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  • Obama versus the world on jobs
    Sep 3, 2010 — Politico
    They are trying to out-compete us.” “The United States of America does not play for second place. We play for first place.” His repeated calls to beat the world in jobs, clean energy and education might be considered just normal presidential cheerleading. Personally, I don’t think so.” He said that by contrast, German Chancellor Angela Merkel favors a less competitive tack.
  • Senate poll
    Sep 3, 2010 — Chicago Tribune
    LeAlan Jones, the Green Party candidate, had 6 percent and Libertarian Party candidate Mike Labno had 3 percent in the survey. A similar share of conservative voters, 36 percent, have no opinion on whether they like the GOP candidate, and one in five are undecided in the Senate contest. National Republican leaders have pledged to do that for Kirk.
  • Tribune/WGN-TV poll
    Sep 3, 2010 — Chicago Tribune
    LeAlan Jones, the Green Party candidate, had 6 percent and Libertarian Party candidate Mike Labno had 3 percent in the survey. National Republican leaders have pledged to do that for Kirk. A recent Obama fundraiser added to Giannoulias' coffers, but the Democrat still needs millions to pay for television ads in the expensive Chicago TV market.
  • U.S. completes power transfer in Iraq
    Sep 1, 2010 — CNN
    The ceremony, held at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, marked the conclusion of the U.S. combat mission dubbed Operation Iraqi Freedom and the transfer to the assistant mission, named Operation New Dawn. Biden said Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, but promised that "American engagement with Iraq will continue" with the new stability mission. We have closed or transferred hundreds of bases to the Iraqis.
  • Obama speech on Iraq carries some pitfalls
    Aug 31, 2010 — Washington Post
    And we have an agreement with the government of Iraq to remove our forces, all of our forces from Iraq, at the end of 2011, and we will. He will also deliver a prime-time Oval Office speech - only his second since taking office. And we have an agreement with the government of Iraq to remove our forces, all of our forces from Iraq, at the end of 2011, and we will.
  • In 2010, Obama's poll numbers less of an asset for congressional Democrats
    Aug 30, 2010 — Washington Post
    In 2006, for example, three Democrats - Claire McCaskill (Mo.), James Webb (Va.) and Jon Tester (Mont.) - won by less than 50,000 votes.
  • Outreach precedes Mideast talks
    Aug 30, 2010 — Politico
    How is the administration going to engage with Israelis? How is it going to engage with the American Jewish community to explain what’s going on? In fact, I will fight with the Israelis if it’s worth something.
  • Boehner hits Obama on economic advisers
    Aug 25, 2010 — The Boston Globe
    Biden lashed back at Boehner, deemed his "so-called'' economic plan nothing but a list of what Republicans are against and devoid of innovative ideas that can help move the country forward.In a sarcastic tone, Biden thanked Boehner for the suggestion that the president fire his top economic advisers.``Very constructive advice,'' Biden said.With Obama on vacation,Biden hits campaign trailWASHINGTON - With President Obama and other members of his...
  • Biden slams GOP economic plan
    Aug 24, 2010 — Politico
    Phillip Vice President Joe Biden took center stage Tuesday to tout a report on stimulus-funded investments in science, green and renewable energy innovation and education reforms — but not before he took a few swipes at House Minority Leader John Boehner for waht Biden termed his “so-called” economic plan. Just hours after Boehner gave a breakfast speech about his party’s plans to revitalize the economy, Biden slammed Boehner and Republicans,...
  • Biden: Iraq, Afghanistan on track
    Aug 23, 2010 — Politico
    David Petraeus, the new US commander in Afghanistan, has made to the media.
  • Biden Urges D.N.C. to Reject Grim Election Forecast
    Aug 21, 2010 — New York Times
    Biden said, paraphrasing Mark Twain as he addressed party leaders here. “The day after the election, there will be a Democratic majority in the House and a Democratic majority in the Senate. Louis, anxiety marked a stark change for a party that had reveled in back-to-back election cycles that produced control of Congress and the White House. It’s between Democrats and the Republican Tea Party,” Mr.
  • Op-Ed Columnist: Oy Vey, Obama
    Aug 21, 2010 — New York Times
    By CHARLES M. BLOWIs President Obama good for the Jews? In 2008, the ratio of Democratic Jews to Republican Jews was far more than three to one. Obama’s latest outreach will reassure American Jews and the general public in Israel, where Mr.
  • When Is a Muslim Not a Muslim?
    Aug 21, 2010 — New York Times
    Obama is a Muslim is due to a concerted effort from the right. As Obama said, his grandfather was a Muslim. As the Pew poll notes, “Beliefs about Obama’s religion are closely linked to political judgments about him.
  • Joe Sestak, the 60th Democrat
    Aug 19, 2010 — New York Times
    Sestak’s office is notable for its long hours. I asked Farinella if Sestak would be there. The Sestak-Toomey clash will not break new ground in political rhetoric.
  • Obama battles Boehner for Ohio
    Aug 18, 2010 — The Hill
    John McCain (Ariz.). It’s the fifth time Obama has visited Ohio this year.Boehner, the state's most prominent Republican besides Sen. The survey showed Portman up by 7 points among likely voters.Driehaus and fellow Democratic freshmen Reps. Kilroy, who voted for healthcare reform, Wall Street reform and climate change legislation, attended Wednesday’s event with Obama.Another two Ohio House Democrats, Reps.
  • Obama: Housing market a 'big drag'
    Aug 18, 2010 — CNN
    In addition, the administration subsidized COBRA health insurance benefits, which allowed Rhonda Weithman to maintain the family's insurance coverage after she lost her job, he said. On Tuesday, Obama held a round-table discussion with three Seattle, Washington, business owners -- an innkeeper, a baker and a pizza maker. Senate Republicans have filibustered the measure, which would provide tax breaks for small businesses and expand available capital to them through local banks.
  • Massachusetts Gov. Patrick's reelection campaign a test case for Obama in 2012
    Aug 17, 2010 — Washington Post
    For years, they have shared some of the same key strategists, including Axelrod and David Plouffe, architects of Obama's 2008 campaign, and their partners, John Del Cecato and Larry Grisolano. Patrick was governor, and his reform crusade put him at odds with legislative leaders. Patrick told Obama he is ill at ease asking people for money or bragging.
  • White House searches for a villain
    Aug 17, 2010 — Politico
    Matt Negrin As far as politics go, President Barack Obama and John Boehner have virtually nothing in common. This week, when the Times quoted McConnell saying he wished Republicans “had been able to obstruct more,” Obama took a shot himself at the Milwaukee fundraiser: “Obstruct more? Is that even possible?” The White House roughed up Rep.
  • Obama helps governors to help himself
    Aug 16, 2010 — Politico
    Patty Murray and in Los Angeles for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.) Obama has appeared at fundraisers for Massachusetts Gov. Biden has appeared twice at events for Strickland and also made trips for Gov. When Obama attended a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in Atlanta on Aug. 2, former Democratic Gov.
  • Wonkbook: States have 100+ billion in unspent stimulus; out-of-the-box Romer replacements; Fannie and Freddie safe?
    Aug 16, 2010 — Washington Post
    What happens to the housing market if you do? Some state regulators said they would ask state legislators to expand their authority by putting the federal standards into state law next year. Measures have been proposed by tax experts aimed at offsetting the impact of a VAT on lower-income people, but such an approach could be complex.
  • After Teddy
    Aug 15, 2010 — The Boston Globe
    Veteran senators say Kennedy would start out with key advantages, including the good will from senators in both parties who not only worked with her husband but grew to admire Vicki as well. He dubbed Senator Kennedy "Sir Edward'' in the battle against the tumor. Obama personally arranged for Kennedy's car to be brought out so the senator wouldn't have to stand a second too long, Vicki says.
  • Alaska plane crash a painful reminder for families of Boggs and Begich
    Aug 15, 2010 — Washington Post
    Mark Begich (D-Alaska), who ousted Stevens from the Senate in 2008. Begich hung up as friends filled the house. Pegge Begich also sought her husband's seat but came up short.
  • In crash, echoes of old mystery
    Aug 14, 2010 — Washington Post
    Mark Begich (D-Alaska), who ousted Stevens from the Senate in 2008. Begich hung up as friends filled the house. Pegge Begich also sought her husband's seat but came up short.
  • Obama begins move to the middle
    Aug 12, 2010 — Politico
    Maybe that’s just what he planned. Facing reporters Wednesday, Gibbs neither apologized nor backtracked. He was angry at the liberal TV pundits who bash the president, Gibbs said, standing by his words. Iran is now getting stiff sanctions along with offers to talk. Still in the works is the yet fully-unfurled Obama the budget hawk.
  • A 'larger than life' loss
    Aug 11, 2010 — Politico
    His legacy is the 49th star on the American flag.” Indeed, Stevens could be considered a founding father of Alaska. Stevens lost his first wife, Ann, in a December 1978 plane crash in Anchorage. After getting married, Stevens moved to Fairbanks in 1952 to begin a law practice.
  • Mixed results for party establishment in Colorado Senate primaries
    Aug 11, 2010 — Washington Post
    Nathan Deal (R) and former state Secretary of State Karen Handel (R) in the race for Georgia governor? Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo called McMahon's win "pathetic".A recent Quinnipiac poll showed McMahon has closed the gap with Blumenthal, however. Michael Fedele in a close race last night.Malloy had the backing of the state party and organized labor, using both to surge late in the race.
  • Former Sen. Ted Stevens remembered
    Aug 10, 2010 — CNN
    Ted Stevens * Stevens called "patriot," "tenacious" fighter for Alaska (CNN) -- Former U.S. Sen. Sean Parnell, (R) Alaska "Senator Ted Stevens fought hard for our future in Alaska. Ted Stevens loved Alaska and cared deeply about his constituents.
  • Ted Stevens' death: Washington reacts
    Aug 10, 2010 — Washington Post
    Ted is a true Alaskan hero, and a hero for our nation.Former Alaska Gov. Senator Stevens loved our country, the State of Alaska, the U.S. Senate, and above all else his family. Ted Stevens is irreplaceable - his fierce loyalty and spirit remain unrivalled in the United States Senate.
  • Ted Stevens, Alaska icon, dead at 86
    Aug 10, 2010 — Politico
    Stevens was 86. At least nine people were aboard the flight, and at least five, including Stevens, were killed when the plane went down in inclement weather near Dillingham. Stevens lost his first wife, Ann, in a December 1978 plane crash in Anchorage. Stevens was then elected to the Alaska statehouse, rising to majority leader.
  • Greene: Lesson of Obama's ambition
    Aug 8, 2010 — CNN
    Barack Obama doesn't get back to his old town much these days. Impossible things can happen to a person. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bob Greene.
  • Obama's home-field disadvantage
    Aug 6, 2010 — Politico
    National Republicans have tagged the Democrat a “mob banker” because of loans the Giannoulias family-owned Broadway Bank gave out to felons. Jim Guy Tucker took over – and was later indicted for corruption and removed from office.  Texas Gov. Barbara Boxer, Missouri Senate candidate Robin Carnahan and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
  • Aid bill contains $655m for Mass.
    Aug 5, 2010 — The Boston Globe
    The budget Patrick eventually signed cut local aid by 4 percent, or $160 million, affirming a reduction reluctantly made by the Massachusetts House and Senate. A spokesperson for Snowe could not be reached. The aid package provides $16 billion to ease Medicaid costs for states, and $10 billion to prevent cuts in public education. The package is paid for through federal spending cuts and a tax increase on multinational corporations.
  • Look who is back on the campaign trail
    Aug 5, 2010 — The Boston Globe
    But in Washington everything Clinton does gets noticed. Obama's overall standing hovers around 45 percent and much lower in places like Arkansas and Missouri, where key Democrats are running in especially difficult races. He helped Mark Critz win a special House election in Pennsylvania that Republicans should have taken easily.
  • Obama touts Ford, Democratic candidates in Chicago visit
    Aug 5, 2010 — Chicago Tribune
    The first-term state treasurer trails Republican opponent U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk in fundraising. Obama's guests included Oprah Winfrey, senior aide Valerie Jarrett, University of Chicago Hospital Vice President Dr. Then the president closes his time back home in Chicago with a big-dollar event at the home of longtime Democratic fundraiser Neil Bluhm.
  • Obama travels to Illinois to help Alexi Giannoulias in Senate race
    Aug 5, 2010 — Washington Post
    Mark Kirk, 50, who assails Giannoulias daily on Chicago's airwaves, got into trouble recently for embellishing his military service and teaching experience. Axelrod, Vice President Biden and strategist David Plouffe have raised money and offered advice. Kirk and Giannoulias (along with Green Party candidate LeAlan Jones) will be on the ballot for that seat, as well as the full six-year term that will begin in January.
  • Obama Weighs Influence on Democrats' Midterm Races
    Aug 1, 2010 — New York Times
    Obama was fully focused on the midterm election campaign, he paused for 18 seconds and lowered his head before continuing. Obama should spend more time outside the White House. Yet the White House has not granted any requests for Mrs.
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