Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies - www.kevindayhoff.net - Runner, writer, artist, fire and police chaplain. The mindless ramblings of a runner, journalist, and artist: National and International politics. For community see www.kevindayhoff.org. For art, writing and travel see www.kevindayhoff.com
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
WASHINGTON: Barack Obama will assume the U.S. presidency with "a real mandate for change," and likely will use his executive powers to make quick changes, perhaps reversing Bush administration policies on stem cell research and oil exploration.
John Podesta, who's handling Obama's preparations to take over in the White House on Jan. 20, said on Sunday that Obama was reviewing President George W. Bush's executive orders on those and other issues as he prepares to put his own stamp on policy after eight years of Republican rule.
[…]
"I think across the board, on stem cell research, on a number of areas, you see the Bush administration even today moving aggressively to do things that I think are probably not in the interest of the country," Podesta said.
Obama has supported stem cell research in an effort to find cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Also, the federal Bureau of Land Management is opening about 360,000 acres (145,000 hectares) of public land in Utah to oil and gas drilling, leading to protests from environmentalists.
[…]
Speaking on Fox television, Podesta said Obama was working to build a diverse Cabinet likely to include Republicans and independents part of the broad coalition that supported Obama during the race against Republican John McCain.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has been mentioned as a possible holdover.
[…]
Obama, who will be the nation's 44th president, was to hold its first postelection meeting with Bush this week.
Bush and first lady Laura, will host Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two daughters — 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha for a Monday tour of the executive mansion. Obama and Bush were expected to hold substantive meetings then as well.
Transition Team Co-Chair Valerie Jarrett Discusses Priorities on ‘Meet the Press’
President-elect Barack Obama's transition team is "hitting the ground running" on its top priorities - the economy and foreign policy, Transition Co-Chair Valerie Jarrett said on 'Meet the Press' today.
She expects Obama to make more announcements on key positions in the days and weeks ahead.
"I think that, in a sense, putting together the Cabinet is like a jigsaw puzzle, and he wants to make sure that it represents the diversity of our country, diversity in perspectives, diversity in race, diversity in geography. And so all of those pieces are going to come together. And he will pick the best person for each position," Jarrett said.
Jarrett also said Michelle Obama plans to focus on the work-life balance when she becomes First Lady.
"She knows how hard it is to manage being a mom, a spouse, have a professional job. And she has a lot of support. She's the first to say, 'Look, I did it with all this support. What about the women out there who are doing it in such a challenging way?'" Jarrett said.
Watch the video of Jarrett's interview on "Meet the Press" below.
Barack Obama delivered this week's Democratic Radio Address Saturday morning, his first as President-elect.
In the address, President-elect Obama spoke about the need to put partisanship aside to solve the greatest economic challenge of our lifetime.
"Tens of millions of families are struggling to figure out how to pay the bills and stay in their homes," Obama said. "Their stories are an urgent reminder that we are facing the greatest economic challenge of our lifetime, and we must act swiftly to resolve them."
20081109 Obama discusses the economy in Weekly Democratic Radio Address
President-Elect Obama Meets with Economic Advisers, Calls for “Swift Action” on the Economy
Friday, November 7, 2008 06:20pm EST /
Barack Obama today held his first press conference as President-Elect to call for "swift action" to fix the nation's economy.
"Immediately after I become president I will confront this economic crisis head-on by taking all necessary steps to ease the credit crisis, help hardworking families, and restore growth and prosperity," President-Elect Obama said.
The press conference followed a private meeting of Obama's Transition Economic Advisory Board, a group of 17 leaders on economic issues that includes former U.S. Treasury Secretaries Robert E. Rubin and Lawrence E. Summers, Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Warren Buffett.
Watch the full video of President-Elect Obama's remarks at the press conference below.
20081107 President-Elect Obama Meets with Economic Advisers, Calls for “Swift Action” on the Economy
President-Elect Barack Obama announced yesterday that Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) has accepted his offer to join the White House as Chief of Staff.
"I announce this appointment first because the Chief of Staff is central to the ability of a President and Administration to accomplish an agenda. And no one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel,” President-Elect Obama said in a statement.
"During his seven years in the Clinton White House, Rahm was the point man on some of the most difficult issues, from the passage of landmark anti-crime legislation to the expansion of health care coverage for children. In just six years in Congress, he has risen to leadership, helping to craft myriad important pieces of legislation and guide them to passage.”
Emanuel, 48, served as a senior adviser to President Bill Clinton, and has represented the fifth congressional district of Illinois since 2002.
"I'm leaving a job I love to join your White House for one simple reason -- like the record amount of voters who cast their ballot over the last month, I want to do everything I can to help deliver the change America needs,” Emanuel said in a statement. “We have work to do, and Tuesday Americans sent Washington a clear message -- get the job done.
"Today, once again, our country is piled high with difficulty, and Americans have put their trust in President-elect Barack Obama and Vice-President-elect Joe Biden to think and act anew. And Mr. President-elect, I promise that your White House will do everything in our power to rise to the occasion," he said. Read the full statements below.
Statement from President-elect Barack Obama
"I am pleased to announce that my good friend, Congressman Rahm Emanuel, has agreed to serve as my White House chief of staff. I announce this appointment first because the Chief of Staff is central to the ability of a President and Administration to accomplish an agenda. And no one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel.
"During his seven years in the Clinton White House, Rahm was the point man on some of the most difficult issues, from the passage of landmark anti-crime legislation to the expansion of health care coverage for children. In just six years in Congress, he has risen to leadership, helping to craft myriad important pieces of legislation and guide them to passage. In between, Rahm spent several years in the private sector, where he worked on large and complicated financial transactions. That experience, combined with his service on the committees on Ways and Means and Banking, have given Rahm deep insights into the challenging economic issues that will be front and center for our Administration. Though Rahm understands how to get things done in Washington, he still looks at the world from the perspective of his neighbors and constituents on the Northwest Side of Chicago, who work long and hard, and ask only that their government stand on their side and honor their values. The son of an Israeli immigrant, Rahm shares a passionate love for this country, and has devoted much of his life to its cause.
"His decision to accept this position is a wonderful reflection of that commitment, for it is not easy to give up the significant position he holds today as chair of the House Democratic conference. The post he has accepted also will require more time away from Amy, and their children, Zach, Ilana and Leah, which I know is painful and difficult.
"I appreciate his friendship. And I, and all Americans, should be grateful that Rahm is once again answering his country's call," said President-elect Barack Obama.
Statement from Congressman Rahm Emanuel
"I know what a privilege it is to serve in the White House, and am humbled by the responsibility we owe the American people. I'm leaving a job I love to join your White House for one simple reason - like the record amount of voters who cast their ballot over the last month, I want to do everything I can to help deliver the change America needs. We have work to do, and Tuesday Americans sent Washington a clear message – get the job done.
"I have loved the time I spent in the House, both the successes and the setbacks, and I am grateful to the people of the Fifth Congressional district who sent me to work on their behalf. I was proud to serve on a leadership team with Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn. They have taught me invaluable lessons—even a few lessons in humility, believe it or not.
"I want to say a special word about my Republican colleagues, who serve with dignity, decency and a deep sense of patriotism. We often disagree, but I respect their motives. Now is a time for unity, and Mr. President-elect, I will do everything in my power to help you stitch together the frayed fabric of our politics, and help summon Americans of both parties to unite in common purpose.
"It has been almost 150 years since Americans turned to a proud son of Illinois as their President. Early in his first term, Abraham Lincoln said, "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew."
After a private meeting with his cabinet, President Bush spoke publicly to around 1,000 White House staffers on the South Lawn.
The administration has been touting their transition efforts which have been underway for over a year.
[…]
The president and First Lady have invited the Obama family to the White House and announced Thursday he will personally speak with the president-elect next week on issues ranging from financial markets to the war in Iraq.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. Mr. Vice President and Lynne, thank you for being here with us. Laura and I welcome you to the South Lawn -- better known as Barney's playground. (Laughter.)
I want to thank members of my Cabinet who've joined us. We've just finished a Cabinet meeting, and it gave me a chance to tell them how much I appreciate the good work they're doing during this critical time for our nation.
I also appreciate the men and women who make up the Executive Office of the President for joining us today. (Applause.) Some of you have been at the White House for just a few months. Others arrived the same day that we did nearly eight years ago. You're the ones who can tell that my hair has gotten a little grayer. (Laughter.) Others are career employees who have been here for 30, or 40, sometimes 50 years. I can tell that your hair has gotten grayer. (Laughter.)
The people on this lawn represent diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences. Yet we all share a steadfast devotion to the United States. We believe that service to our fellow citizens is a noble calling -- and the privilege of a lifetime.
This is an exciting time for our country. Earlier this week, more than 120 million people voted for a new President and Congress -- one of the largest turnouts in the history of the country. No matter how we cast our ballots, this election gives us all reason to be proud of our democracy and our country. And I hope you will join Laura and me in congratulating President-Elect Obama, and wishing him the very best for his family and our country. (Applause.)
Just before our inauguration in 2001, Laura and I went back to Midland, Texas -- she was born there and I was raised there. I said that Laura and I would "never quite settle in Washington." I told them: "While the honor is great, the work is temporary." This is true for many of us here today. This peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy. And ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my presidency. We face economic challenges that will not pause to let a new President settle in. This will also be America's first wartime presidential transition in four decades. We're in a struggle against violent extremists determined to attack us -- and they would like nothing more than to exploit this period of change to harm the American people.
So over the next 75 days, all of us must ensure that the next President and his team can hit the ground running. For more than a year now, departments and agencies throughout the federal government have been preparing for a smooth transition. We've provided intelligence briefings to the President-Elect, and the Department of Justice has approved security clearances for members of his transition staff. In the coming weeks, we will ask administration officials to brief the Obama team on ongoing policy issues, ranging from the financial markets to the war in Iraq. I look forward to discussing those issues with the President-Elect early next week.
Offices within the White House are at work preparing extensive transition materials. We're preparing career employees throughout the administration to take on added responsibilities to help prevent any disruption to the essential functions of the federal government.
Taken together, these measures represent an unprecedented effort to ensure that the executive branch is prepared to fulfill its responsibilities at all times. As we carry out this transition I know that you will continue to conduct yourselves with the decency and professionalism you have shown throughout my time in office.
A successful transition is just one of many important tasks remaining in our last 75 days. To help address the global financial crisis, the Secretary of Treasury is working endless hours, and I will host an international summit here in Washington on November the 15th. This will be a historic meeting -- and I'm confident that you will work hard to help make it a success.
We'll also keep urging Congress to approve America's free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. And we will continue to protect this homeland by defeating the terrorists and extremists abroad, so we do not have to face them here at home. (Applause.)
As January 20th draws near, some of you may be anxious about finding a new job, or a new place to live. I know how you feel. (Laughter.) But between now and then, we must keep our attention on the task at hand -- because the American people expect no less. Earlier this year, I promised that I would sprint to the finish. I am keeping that promise, and I know I have given some of you a good workout along the way. As we head into this final stretch, I ask you to remain focused on the goals ahead. I will be honored to stand with you at the finish line. May God bless you.
CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND City of Westminster, Maryland
Mayor and Common Council Meeting of November 10, 2008 Alcalde y común de la reunión del Consejo de 10 de noviembre, 2008
AGENDA PROGRAMA
1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 PM LLAMADA AL ORDEN - 7:00 PM
Mayoral Proclamation – National Home Care and Hospice Month Mayoral proclamación - National cuidados en el hogar y hospicio mes
Drought Status – Code Yellow Maintained Sequía estado - el código amarillo Mantenido
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OCTOBER 27, 2008 ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN DE OCTUBRE 27, 2008
3. CONSENT CALENDAR CALENDARIO DE CONSENTIMIENTO
Maryland Department of the Environment Consent Order Amendment No. 1 Maryland Departamento de Medio Ambiente de la Orden de Consentimiento Enmienda N º 1
4. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR INFORMES DE LA MAYOR
5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES Los informes de las comisiones permanentes
6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: Ordenanzas y resoluciones:
Introduction of Ordinance No. 791 – General Revisions to City Code Introducción de la Ordenanza N º 791 - General Revisiones de Código de ciudad
Introduction of Ordinance No. 792 – Revisions to Chapter 164 Entitled “Zoning and Subdivision of Land’ Introducción de la Ordenanza N º 792 - Revisión del capítulo 164, titulado "Zonificación y la subdivisión de la tierra '
Introduction of Ordinance No. 793 – Revisions to Chapter 124 entitled “Sewers and Sewage” And Chapter 160 entitled “Water” Introducción de la Ordenanza N º 793 - Revisión del capítulo 124 titulado "Sistemas de saneamiento y aguas residuales" y el capítulo 160 titulado "Agua"
Introduction of Ordinance No. 794 – General Fee Ordinance Introducción de la Ordenanza N º 794 - Tasa Ordenanza General
Introduction of Ordinance No. 795 – Utility Fee Ordinance Introducción de la Ordenanza N º 795 - Utilidad de la Ordenanza de tasas
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Asuntos pendientes:
a. None as of November 6, 2008 Ninguno de 6 de noviembre de 2008
8. NEW BUSINESS: NUEVOS NEGOCIOS:
a. None as of November 6, 2008 Ninguno de 6 de noviembre de 2008
9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS DEPARTAMENTO DE INFORMES
10. CITIZEN COMMENTS COMENTARIOS CIUDADANO
11. ADJOURN Aplazamiento
20081110 Westminster Mayor and Council Agenda for November 10 200820081110 Westminster Mayor y del Consejo para la Agenda 10 de noviembre 2008
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF SYKESVILLE AGENDA FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008, 7:00 P.M.
QUORUM: Mayor MINUTES: Town Clerk TREASURER’S REPORT: Town Treasurer
PUBLIC CONCERNS
BUSINESS Public Safety Report – Chief Williams Solid Waste and Recycling Initiatives – Alternatives - Update CIP Committee – Citizen at Large Appointment Town Projects – Street Paving, River Place, Lexington Run Park, Warfield Park Path, and future projects. OTHER: CLOSED SESSION: 1. Legal Consultation – 2. Property Acquisition – 3. Personnel –
Job Opening for MAINTENANCE WORKER Town of Sykesville Maintenance Worker. Duties: landscaping, minor maintenance repairs, refuse collection, other maintenance related duties. at least 18 years old, valid driver’s license, good driving record. Starting $11.31 per hour. Health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, long and short term disability, leave benefits. Call 410-795-8959, visit the Town Office at 7547 Main Street for an application and job description. Open until filled. EOE
The Town of Sykesville’s Department of Public Works will keep to its regular trash collection schedule for the week of November 10, 2008. PLEASE PLACE YOUR TRASH AT CURBSIDE ON YOUR USUAL COLLECTION DAY. If you have any questions, please call Ron Esworthy, Public Works Director at 410-795-8959.
20081110 Sykesville Council Agenda for November 10 2008
Can't Sell Your Home? Why Not Rent it? It may not always make sense to sell your home. If that's the case, renting it could be a good option. But understanding the rental process and using expert help will alleviate extra stress. FULL STORY ->
Weaker Job Market Leads to Lower Mortgage Rates Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.20 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending November 6, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 6.46 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.24 percent. FULL STORY ->
All Marketing, All the Time: What's New in Smart Design Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, philosopher, poet, and leader of the transcendentalist movement in the early 19th Century once said, "build a better mouse trap and the world will beat a path to your door." How can a property owner differentiate visually from the competition through creative marketing strategies enhanced by smart design? FULL STORY ->
U.K. Building Company Looks to Lime for Sustainable Building Materials The Linford Group, a Birmingham, United Kingdom-based building company, is looking back at natural products and techniques that have actually been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, as its vision for the next generation of 'better-than-zero carbon' sustainable building materials. The company is working with Abingdon-based specialists Lime Technology to explore ways of cutting the industry's carbon footprint by using hemp and lime in place of concrete and cement. FULL STORY ->
Bill Babylon Direct: 907-273-7531 e-mail address: Billybabs AT gmail DOT com
Prudential Jack White/ Vista Real Estate 3801 Centerpoint Drive 200 Anchorage, AK 99503 Fax: 907-562-5485 Cell: 907-351-4762
Welcome to your one-stop source for real estate services covering the South Anchorage area. Real estate is one of the most exciting investments one can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience. Here you'll find everything you'll need to buy or sell a home, as well as learn about the market value of homes you may own in the area. It is my goal to provide you with superior service at all times, so please tell me more about you! Learn About Me.
Hello and thank you for visiting! It is my goal as your full service real estate company specializing in the South Anchorage area, to provide you with superior service at all times.
Here are some things you might like to know about my brother-in-law Bill Babylon:
An experienced leader and manager
Retired from active service with the US Army after 29 years. Managed a $50 Million business with 1200 employees during my last 7 years of service.
Experienced a dozen relocations during this career.
Reviewed construction progress on new homes for the last 3 years as a subcontractor to Northrim Bank’s Construction Loan Department, familiarizing me with the new home market in the Anchorage area.
An active member of the community
Currently serving as Treasurer of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church.
Served as Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 209 in Anchorage, for 2 years. Still active on the Troop Committee. Conduct Scout training for the Personal Management Merit Badge.
An ethical real estate professional
Member of the Anchorage Board of Realtors®.
Acquired over 35 hours of continuing real estate education in the past 6 months. As a holder of the Prudential Real Estate eCertified® designation, I apply the latest technology solutions to meet my clients' real estate needs.
I do what’s right for my clients—not what sells!
I am ready to help you find your next home!
Buying a home? I look forward to helping you select the home of your dreams by taking time to listen to your needs and desires.
Selling a home? My real estate expertise and many effective marketing programs will give you the exposure and edge you need to sell your home quickly for top dollar.
Webmaster’s note: Maryland continues to lose jobs in the private sector because of the state’s well-deserved reputation for being anti-business and tax-hell. Moreover, folks are leaving the state in a tax-flight that shows no abatement in the foreseeable future.
However the article skirts this economic dynamic ever so euphemistically.
It says: “The manufacturing sector, however, continues to disappoint and accounts for increasingly fewer jobs as it continues to shrink. While the loss of these jobs has slowed in the past three years, it remains the biggest economic drag on the state's economy. Maryland is trying to shift from labor-based manufacturing jobs to more science and knowledge-based jobs. But attempts to lure large international corporations have been hurt by the high cost of doing business in the state.
“… For several consecutive years more people have moved out of Maryland than moved in, largely because of people searching for cheaper housing.”
Unlike many states, Maryland has historically had a relatively robust and diversified economy that allows it to maintain healthy growth. But the future of Maryland's economy, like that of the nation, is uncertain.
Underpinning its economic diversity is a highly educated workforce — one of the nation's highest ratios of Ph.D. holders — and virtually full employment. There are a large number of well-paying jobs in government, health care and education. The unemployment rate was just 3.6 percent last year, among the nation's lowest. And Maryland ranks fifth in personal income in the nation.
The federal government acts as a stabilizing force in Maryland's economy. "Maryland is blessed by its geography," said Daraius Irani, director of the Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University outside Baltimore.
[…]
The manufacturing sector, however, continues to disappoint and accounts for increasingly fewer jobs as it continues to shrink. While the loss of these jobs has slowed in the past three years, it remains the biggest economic drag on the state's economy. Maryland is trying to shift from labor-based manufacturing jobs to more science and knowledge-based jobs. But attempts to lure large international corporations have been hurt by the high cost of doing business in the state.
Housing prices in Maryland are expected to drop more than 10 percent in the next year, slightly less that the national average. For several consecutive years more people have moved out of Maryland than moved in, largely because of people searching for cheaper housing.
In March, Five States Were in Recession; Now There Are 30, With 19 More at Risk
No state is immune from falling into a recession, except for one: oil-rich Alaska.
What started out as a housing problem in a few states has now exploded into a full-fledged recession, with a majority of states now in or dangerously close to recession.
At the end of September, 30 states were in recession, according to Moody's Economy.com. Back in March, only five states were in recession: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada.
[…]
The just leaves one part of the country -- Alaska -- with a still-expanding economy. (The District of Columbia, with its government and government-related jobs, also still has an expanding economy.)
"There's no way around the map. It says the nation is in recession. The recession is coast to coast," Mark Zandi, chief economist and co-founder of Moody's Economy.com told ABC News recently. "One of the unique features of this downturn is how broad-based it is, regionally."
What happened between March and today?
"The job market has eroded measurably and industrial production has weakened sharply in the last couple of months. Those are the two key things. The other thing is that retail sales have also sharply weakened," Zandi said.
The one bright side is part of the middle of the country. Agriculture and energy are still strong and providing jobs.
[…]
"The exception is the part of the country between the Mississippi River and the Rockies, which is still doing pretty well," he said. "High farm prices are good if you are in Iowa. High oil prices are good if you are in Houston."
Peter Morici, an economics professor at the University of Maryland, said a decline in manufacturing is really hurting the Rust Belt. That said, the economy still is very regional and industry-specific.
[…]
"The state governments are an exercise in irresponsibility. Through the property boom, they enjoyed the increase in people's assessments," Morici said. "They are just not structured to handle the cynical movements in their revenue the way they should be.
"Just like companies, municipalities can behave irresponsibly in good times, not shore up any money for bad times and then go crying to the federal government when they need cash," he added.
"We're going to have an outstanding" economic team, president-elect says
"I want to see a stimulus package sooner rather than later," he says
He vows to help ease credit crisis, help families, restore growth and prosperity
Obama wants to help auto industry retool, produce fuel-efficient cars in U.S.
CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama spoke at a his first news conference as president-elect Friday afternoon. The following is a transcript of the conference:
Obama: Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you very much.
This morning, we woke up to more sobering news about the state of our economy. The 240,000 jobs lost in October marks the 10th consecutive month that our economy has shed jobs. In total, we've lost nearly 1.2 million jobs this year, and more than 10 million Americans are now unemployed.
Tens of millions of families are struggling to figure out how to pay the bills and stay in their homes. Their stories are an urgent reminder that we are facing the greatest economic challenge of our lifetime, and we're going to have to act swiftly to resolve it.
Now, the United States has only one government and one president at a time. And until January 20th of next year, that government is the current administration.
I've spoken to President Bush. I appreciate his commitment to ensuring that his economic policy team keeps us fully informed as developments unfold. And I'm also thankful for his invitation to the White House.
Immediately after I become president, I'm going to confront this economic crisis head on by taking all necessary steps to ease the credit crisis, help hardworking families, and restore growth and prosperity. Watch Obama urge swift action on the economy »
And this morning, I met with members of my Transition Economic Advisory Board, who are standing behind me, alongside my vice president-elect, Joe Biden.
They will help to guide the work of my transition team, working with Rahm Emanuel, my chief of staff, in developing a strong set of policies to respond to this crisis. We discussed in the earlier meeting several of the most immediate challenges facing our economy and key priorities on which to focus on in the days and weeks ahead. Watch Obama lay out his economic plan »
First of all, we need a rescue plan for the middle class that invests in immediate efforts to create jobs and provide relief to families that are watching their paychecks shrink and their life savings disappear.
A particularly urgent priority is a further extension of unemployment insurance benefits for workers who cannot find work in the increasingly weak economy.
A fiscal stimulus plan that will jump-start economic growth is long overdue. I've talked about it throughout this -- the last few months of the campaign. We should get it done.
Second, we have to address the spreading impact of the financial crisis on the other sectors of our economy: small businesses that are struggling to meet their payrolls and finance their holiday inventories; and state and municipal governments facing devastating budget cuts and tax increases.
We must also remember that the financial crisis is increasingly global and requires a global response.
The news coming out of the auto industry this week reminds us of the hardship it faces, hardship that goes far beyond individual auto companies to the countless suppliers, small businesses and communities throughout our nation who depend on a vibrant American auto industry.
The auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing and a critical part of our attempt to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
I would like to see the administration do everything it can to accelerate the retooling assistance that Congress has already enacted. In addition, I have made it a high priority for my transition team to work on additional policy options to help the auto industry adjust, weather the financial crisis, and succeed in producing fuel-efficient cars here in the United States of America.
And I was glad to be joined today by Governor Jennifer Granholm, who obviously has great knowledge and great interest on this issue.
I've asked my team to explore what we can do under current law and whether additional legislation will be needed for this purpose.
Third, we will review the implementation of this administration's financial program to ensure that the government's efforts are achieving their central goal of stabilizing financial markets while protecting taxpayers, helping homeowners, and not unduly rewarding the management of financial firms that are receiving government assistance.
It is absolutely critical that the Treasury work closely with the FDIC, HUD, and other government agencies to use the substantial authority that they already have to help families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.
Finally, as we monitor and address these immediate economic challenges, we will be moving forward in laying out a set of policies that will grow our middle class and strengthen our economy in the long term. We cannot afford to wait on moving forward on the key priorities that I identified during the campaign, including clean energy, health care, education, and tax relief for middle-class families.
My transition team will be working on each of these priorities in the weeks ahead, and I intend to reconvene this advisory board to discuss the best ideas for responding to these immediate problems.
Let me close by saying this. I do not underestimate the enormity of the task that lies ahead. We have taken some major action to date, and we will need further action during this transition and subsequent months.
Some of the choices that we make are going to be difficult. And I have said before and I will repeat again: It is not going to be quick, and it is not going to be easy for us to dig ourselves out of the hole that we are in.
But America is a strong and resilient country. And I know we will succeed, if we put aside partisanship and politics and work together as one nation. That's what I intend to do.
With that, let me open it up for some questions. And I'm going to start right here with you.
Question: Thank you, Mr. President-elect. I wonder what you think any president can accomplish during their first 100 days in office to turn the economy around? How far can you go? And what will be your priorities on day one?
Obama: Well, I think that a new president can do an enormous amount to restore confidence, to move an agenda forward that speaks to the needs of the economy and the needs of middle-class families all across the country.
I've outlined during the course of the campaign some critical issues that I intend to work on.
We have a current financial crisis that is spilling out into rest of the economy, and we have taken some action so far. More action is undoubtedly going to be needed. My transition team is going to be monitoring very closely what happens over the course of the next several months.
The one thing I can say with certainty is that we are going to need to see a stimulus package passed either before or after inauguration.
We are going to have to focus on jobs, because the hemorrhaging of jobs has an impact, obviously, on consumer confidence and the ability of people to -- to buy goods and services and can have enormous spillover effects.
And I think it's going to be very important for us to provide the kinds of assistance to state and local governments to make sure that they don't compound some of the problems that are already out there by having to initiate major layoffs or initiate tax increases.
So there are some things that we know we're going to have to do, but I'm confident that a new president can have an enormous impact. That's why I ran for president.
Question: (off-mike) ... from House Democrats that the stimulus package may be in trouble, that it's going to be a hard time getting out of a lame-duck session. Are you still confident that you would be able to get something done before you actually take office?
Obama: I want to see a stimulus package sooner rather than later. If it does not get done in the lame-duck session, it will be the first thing I get done as president of the United States.
Question: Senator, for the first time since the Iranian revolution, the president of Iran sent a congratulations note to a new U.S. president. I'm wondering if, first of all, if you responded to President Ahmadinejad's note of congratulations and, second of all, and more importantly, how soon do you plan on sending low-level envoys to countries such as Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, to see if a presidential-level talk would be productive?
Obama: I am aware that the letter was sent. Let me state -- repeat what I stated during the course of the campaign.
Iran's development of a nuclear weapon I believe is unacceptable. And we have to mount a international effort to prevent that from happening.
Iran's support of terrorist organizations I think is something that has to cease.
I will be reviewing the letter from President Ahmadinejad, and we will respond appropriately. It's only been three days since the election. Obviously, how we approach and deal with a country like Iran is not something that we should, you know, simply do in a knee- jerk fashion. I think we've got to think it through.
But I have to reiterate once again that we only have one president at a time. And I want to be very careful that we are sending the right signals to the world as a whole that I am not the president and I won't be until January 20th.
Question: Picking up what we were just talking about, your meeting with President Bush on Monday. When -- he is still the decider, obviously, stating the obvious. When you disagree with decisions he makes, will you defer? Will you challenge? Will you confront? And if it becomes confrontational, could that rattle the markets even more?
Obama: Well, President Bush graciously invited Michelle and I to -- to meet with him and First Lady Laura Bush. We are gratified by the invitation. I'm sure that, in addition to taking a tour of the White House, there's going to be a substantive conversation between myself and the president.
I'm not going to anticipate problems. I'm going to go in there with a spirit of bipartisanship and a sense that both the president and various leaders in Congress all recognize the severity of the situation right now and want to get stuff done.
And, you know, undoubtedly there may end up being differences between not just members of different parties, but between people within the same party.
The critical point and I think the critical tone that has to be struck by all of us involved right now is the American people need help. This economy is in bad shape. And we have just completed one of the longest election cycles in recorded history.
Now is a good time for us to set politics aside for a while and think practically about what will actually work to move the economy forward. And it's in that spirit that I'll have the conversation with the president.
Question: Thank you, Mr. President-elect. With the country facing two wars and a financial crisis, do you think it's important for you to move especially quickly to fill key cabinet posts, such as treasury secretary and secretary of state?
Obama: When we have an announcement about cabinet appointments, we will make them. There is no doubt that I think people want to know who's going to make up our team.
And I want to move with all deliberate haste, but I want to emphasize "deliberate" as well as "haste." I'm proud of the choice I made of vice president, partly because we did it right. I'm proud of the choice of chief of staff, because we thought it through.
And I think it's very important, in all these key positions, both in the economic team and the national security team, to -- to get it right and not to be so rushed that you end up making mistakes.
I'm confident that we're going to have an outstanding team, and we will be rolling that out in subsequent weeks.
Question: Yes, sir. To what extent -- to what extent are you planning to use your probably pretty great influence in determining the successor for your Senate seat? And what sort of criteria should the governor be looking at in filling that position?
Obama: This is the governor's decision; it is not my decision.
And I think that the criteria that I would have for my successor would be the same criteria that I'd have if I were a voter: somebody who is capable; somebody who is passionate about helping working families in Illinois meet their -- meet their dreams.
And I think there are going to be a lot of good choices out there, but it is the governor's decision to make, not mine.
Lynn Sweet?
Question: Mr. President-elect ...
Obama: What happened to your arm, Lynn?
Question: I cracked my shoulder running to your speech on election night.
Obama: Oh, no.
(Laughter)
Question: (inaudible)
Obama: I think that was the only major incident during the -- the entire Grant Park celebration.
Question: Thank you for asking. Here's my question. I'm wondering what you're doing to get ready. Have you spoke to any living ex-presidents, what books you might be reading?
Everyone wants to know, what kind of dog are you going to buy for your girls? Have you decided on a private or public school for your daughters?
Obama: Let -- let me list those off.
In terms of speaking to former presidents, I've spoken to all of them that are living. Obviously, President Clinton -- I didn't want to get into a Nancy Reagan thing about, you know, doing any seances.
I have re-read some of Lincoln's writings, who's always an extraordinary inspiration.
And, by the way, President Carter, President Bush, Sr., as well as the current president have all been very gracious and offered to provide any help that they can in this transition process.
With respect to the dog, this is a major issue. I think it's generated more interest on our Web site than just about anything.
We have -- we have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic.
On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So -- so whether we're going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue on the Obama household.
And with respect to schools, Michelle will be -- will be scouting out some schools. We'll be making a decision about that in the future.
Question: You are now privy to a lot of intelligence that you haven't had access to before, in fact, much of what the president sees, I'm sure all of it.
First of all, do you -- what do you think about the state of U.S. intelligence, whether you think it needs beefing up, whether you think there's enough interaction between the various agencies?
And, second of all, has anything that you've heard given you pause about anything you've talked about on the campaign trail?
Obama: Well, as you know, if -- if there was something I had heard, I couldn't tell you. But...
Question: (off-mike)
Obama: I have received intelligence briefings. And I will make just a general statement.
Our intelligence process can always improve. I think it has gotten better. And, you know, beyond that, I don't think I should comment on the nature of the intelligence briefings.
That was a two-parter. Was there another aspect to that?
Question: Well, just whether -- you know, absent what you've heard...
Obama: OK, I get you.
Question: ... whether anything has given you pause.
Obama: I'm going to skip that.
Question: Mr. President-elect, do you still intend to seek income tax increases for upper-income Americans? And if so, should these Americans expect to pay higher taxes in 2009?
Obama: The -- my tax plan represented a net tax cut. It provided for substantial middle-class tax cuts; 95 percent of working Americans would receive them.
It also provided for cuts in capital gains for small businesses, additional tax credits. All of it is designed for job growth.
My priority is going to be, how do we grow the economy? How do we create more jobs?
I think that the plan that we've put forward is the right one, but, obviously, over the next several weeks and months, we're going to be continuing to take a look at the data and see what's taking place in the economy as a whole.
But, understand, the goal of my plan is to provide tax relief to families that are struggling, but also to boost the capacity of the economy to grow from the bottom up.
Let's start with NAFTA. If folks want to believe Gov. Sarah Palin did not know even the most basic facts about NAFTA, they have to believe a couple other improbable things.
Before she became governor, Palin's husband Todd's commercial fishing business on Bristol Bay accounted a decent percentage of the family's income. The couple reported about $46,000 from the business last year on a license Todd purchased from his grandfather in the 1970s. He has been a lifelong commercial fisherman and she has often been his partner both in the business and literally on the boat.
Surely while the two were working in the commercial salmon fishing industry in post-NAFTA Alaska, they would not have missed the effect farmed-salmon imports from Canada had on the industry, causing the number of fisherman, the size of the harvest, and the value of permits to go down significantly in Alaska. According to a 2003 AP article:
From CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart WASHINGTON (CNN) – A new report from American University’s Center for the Study of the American Electorate concludes that voter turnout in Tuesday’s election was the same in percentage terms as it was four years ago — or at most has risen by less than 1 percent.
The report released Thursday estimates that between 126.5 and 128.5 million Americans cast ballots in the presidential election earlier this week. Those figures represent 60.7 percent or, at most, 61.7 percent of those eligible to vote in the country.
“A downturn in the number and percentage of Republican voters going to the polls seemed to be the primary explanation for the lower than predicted turnout,” the report said. Compared to 2004, Republican turnout declined by 1.3 percentage points to 28.7 percent, while Democratic turnout increased by 2.6 points from 28.7 percent in 2004 to 31.3 percent in 2008.
[…]
In 2004, 122 million Americans voted in the general election.
Sarah Palin greets supporters on her return to Alaska Wednesday Nov. 5. An aide defended her, saying she was being made a scapegoat for the McCain campaign's missteps.
A top aide of Sarah Palin insisted last night that Sen. John McCain's running mate is being unfairly made the scapegoat for the campaign's missteps.
Meg Stapleton lashed out at anonymous critics inside the now defunct McCain-Palin team, saying they were distorting facts about the Alaska governor's infamous $150,000 shopping spree to cover up misdeeds.
Stapleton, a longtime aide to Palin, charged that campaign officials gave a New York stylist a blank check and a mission to make Palin look presidential.
READ ALSO: WHAT FOR 'SNL' NOW? "They said, 'Bill the convention, under "wardrobe," ' so that the cost could be hidden," Stapleton said. "And then they realized and they were told that's illegal.
"Then they said, 'Okay, how do we make this legal and appropriate?' So they had somebody pay for it and then the RNC [Republican National Committee] would reimburse them."
PHOTOS: ELECTION WINNERS AND LOSERS Reacting to another leak that Palin didn't know Africa was a continent, Stapleton chalked it up to a "human mistake" the governor made during a briefing session.
