Obama: Imperfect Climate Deal Better Than None
Speaking at the Copenhagen climate conference, President Obama declared that an imperfect climate deal would be better than no deal at all. “No country will get everything that it wants,” said Obama, also saying: “We are running short on time. We are ready to get this done today. But there has to be movement on all sides.”
Obama’s Day In Copenhagen
President Obama arrived at 8:30 a.m. local time (2:30 a.m. ET) in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the conference on climate change. He held a 9:30 a.m. bilateral meeting with Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, delivered brief remarks at a 10 a.m. plenary session, and met at 11 a.m. with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. At 12 p.m., he participated in an official photo with heads of state and the heads of the U.S. delegation. He met at 2:15 p.m. with Brazilian President Lula da Silva. He will participate in a 3 p.m. afternoon plenary session. He will meet at 4:30 p.m. with President Dmitry Medvedev. Later, he will depart from Copenhagen, en route back to Andrews Air Force Base in Washington.
Poll: Obama Approval Falls On Global Warming, But Public Approves Regulation Of Greenhouse Gases
A new ABC/Washington Post poll has mixed news for President Obama on climate change, with only 45% approving of his performance and 39% disapproving on the issue. However, 65% would support the government regulating greenhouse gases — with support holding at 60% if their own energy expenses increased by $10 per month, and 55% if the increase is $25 per month.
Graham: I Can Convince Republicans On Climate Change — With Drilling And Nuclear Power
In an interview with the Associated Press, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said he would be able to sell Republicans on a climate-change bill that included energy jobs. “I can convince Republicans pretty quickly of (oil and gas) drilling, nuclear power and alternative energy,” said Graham. “This is not about polar bears for me, it’s about jobs, cleaner air and purer water.”
Senate Defeats GOP Filibuster Of Spending Bill
The Senate last night defeated a Republican filibuster against a government funding bill, consisting mainly of a $626 billion defense bill as well as an extension of unemployment benefits, highway and transit funding. The filibuster was defeated by a 63-33 margin.
Mullen: U.S. Drawdown In Iraq On Schedule
Speaking to troops in Iraq, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen said the American drawdown will begin soon after the March elections. “That draw down from 115,000 to 50,000 is going to happen, no doubt in my mind,” said Mullen.
Boehner: GOP Will Help Obama On Afghanistan
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) offered Republican support to the White House, on the matter of funding the Afghanistan surge. “We’ve got to get these troops in there as quickly as possible,” Boehner told reporters Thursday, later adding: “I believe a supplemental spending bill that supports our troops in the field is vital, and I will be there to support it.”
