WaPo: Banks Seek To Pay Back TARP — But Are Taking Other Government Money
The Washington Post reports that J.P. Morgan and other major banks are seeking to repay TARP money, which CEO Jamie Dimon called a “scarlet letter.” On the other hand, the company is seeking to repay TARP money while still benefiting from other federal programs, which have in fact paid out even more money. Says the Post: “Other large banks are attempting the same combination of breakup and embrace.”
Obama At The Summit Of The Americas
President Obama is in Trinidad today, attending this weekend’s Summit of the Americas. The gathering of Western Hemisphere leaders will address such issues as the drug war, global warming, and the economy. And as the Associated Press points out, the biggest job Obama will have will be to just improve relations with America’s neighbors, after the tumult of the Bush years.
Biden In Missouri Today
Vice President Biden is spending the day in St. Louis, Missouri. At 11:30 a.m. ET, his Middle Class Task Force will hold a forum at the University of Missouri campus entitled, “Making College More Affordable for our Families,” joined by Democratic Governor Jay Nixon and Senator Claire McCaskill. Afterwards, he will visit a local Boys and Girls Club, joined by Nixon and other local officials. Biden and Nixon will also make an announcement about a new youth job-training program, and Biden will return to Washington tonight.
Gates Takes Cautious Tone On Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told reporters yesterday that any potential repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell would have to be done in a cautious manner — if at all. “If we do it, it’s important that we do it right, and very carefully,” said Gates, who also said that it’s hard to gauge the actual opinions on this issue within the military except in private conversations.
Palin Speaks To Pro-Life Dinner In First Major Outing This Year
Sarah Palin spoke last night to a sold-out crowd at a pro-life group’s dinner in Evansville, Indiana, her first speech outside Alaska this year. Palin mainly discussed her dedication to her son Trig, but also made sure to get in a dig at people who criticize her out-of-state travel: “Which is ironic, because these are the same critics who would love to see me outside the state forever, permanently, you know, outside the governor’s office anyway.”
Reid Piles Up Money For 2010
Harry Reid has built up an impressive war-chest of $7.7 million cash on hand, including $2.2 million raised in the last quarter — even though, CQ points out, he has yet to attract a real opponent. Reid’s 2010 re-election campaign will be his first since he became Senate Democratic leader, and polls have shown that he could be vulnerable, but Reid is clearly coming in prepared to face any opponent or scare off a potential challenger.
Dodd Only Raises Money From Five People In Connecticut
The Connecticut Post reports that Chris Dodd only raised money from five Connecticut residents in the previous quarter, totaling $4,250: “While incumbents often turn to special interests for early campaign fundraising, Dodd’s out-of-state total seems unusually high and comes at a time when he has been plagued by poor approval ratings among state voters.”
