Obama To Stimulus Critics: Spending “Is The Whole Point”
President Obama spoke last night to the House Democrats, where he rallied support for the stimulus bill — and hammered the opposition. “They say this isn’t a stimulus bill. It’s a spending bill,” said Obama. “Well, that’s the whole point.” A full transcript is available here.
Obama’s Day Ahead: Discussing The Economy, And Gitmo
President Obama and Paul Volcker are holding an 11:15 a.m. event at the White, to introduce members of the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board. At 3:30 p.m., Obama will be holding a closed meeting at the White House with family members of the victims of 9/11 and the USS Cole bombing, in order to discuss his decision to close the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay — a decision that has been strongly objected to by some of the people he’ll be meeting today.
Biden Speaking To House Dems, Then Heading To Germany
Joe Biden will be speaking today to the House Democratic Issues Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. He will then travel to Germany, where he will be representing the United States at the 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy.
Reid Wants To Hold Stimulus Vote Today
The Washington Post reports that Harry Reid hopes to hold a vote on final passage of the stimulus bill today, after yesterday’s negotiations with a small handful of Senate Republicans dragged on. If today’s effort fails, Reid will call for a Sunday session.
Hillary Going To Asia For First Overseas Trip As Secretary
Hillary Clinton is set to go to Asia for her first overseas trip the Secretary of State, visiting Japan, South Korea, China and Indonesia. She is scheduled to embark on her trip on February 15.
Steele Shakes Up RNC, Asks For Resignations
The Hill reports that Michael Steele is undertaking a top-to-bottom review of the Republican National Committee’s staff, asking all top staffers to submit their resignations. Some of them could be rehired, but the ironically named “state victory directors” won’t be coming back.
Poll: GOPer Ahead In Virginia-Gov. Race, But It’s Still Wide Open
A new Rasmussen poll shows Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell leading all three Democrats in the open race for governor, though the undecided numbers remain high: McDonnell leads state Senator Creigh Deeds 39%-30%, is ahead of former state Delegate Brian Moran 39%-36%, and leads Terry McAuliffe 42%-35%.
Obama Takes First Ride On Air Force One
President Obama took his first ride as the sitting president on Air Force One last night, as he traveled to the House Dems’ retreat in Williamsburg. Said Obama to the reporters: “Hey guys, what do you think of my — this spiffy ride here?”
