February 24, 2009
Here's what happens when you run President Obama's speech through Wordle :
11:00 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
A sampling of reaction to President Obama's address to Congress:
Continue reading "Some Early Reax To Obama Speech" »
10:21 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
For the most part, both Democrats and Republicans have given President Obama standing ovations for his goals.
But there was a noticeable bit of partisanship and gamesmanship at one point in his speech. After the president said we have a "responsibility to ensure that we do not pass on to them a debt they cannot pay," Mr. Obama began his next sentence with, "With the deficit we inherited ..."
At that point Democrats immediately jumped to their feet in approval.
9:53 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
If there was any question that President Obama was going to focus on the teetering economy, his early comments erased that. But he gave an upbeat assessment:
You don't need to hear another list of statistics to know that our economy is in crisis, because you live it every day. It's the worry you wake up with and the source of sleepless nights. It's the job you thought you'd retire from but now have lost; the business you built your dreams upon that's now hanging by a thread; the college acceptance letter your child had to put back in the envelope. The impact of this recession is real, and it is everywhere.
We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before.
9:19 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
First thing I noticed: President Obama has spent at least half of his trek to the podium shaking hands with Republicans. Earlier, when Transportation Ray LaHood (a former Republican House member) walked down that same path, he spent more time getting handshakes from Democrats.
And a long, heartfelt hug between the president and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who recently had cancer surgery.
9:11 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
There is always one member of the Cabinet who is kept away from a president's speech to a joint session of Congress, in the event an untold disaster hits the House chamber.
For tonight's speech, it will be Attorney General Eric Holder.
9:02 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
During Sunday night's Academy Awards, whenever Jennifer Anniston was speaking from the stage, cameras would invariably switch to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. A bit crass but hardly unexpected.
Now, another ceremony comes tonight to Washington, in the House chamber.
And it got me thinking: Who gets the most cutaways tonight during the president's address to Congress? Will it be Roland Burris, Judd Gregg, Earl Pomeroy
A waste of time? Perhaps. But think of the alternative. You know we're going to once again be thrilled to hear about Eliot Engel, that story.
And did you know that Engel, who is from the Bronx, roots for the Mets over the Yankees? What's with this guy?? You don't see the MSM focusing on that!
You can vote! Predict who gets the most camera cutaways in the comments section below. C'mon, what else are you going to do between now and 9 p.m.?
6:57 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
Throughout the evening, there will be the obligatory television pictures directed at what is called the "First Lady's Box" -- those privileged to be sitting with Michelle Obama.
But who are they?
Here's the list:
Continue reading "Who Are Those People With The First Lady?" »
6:37 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
We will be updating this blog all evening for analysis of President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress, plus offer a "truth squadding" by NPR correspondents.
The speech begins shortly after 9 pm ET and is expected to run about 45 minutes, 50 with applause.
5:31 PM ET
|
02-24-2009
|
permalink
February 3, 2009
Tom Daschle, the former Senate majority leader who had been nominated by President Obama to be the next secretary of health and human services, has withdrawn his name from consideration.
Daschle had been under fire for his failure to pay taxes over the personal use of a car and driver provided to him by a firm for which he was consulting. He belatedly paid the taxes, calling the failure "completely inadvertent" but acknowledging, "that's no excuse."
Daschle said he withdrew because he did not want to be a distraction, which he had become. Obama accepted Daschle's decision with "sadness and regret."
Read here for more on the troubled nomination.
12:49 PM ET
|
02-03-2009
|
permalink
"I don't know anyone more honorable, more decent, more honest and more qualified for this position." -- Sen. Kent Conrad Tom Daschle, whose nomination to be secretary of health and human services is in jeopardy over his failure to pay his share of taxes.
"Raymond Shaw is the kindest, warmest, bravest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life." -- A brainwashed Maj. Bennett Marco The Manchurian Candidate, 1962.
Barack Obama may indeed be the greatest president in history, but is this the position his administration should be in after two weeks? Granted, his lofty rhetoric about a "new era of responsibility" is the kind of stuff you always hear from a new president; witness Bill Clinton's promise of the "most ethical administration in history." And perhaps much of what we heard during the campaign and at the inauguration was a bit unrealistic. But there is something troubling about the disclosures of past tax lapses first by Timothy Geithner, who has been confirmed as Treasury secretary, and now by Daschle, who failed to pay taxes on $255,000 of income over the use of a luxury car and driver from 2005-07.
Yes, Daschle is contrite. Yes, he apologized over and over yesterday in a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate Finance Committee, which will hold hearings on his nomination. His failure was "completely inadvertent," he said, "but that's no excuse." No, it's not. And it's a helluva message to send out.
Or, as Vi Rajnes of Binghamton, N.Y.,
Is anyone in Washington honest? Does Tom Daschle really think we really believe he just overlooked the car and driver? A man who has been in the Senate for so many years? And that goes for that other guy who didn't pay his taxes either, Geithner. Do they really think they are above it all?
And it's not just the tax issue. Since being defeated in his bid for a fourth Senate term in 2004, the South Dakota Democrat had made nearly $5 million from a law firm and consulting fees from a private equity firm. He has also received hundreds of thousands of dollars for consulting for and speeches given to health care and pharmaceutical companies -- the same groups he would oversee as HHS secretary.
Can anyone say potential "conflict of interest?" Democrats can't seem to.
Part of the problem -- or, more fairly put, one of the reasons why his confirmation is still seen as likely -- is that he is a member of the club. He was certainly a top GOP target when he served as Senate majority and minority leader, and his defeat (by John Thune) was heralded by Republicans everywhere. But he is very popular with his former colleagues -- certainly among Democrats, and certainly within the Obama administration, where many former Daschle aides now reside.
Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, was asked about whether the administration knew about Daschle. "In terms of the vetting," he said, "we're comfortable with the process."
That's even more troubling.
Meanwhile, the New York Times , in an editorial today , urged Daschle to "step aside and let the president choose a less-blemished successor":
Mr. Daschle's tax shortfall is particularly troubling because it comes on the heels of another nominee's failure to pay taxes due. We were not pleased when the president's Treasury secretary, Timothy Geithner, admitted that he had failed to pay tens of thousands of dollars in federal self-employment taxes while working for the International Monetary Fund despite having signed paperwork acknowledging the obligation.
Only after the Obama transition team flagged unrelated tax issues that would require filing amended returns did Mr. Daschle and his accountant address the need to report the personal-use value of the car service -- more than $255,000 over three years -- as income. Only after he had been chosen to be the health secretary did Mr. Daschle tell the transition team about the unpaid taxes. He paid some $140,000 in back taxes and interest on Jan. 2 to settle several tax problems -- and he acknowledges owing more.
In both the Geithner and Daschle cases, the failure to pay taxes is attributed to unintentional oversights. But Mr. Daschle is one oversight case too many. The American tax system depends heavily on voluntary compliance. It would send a terrible message to the public if we ignore the failure of yet another high-level nominee to comply with the tax laws.
A Reuters recap of editorials lists other newspapers calling for Daschle to step aside.
Indianapolis Star:
Philadelphia Inquirer:
San Francisco Chronicle:
Chicago Tribune:
Elsewhere, the White House has just confirmed that Nancy Killefer has withdrawn her name to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government. The AP's Michael Sniffen notes that "in 2005 the District of Columbia government had filed a more than $900 tax lien on her home for failure to pay unemployment compensation tax on household help."
In her letter to Obama, Killefer wrote, "I recognize that your agenda and the duties facing your Chief Performance Officer are urgent. I have also come to realize in the current environment that my personal tax issue of D.C. Unemployment tax could be used to create exactly the kind of distraction and delay those duties must avoid. Because of this I must reluctantly ask you to withdraw my name from consideration."
And that prompted this note from NPR's Michel Martin, Tell Me More:
Now, somebody please explain to me why two Men fail to pay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes and they're STILL IN ... but a Woman doesn't pay $900 and she's OUT?
You should also check out Michel's latest online column (on the Tim Geithner situation), "You Say Forgiveness; I Say Sexism."
10:50 AM ET
|
02-03-2009
|
permalink
January 20, 2009
Everyone may not be celebrating.
Lots of excitement, lots of tears, lots of joy. You would think that this is a unanimous sentiment.
Of course, it's not.
Republicans, I suspect, are mostly torn about today. Yes, let's give our new president our best wishes and sincerest prayers. But criticize him if he's wrong. Anything less would be ridiiculous, argues California GOP consultant Sal Russo, Our Country Deserves Better organization:
It's ideological suicide for conservatives to sit back silent while Obama pushes for untold hundreds of billions in new spending and bailouts. If conservatives and Republicans can't find within them the ideological conviction to oppose this fleecing of the taxpayers, then what is it that we stand for?
It seems to me that being silent and acquiescent now further empowers Obama, and further entrenches this notion that big government liberalism is somehow acceptable. It's the antithesis of our individual liberty and freedom, and it requires men and women of good conscience to step forward, take action and oppose it vigorously.
Rep. John Boehner,
The next four years will be marked by considerable challenges -- but also considerable opportunities for all leaders in Washington, regardless of party, to work together on behalf of the American people. House Republicans look forward to finding common ground with the President on solutions to rebuild our economy, strengthen American families, and keep our country safe. Today is a day of celebration -- a celebration of our thriving democracy and a celebration of our nation's first African-American President. I wish President Obama and his family all my best and look forward to traveling the next four years with him in our continuing American journey.
Republican commentator David Limbaugh turn down the Kool-Aid ":
It's going to take real courage the next four years for Republicans to swim against the tide and oppose Barack Obama -- in whom so many have placed their hopes, almost to the point of idolatry. But if Obama governs in a way that's consistent with his promises, the country's future security and prosperity will depend on spirited opposition.
I am not advocating that Republicans return the same mean-spirited partisanship with which the left pummeled Bush. But conservatives must not abandon their principles in pursuit of the seductive, illusory goal of bipartisanship.
6:02 PM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
Just hours after Barack Obama was sworn in as 44th president, six of his Cabinet nominees were confirmed by the Senate by voice vote.
They were:
Steven Chu, Tom Vilsack, Janet Napolitano, Ken Salazar, Eric Shinseki, Arne Duncan,
Also confirmed: Peter Orszag,
3:47 PM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
At an inaugural luncheon for Barack Obama, Sen. Edward Kennedy
Other reports stating that Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV.), the longest-serving senator in history, also collapsed cannot be confirmed. But he did leave the luncheon for some reason.
At the luncheon, Obama said of Kennedy, "And so I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now a part of me is with him. And I think that's true for all of us. This is a joyous time. But it's also a sobering time. And my prayers are with him and his family and [Kennedy's wife] Vicki."
More details as they arrive.
3:03 PM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
President Barack Obama delivers his inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. Jae C. Hong/AP
Barack Obama -- President Barack Obama -- gave his inaugural address today from the West Front of the Capitol. He quickly thanked President Bush "for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition."
OK, he did say that "44 Americans have now taken the presidential oath." That's not exactly correct. It's 43. (Unless you count Grover Cleveland twice.) But this is not about math. It's about leading the nation. And Barack Obama knows what's at stake:
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. ...
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America -- they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
At some points, I heard a bit of Franklin Roosevelt, a bit of John Kennedy, a bit of Ronald Reagan.
The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. ...
He seemed to understand American power, and when that power should be used:
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience' sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
And he reached out to Muslims around the world, with words that brought back Sept. 11 -- and its aftermath:
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society's ills on the West -- know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
And he closed with this:
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
12:15 PM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
Flag-waving, fireworks, cannon fire. It's official. Barack Hussein Obama has been sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts.
By the way, regarding my earlier post: There was no constitutional crisis after all. Obama officially became president at noon, even though he had not been sworn in. Oh well, it was exciting while it lasted.
President Barack Obama shakes hands with Chief Justice John Roberts after taking the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. First lady Michelle Obama stands between them. Elise Amendola/AP
12:05 PM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
Uh oh, a constitutional crisis.
Joe Biden has been sworn in as vice president of the United States, the first Roman Catholic to hold that position.
But it's one minute past 12. George W. Bush's term as president has expired. Barack Obama has not yet been sworn in. At this writing, there is no president of the United States.
11:57 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
Barack Obama made his first appearance on the inauguration platform and received a thunderous ovation. Several minutes earlier, President George W. Bush appeared and, according to NPR's Ina Jaffe,
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, just finished addressing the crowd. No mention of any pique about not being consulted in advance about the choice of Leon Panetta to head up the CIA.
Right now: The Rev. Rick Warren is giving the invocation. NPR's Andrea Seabrook
11:43 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
A question from Sejal Shah of Palo Alto, Calif.:
What is the basis for why the vice president is sworn in before the president? Why is it set up that way in the Constitution? Does that mean that for a few minutes Joe Biden will be President Bush's VP?
In the old days, both the president and the new Congress were sworn in on the same day, March 4. It was like that from 1789 until the 20th Amendment was ratified in 1933. Because the vice president is president of the Senate, he was sworn in first, and he then went on to swear in members of the Senate. With the 20th Amendment, the dates were changed: Congress to be sworn in on Jan. 3, the president on Jan. 20. The first president sworn in at this earlier date was Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1937, his second inauguration.
11:32 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, arrive at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Tuesday for the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama. Ron Edmonds/AP
Any inauguration is not only a look ahead but a look back as well. Watching Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton on the inauguration platform, we are reminded that this democracy of ours, though imperfect, does work now and then. Especially on days like this.
Also seen: former first ladies Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton. As for Clinton, she is not going to be secretary of state just yet. A request for a unanimous voice vote in the Senate later today was blocked by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). He says he is not satisfied by Clinton's responses to concerns about potential conflicts regarding foreign donations to her husband's foundation.
Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, says a roll call vote will come on Wednesday. Regardless of Cornyn's action, there is no threat to her confirmation.
11:17 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
By all accounts, today's inauguration is taking place under the tightest security measures in history. And while everything seems to be running smoothly, there is this somewhat vague statement from the Department of Homeland Security:
The FBI, the Department of Homeland Security (including the USSS) and the intelligence community are coordinating with other law enforcement authorities to investigate and analyze recently received information about a potential threat on Inauguration Day. This information is of limited specificity and uncertain credibility. Authorities at all levels are vigorously pursuing any lead relating to this threat information. The Transition Team has been briefed and is fully integrated into the process.
We encourage the public attending Inauguration events to go about their normal plans. As always, we remind the public to be both thoughtful and vigilant about their surroundings, and to notify authorities of any suspicious activity. We also remind the public that they can expect very high levels of security at Inauguration events, and we ask for their patience and cooperation.
11:05 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
Barack Obama has completed his ride down Pennsylvania Avenue and has arrived at the Capitol, where at noon he will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.
10:58 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
At noon today, Barack Obama John Roberts.
On Sept. 29, 2005, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Roberts by a 78-22 tally. One of the 22 "no" votes was cast by Obama.
By most accounts, the relationship between Roberts and Obama is cordial; the chief justice recently had the president-elect over to visit the Supreme Court.
One not-so-cordial relationship between chief justice and the man he was to administer the oath of office involved Earl Warren Richard Nixon.
And there they were, on Jan. 20, 1969, Earl Warren administering the oath to Richard Nixon, president of the United States. Only in America.
10:37 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
9:55 a.m.: Barack and Michelle Obama have arrived at the White House for their coffee with George and Laura Bush. The 43rd president and first lady greeted the Obamas, posed for photographs and then went inside. (Vice President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, arrived moments earlier.)
9:55 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
People wait in line Tuesday for access to the inaugural parade route prior to the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington. Rob Carr/AP
Some dispatches from NPR correspondents around the city:
Neda Ulaby:
New Jersey Avenue is a major D.C. thoroughfare -- you can take it all the way to the Mall. Usually, it's filled with grim-faced commuters in cars. Right now it's filled with streams of people, walking with a palpable sense of solemnity and purpose. One lady has set up a hot chocolate stand outside her house near New Jersey and M. The hot chocolate is free. She's hung bunting all over the house and the stand, and covered the table with little golden angels. Another neighbor brought his boom box, and he's blasting vintage soul. "Free hot chocolate!" the lady yells. Three young white women in brightly colored scarves and fleece jackets are clustered around the free hot chocolate stand, giggling in excitement and chatting with two older African-American men in heavy dark overcoats and hats. Everyone -- even the clusters of National Guardsmen standing nearby -- is grinning.
Brian Naylor:
There are masses of people lined up to pass through security checkpoints to see the inaugural parade. At least one checkpoint, at Seventh Street N.W., is closed. At the 12th Street checkpoint the line stretches nearly a block long, a scene repeated at 10th Street. People seem to be in good spirits. One woman, Lisa Jones, came here from Atlanta: "I expected this -- crowds, long lines, everything. I don't mind."
Metrobuses have been parked to block off the street from vehicles. Helicopters can be heard buzzing overhead, and sirens are constantly wailing in the background, mixing with the cries of vendors hawking everything from DVDs to T-shirts.
Larry Abramson
On ordinary days, the 14th Street Bridge is a freeway or, during rush hour, a parking lot. But today, pedestrians, cyclists and Rollerbladers are pouring across the pedestrian walkway. They have biked up from Alexandria, Va., or they have flown in from Kansas City, Mo., and then taken the Metro to the Pentagon. Everyone has a story of some circuitous route he has taken. They trek over the bridge and gaze down at the frozen river. Nearby roadways are blocked off by a menagerie of vehicles, loaders and plows and flashing police vehicles. It looks like a picture from a Richard Scarry children's book. In the background the Pentagon looms. This has been the scene of tragedy before -- the 9/11 attacks, the Air Florida crash. Today, the bridge is a gateway home.
Laura Sullivan
The scene at the entrance to the Purple section (at the Capitol) is chaotic ... large crowd backed up ... lots of pushing and shoving ... only 20 people at a time being allowed to cross the parade route ... there is no crossing at Third Street ... people have to cross at Seventh Street.
Metro: D.C. Metro Authority says 318,442 passengers traveled on the system by 8 a.m.
9:23 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
9 am: Barack and Michelle Obama are attending a service at St. John's Church, not far from the White House. It is a familiar stop for incoming presidents. The soon-to-become First Couple left the Blair House, where they had been staying, for a quick ride to the church.
From there, the Obamas will go to the White House, where they will have a private coffee with George and Laura Bush.
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are welcomed by the Rev. Luis Leon as they arrive for services Tuesday morning at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House.
Charles Dharapak/AP
8:57 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
Possibly the first button exchange in Metro history happened this morning on the Red Line.
Days of dire warning. Of crowds, of traffic snarls, of jammed Metro cars.
At 5:50 a.m. this morning, I approached the Shady Grove station stop on the Metro with trepidation.
But the ride was anything but a grind. What I witnessed was an indescribable celebration. Enormous crowds, as advertised. But unlike the usual mornings of sleepy folks on their way to work, the Red Line -- from Montgomery County, Md., into the nation's capital -- was filled to capacity with old and young, black and white, all smiling, all cheering, all wide awake, all taking pictures. Chants of "Obama!" would go up every few minutes.
I looked at all the faces, and wished I had access into their deepest thoughts. Many elderly African-American women, dressed in furs, some with tears in their eyes. I couldn't help but wonder what they have seen in their lives, if they ever envisioned this moment.
Young families, many with young children. I smiled at the kids and they smiled back. I wondered what they were thinking, and would they remember this day the rest of their lives.
The local government announced that 207,335 passengers were on the Metro as of 7 a.m.
It was still dark out when I got off the train. It's 8:37 a.m. now, the sun long up in the sky. It's cold, very cold, but no one is complaining. The lines of people, of cars, heading down Massachusetts Avenue toward the Capitol are just enormous. Chanting, singing, waving flags and wearing buttons.
Full disclosure: I traded an NPR pin for the Obama button shown above. It was from a woman and her young son, who took a bus from Iowa for today's ceremonies. The transaction took place on the Metro. It is believed to be the first button exchange in Metro history.
8:16 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
Whether they won in a squeaker or in a blowout, the 42 men who preceded Barack Obama all started with an inauguration. And we celebrate that today.
7:50 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
The first light of dawn above the U.S. Capitol on Inauguration Day.
Kevin Wolf/AP
We've used a lot of ink (or bandwidth) in the 77 days since the election to talk about hiccups and distractions and embarrassments and whatnot. We went on and on about Blagojevich and Burris, Richardson and Geithner. And, no doubt, we'll be talking about those subjects again.
But not today.
There is something about the inauguration of a president where, for at least this day, politics and partisanship make way for celebration. And this is an especially special Inauguration Day. In a country where racial divisions are as old as the nation itself, today, at noon Eastern time, we are set to swear in an African-American as president.
It is a moment that few of us thought we would see in our lifetime. Today's events do not eliminate those divisions. And Barack Obama may never again see his approval ratings this high. But on this day, we all hope, and many of us pray, that this young 47-year-old man can succeed in tackling what is on his plate.
NPR will be covering the inauguration round the clock. And I will be here, blogging away, doing my best to share observations of the day and reflections of the past, in Political Junkie.
7:21 AM ET
|
01-20-2009
|
permalink
January 13, 2009
Sen. John Kerry, the new chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, talked about the historical nature of this morning's hearings that will ultimately end up with the confirmation of Hillary Clinton
And, lest anyone think the path to the top is easy, Kerry reminded everyone who was sitting in the room that Clinton, Chris Dodd, Dick Lugar and he are all examples of those who tried for the brass ring and failed.
One major piece of history left unsaid: if confirmed, Clinton would be the nation's first female secretary of state since Condoleezza Rice.
Check out today's New York Times' Op-Ed page for a series of questions by 10 experts that they would like Clinton to answer at her confirmation hearing.
For the record, Clinton came to the hearing accompanied by her daughter, Chelsea, but not by her husband, the former president. Bill Clinton's foundation and its taking of foreign donations was the subject of the opening statement by ranking Republican Dick Lugar.
More to come.
9:39 AM ET
|
01-13-2009
|
permalink
After having the day off yesterday, the Senate committees holding hearings for Barack Obama's Cabinet selections and other administration officials resume today. Here's the latest schedule:
Tuesday, Jan. 13 Steven Chu, Hillary Clinton, Shaun Donovan, Arne Duncan, Peter Orszag,
Wednesday, Jan. 14 Lisa Jackson, Ray LaHood, Eric Shinseki, Tom Vilsack,
Thursday, Jan. 15 Timothy Geithner, Eric Holder, Janet Napolitano, Susan Rice, Christina Romer, Ken Salazar, Mary Schapiro,
Last week, confirmation hearings for Tom Daschle, Hilda Solis,
Still to be scheduled: hearings for Ron Kirk
And we're waiting for a commerce secretary nomination to replace the withdrawn Bill Richardson.
No confirmation hearings are required for Defense Secretary Robert Gates,
Note: This listing will be updated as necessary.
7:45 AM ET
|
01-13-2009
|
permalink
January 6, 2009
We keep saying over and over that Barack Obama ran as close to a flawless campaign as one can remember, and nothing changes that. But in attempting to fill his administration, the president-elect has run up against some bumps in the road.
One was seemingly resolved on Sunday, when New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the commerce secretary-designate, withdrew from consideration in light of an ongoing federal investigation into an alleged "pay for play" operation in the awarding of a state contract to a company that contributed to Richardson's political action committees. Still, some are wondering how the Obama team could continue with the choice of Richardson, given that the existence of the probe was well-known.
The news that Leon Panetta
Panetta is one of the best-liked people in Washington, one with many friends on both sides of the political aisle, as well as with journalists. He served in Congress for 16 years, following his 1976 defeat of GOP Rep. Burt Talcott, and rose to become chairman of the House Budget Committee. He resigned in 1993 to become President Clinton's budget director and then his chief of staff.
But he has no experience in intelligence matters and has never served on the intelligence committee while in Congress. No doubt he dealt with intelligence matters as Clinton's chief of staff, but his expertise was always thought to be in budgetary matters, his skills always seen as political or managerial.
And that concerns some leading Democrats who will be dealing with intelligence matters in the 111th Congress. Incoming Chair Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) complained she was not consulted in advance of the pick and, according to the Los Angeles Times , indicated she might oppose it. "I was not informed about the selection of Leon Panetta to be the CIA director," Feinstein said. "My position has consistently been that I believe the agency is best served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time." Feinstein is not known for grandstanding, nor is she known to have any personal problem with Panetta. It seems to be about qualifications.
A senior aide to Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), the outgoing chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, is also quoted by the Times as saying Rockefeller "would have concerns" about a Panetta nomination: "He's puzzled by the selection. He has concerns because he has always believed that the director of CIA needs to be someone with significant operational intelligence experience and someone outside the political realm."
Sen. Kit Bond of Missouri, the ranking Republican on Intelligence, also expressed skepticism over the Panetta pick.
Others were more supportive. Former Rep. Tim Roemer (D-IN), who served on the 9/11 Commission in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks, called it a "savvy" choice. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid described Panetta as "one of the finest public servants I have ever served with and dealt with."
Panetta, who has been a strong critic of CIA interrogation and detention methods, might receive a difficult welcome from old hands at the agency. But first he needs to win approval by the Senate.
For the record, Panetta's nomination is yet to officially be made. If confirmed, he would succeed Gen. Michael Hayden. At 70, he would become the oldest CIA director.
Other pols. Two other former members of Congress headed up the CIA. They were:
-- Porter Goss
-- George H.W. Bush
Postscript: Yesterday we speculated on some potential choices for commerce secretary in the wake of Richardson's withdrawal. NPR's Madeleine Brand interviewed Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm,
1:05 PM ET
|
01-06-2009
|
permalink
December 18, 2008
We seem to have a better understanding of the two remaining unfilled Cabinet posts. Tomorrow, President-elect Barack Obama is expected to nominate:
Rep. Ray LaHood
LaHood had made it clear that he was not happy with the rightward trend in his party, and was never a fan of Tom DeLay, the GOP power house from Texas who resigned in 2006 under an ethics cloud. He was close with then-Speaker Dennis Hastert, a fellow Illinoisian, but that never translated into his wielding much power in the party. He considered, but opted out of, challenging Gov. Rod Blagojevich two years ago in order to stay in the House. But he decided this year that he had had enough.
Transportation, though, is an interesting choice. LaHood was not a member of any transportation-related committees in Congress. HIs Peoria-based district is best known for grain, agriculture and ethanol interests.
Rep. Hilda Solis
In addition, Ron Kirk
And, in response to an e-mail request from Johnette Barham of Detroit
Treasury -- Timothy Geithner, president of Federal Reserve Bank of New York
State -- Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Attorney General -- Eric Holder, deputy attorney general in the Clinton administration
Defense -- Robert Gates (holdover)
Homeland Security -- Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D)
Commerce -- New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D)
Health and Human Services -- Former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD)
Veterans Affairs -- Retired Gen. Eric Shinseki
Housing and Urban Development -- Shaun Donovan, NYC housing commissioner
Energy -- Steven Chu , director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize in physics
Education -- Arne Duncan, Chicago superintendent of schools
Interior -- Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Agriculture -- Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack (D)
Other posts filled:
National Security Adviser -- Retired Marine Gen. James Jones
National Economic Council Director -- Larry Summers, Treasury Secretary in the Clinton administration
OMB Director -- Peter Orszag, director of the Congressional Budget Office
EPA Administrator -- Lisa Jackson, former NJ environment commissioner
3:54 PM ET
|
12-18-2008
|
permalink
President-elect Barack Obama will name Mary Schapiro
Schapiro, a lawyer, is currently the chief executive of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. She was an SEC commissioner for six years until becoming chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission during the Clinton administration.
If confirmed by the Senate, Schapiro would replace Christopher Cox, the former California congressman who was named by President Bush to head the SEC.
The SEC has come under fire as major financial institutions in the country have collapsed and scandals — the latest being the $50 billion investment fraud scheme allegedly carried out by Bernard Madoff — have destroyed confidence in the industry.
Tomorrow, Obama is expected to name retiring Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood, a Republican, as secretary of transportation.
9:09 AM ET
|
12-18-2008
|
permalink
NPR's Ken Rudin and Ron Elving delve into the week's political news with analysis and sophisticated humor. 
