Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 30, 2009, 9:02AM

Poll: Palin Popular With Limbaugh, Beck Audiences
A new Washington Post poll finds that Sarah Palin is especially popular among Republicans who listen to Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck. Overall, 17% of Republicans said they would vote for Palin for the 2012 nomination for president -- with a higher number of 45% among Limbaugh listeners, and a third of Beck listeners.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will have his daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET. He will meet with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at 11:10 a.m. ET. He will receive the economic daily briefing at 4 p.m. ET, and will meet with senior advisers at 4:45 p.m. ET.

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TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 29, 2009, 1:00PM

Levin: War Tax 'Probably Not' Going To Happen During Recession
Appearing on Face The Nation, Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) downplayed the idea of a war tax. "In the middle of a recession we're probably not going to be able to increase taxes to pay for it," said Levin. "There should have been, as far as I'm concerned, tax increases for upper bracket folks who did so well during the Bush years - that's where the tax increases should have taken place. But that should have happened some time ago."

Graham: Can We Cut Stimulus To Pay For Afghanistan?
Appearing on This Week, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called for cuts in domestic spending, including the stimulus package and the health care bill, to pay for the Afghanistan war. "Well, I'd like to see an endeavor to see if we can cut current spending and find some dollars that we're spending today to pay for the war, and prioritize American spending. Where does our national security rate in terms of spending?" said Graham. "Are there things that we can do in the stimulus package? Can we trim up the health care bill and other big-ticket items to pay for a war that we can't afford to lose?"

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TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 28, 2009, 1:07PM

House Oversight Chairman Wants Answers On Party Crashers
Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wants answers on the two party-crashers at President Obama's state dinner. "We need an immediate investigation into the facts of this case, and a review of the Secret Service's security practices," said Towns. "I have asked for a preliminary briefing next week and will follow the investigation until we understand what actually happened."

New Group Seeks To Draft Dick Cheney For 2012 Presidential Race
A new Web site, Draft Cheney 2012, has been launched to ask former Vice President Dick Cheney to run for president in 2012. "There is only one person in our party with the experience, political courage and unwavering commitment to the values that made our party strong - and that person is Dick Cheney," said Christopher Barron, an organizer of the group.

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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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TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

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

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

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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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TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

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

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

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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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TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

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

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

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TPMDC Morning Roundup

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

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

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

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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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