U.S. Senator Roland Burris (D-IL) has now been sworn into office.
Burris went to the well of the Senate accompanied by his co-Senator Dick Durbin, and was sworn in by Vice President Cheney, as onlookers applauded.
Congratulations, Senator Burris.
Late Update: Here's the video:
Tonight: Bush's Farewell Address
President George W. Bush will be speaking at 8 p.m. ET on national television, giving his farewell address to the American people. Wait a minute -- wasn't that press conference on Monday more than enough?
No Obama Events Today
Barack Obama is holding private meetings at his transition office in Washington, and does not have any public events scheduled for today.
Obama Moving Into Blair House Today
Barack Obama is also set today to move into Blair House, the mansion that has served as a temporary domicile for presidents-elect. The Obama family previously wanted to move in earlier than usual, but were turned down by the Bush Administration.
Today: Burris To Be Sworn In
Roland Burris will be sworn in today as the junior senator from Illinois. This is a great day for Burris, obviously, and a very mixed day for the Democratic leadership -- on the one hand this matter has been settled and they are seating a new Democratic member, but on the other hand they were thwarted in their efforts to block any appointment by Rod Blagojevich.
Senate To Vote On TARP Money
The Senate is scheduled to vote today on a motion to block the remaining $350 billion of the $700 billion Wall St. bailout. Even if this motion passes, it is certain to be vetoed by either George W. Bush or by Barack Obama after he takes office.
WaPo: Geithner Nomination Too Big To Fail
The Washington Post points out that even most Republican Senators aren't complaining about the Timothy Geithner nomination, in the wake of stories about his tax problems, because the alternative is to derail a nomination for Treasury in the middle of an economic crisis. Dana Milbank sums it up: "Put another way, the guy is too big to fail."
NYT: Pentagon Crafting New Iraq Plans For Obama
The New York Times reports that military commanders are drawing up plans for a quicker withdrawal from Iraq than previously planned out, in order to be more in line with Barack Obama's stated policies in favor of exiting sooner. "Various options are being drawn up to give the new president choices," said one military planner involved.
Boxer Saving Committee Seat For Caroline
The New York Times reports that Barbara Boxer, as chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, is holding Hillary Clinton's seat on the committee open just for Caroline Kennedy, should she be appointed. "I would love to see Caroline Kennedy in the Senate and I would love to have her on my committee to replace Senator Clinton," said Boxer.
Obama Meeting Senate Dems Today, Will Press On Bailout
Barack Obama is heading to Capitol Hill today for the weekly lunch of the Senate Democrats, part of his outreach to Capitol Hill. Obama is expected to lobby the Senate Dems on obtaining the authorization for the remaining $350 billion of the Wall St. bailout, and it seems reasonable to expect he'll also work on getting his economic stimulus package approved.
Today: Hillary's Confirmation Hearing
Hillary Clinton will be appearing at 9:30 a.m. ET before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for her confirmation hearing to be Secretary of State, and is expected to easily win confirmation. Hillary will reportedly tell the committee: "I believe American leadership has been wanting, but is still wanted."
Bernanke: Obama Stimulus Would Lift Economy, But Other Reforms Also Needed
Speaking today at the London School of Economics, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that Barack Obama's stimulus plan would give a "significant boost" to the economy. However, he also cautioned that other reforms are needed for the financial system, and that a fiscal stimulus alone isn't likely to produce a lasting recovery.
NYT: Closing Gitmo Will Take A While
The New York Times reports that Barack Obama's plans to close the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay will face numerous logistical difficulties: "One transition official said the new administration expected that it would take several months to transfer some of the remaining 248 prisoners to other countries, decide how to try suspects and deal with the many other legal challenges posed by closing the camp."
Obama Transition Team: He Looks Forward To Working With Burris
Obama transition team spokesman Dan Pfeiffer released this statement last night, welcoming Roland Burris to Washington: "As the President-elect has said repeatedly, he knows Roland Burris and has high regard for him. He looks forward to working with Senator Burris and the rest of the United States Senate to rebuild our economy and meet the great challenges of our time."
Obama Will Address House GOP In A Few Weeks
The Hill reports that Barack Obama has accepted an invitation to address the House Republican caucus a few weeks after being inaugurated. "We hope this will be the beginning of a positive working relationship with House Republicans at the start of your administration," the GOP leadership wrote in their invitation.
Cheney Writing A Book
Dick Cheney told Sean Hannity yesterday that he's writing a book about his experiences in public services. "I've got 40 years since I came to town to stay 12 months," Cheney said. "I've got a lot of stories to tell. And a few scores to settle."
Roland Burris just held a press conference to mark the acceptance of his appointment by the Senate Democratic leadership, in which he was very much gracious and magnanimous in his victory.
• Burris thanked Harry Reid and Dick Durbin for working with him through this whole process: "It will be my honor to both serve with them and to learn from them."
• He discussed how much he personally likes and respects Sec. of State Jesse White, and urged his own supporters to not hold any grudges against White or others who held up the appointment: "They should not be faulted for doing their best to serve our state in the best way they thought possible."
• And to the people of Illinois who didn't like the appointment and the whole scandal surrounding it, he promised to work hard on their behalf. "It's always the darkest before the dawn," Burris said. "I believe that dawn is here, and brighter days are ahead."
Harry Reid and Dick Durbin have just released a statement confirming that Roland Buriss' appointment to the Senate now meets all legal requirements, and he will be seated in an orderly fashion later this week.
Full statement after the jump.
Obama Reworking TARP To Reduce Foreclosures -- And Win Over Congress
The Wall St. Journal reports that the Obama transition team is working some key new conditions into the Wall St. bailout, in order to win Congressional authorization for the remaining $350 billion. The bailout would now place new restrictions on recipients, and funds would also be used for additional purposes such as preventing foreclosures.
Obama Meeting With Calderon Today
Barack Obama is meeting in Washington today with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, a customary practice for presidents-elect before their inauguration. A big topic of discussion will reportedly be the Mexico drug war.
Bush Holding Final Press Conference
President Bush is holding a 9:15 a.m. press conference today, which is believed to be his final presser before leaving office.
Voinovich Expected To Announce Retirement
Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) is expected to announce today that he won't be running for a third term in 2010. The new development sets up this big swing state for what should be a very heated open-seat race.
Today: Burris' Lawyers In Washington
Roland Burris' attorneys will be in Washington today to press the Senate leadership on the legality of Burris' appointment to the Illinois Senate seat. This comes after Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White issued a certified copy of Burris' certificate of appointment -- though he did not sign the appointment itself -- and after the state Supreme Court declared that the appointment was legal under Illinois law regardless of White's signature.
The Forecast For Inauguration Day: Cold, But Dry
The weather forecast for January 20, Inauguration Day, currently predicts temperatures in the high 30s in Washington, with sunny skies and no precipitation. The New York Times points out that this is comparable to the sunny and cold weather for Bill Clinton's two inaugurals, and better than the foggy or icy weather that George W. Bush had for his two events.
WaPo: The Audacity Of Terry
The Washington Post reports that Terry McAuliffe's candidacy for governor of Virginia seems to be going against just about every fundamental assumption of state politics: "that successful candidates must have deep roots in Virginia, that they must spend years cultivating support in local and state party organizations and that, if they are Democrats, they must stay connected with conservative-minded Virginians by keeping their distance from the national party."
Obama: My Plan Will Save Or Create 3-4 Million Jobs
In his latest Presidential YouTube Address, Barack Obama announced that he is releasing a report analyzing the impact of his proposed stimulus package, saying the package would save or create three to four million jobs:
"The jobs we create will be in businesses large and small across a wide range of industries," Obama says. "And they'll be the kind of jobs that don't just put people to work in the short term, but position our economy to lead the world in the long-term."
NYT: Economists Worried The Stimulus Isn't Big Enough
The New York Times reports that some economists are worried the proposed stimulus package still isn't big enough, with Obama's hands tied by the political need to propose tax cuts to win Republican support, and also having to deal with an already-massive deficit. "We have very few good examples to guide us," said William G. Gale, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "I don't know of any convincing evidence that what has been proposed is going to be enough."
Illinois Secretary of State Signs Burris Appointment -- Sort Of
Roland Burris' legal team has tried a new legal maneuver to secure Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's signature on his Senate appointment: They have obtained a certified copy of the appointment paper, signed by White. Bear in mind that this is not necessarily the same as if White had signed the appointment form itself -- his signature here attests that the new paper is a true and accurate copy of the original, valid appointment. The Senate's lawyers will make their own decision as to whether it's binding.
Burris Legal Team: We're Going Back To Washington, Could Sue
The Chicago Tribune reports that Roland Burris' legal team is citing yesterday's state Supreme Court decision, holding that he doesn't even need White's signature in order for the appointment to be valid under Illinois law, as proof that the Senate must seat Burris. They are now promising to return to Washington on Monday, and will file a lawsuit in federal court if Burris isn't seated.
Al Franken To Attend Obama's Inauguration
Al Franken will be heading to Washington in a week and a half -- though for now it will only be to attend Barack Obama's inauguration, not to be sworn in as a Senator. A spokesperson for Norm Coleman said he will not be attending the event.
Coleman: Democrats Blocking Constituent Services
Norm Coleman is complaining that the Senate's decision to close his offices after his term expired -- leaving the seat vacant while Coleman challenges the election results in court -- is hurting Minnesotans who have been relying on him for constituent services. "There are people -- this is real-life stuff -- who come to us for help," Coleman. "They're being hurt by Harry Reid." Meanwhile, Reid's office denies that they promised Coleman they would let his staffers keep working, though they are working to come to an acceptable solution.
GOP Sen. Voinovich Could Retire In 2010
The office of Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) has acknowledged rumors that he could retire in 2010, saying in a statement: "If he changes his mind about running, he will share that decision quickly with the people of Ohio -- people he considers his second family." A Voinovich retirement would immediately set up a close and hotly-contested race in a big swing state.
Scalpers Turning Big Profits On Obama Inaugural Tickets
The Hill reports that ticket scalpers are already making a bundle off of the tickets to Barack Obama's inaugural parade, which sold out in minutes on Friday afternoon. The retail price of the tickets was $25, but they are now going for prices of more than $400.
Dick Durbin just made a very bold announcement, in the wake of the Illinois Supreme Court decision that Roland Burris does not need the Secretary of State's signature on his certificate: As far as the Senate is concerned, Burris still needs that signature for his appointment to be legal and valid, and the seat will just have to stay vacant.
"At this point we've clearly reached an impasse," Durbin told reporters in Chicago.
Most legal scholars at this point believe the Burris appointment to be legal, and that an attempt to keep Burris out can be successfully challenged in court. But it's become obvious by now what Durbin's and the whole Democratic leadership's strategy is: Keep stalling on this thing long enough for Rod Blagojevich to be kicked out of office.
The Illinois Supreme Court has just handed down its decision on Roland Burris' lawsuit to force Secretary of State Jesse White to sign Burris' certificate of appointment to the Senate. Their decision is that they won't honor Burris' wish to force the signature -- because they say he doesn't need it:
...Petitioners are not entitled to an order from this court requiring the Secretary to perform those Acts. Under the Secretary of State Act, the Secretary's sole responsibility was to register the appointment (15 ILCS 305/5(2) (West 2006)), which he did. No further action is required by the Secretary of State or any other official to make the Governor's appointment of Roland Burris to the United States Senate valid under Illinois law.
Remember that the Senate chose to make an issue of the lack of a signature in their decision to turn Burris away this past Tuesday. Had the court ordered the signature, then this mess would have been over. But what it means now is that the ball has been kicked right back into the Senate's court, which is on its way to seating Burris anyway -- after all, as the court and many others have pointed out, this appointment is clearly legal.
Here's an interesting moment from Roland Burris' testimony today before the Illinois House impeachment committee: While he was being grilled by GOP state Rep. Jim Durkin, Burris was asked whether he gave Harry Reid and Dick Durbin an answer yesterday about whether he was running in 2010.
His response: The question never came up.
In addition, Burris revealed that he had been "running" for this seat for quite a while, having spoken with a former Blago aide and indicating his interest in the seat even before Barack Obama was actually elected President.
He also said that he never offered any quid-pro-quo to Blagojevich about the appointment, nor was he aware of any deal being made on his behalf by anyone else.
Obama: Stimulus Could Grow To Over $1 Trillion
Barack Obama told CNBC that his stimulus package potentially could grow well beyond its initial target of $775 billion. "We've seen ranges from $800 (billion) to $1.3 trillion," said Obama. "And our attitude was that given the legislative process, if we start towards the low end of that, we'll see how it develops."
Obama Delivering Economic Speech Today
Barack Obama is delivering his big economic speech at 11 a.m. ET this morning in Fairfax, Virginia. Obama will make the case that his stimulus is absolutely necessary, while also promising efficiency and accountability.
Obama Rolling Out Tim Kaine For DNC Chairman
Barack Obama and Tim Kaine will be holding a 3:30 p.m. ET press conference at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, obviously the official announcement of Kaine as the next chairman of the DNC. Kaine was elected governor of Virginia 2005, endorsed Obama's presidential candidacy very early on in 2007, and did a lot of work to help turn Virginia blue this past November.
Burris Testifying To Impeachment Panel
Roland Burris is scheduled to testify today before the Illinois House's special committee to impeach Rod Blagojevich. Burris' job here is to make it clear that even if there are allegations that Blago tried to sell the Senate seat, there were nevertheless no shenanigans in the actual selection of Burris himself.
Daschle Up For Confirmation Hearing Today
Tom Daschle is scheduled to appear today before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the first Obama cabinet nominee to face a confirmation hearing. Daschle's nomination is likely to get through the Senate very easily.
Congress To Officially Certify Obama's Victory Today
Congress will count the electoral votes today, officially certifying Barack Obama's win and bringing the 2008 presidential election to an end.
Obama Site Getting Questions About Bush Administration's Torture Policies
The New York Times reports that the Obama transition team's "Open for Questions" site has received heavy support in favor of one particular subject: Whether the Obama Administration will appoint a special prosecutor to investigate George W. Bush and other officials for policies such as torture. This comes after liberal blogs endorsed the question and asked readers to vote for it.
Cheney Expects Total Retirement From Public Life
In an interview with CBS radio, Dick Cheney said he expects to fully retire from public life after he leaves office. "I've got a lot of rivers to fish," said Cheney. "So I don't think anybody will feel sorry for me. They shouldn't."
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is getting some help in his argument that he doesn't legally have to sign the appointment certificate of Roland Burris -- which is the very flaw in the certificate that is currently being used to deny Burris his seat -- with state Attorney General Lisa Madigan agreeing in a motion filed before the state Supreme Court.
Everyone is waiting on the court to rule on Burris' lawsuit to force White to sign it. If they force White to sign it and he complies, then it's probably over. If they agree that the signatures is only "recommended," then the ball will be kicked right back into Harry Reid's court.
The ruling could come as soon as tomorrow.
Roland Burris just held another fascinating press conference, in which he voiced his optimism about becoming a Senator after some initial questions are cleared up.
Burris also said he spoke on the phone with Jimmy Carter, who told him, "When you're in the Senate, Roland, you will make a great Senator."
"And I said, 'Thank you very much, Mr. President,'" Burris said with pride.
He also talked about the process that led to his appointment, having encouraged supporters to write to Rod Blagojevich and urge his appointment after he had announced that he wanted it. At that point, he invited a supporter at the back of the room to stand up. The supporter then said how proud he was to have known Burris, and how many signatures he lined up from people to ask for Burris' appointment.
At their press conference just now, Harry Reid and Dick Durbin announced that there is no action being taken on Roland Burris' appointment to the Senate -- at least not yet.
"There's going to come a time when the entire Senate is going to have to act on this," Reid said. "And that day I hope would come sooner rather than later."
Reid and Durbin both went to great lengths to say how much they like and respect Burris, and how constructive the meeting they just had with him was. But for now, they're waiting on two things: A ruling from the state Supreme Court on whether the missing signature of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is required for the appointment to be valid, and for Burris' testimony tomorrow before the Illinois House impeachment committee.
The two of them also tried to defuse one touchy issue that's been in the press, saying Burris told them he understood fully well that the controversy surrounding his appointment had nothing to do with race.
We just asked Harry Reid spokesman Jim Manley for comment on whether the story about Roland Burris being accepted as a Senator from Illinois was true.
"It is wrong," Manley replied via e-mail.
Bush Snubbing Obama At Blair House For Obama-Hater John Howard
The Washington Post reports that the the reason the Bush Administration isn't letting Barack Obama stay in the Blair House is that they are hosting former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, and will be giving him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Fun fact about Howard: He is a staunch Iraq War supporter who said in early 2007 that if he were in al-Qaeda he would be praying as much as possible for an Obama victory and for the Democrats in general.
Obama Holding Press Conference, Meeting With Bush And Ex-Presidents
Barack Obama is holding a 10:15 a.m. ET press conference in Washington, during which he is expected to make announce the creation of a new Chief Performance Officer at the White House, who will monitor the effectiveness of agencies. Later on he will attend a private lunch with President Bush and the three living ex-presidents: Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
Biden Going To White House To Meet With Bush The Elder
Joe Biden is headed to the White House this morning for a closed-door meeting with former President George H.W. Bush. Afterwards, Biden will be holding private meetings at the Obama D.C. transition office.
New Poll: The Ex-Presidents All Have High Approval Ratings
A newly-released CNN poll finds that large majorities of Americans approve of how all three living ex-presidents handled their jobs: Bill Clinton is at 69% approve to 31% disapproval, George H.W. Bush is at 60%-39%, and Jimmy Carter is at 64%-33%. With two presidents who were defeated for re-election enjoying such high ratings -- and one of them with a poisonous surname right now -- one does have to wonder if there's hope for George W. Bush.
Burris To Meet With Reid And Durbin
Roland Burris is set to meet with Harry Reid and Dick Durbin today, in an effort to negotiate his seating in the Senate. "We are requesting that Senate leaders resolve this matter to avoid legal action and award Senate appointee Burris with the full privileges of a U.S. senator," Burris' lawyer said in a statement.
RNC Holding Special Forum for Chairmanship Candidates
The Republican National Committee is holding a special session in Washington today, which will serve as a forum for the six candidate running for RNC chair. The meeting was called by RNC members, specifically to host the candidates and hear about how they will reinvigorate the party.
Landrieu Snubs Vitter At Swearing-In
Roll Call reports that Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) declined to have her scandal-plagued GOP co-Senator David Vitter next to her at her swearing-in yesterday. Instead, she was escorted to the well of the chamber by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and retiring Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM).
Will Ferrell To Do Bush Impression On Broadway
The Bush years may be coming to an end -- but the Bush-parody years are not, with Will Ferrell taking his Bush impression to Broadway in a new show entitled "You're Welcome America: A Final Night With George W. Bush." Ferrell told CNN: "He's arrogant with a school-boy attitude, and combine that with the fact that he is commander in chief -- and, unfortunately, it's very funny."
It's official: Roland Burris came to the Senate, he saw the Senate -- and he was turned away at the door.
Burris just made a brief statement to reporters, after his credentials were rejected by the Secretary of the Senate. "Members of the media, my name is Roland Burris, junior Senator from the state of Illinois," Burris said, in an effort to establish his legitimacy. "I presented my credentials to the Secretary of the Senate and was advised that my credentials are not in order, I will not be accepted, and I will not be seated, I will not be permitted on the floor."
He then added that he was not seeking any kind of confrontation -- but did not expressly rule out any lawsuit. Instead, he said he would be consulting with his attorneys on what his next step will be.
Late Update: Burris' lawyer Timothy W. Wright III declared that the rejection of Burris "was improperly done and is against the law of this land." Wright added: "We will consider our options and certainly let you know what our decisions will be soon thereafter." So it sounds like we're looking at a lawsuit -- or at least the threat of one, as a bargaining chip.
Today: Congress Being Sworn In, Biden At The Senate
This is the day that Congress will be sworn in. Joe Biden will be on Capitol Hill to be sworn in again for a seventh term in the Senate -- which he will resign within the next two weeks or so, to become vice president.
The Big Event: Burris At The Senate
With Congress being sworn in, of course, this means Roland Burris will be showing up at the Senate, and is expected to be turned away. Burris has said he won't make a scene or cause any confrontation -- but any scenario in which he's turned away from the door would inherently be a scene, no matter how civil it might be.
No Senator Franken Today
Senate Democrats will not make any attempt today to swear in Al Franken as the new Senator from Minnesota, instead leaving that seat vacant for now. There is some speculation that they might be planing to try it soon -- but they would encounter a promised Republican filibuster, while Norm Coleman pursues his legal challenges to the election result.
Obama Meeting With Economic Team Today
Barack Obama is meeting with his economic team, this afternoon at his D.C. transition office. The subject of the meeting will be to plan ahead for the 2010 budget, and how they will bring the deficit down as the economy recovers.
Gregoire D.C. Trip Sets Off Speculation About Commerce Department
Gov. Christine Gregoire (D-WA) is reportedly on a trip to Washington, after having cancelled a lunch appearance back home -- setting off speculation that she is being vetted as a last-minute choice for Secretary of Commerce after Bill Richardson's withdrawal. Gregoire was re-elected by six points this past November, and if this is true she would be succeeded by Democratic Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. (Late Update: Gregoire is visiting troops in Iraq, and is apparently not lining up for a cabinet post.)
Laura Bush Lands Book Deal
Laura Bush has secured a book deal, to publish her memoirs about her years as First Lady. The book will be published in 2010.
Former eBay Head And McCain Surrogate Preparing California Gubernatorial Run
Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, who hit the campaign trail in 2008 as a surrogate for John McCain, is considering a campaign for governor of California in 2010, when Arnold Schwarzenegger will be term-limited. Whitman has already made a key staff hire in lining up campaign strategist Jeff Randle, who has worked for Schwarzenegger and Pete Wilson, and she has stepped down from three corporate boards.
Brownback Running For Governor Of Kansas
Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) has filed paperwork to run for governor of Kansas in 2010, after having made good on his previous pledge to not run again for Senate. Brownback is actively aligned with the state GOP's Christian-right faction, and should be viewed as the frontrunner going into this race.
While speaking to reporters earlier today, after the Secretary of the Senate rejected his certificate of appointment, Roland Burris seemed dumbfounded that there's so much controversy.
"Why don't you all understand that what has been done here is legal?" said Burris. "That's legal, I am the junior senator from Illinois and I wish my colleagues and the press would recognize that. All the drama, I guess it keeps you all in a job."
Burris is probably right -- this does appear to be legal. But the circumstances of an appointment by Rod Blagojevich mean that people will be looking for every loophole they can.
Here's the video:
Today: Minnesota To Certify Franken's Victory -- But Lawsuit Awaits
The Minnesota state canvassing board will be meeting at 3:30 p.m. ET today to certify their results showing a super-thin Al Franken win for Senate, currently at 225 votes out of over 2.9 million. But Franken will not be able to receive an official certificate of election -- and therefore probably won't be able to take his seat -- because the Coleman campaign has indicated that they will challenge the result in court.
Report: Obama Economic Plan To Include Huge Tax Cuts
The Wall St. Journal reports that Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats are preparing a tax cut package totaling $300 billion over two years -- a larger dollar figure per year than anything George W. Bush ever did -- as part of his potential $775 billion stimulus package. The move could make it easier to win necessary support from Congressional Republicans.
Obama In Washington, Working On Economy
Barack Obama is meeting on Capitol Hill this afternoon with the Congressional leadership from both parties, with his economic plan expected to be the top order of business. He will also hold a meeting with his own economic team, at his D.C. transition headquarters.
Biden Speaking At Pell Funeral, Then Heading To Washington
Joe Biden will be speaking this morning at the funeral of former Sen. Claiborne Pell (D-RI) in Newport, Rhode Island. He will then head down to Washington to join Barack Obama's meeting with Congressional leaders. He will also be in Delaware tonight, for a "Salute to Governor Ruth Ann Minner" event, sending off the state's departing Democratic governor.
Burris Heading To Washington
Roland Burris is heading to Washington later today, as he seeks to be seated as the new Senator from Illinois against the backdrop of the Blagojevich scandal. "We are hoping and praying that they will not be able to deny what the Lord has ordained," Burris told a send-off event last night at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago.
Bobby Rush: Refusal To Seat Burris Is "Plantation Politics"
At the sendoff event for Roland Burris last night, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) continued to present the controversy around Burris' appointment in strictly racial terms. Rush declared that the resistance of the Democratic leadership to seating Burris was "the last bastion of racial plantation politics in America."
Obama To Hold "Neighborhood Inaugural Ball"
The Presidential Inaugural Committee has announced that Barack Obama will hold a first-ever "Neighborhood Inaugural Ball" at the Washington Convention Center, with a portion of the tickets set aside just for D.C. residents.
Tim Kaine To Be DNC Chair, But At First Only Part-Time
Barack Obama is expected to announce soon that he has picked Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, who had endorsed his candidacy in early 2007 when it looked like a long shot, to be the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Kaine will only serve on a part-time for his first year, until his term as governor expires, with former Obama campaign strategist Jennifer O'Malley running the day-to-day operations.
Bush 41: Jeb Should Run For President -- But Probably Not Right Now
In an interview on Fox News Sunday, George H.W. Bush said that his son Jeb should run for president. That said, Bush the Elder did seem to allude to the current status of the Bush name: "I mean, right now is probably a bad time, because we've had enough Bushes in there."
Obama Family Spending First Full Day In Washington
Barack Obama and his family have now moved to Washington, in order for the children to start school on time. The family have travelled separately and are temporarily staying in a Washington hotel, while Obama himself is preparing to work on his economic stimulus package.
Reid On Blago Phone Call Story: Blago's Behavior "Regrettable And Reprehensible"
Harry Reid released a statement Saturday night tearing into Rod Blagojevich, in the wake of media reports that he had called Blago shortly before the scandal broke and asked him not to appoint Jesse Jackson Jr., Emil Jones or Danny Davis to the Senate. "Gov. Blagojevich appears to be trying to distract attention from his daunting legal problems and damaged credibility by distorting information about private phone calls between himself and other public officials," said Reid. "It is regrettable and reprehensible."
Burris Not Ruling Out Lawsuit, Reid Leaves Senate Door Slightly Open
Roland Burris says he is not ruling out a lawsuit to force the U.S. Senate to seat him in the Senate. Meanwhile, Harry Reid says the Senate is on firm legal ground in denying Burris his place in the Senate -- but did seem to leave the door open to negotiation on this point.
Cheney: "We've Done Some Very Good Things"
In an interview on Face The Nation, Dick Cheney demurred when asked whether the country is better off after the last eight years: "We've done some very good things over the course of the last eight years." Cheney was also asked about warrant-less surveillance, Guantanamo Bay and torture/interrogation techniques, and said he would do it all again.
NYT: Europe More Willing To Work With Obama -- But It Could Still Be Tough
The New York Times reports that European leaders are ready to work with Barack Obama in a much better way than they interacted with George W. Bush, but many challenges still lay ahead. Two major sticking points will be the current American plans to establish missile defense bases near Russia, plus the matter of resettling Guantanamo Bay prisoners in other countries.
McAuliffe Officially Running For Virginia Governor
Terry McAuliffe made it official on Saturday that he is running for governor of Virginia. McAuliffe faces two other Democrats in a contested primary, but could be a very serious candidate, as he is expected to raise tens of millions of dollars for the campaign and to put forward his résumé as a businessman.
Obama Pushes Stimulus Plan In YouTube Address
In Barack Obama's latest Presidential YouTube Address, the president-elect discusses his economic stimulus plan -- and the very serious urgency of getting it passed:
"These are America's problems, and we must come together as Americans to meet them with the urgency this moment demands," says Obama. "Economists from across the political spectrum agree that if we don't act swiftly and boldly, we could see a much deeper economic downturn that could lead to double digit unemployment and the American Dream slipping further and further out of reach."
Today: More Ballot-Counting In Minnesota
Minnesota election officials are meeting today to sort through about 950 more ballots, in a process described below. Al Franken is favored to hold on to his slim lead, currently at 49 votes, or possibly even expand it slightly. A live video feed is available at The Uptake.
Norm Coleman's Term Expires
Sen. Norm Coleman's (R-MN) term will officially expire today, as the recount continues in Minnesota. Senate Republicans have vowed to filibuster any attempt to seat Al Franken on a provisional basis, assuming he wins the recount, so this seat will become vacant and probably stay that way for a while.
Today: Michael Bennet To Be Announced As Colorado Senator
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) is holding a 4 p.m. ET press conference, where he is expected to announce that he will appoint Denver schools superintendent Michael Bennet to the seat being vacated by Ken Salazar. Bennet is considered to be a dark horse pick -- while he is considered to have been a very successful superintendent, pursuing merit pay and other reforms, he has never run for public office.
Obama's Win Brings Big Changes To Black Press
The Politico reports that Barack Obama's victory is spurring some big changes in the country's African-American press towards more political coverage, with magazines like Essence and Ebony adding White House reporters: "In some ways, the moves mark a return to a time when the black press -- particularly magazines -- were newsier. Jet first published photos of the battered and swollen body of Emmett Till, sparking outrage and galvanizing a still-young civil rights movement."
Blagojevich's Newest Antagonists: The Department Of Homeland Security
The Chicago Tribune reports that the Department of Homeland Security has cut off Rod Blagojevich's access to classified security information. Other state officials still have access, but the federal government apparently doesn't trust Blago with the information under his current ethics cloud.
Burris: "We Are The Senator"
Roland Burris expressed a high degree of confidence in his legitimacy as a Senator, telling Lynn Sweet, "We are the Senator." Burris says he wants to avoid any confrontation when he shows up in Washington next week, but he also apparently has no aversion to using the royal "we."
The train wreck that is the Illinois Senate seat scandal continues apace today.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Terrance Gainer, a former chief of the Capitol Hill police, told the Associated Press that he does not expect any trouble from Roland Burris should Burris be turned away from the Senate door next week. "He is a good man," said Gainer, who has known Burris for years. "He plays by the rules. I don't think there's going to be a confrontation."
At the same time, you have to think that any potential situation where Burris is turned away from the Senate would by definition be a real scene, even if it happened to go smoothly and civilly.
Meanwhile, the Illinois House is being called back for a potential impeachment vote against Rod Blagojevich next week. An aide to a top legislative Democrat tells Election Central that the speed of the vote depends on a ruling Monday by a federal judge on whether Patrick Fitzgerald can release to them the tapes of Blago's wiretaps, and how long it would take for any necessary edits and redactions to be made.
"If he says you need a week, then maybe they'll wait," the source told us. "If the judge says you need three months, well they probably won't wait for that." At this point, it appears that Blagojevich is still on track to be removed from office around early February.
