers at 2 p.m. ET, and with Speaker Nancy Pelosi at 3:10 p.m. ET. The President and Vice President will meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at 4:30 p.m. ET. The President and First Lady will greet P.M. Singh and Mrs. Kaur at 7 p.m. ET on arrival for a state dinner, and host the dinner at 8:15 p.m. ET.

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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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TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 22, 2009, 1:16PM

Ben Nelson: If Bill Isn't Improved, I Won't Vote to Get It Off The Floor
Appearing on This Week, Sen. Ben Nelson, made clear that his vote last night to proceed with debate on the health bill was contingent on being able to amend the bill in the next stages of the process -- and that he has a continuing list of issues with the bill, including abortion and other concerns: "Even if that -- even if that was perfected, where I could support that particular provision, if the public option is wrong, if the CLASS act is still in it, if -- if there are a whole host of other items that are the same as they are right now, I wouldn't vote to get it off the floor."

McCain: I Enjoyed Palin's Book, Criticism of Campaign Aides 'No Big Deal'
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) told the Associated Press that he enjoyed reading Sarah Palin's book. "I enjoyed the book and she and I are dear friends. I talked to her on the phone yesterday. We got along fine," said McCain, who downplayed the book's harsh criticism of McCain's presidential campaign aides: "In campaigns there's always tension. Outside of combat, it's the most tense situation. There's always differences that arise, but it's no big deal."

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Tomorrow's Cloture Vote Could Predict Bill's Success (Or Failure)
Roll Call reports that tomorrow's vote on cloture to proceed to debate on the health care bill could indeed be very crucial, and not simply a procedural motion. A Congressional Research Service report, requested by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), shows that on the 41 bills where such a vote has been held since 1999, the Senate ultimately passed the underlying bill in 40 of those occasions.

No Obama Events Today
President Obama does not have any scheduled public events today.

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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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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 18, 2009, 8:59AM

Obama Will Release Afghanistan Plan Soon, Promises Exit Strategy
In an interview with CNN, President Obama said he will soon release his plans for Afghanistan, and that there will be an exit plan. "The American people will have a lot of clarity about what we're doing, how we're going to succeed, how much this thing is going to cost, what kind of burden does this place on our young men and women in uniform and, most importantly, what's the end game on this thing," said Obama. "My preference would be not to hand off anything to the next president. One of the things I'd like is the next president to be able to come in and say I've got a clean slate."

Obama's Day In China And South Korea
President Obama held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, at 11:30 a.m. local time (10:30 p.m. ET last night), with a working lunch at 12:15 p.m. local time. Obama toured the Great Wall of China at 2:30 p.m. He departed Beijing at 5:10 p.m., arriving in Seoul, South Korea, at 7:45 p.m. local time (5:45 a.m. ET).

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 17, 2009, 9:03AM

Obama And Hu Vow Cooperation, But Produce Few Deals
At their press appearance today, President Obama and Chinese President Hut Jintao promised greater cooperation between the two countries on issues such as climate change and nuclear disarmament. During their appearance, however, Hu pointedly called on Obama to reject protectionism -- the U.S. recently imposed tariffs on Chinese-made tires and steel pipes -- and Obama called on China to relax controls that keep their currency artificially weak on the world market.

Obama's Day In China
President Obama participated in a welcome ceremony in Beijing at 9:45 a.m. local time (8:45 p.m. ET last night). He held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao at 10 a.m., and an expanded meeting at 10:45 a.m. They made joint press statements at 12:15 p.m. Obama toured the Forbidden City at 1:20 p.m. He met with U.S. Embassy employees and their families at 2:55 p.m. He held a bilateral meeting with Chairman Wu Bangguo at 5:55 p.m., and attended a state dinner at 6:30 p.m.

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Today: Palin On Oprah Winfrey
Sarah Palin's interview on the Oprah Winfrey show will be broadcast today. The interview was taped last week, and kicks off Palin's media tour for her new book, Going Rogue.

Obama's Day In China
President Obama visited U.S. Consulate employees and their families in Shanghai, China, at 10:20 a.m. local time (9:20 p.m. ET last night). He met at 11 a.m. local time with Party Secretary Yu Zheng Sheng and Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng, with a working lunch at 11:30 a.m. local time. He held a town hall meeting with Chinese leaders at 12:45 p.m. local time. He departed Shanghai at 2:40 p.m., arriving in Beijing at 4:50 p.m. He arrived at the Diaoyutai State Guest House at 6:30 p.m., and was greeted by President Hu Jintao. The two held a bilateral meeting at 6:35 p.m, and had dinner at 7 p.m.

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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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TPMDC Saturday Roundup

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

Obama: Fort Hood Shooting Will Be Fully Reviewed
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama said there will be a full investigation of the shooting at Fort Hood, and whether better steps could have been taken to prevent it:

"The purpose of this review is clear: We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that information," said Obama. "Once we have those facts, we must act upon them. If there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, there must be accountability. Beyond that - and most importantly - we must quickly and thoroughly evaluate and address any flaws in the system, so that we can prevent a similar breach from happening again. Our government must be able to act swiftly and surely when it has threatening information. And our troops must have the security that they deserve."

Kirk: Dem Health Care Bill Would Make Top Taxes Worse Than France
This weekend's Republican address is by Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL), a candidate for President Obama's former Senate seat in 2010. Kirk attacks the Democrats on health care -- and even says it would make some Americans worse off than if they were in France:

"The Pelosi health care bill has no significant lawsuit reforms and does not guarantee your medical rights from government waiting lines or restrictions," said Kirk. "In the teeth of the Great Recession, the Pelosi bill would impose ten new taxes on the American economy. The top combined tax rate for my state of Illinois would be four percentage points higher than France."

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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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TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

Report: Obama Wants Revised Afghanistan Options
President Obama reportedly wants revisions to all the options for Afghanistan that have been presented to him. This comes after Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, a former commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, has strongly disagreed with sending more troops, arguing that more troops would only make the Afghan government more dependent on the United States.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will make a statement at 9:15 a.m. ET, on the economy. He will depart the White House at 9:30 a.m. ET, en route to Alaska. He will arrive in Anchorage at 4:50 p.m. ET, will meet with service members at 5:10 p.m. ET, and will deliver remarks at 5:30 p.m. ET. He will depart form Anchorage at 6:55 p.m. ET, en route to Tokyo, Japan.

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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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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 10, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama Calls For Revision In Stupak Amendment
President Obama said yesterday that the Stupak Amendment should be revised, in the hopes that neither pro-choicers nor pro-lifers feel "betrayed" by any change in the status quo. "I want to make sure that the provision that emerges meets that test," said Obama, "that we are not in some way sneaking in funding for abortions, but, on the other hand, that we're not restricting women's insurance choices."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and the First Lady will depart the White House at 9:05 a.m. ET, arriving in Killeen, Texas, at 12:25 p.m. ET. They will meet at 12:50 p.m. ET with families of the fallen at Fort Hood, and with wounded soldiers and their families at 1:20 p.m. ET. President Obama will address the Fort Hood community at 2 p.m. ET. They will meet with wounded soldiers at 3:25 p.m. ET, and depart from Killeen at 4:20 p.m. ET. They will arrive back at the White House at 8:35 p.m. ET.

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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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TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 8, 2009, 1:03PM

Cao: Health Care Vote Was Proper Decision For My District
Appearing on State of the Union, Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) explained his vote for the House health care bill. "I felt last night's decision was the proper decision for my district even though it was not the popular decision for my party," said Cao, also adding: "A lot of my constituents are uninsured, a lot of them are poor. It was the right decision for the people of my district."

Graham: House Health Care Bill 'Dead On Arrival' In Senate
Appearing on Face The Nation, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) predicted that the health care bill just passed by the House will be "dead on arrival" in the Senate. Graham added: "I just think the construct out of the House and what exists in the Senate is not going to pass, and I hope and pray it doesn't because it would be a disaster for the economy and health care."

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TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 7, 2009, 1:01PM

Obama Praises Heroism At Fort Hood
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama discussed the shooting at Fort Hood, and paid tribute to the heroism of both military and civilian personnel at the base:

"And yet, even as we saw the worst of human nature on full display, we also saw the best of America," said Obama. "We saw soldiers and civilians alike rushing to aid fallen comrades; tearing off bullet-riddled clothes to treat the injured; using blouses as tourniquets; taking down the shooter even as they bore wounds themselves. We saw soldiers bringing to bear on our own soil the skills they had been trained to use abroad; skills that been honed through years of determined effort for one purpose and one purpose only: to protect and defend the United States of America."

Barbour: New Jersey And Virginia Elections Show America Rejecting The Democrats
In this weekend's Republican address, Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS) claimed that this past Tuesday's gubernatorial elections represent a rejection of President Obama's and the Democrats' agenda:

"This week also saw the first big elections since this administration and its Democrat Majority in Congress took control of our federal government. The results made clear the American people don't like where the Democrats are trying to take our country," said Barbour. "Virginia and New Jersey elected new governors Tuesday, and in both cases, voters chose Republican governors to succeed the Democrats elected four years ago. Both are states that President Obama carried by large margins last year."

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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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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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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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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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TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 1, 2009, 1:04PM

Lieberman Pledges To Filibuster Public Option, Blames Its Supporters For Holding Up Reform
Appearing on Face The Nation, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) pledged to filibuster against the public option: "The government going into the health insurance business -- I think it's such a mistake that I would use the power I have as a single senator to stop a final vote." He also blamed public option-supporters for being the ones who are obstructing reform: "All of a sudden if you're not for this government health insurance company, you're against health care reform. I'd say to them, 'Don't stop us from getting something good and important done for the American people.'"

Boehner: NY-23 Election Part Of 'Political Rebellion Going On In America'
Appearing on State of the Union, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) addressed the situation in NY-23 by delcaring, "We're in the middle, I think, of a political rebellion going on in America," and said that the Republicans will work to earn the support of people coming into the political system. At the same time, he insisted that the GOP was not excluding moderates, in light of moderate GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava's withdrawal from the race: "We accept moderates in our party. We want moderates in our party. We cover a wide range of Americans."

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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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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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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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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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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.

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TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 25, 2009, 1:02PM

Schumer: Dems 'Very Close' To 60 Votes
Appearing on Meet The Press, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that Democrats are approaching 60 votes for a compromise public option: "The liberals, they like it stronger, but they're willing to live with level playing field, opt-out. The more moderate Democrats, there are some who actually like it. As long as it's a level playing field, they're comfortable with it. There are others who say that, 'I'm not sure I like it, but I won't hold up passage of the bill.' I think we're very close to getting the 60 votes we need to move forward, and my guess is that the public option level playing field with the state opt-out will be in the bill. But Leader Reid will make that decision after he talks to everybody several times.

Abdullah Calls For 'Dramatic Increase' In American Troops In Afghanistan
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Afghan presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah called for a "dramatic increase" in the number of American troops in his country: "If the situation is not reversed from deteriorating further the security situation, so the future of this country will be at risk, and the future of the engagement of the international community will be at risk. So this situation requires a sort of dramatic increase in the number of troops in order to stop -- stop it from further deteriorating and reversing it. The permanent solution is in a road map that Afghanistan stands on its own feet in a few years down the road, troops -- number of troops could be decreased in Afghanistan, finally, and eventually will stand on its own feet."

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TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 24, 2009, 1:00PM

Obama: Big Banks Must Help Small Businesses
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama talked about his administration's commitment to small businesses -- and called on large banks that have been helped by the bailout to do their part:

"But while credit may be more available for large businesses, too many small business owners are still struggling to get the credit they need," said Obama. "These are the very taxpayers who stood by America's banks in a crisis - and now it's time for our banks to stand by creditworthy small businesses, and make the loans they need to open their doors, grow their operations, and create new jobs. It's time for those banks to fulfill their responsibility to help ensure a wider recovery, a more secure system, and more broadly shared prosperity. And we're going to take every appropriate step to encourage them to meet those responsibilities."

Johanns Denounces 'Shameful' Health Care Deals
In this weekend's Republican address, Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) went after the Democrats on health care:

"We're about to significantly alter one-sixth of our economy -- now is not the time to shut Americans out," said Johanns. "Reports of this deal-making are shameful. Why do Michigan, Rhode Island, Oregon and Nevada get special deals on Medicaid costs? Why do New Yorkers with Cadillac plans get a pass on paying the tax? It is shameful. So now, as a select few deliberate over legislation that will mean higher premiums across the board; higher taxes for hard-working families; and cuts to Medicare for senior citizens; I ask: will this improve your life?"

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 23, 2009, 9:02AM

NYT: Behind The White House Vs. Fox News Fight
The New York Times reports on the White House-Fox News feud, and how it followed an unsuccessful attempt by senior adviser David Axelrod and Fox head Roger Ailes to work out their problems. "We simply decided to stop abiding by the fiction, which is aided and abetted by the mainstream press, that Fox is a traditional news organization," said deputy White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart form the White House at 10:05 a.m. ET, arriving in Boston at 11:30 a.m. ET. He will tour a research laboratory at MIT, at 12 p.m. ET, and will deliver remarks on clean energy at 12:30 p.m. ET. He will deliver remarks at a fundraising reception for Gov. Deval Patrick at 2:05 p.m. ET, and will speak at a fundraising event for Patrick at 2:45 p.m. ET. He will depart from Boston at 3:40 p.m. ET, arriving at 4:35 p.m. ET in New York City. He will join Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), and tour a small business at 5:15 p.m. ET. He will deliver remarks at a Dodd fundraising dinner at 6:45 p.m. ET. He will depart from New York at 8 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 9:10 p.m. ET.

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 22, 2009, 8:56AM

Treasury To Order Steep Pay Cuts At Bailed-Out Firms
The Treasury Department is expected to order bailed-out financial firms to cut their compensation packages for their top executives -- with a 90% slash to base salaries, and a 50% cut to total compensation. Elizabeth Warren, the head of the TARP oversight committee, confirmed the reports: "It's real in the sense that it says,Guys, you have to understand that you can't party on like it's 2007. If you're going to take taxpayer dollars, then the game has to change. In that sense it's real."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will hold a videoconference at 10 a.m. with Lt. General Karl Eikenberry, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. He will meet for lunch at 12:30 p.m. ET with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. At 2:15 p.m. ET, he will sign the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act. He will meet at 3:15 p.m. ET with Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner, and at 3:45 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 21, 2009, 9:02AM

Obama Going Quiet In Health Care Public Debate
President Obama has decided to lower his public profile in the health care debate, the New York Times reports, moving away from public rallies and towards negotiation in Washington. "I think his time is better spent on this particular issue in conversation with members and in talking to his own advisers and instructing them on how to proceed," said senior adviser David Axelrod. "That's the phase that we're in."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 12:40 p.m. ET with Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). At 1:50 p.m. ET, Obama will announce a package of initiatives to increase credit to small businesses. At 3 p.m. ET, he will attend a Cabinet-level earthquake tabletop exercise. He will depart from the White House at 3:25 p.m. ET, arriving at 4:35 p.m. ET in Newark, New Jersey. At 6:05 p.m. ET, he will deliver remarks at a rally for Gov. Jon Corzine, at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He will depart from New Jersey at 7:25 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 8:35 p.m. ET.

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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 19, 2009, 9:01AM

Obama Administration To Issue New Policy In Favor Of State Medical Marijuana Laws
The Obama administration is set to release new guidelines today on medical marijuana, which will not pursue marijuana smokers or their suppliers whose activities are consistent with state laws on medicinal marijuana. The government will still pursue those who are exceeding state limits, or are using the practice of medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activities.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 10:30 a.m. ET with the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge winners. He will meet with senior advisers at 3:15 p.m. ET, and with Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) at 4 p.m. ET.

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TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 18, 2009, 1:02PM

Jarrett: Obama 'Not Demanding' Public Option
Appearing on Meet The Press, White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett made it clear that President Obama is not demanding that a public option must be included in the health care bill: "He's not demanding that it's in there. He thinks it's the best possible choice. But I think, David [Gregory], let's not underestimate how much progress we've made. The fact that there's agreement on so much means that we are right on the brink of delivering for the American people, and that's a positive sign for our country."

Specter: GOP 'A Party Of Obstructionism' With No Plan
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) blasted his former party: "On the Republican side, it is no, no, no -- a party of obstructionism. You have responsible Republicans who had been in the Senate -- like Howard Baker, Bob Dole, or Bill Frist -- who say Republicans ought to cooperate. Well, they're not cooperating ... Take a look at the absence of any Republican plan."

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Roundup

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 17, 2009, 12:58PM

Obama Blasts Insurance Industry's 'Phony Studies'
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama denounced the insurance industry for producing its own commissioned studies against health care reform:

"It's smoke and mirrors. It's bogus. And it's all too familiar. Every time we get close to passing reform, the insurance companies produce these phony studies as a prescription and say, 'Take one of these, and call us in a decade.' Well, not this time," said Obama. "The fact is, the insurance industry is making this last-ditch effort to stop reform even as costs continue to rise and our health care dollars continue to be poured into their profits, bonuses, and administrative costs that do nothing to make us healthy - that often actually go toward figuring out how to avoid covering people."

GOP Address: American Public 'Isn't Buying' Dem Policies
In this weekend's Republican address, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) attacked the Democrats on the issues of jobs, health care and the budget:

"There are three big myths hurtling around Washington these days: no jobs equals an economic recovery, government-run health care will make it more affordable, and deficits don't matter," said Brady. "The American public - to their credit - isn't buying any of these."

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 16, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama Teaming Up With Bush 41, Promoting Volunteerism
President Obama is teaming up today with former President George H.W. Bush, to promote the cause of community service at Texas A&M University. The event at the conservative school will also be protested by the college chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas. "I actually did get an invitation," said chapter chairman Justin Pullman, age 19, "but I had to decline due to our protest."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart from San Francisco at 12:35 p.m. ET, arriving in Houston at 3:55 p.m. ET. He will attend a Point of Light Forum at Texas A&M University, at 5:50 p.m. ET, hosted by former President George H.W. Bush. He will depart from Houston at 8:25 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 11:15 p.m. ET.

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 15, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama Making First Presidential Visit To New Orleans
President Obama is making his first trip as President to New Orleans today, to review the continued reconstruction process from Hurricane Katrina. While this is the first trip by Obama himself, there have also been 17 other trips by administration officials to the city, and a total of 35 trips to the Gulf Coast region overall since March.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart from the White House at 9:25 a.m. ET, arriving in New Orleans, at 12:25 a.m. ET. He will visit with students at the Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School at 1 p.m. ET, and he will hold a 2:15 p.m. ET town hall at the University of New Orleans. He will depart from New Orleans at 4:10 p.m. ET, arriving in San Francisco at 8:20 p.m. ET, speaking at a 10:20 p.m. ET DNC fundraising dinner and a 10:35 p.m. ET reception.

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