The White House is confirming that Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination as secretary of HHS.

Matt Cooper has more.

Sen. Thune (R-SD) explains Republican thinking about the economic crisis …

Country’s on the precipice. And idiots like this are holding the floor.

Late Update: A Hill staffer chimes in …

Putting aside how superficial the argument is, Thune’s visual aid is really a fascinating example of how little Republicans in the Senate actually understand “regular folks.” They think they need a visual aid so that people realize ONE TRILLION DOLLARS is a lot of money. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think that’s a lot of money.