Obama Promotes Stimulus, Government Accountability In Video Address
In his first Presidential YouTube Address as the sitting chief executive, Barack Obama promoted his stimulus plan, announcing that citizens will be able to hold the government accountable by monitoring the spending at a new Web site called Recovery.gov:
“I know that some are skeptical about the size and scale of this recovery plan,” says President Obama. “I understand that skepticism, which is why this recovery plan must and will include unprecedented measures that will allow the American people to hold my Administration accountable for these results. We won’t just throw money at our problems – we’ll invest in what works.”
Obama Meets With Economic Team
President Obama met with his economic team earlier this morning at 11 a.m. ET, in a closed-door gathering.
No Biden Events Today, Will Be On CBS Tomorrow
Vice President Biden has no public events for today. However, he will be appearing on CBS’ Face The Nation tomorrow morning, at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Obama On Mexico City Policy: We Must Find Common Ground
President Obama released a statement last night explaining his decision to rescind the Mexico City Policy, saying that family planning should not be made into a divisive political issue: “I have directed my staff to reach out to those on all sides of this issue to achieve the goal of reducing unintended pregnancies. They will also work to promote safe motherhood, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and increase educational and economic opportunities for women and girls.”
Blago’s Lawyer: I Quit
Rod Blagojevich’s attorney Ed Genson has announced that he is quitting, due to personal difficulties with his soon-to-be-former client’s behavior: “I never require a client to do what I say, but I do require them to at least listen.” When Blago was asked for comment, he said this was the first he had heard about it.
WaPo: Obama Administration “In An Awkward Phase”
The Washington Post reports that the Obama Administration is still getting settled in, as 3,000 politically-appointed posts remain to be filled and the folks who have been hired are still becoming acclimated. Says the Post: “The big boss is at his desk at the White House, but the vast executive branch is in an awkward phase, lightly sprinkled with political appointees still trying to get permanent badges and locate the restrooms.”
NYT Profile: Gillibrand Always An Up And Comer
In a new profile of Senator-designate Kirsten Gillibrand, the New York Times depicts a woman skilled at forging political connections. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this carried her even higher onto a national platform,” said John Replogle, a Dartmouth classmate and CEO of Burt’s Bees. “I could see her in the cabinet, indeed if not throwing her hat into the ring in eight years.”
Michelle Obama Objects To Dolls Named After Malia And Sasha
First Lady Michelle Obama is stating her objections to a new pair of dolls being marketed by Ty, the creators of Beanie Babies, that appear to be named after her daughters. Said a spokeswoman for the First Lady: “We feel it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purpose.”
