Health care press conferences continue today in the House, as GOP leaders and Rep. Joe Wilson are holding at least three events on the Hill. Floor debate on health care reform is set to begin tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., with a vote expected Saturday night or Sunday so members can go home to their districts for the entire week of Veterans Day. On the floor today, the House will vote on the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009, and the Senate will hold no roll call votes.

The economy will also be part of the discussion today, as unemployment increased again to 10.2 percent in October -- the highest since April 1983.

Today after his morning briefings, President Obama signs the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. Later he'll visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a stop added in the wake of yesterday's killings in Fort Hood, Texas. Back at the White House, Obama will then welcome Congressman-Elect Bill Owens to the Oval Office. Tomorrow he will meet with House Democrats on the Hill to push for their support on the impending health care reform vote.

And it will be like old times in Des Moines this weekend, with a 2012 double feature this weekend. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks at an Iowa GOP dinner on Saturday. Mike Huckabee visits West Des Moines and two other cities promoting his new Christmas book.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Working Overtime" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 09:00 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama participates in the White House Tribal Nations Conference. After meetings with advisers, he'll then have lunch with Vice President Biden. This afternoon, he has separate meetings with Treasury Secretary Geithner, Secretary of State Clinton, and representatives of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He'll also meet Botswana President Ian Khama.

Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team are currently whipping votes on health care, as they prepare for a Saturday vote. In the meantime, House Republicans are holding what they're calling a health care "House Call" on the West front steps of the Capitol today at noon. GOP leadership will speak, with most of the conference standing on the steps behind them.

On the House floor today, the chamber will vote on the Senate-altered Unemployment Compensation Extension Act and begin consideration of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. The Senate will debate and move closer to a vote on the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Start Spreading The News" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Republicans swept the gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia yesterday, while Democrats picked up another House seat with the special election in New York's 23rd District. The GOP wins continues the decades-long streak of the party in power in the White House losing the following gubernatorial elections in both states.

As pundits debate what last night's elections mean for the future of his administration, President Obama will leave the Beltway bubble and travel to Wisconsin for an event focused on education. On the anniversary of his election, Obama also participates in a credentialing ceremony for foreign ambassadors, and tonight will host an event celebrating classical music back at the White House.

In Congress, the House takes up the Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act of 2009, while the Senate resumes consideration of the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Election Remains Edition" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:55 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today is Election Day, and voters are voting as you read this. The major contests to watch are the Congressional race in New York-23, and the down-to-the-wire gubernatorial race in New Jersey. The race in Virginia looks much sleepier, with a likely Republican win. There are also some big races for mayor among the downballot contests nationwide.

In Washington, meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits. She'll meet with President Obama at the White House before heading to Congress to speak to a joint session. Also at the White House, Obama meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and later joins a U.S.-European Union Summit with the Prime Minister of Sweden Fredrik Reinfeldt, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, and the European Council High Representative Javier Solana. He'll also sit down with Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), a key vote on health care.

Merkel's address to Congress is at 10:30 am. Outside of that event, the focus on the Hill remains health care, as Democratic House leaders are hoping for a vote on their bill by the end of the week.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: E-Day 2009" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

The House will begin floor debate this week on the Democrats' comprehensive health care reform legislation, with a vote taking place perhaps as early as Thursday. The Senate continues to move forward today on the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act.

President Obama's day focuses on the economy. He'll meet with his Economic Recovery Advisory Board to talk about job creation, a session that will be streamed online in its entirety. Also today, the National Economic Council will hold a principals-level meeting, led by Larry Summers. Later, the president meets with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt of Sweden.

Today Vice President Biden heads to upstate New York to campaign for Bill Owens in NY-23 race, which saw a big shakeup this weekend with the withdrawal of Republican candidate Dede Scozzafava.

Election Day is tomorrow for the governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as special elections in New York-23 and California-10, and the New York City mayoral race.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: The Great Debate" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama's schedule today includes another meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan, this time with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. First, he has his daily briefings and meets with senior advisers. He'll also sign into law the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act. This weekend, Obama's schedule includes yet another trip to New Jersey to campaign with Gov. Jon Corzine (D).

The House is not in session today, and the Senate will have no roll call votes or committee hearings today.

The candidates for governor of Virginia and New Jersey and for the special election races in New York 23 and California 10 are preparing for the final weekend of campaigning. The first three are the most competitive races, and both parties are pushing hard to build momentum for the 2010 midterm elections. Get-out-the-vote efforts will now step up to high-gear.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Meet The Chiefs" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last night in a press release to reporters that House Democrats will unveil their long-awaited health care reform legislation in a 10:30 a.m. event on the West front of the Capitol. About an hour later, Minority Leader John Boehner and GOP leaders are holding their own press conference on health care.

On the House floor docket today is the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and Continuing Resolution, as well as the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009. The Senate has no bills on the schedule, but will convene at 9:30 a.m. for two hours of morning business.

President Obama, who returned to the White House just hours ago after a late night visit to Dover Air Force Base, will start his day with remarks about the administration's plans to help businesses. Scheduled to be on hand: members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, with whom the White House has clashed. Later, Obama meets with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, followed by a meeting with Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and later the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Black Caucus, Hispanic Caucus and Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Vice President Biden today is back on the political circuit, raising money for the DNC at two events in Florida.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: The Unveiling" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama heads to Capitol Hill after his morning briefings to speak at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in honor of former Senator Edward William Brooke. He and Vice President Biden will then have lunch back at the White House, followed by a meeting with the co-chairmen of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB) and the senior leadership of the intelligence community.

This afternoon, Obama will sign the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 in the Rose Garden. Tonight: he'll plant a tree, and then host a reception commemorating the enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Biden today will also meet with Sens. Bob Casey and Dianne Feinstein.

On Capitol Hill today, the Senate will resume debate on Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. The House is in session at 10 am to consider a number of bills.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: World Serious" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced yesterday that the health care reform bill that hits the Senate floor this year will indeed include a public option, though it will have an opt-out clause for states. Reid is now awaiting a CBO scoring on the varying proposals that he and a select group of negotiators formed from the HELP and Finance committee bills. House Democrats are still deciding what form the public option will take in its final bill, while House Republicans are split on whether to offer an alternative.

On the Senate floor today will be a debate and vote on the nomination of Irene Cornelia Berger to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of West Virginia, and a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. The House will vote to instruct conferees on the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

President Obama wakes up in Miami today and crosses the state to Sarasota to tour the Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia. He will announce Recovery Act funding for Smart Grid technologies aimed at modernizing the nation's electricity grid. He'll then head to Norfolk, Virginia to stump for Creigh Deeds at Old Dominion University. Vice President Biden is helping out a fellow Democrat as well, appearing at a New York City event for Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.).

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Checking the Score" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama heads to Florida today, where he'll speak with servicemen and women this afternoon at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and later gets back to politics with a speech at a fundraising dinner in Miami for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

The president begins his day with daily briefings at the White House, followed by a national security meeting with Vice President Biden (via videoconference); Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Secretary of Defense Robert Gates; National Security Adviser James Jones; Deputy National Security Adviser Tom Donilon; John Brennan, assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security; and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

On the docket for the Senate this week is the Unemployment Insurance Extension Act, the Commerce-Justice-Science and Military Construction appropriations bills, as well as completion of the merging of the Finance and HELP health care bills. No roll call votes are scheduled for today, though. The House will take up nine suspension bills, with votes not expected to occur until 6:30 p.m.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: War Games" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today President Obama makes his third political trip to the Northeast this week and his second in support of embattled Democratic incumbents. On the official schedule: a stop at a research lab at MIT, and a speech on the recovery act. Then, the politics: fundraising events for Gov. Deval Patrick (D), who will face a tough three-way race in '10. In Connecticut, Obama will then tour a small business before speaking at a fundraising event for Sen. Chris Dodd (D)

House Democratic leaders are holding a press conference this morning to discuss new details regarding seniors and health care reform legislation. On the floor, the House is expected to vote by 1 p.m. on the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. Senators Carl Levin and Patrick Leahy are holding a press conference alongside civil rights leaders to discuss hate crimes legislation. The Senate is not in session.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Incumbent Protection" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today is the rare day on President Obama's schedule this week without any politicking. He starts his day with morning briefings, and will then speak with the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan via videoconference. He'll have lunch with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and then sign the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act. In the afternoon he'll have separate meetings with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The Senate will resume consideration of the conference report for the Department of Defense Authorization bill. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is holding a hearing this morning on "The Past, Present, and Future of Policy Czars" in the White House. The House will vote today on the Solar Technology Roadmap Act and begin consideration of the Coast Guard Authorization Act.

House Democratic leaders have begun to pronounce how close they are to having the votes to pass a health care form bill that includes a robust public option. Speaker Pelosi said yesterday that a bill will certainly be passed by Thanksgiving, and possibly even have Obama's signature by then depending on how quickly the two chambers can work together.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: You Must Whip It" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama starts his Wednesday with his daily briefings and a meeting with senior advisers. He'll then sit down in the Oval Office with Sen. John Kerry, who played a role in bringing the Afghan election to a runoff. Later, he'll visit a small business in Maryland to "announce a package of initiatives that will increase credit to small businesses." He'll also attend a Cabinet-level exercise simulating the aftermath of a "fictitious catastrophic earthquake" in the country. Finally, the president heads to New Jersey to campaign with Gov. Jon Corzine.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other House Democratic leaders are holding an economic forum this morning with Elizabeth Warren, chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel with jurisdiction over TARP. Democratic Senators Harry Reid, Patrick Leahy and Charles Schumer are holding a press conference at 11:30 a.m. on health insurance reform.

The Senate will debate the nomination of Roberto A. Lange to be the U.S. District Judge for the District of South Dakota, with a vote expected at 2 p.m. Later the Senate will move to consider the Medicare Physician Fairness Act. It's another light day on the House floor, with several votes on suspension bills expected to end by 3 p.m.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Health Care Hiatus" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama today starts with morning briefings and then meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki. He'll then hold a ceremony to honor a unit of 86 Vietnam veterans "in recognition of their exemplary service and personal sacrifice nearly four decades ago." He'll then travel to New York for fundraisers for the DNC and the New York 23rd District candidate, Bill Owens. But first, he'll stop at the Joint Terrorism Task Force Headquarters.

Meanwhile, it's Bill Clinton day on the campaign trail. He'll start his day rallying voters for Creigh Deeds in Virginia. Then he has several events in New Jersey on behalf of Jon Corzine's campaign.

Negotiators in the House and Senate will continue their push this week to merge the multiple bills in each chamber. House Democrats are awaiting scoring from the Congressional Budget Office, which will help decide what form the public option will take. In the Senate, they're still deciding whether to include the government-run health insurance option -- Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and a group of White House aides, including Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, are merging two bills, only one of which includes a public option.

On the chamber floors, the House will consider a half-dozen suspension bills, and the Senate will begin consideration of the conference report for the Homeland Security Department Appropriations bill.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Bill Clinton Day" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington and beyond. President Obama has a light public schedule at the White House today. He meets with winners of the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge this morning. The afternoon includes meetings with senior advisors and then Sen. Kent Conrad, a centrist Democrat and key player in health care and other issues. Vice President Biden, meanwhile, starts with a breakfast meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Later, he presides over a Middle Class Task Force meeting before heading on the road for some politics: in New Jersey, he'll campaign for Gov. Jon Corzine, and then head to Pennsylvania for events with Sen. Arlen Specter and Allegheny County Democrats.

Later this week, Obama himself has a busy schedule of political events. Tuesday, he's in New York raising money for the DNC and Bill Owens, the Democratic candidate in New York's 23rd District special election. Wednesday, he's in the Garden State for Corzine. And Friday, he'll travel to Boston for an event with another embattled first-term governor, Deval Patrick, and then to Connecticut for a fundraiser for Sen. Chris Dodd.

Today on Capitol Hill: The Senate will debate the Medicare Physicians Fairness Act of 2009, though there will be no roll call votes today. On the other side of the Capitol, the House is not in session.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: A Week On The Trail" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama wakes up on the West Coast, and will travel from San Francisco to Houston where he'll take part in a Points Of Light forum at Texas A&M, hosted by former President George H.W. Bush. The president will return to Washington tonight.

Vice President Biden, meanwhile, is in Nevada where he'll do a familiar dance: sell the stimulus impact to make it an official trip, but also raise money for Democrats at night to give it a political twist. This time it's not just any Democrat, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

It will be quiet on the Hill today, as the House meets in pro forma session and the Senate is not in session.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Out West" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 09:15 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama makes his first trip to New Orleans as president, his first since February of 2008. He'll meet with students at the Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School, and then hold a town hall meeting at the University of New Orleans. All told, he'll be in the city for just under four hours before flying to San Francisco, where he speaks at a DNC fundraiser. He overnights there. Vice President Biden is also raising money, in St. Louis for Senate candidate Robin Carnahan and in Minnesota for the DNC.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner will give their weekly press conferences this morning, though Boehner will be joined by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the topic du jour is health care.

The House will consider the conference report of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, and may begin consideration of the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act, a bill that has caused some friction between California congressmen. The Senate will vote today on the conference report for the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, and may move to begin consideration of two other appropriations conference reports -- Defense and Homeland Security.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Back To New Orleans" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama will hold a morning meeting with his war council as the White House closes in on a final Afghanistan strategy announcement. Vice President Biden will join that meeting after a sit-down with General David Petraeus. Later today, Obama heads to Virginia with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to tour a project using stimulus dollars. Back at the White House, Obama will then sign an executive order reinstating a commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and observe the Diwali "Festival of Lights" in the East Room. Tonight, he'll attend a fundraiser benefiting the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

Following the Senate Finance Committee's 14-9 approval yesterday of the Baucus health care bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will lead a group including Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and White House reps in merging the Finance and HELP committee bills. The group meets today for the first time.

Reid will also testify this morning at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on legislation he co-sponsored with Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) that would repeal a federal antitrust exemption for health insurance and medical malpractice insurance companies. Consideration of the Energy & Water Appropriations bill will begin today on the Senate floor.

The House Financial Services Committee is beginning its push today as part of Obama's efforts to regulate the financial institutions that caused last year's economic collapse. On the floor, the House will vote on as many as 19 suspension bills, including one "recognizing the 40th anniversary of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas."

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Merging Of The Bills" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

The Senate Finance Committee will finally vote today on Chairman Max Baucus's (D-Mont.) $829 billion health care bill, which is expected to pass. Up next is meshing it with the HELP Committee bill passed nearly three months ago.

On the chamber floors, the Senate will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill, while the House takes up a number of suspension bills, including one that expresses support for students to learn about Christopher Columbus.

The White House will certainly be watching the Finance Committee vote. President Obama has a busy schedule of his own, though, starting with morning briefings and a meeting with senior advisers and Vice President Biden. Later, he welcomes Spain President Zapatero for a working lunch, after which the two will address the media. Then, he meets with Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), potentially a swing vote on health care. Obama and Biden then meet with Defense Secretary Gates. Tonight, the White House is hosting a "Fiesta Latina," calling it "a concert celebrating Hispanic musical heritage." Marc Anthony, Jimmy Smits, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, and George Lopez are among the acts on hand.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: D-Day In The Finance Committee" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama, now a Nobel Peace Prize winner, will start his work day with morning briefings and a meeting with senior advisors, then give brief remarks in the Rose Garden at 10:30 a.m. He'll sit down with Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) in the Oval Office, followed by lunch with Vice President Biden. This afternoon, he'll speak in the East Room to rally support for a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency and urge passage of a regulatory reform package. Then, another meeting with his war council on Afghanistan. Tonight, Obama hosts a barbecue for members of the Secret Service and their families.

The Senate Finance Committee has set the vote for Tuesday on the chairman's health care bill, and the House ethics committee has expanded its investigation into Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), whom Republicans have been calling on to step down from his chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee.

Both the House and Senate meet in pro forma session today, meaning most Members have left for the Columbus Day recess. Both chambers return to session Tuesday.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: A Nobel President" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Yes, the Major League Baseball playoffs are in full swing. But it's basketball day at the White House. Tonight, President Obama will play on the White House court with four Cabinet secretaries and 11 members of Congress -- nine of them Democrats. He starts his day with morning briefings and then has lunch with business leaders. He'll also drop in this afternoon on a game of hoops played by the National Naval Medical Center Marine Wounded Warrior basketball team. He and the vice president will also hold separate meetings with Secretaries Clinton and Geithner.

Vice President Biden, seemingly always in campaign mode these days, will head to Virginia today for an event with Creigh Deeds. As part of today's economic briefing, Biden will also discuss progress in implementing the recovery act.

The Senate Finance Committee could vote on the chairman's health care bill as early as tomorrow after CBO delivered an encouraging score, at least as Democrats see it. On the floor today, the Senate will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill. Still awaiting House action is the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act conference report. Also scheduled for a vote on the floor is a bill giving active service members a one-year extension on the first-time homebuyers credit, through Nov. 30, 2010.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Hoopster In Chief" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today President Obama starts his day with his daily briefings and a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. This afternoon, he awards the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in the East Room. Then, it's back to Afghanistan and Pakistan, with a meeting with his security team in the Situation Room. Tonight, he and the first lady host an event on the South Lawn for local students "to star gaze and conduct hands-on experiments with astronomers." It's meant to encourage the study of science.

Vice President Biden starts his day with events in New Jersey to boost Gov. Jon Corzine (D) in his re-election bid. He'll take part in the Afghanistan/Pakistan briefing, and then get back to his role as fundraiser-in-chief, with an event in DC for Rep. Larry Kissell (D-N.C.).

Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) is hopeful to get a CBO score on his health care bill today, which would restart movement toward a final committee vote. On the floor, the Senate will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill. The House may take up the conference report for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act of 2010

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Awaiting the Score" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

After morning briefings, President Obama will visit the National Counterterrorism Center. This afternoon, he'll welcome bipartisan and bicameral leadership to the White House to discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan in the State Dining Room. Reports indicate that it will be the first formal visit in six months for some members of the GOP leadership.

Vice President Biden, after a day of politics yesterday, will join Obama for the Afghanistan briefing with Congressional leadership at the White House today. But first he'll have breakfast with Secretary of State Clinton and Richard Holbrooke, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tomorrow he's back on the stump, though, campaigning with New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine.

On the chamber floors, the Senate will consider the nomination of Thomas Perez to be an Assistant Attorney General and later resume consideration of the Defense Appropriations bill, including votes on 14 amendments. The House returns to session at 12:30 p.m. with a series of votes expected at 6:30 p.m., including one to send the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010 to conference.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Republicans At The White House" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today at the White House, President Obama will get back to selling health care. He hosts a Rose Garden event with doctors from around the country. Later, he meets with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Looking ahead: On Tuesday, Obama will visit the National Counterterrorism Center. Wednesday, he awards the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology, meets with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan, and hosts an event for middle-school students on science. Friday he'll again meet with his team on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Vice President Biden has a busy day boosting New England Democrats. In Connecticut, he'll attend a fundraiser for Rep. Jim Himes, then hold an official event with Himes and Sen. Chris Dodd (D). Tonight he'll raise money for New Hampshire Senate candidate Paul Hodes in New York.

There will be no roll call votes on the Hill today -- the House is not in session and the Senate will only hold debate on the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Tomorrow, Speaker Pelosi will present the Dalai Lama with the Lantos Human Rights Prize.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Biden On the Trail" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

The Senate Finance Committee worked late into the night to complete debate on Chairman Max Baucus's (D-Mont.) health care bill, which the committee will vote on in the middle of next week. Neither the House or Senate will hold any debate or roll call votes today.

Across the Atlantic, President Obama has already made his pitch for the Chicago Olympic bid. The IOC begins voting on the 2016 host city after 11 am ET, but by then Obama is scheduled to be en route back to Washington. After returning to the White House, he'll deliver remarks in the Rose Garden -- perhaps hoping Chicago's bid has been successful.

But this will also likely come up: The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced this morning that the country lost 263,000 jobs last month and unemployment increased to 9.8 percent, up one-tenth since last month.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Unemployment Ticks Up" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

After daily briefings and a meeting with senior advisers, President Obama heads a few blocks from the White House to speak at a fundraiser for the Democratic Governors Association. He'll then return to the White House to meet separately with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner. He then heads to Denmark for a quick trip to sell the 2016 Chicago Olympic bid. Already there: first lady Michelle Obama, and, of course, Oprah.

The Senate will resume consideration of the Defense Appropriations bill, and 10 Democratic freshmen will give back-to-back speeches on the floor this morning to argue the benefits of health care reform. The House will take up the conference report for the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Tonight is the first debate in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. It will include all three candidates -- Jon Corzine, Chris Christie, and Chris Daggett. If you missed Daggett's debate parody video, you can check it out here.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Selling a City" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama starts his day with daily briefings, and then heads to the National Institutes of Health for an announcement of stimulus dollars earmarked for the facility. Back at the White House, he'll host Arnold Palmer in the Oval Office to sign the Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act. The main event is later, however, as he meets with his national security team on Afghanistan.

Vice President Biden will be in that meeting. But first he'll be back in his home state of Delaware to speak at an event celebrating his son's return, along with his Delaware National Guard unit, from Iraq.

The Senate will debate and vote on the conference report for the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill, with a series of three votes expected at 4:30 p.m. The House will consider another dozen or so suspension bills. Off the floor, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is hosting a meeting between representatives of GM and Chrysler and the auto dealers forced to close shop as a result of the automakers' bankruptcy proceedings. The Senate Homeland Security committee will hold a hearing on current terrorist threats to the United States, and Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) will unveil their climate change bill.

Today also marks the final day for candidates to raise money for the 3rd Quarter FEC filing period. Expect your inboxes to be flooded with appeals.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: War Council" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today begins a series of meetings focused on Afghanistan in the White House. After morning briefings, President Obama meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and then Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in the Oval Office. The administration says he'll meet with his national security team on Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Vice President Biden joins Obama for those meetings; he'll also host an event at the Naval Observatory tonight to mark the anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, which he championed in the Senate.

There could be fireworks inside the Senate Finance Committee hearing room today, as discussion will focus on the public option. On the Senate floor, debate will resume on the Dept. of Defense Appropriations bill, and a vote will be held on the nomination of Jeffrey Viken to be U.S. District Judge in South Dakota. The House Oversight committee is holding a hearing on the administration's flu vaccine program. The House will vote tonight on a dozen suspension bills.

Finally, downtown today, filmmaker Michael Moore; Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen; and Fred Redmond, vice president of United Steelworkers will deliver remarks at a news conference to "challenge President Obama and Democratic members of Congress to get tough on Health Care Reform."

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Public Option Day" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. President Obama's public schedule is rather empty after a week focused on foreign policy. He'll have his daily briefings this morning and meet with senior advisers; no other events are listed. Vice President Biden will join the president for those meetings, and also meet later with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

If there's any health care lobbying going on this week, it's mostly behind the scenes. Tuesday, Obama meets with NATO Secretary General Rasmussen at the White House. Thursday afternoon, Obama attends a fundraiser for the DGA. And then, it was announced today, he'll leave for Copenhagen to pitch his home town's Olympic bid.

The House and Senate are not in session today, as both return for regular business tomorrow. The Senate Finance Committee is set to resume mark up on a health care bill tomorrow that Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) hopes to finish by the end of the week.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Olympic Pitch" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

This morning, President Obama is due to make a statement on the latest news out of Iran about their nuclear weapons program. That news also now hangs over the activity at the G-20 Conference Obama hosts in Pittsburgh today. There is a plenary session followed by a working lunch for the leaders of the world's largest economies. The schedule then calls for a news conference before he returns to Washington.

Vice President Biden today will travel to Georgia to survey damage from recent flooding there. He then returns to Washington to swear in Massachusetts' new senator, Paul Kirk. He'll spend the weekend at home in Delaware.

Kirk is expected to serve just four months until a special election is held to choose another temporary successor to Ted Kennedy. Along with the swearing in ceremony, the Senate will also resume consideration of the Defense Appropriations bill, while the House considers the conference report on the 2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: A New Senator" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama transitions from the UN to the G-20. First, he chairs a meeting of the UN Security Council -- the first American president to do so. He'll then preside over a meeting of the Friends of Pakistan leaders along with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He then heads from New York to Pittsburgh, where he'll start his G-20 hosting duties with a working dinner at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Holding up the fort in Washington, Vice President Biden has mostly closed-door meetings, but tonight heads to Northern Virginia to raise money for three potentially vulnerable Congressmen: Gerry Connolly, Glenn Nye, and Tom Perriello.

The Joint Economic Committee is holding a hearing this morning on the future of newspapers, with discussion centering on funding alternatives and the industry's outlook. Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) are holding a press conference this afternoon to announce their efforts to speed up implementation of the Credit Card Act by two months, keeping companies from further raising rates.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Steel City Summit" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama's diplomatic dealing steps up even more today in New York. His day starts with a meeting with Japan's new Prime Minister Hatoyama, followed by an address to the United Nations General Assembly. He then joins in a meeting with leaders of peace-keeping troop contributing countries. This afternoon, he attends a lunch hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for heads of state. Then, a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Medvedev. Tonight, he and Mrs. Obama host a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Vice President Biden keeps talking health care today, with an event at the Leisure World retirement community in Silver Spring, Md.

In Congress, the Senate Finance Committee will likely continue mark up on Chairman Max Baucus's (D-Mont.) health care bill into next week. The House passed yesterday an extention of unemployment benefits; today it will consider the Senate's Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2009. The Senate will continue to consider the Interior Appropriations bill.

The Massachusetts Legislature is expected to have a bill on Gov. Deval Patrick's desk today that gives him the power to appoint a temporary successor to Ted Kennedy's Senate seat. The appointment could come by tomorrow.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: In the Interim" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

After a day marked by awkward domestic politics, President Obama's day is all foreign policy with events built around the UN General Assembly this week. This morning he'll speak at a Climate Change Summit at the UN. He then holds separate meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Abbas, followed by a trilateral meeting. Obama then hosts lunch with Sub-Saharan African heads of state and meets with China's President Hu. The day ends with a speech at former President Bill Clinton's Global Initiative.

Today Vice President Biden carries the torch on health care, delivering a speech at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners annual conference. He'll also talk health care at the Leisure World retirement community in Maryland tomorrow, targeting a demographic he also worked in the campaign: senior voters.

The Senate Finance Committee will begin mark up on the health care bill Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) introduced last week. On the chamber floors, the Senate continues consideration of the Interior Appropriations bill, while the House votes tonight on 15 suspension bills.

The Census Bureau released last night its annual American Community Survey, which "compiles social, housing, demographic and select economic data collected throughout 2008." Health care data was added to the research this year -- Texas has the highest rate of uninsured in the nation (24.1%), while Massachusetts has the lowest (4.1%).

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Art Of Diplomacy" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama leaves Washington this morning, and won't be back until week's end. His week starts near Albany, New York, where he'll visit a community college with Dr. Jill Biden and then give a speech on the economy. He'll then head to New York City, where he'll spend a few days at the UN General Assembly. But before getting down to business there he'll sit down for one more interview, with Late Show host David Letterman.

Vice President Biden starts the day in Delaware, where he'll host a fundraiser for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. He then comes to Washington, where he will prepare for more public events on health care while the president tends to foreign policy at the UN and this week's G-20 Summit.

The House meets this afternoon only in a pro forma session, with regular business for the week beginning tomorrow. The Senate meets this afternoon to consider the Interior Appropriations bill, though no roll call votes are expected.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: UN Week" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy Friday, Washington. President Obama's public schedule today includes just the daily intelligence and economic briefings, and a meeting with recpients of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Most of his time will be spent taping the five, count 'em, five interviews to air on Sunday shows this weekend on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Univision. We call the all-Obama weekend: "State of This Week: Face The Press (en espanol)."

Elsewhere in Washington today, the Family Research Council hosts a Values Voter Summit. This morning, speakers include Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor and Mike Huckabee. Tim Pawlenty speaks there tonight, and Mitt Romney tomorrow. There will be a 2012 presidential straw poll conducted.

The House and Senate are not in session today after both took action yesterday to strip federal funding to ACORN. The Senate returns Monday, while the House comes back for regular business on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Sunday Show Blitz" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama gets back on the stump for health care today, as he heads across the DC border for a rally at the University of Maryland this morning. This afternoon, he's back at the White House for a solemn ceremony to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti. Tonight, he hosts a screening of Ken Burns' new documentary on the National Parks in the White House theater.

On the Hill, the Senate will take up a couple appropriations bills -- Interior and HUD/Transportation -- while the House is expected to complete consideration of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009. Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. to discuss troop levels in Afghanistan. The four Dem and GOP leaders of the House and Senate will meet with Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"Meet the Press" host David Gregory is moderating a D.C.-area debate this morning between Virginia gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds (D) and Bob McDonnell (R).

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Up For Debate" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama is back in Washington for the full day after two days on the road. After morning briefings, he holds a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This afternoon, he does his part to help his hometown of Chicago in its bid to host the 2016 Olympics, as he and the first lady will host Olympic and Paralympic athletes on the South Lawn. After, he meets separately with Colin Powell and Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Tonight, he speaks at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Capitol Hill is buzzing today as Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Finance Committee, introduces the long-awaited health care bill, which a bipartisan group of six senators on the committee have been negotiating for weeks. Baucus is holding a press conference at noon to discuss the bill. On the floors, the House will debate the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 and begin consideration of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, while the Senate continues consideration of the HUD and Transportation Appropriation bill.

In New York City, the general election campaign is underway for perhaps the third most prominent race in the country this year. William Thompson Jr. easily won the Democratic primary last night and will now take on incumbent Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who's running for a third term.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Olympic Spirit" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama's itinerary has him playing to core Democratic interests. He leaves Washington this morning and makes his first stop in Warren, Ohio, where he'll hold a roundtable with auto workers focused on the economy. Then he travels to Pittsburgh, where he'll address the AFL-CIO Convention. He just gave a feisty speech to an AFL-CIO crowd on Labor Day. He ends his day by following through on a promise to support newly Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter, at a fundraiser in Philadelphia. The president returns to Washington tonight.

On health care, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) is expected to introduce his bill into committee today, with mark up scheduled to begin next week. On the other side of the Capitol, House Democratic leaders are holding a health care forum to "highlight the urgent need for comprehensive health insurance reform." House GOP Conference vice chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) is holding a press conference "to highlight how current health care reform will harm children with disabilities."

Also today, voters are voting! In New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, now an independent, is on the Republican ballot as he seeks a third term; city Comptroller Bill Thompson will likely emerge as the Democratic nominee. Bloomberg has consistently lead in the polls; today, more focus is on downballot primary races in the city.

And, because an election in New Hampshire is always more important, we note a primary for mayor in Manchester. The top two vote-getters will face off in November, looking to succeed Frank Guinta, who is leaving the mayor's office to challenge Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.) in the first Congressional District race.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Election in NYC" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 09:00 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Monday morning, Washington. Today, on the anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers, President Obama travels to New York City for what is being called a "major speech" on the financial crisis. "He will discuss the aggressive steps the Administration has taken to bring the economy back from the brink, the commitment to winding down the government's role in the financial sector and the actions the United States and the global community must take to prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again," the White House says. He'll return to Washington this afternoon.

Both chambers of Congress return this afternoon, with the Senate set to resume consideration of the HUD and Transportation Appropriations bill and the House taking up suspension bills. The health care debate resumes as well after a busy day for many members of Congress and the president on the Sunday talk shows.

Also today, the AFL-CIO conference continues in Pittsburgh. Obama will address the conference Tuesday. The president will also talk to autoworkers in Ohio and raise money for Arlen Specter in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Another Major Speech" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today marks eight years since September 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 died. More than 5,000 have died in battle since.

At the White House, President Obama will pause at 8:46 for a moment of silence at the time the first plane hit the Twin Towers. Later, he heads to the Pentagon, where he'll speak at the memorial to the attacks there. He and the first lady also will mark a day of service with an event in the city. Vice President Biden will be in New York for memorial events there.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Obama will hold a rally for health care reform in Minnesota on Saturday. He also is set to appear once again on "60 Minutes."

The Senate will hold a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11. After morning business it will continue consideration of the Transportation and HUD Appropriations bill, though no votes are expected today. The House is not in session.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Eight Years" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:46 AM | Email Author | Permalink

As the White House studies reaction to last night's speech, President Obama will be right back at it, delivering remarks on insurance reform this morning at the EEOB. He'll then convene a meeting of his Cabinet, followed by lunch with Vice President Biden. This afternoon he'll meet separately with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Secretary of State Clinton and Treasury Secretary Geithner. Tonight, another sports celebration: this time honoring the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins.

Biden's schedule also includes a trip to the Capitol today for a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus. There, he'll also swear in Florida's newest senator, George LeMieux.

Today on the Hill, reaction to the speech will continue with the weekly press conferences of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner and a Senate Democratic leadership press conference. The Senate will dedicate the morning to for tributes to the late Senator Edward Kennedy, followed by debate on the nomination of Cass Sunstein to be Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget. The House will take up the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act, with a vote expected by 3 p.m.

And Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) will probably be the focus of his own media circus on the Hill today, after his already-infamous shout during the president's speech.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Shout Heard Round The Nation" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today's main event: a presidential address to a joint session of Congress. President Obama makes his second trip to Capitol Hill for such a speech, in what will be the sixth major prime time address of his presidency. But he starts his day with a trip to New York, where he'll speak at a memorial service for legendary CBS newsman Walter Cronkite.

Vice President Biden, who we'll see next to Speaker Pelosi behind the president tonight, has a busy day leading up to the speech. He heads to Syracuse, New York, for a middle class task force event, and also some political fundraising for a potentially vulnerable Democratic House incumbent, Rep. Dan Maffei, as well as for Bill Owens, the Democrat running in a special election to replace Rep. John McHugh (R). Biden returns to Washington for a Rosh Hashanah observance at the Naval Observatory before he heads to Capitol Hill.

It's Day 2 of the return of Congress, and the Capitol is a bustling place as the fight over health care reform looms large in both chambers. While backroom negotiations continue before the president's speech tonight, members of Congress will gather on the East Capitol Steps for a Congressional Remembrance Ceremony of the anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: A Night On the Hill" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. With Labor Day now in the rear view mirror, it's good bye to the summer and back to work in the nation's capital. President Obama has a busy day, starting with what became a controversial speech to students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va. The White House posted his planned remarks in response to complaints that he was bringing politics into the classroom. After the event, Obama will head to the Supreme Court to attend an investiture ceremony in honor of Sonia Sotomayor.

Then, it's back to the White House, where he'll meet with House Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid. The meeting will of course focus on health care, with the president heading to Capitol Hill Wednesday in a speech that aides promise will give greater detail to his vision of health care. The official schedule ends with a meeting with PGA champions.

The House and Senate will gavel back into session today after a long August recess filled with temperamental town halls and dipping presidential approval ratings. A new Gallup survey finds that Americans "are no less divided on health care reform today than they were a month ago" -- not exactly the welcome home sign Democrats had hoped for when they left Capitol Hill five weeks ago.

Labor Day also marks the traditional kickoff of the fall campaign. Yesterday, the candidates for governor in both New Jersey and Virginia spent their day darting from street fairs to parades to house parties. Though Democrats in each race are increasingly optimistic about their chances because of August controversies involving the Republicans, it's still an uphill fight. The RCP Average has Bob McDonnell leading by 10.2 in Virginia, and Chris Christie ahead by 6.5 in New Jersey.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: The Fall Campaign" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama, after taking care of some business yesterday, dives back into vacation mode today as he heads to Camp David. He'll remain there through Sunday. When he returns, his September schedule is quite busy. Next wee includes his first 9/11 anniversary; later this month he'll address the AFL-CIO, attend the UN General Assembly meeting, and host the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. Reports indicate today that somewhere at the front end, he may make a major speech to reframe the health care debate as well.

Congress returns from August recess next week, and two vacancies remain -- NY-23 (Rep. John McHugh, R, has not yet been confirmed by the Senate as secretary of the Army) and CA-10 (former Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D, was appointed to a position in the State Department), though Tauscher's replacement may have been chosen last night.

In the special election to fill the vacant seat in California's 10th Congressional District, no candidate received 50% in the multi-party primary, so a runoff will be held Nov. 3 for the leading vote getters from each party. Lt. Gov. John Garamendi (D), who received 26%, will face attorney David Harmer (R), who won 21%, as well as three minor party candidates with no primary opposition. Garamendi is expected to win easily, as the district leans heavily Democratic -- Tauscher won with at least two-thirds of the vote in the last four elections, and Obama won 65% here in 2008.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Obama Departs Again" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. After spending a good chunk of Monday on the golf course, President Obama's "staycation" looks to be on hold today. This afternoon, he'll be briefed on preparations for the upcoming flu season, with H1N1 still a concern. He'll also meet with Vice President Biden. Tonight, he'll host a dinner celebrating Ramadan and "highlight the contributions of American Muslims." Former President Bush also hosted such a dinner, but it's of note given the underground rumor campaign in '08 about whether Obama was a Muslim.

With Labor Day on the horizon, the AFL-CIO today will hold a briefing to talk about its priorities in the coming elections and when Congress returns. The union is heavily invested in gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia this fall -- don't miss new polling on the Garden State race today.

And in this quiet final week of the summer, two disgraced former governors find their way back into the headlines. Eliot Spitzer is plotting a political comeback in New York, potentially a challenge to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. And get ready for a steady stream of Rod Blagojevich as he starts to promote his new book.

A special primary election is being held to replace Ellen Tauscher (D) in California's 10th District. Fourteen candidates are running -- if no one receives more than 50%, the top vote-getters from each party will meet for a special runoff election Nov. 3. The district leans heavily Democratic.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Don't Call It A Comeback" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today President Obama is back in Washington, but is not expected to dive back into work. He actually has no public events scheduled today, and within days will be back en route to Camp David through this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Vice President Biden will start his day in Philadelphia with freshman Rep. John Adler (D-N.J.), and then return to DC this afternoon for conference calls on the stimulus bill. Also this afternoon, he'll meet with the top general in Iraq, Ray Odierno.

Fourteen candidates are vying tomorrow for the open seat in California's 10th Congressional District, left vacant when Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D) took a job in the U.S. State Department. The large, Northern California district is cross-shaped and includes much of the land between Oakland and Sacramento. The district leans heavily Democratic -- Tauscher won with at least two-thirds of the vote since redistricting in 2002, and Obama defeated John McCain here by a 65%-33% margin.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Back to Work" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

With the president and Congress both out of town this week, we're sending Strategy Memo on vacation for the week as well. The blog will still be updated throughout the day at the normal pace. Check back at the regularly scheduled Strat Memo times next week for everything you should be reading.

-KT and MM

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 07:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy Friday, Washington. There's just one event on the docket this morning for President Obama: a meeting with former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, once his choice to quarterback the health care reform effort. What could have been? Then the president takes off for Camp David at about 1 pm today, marking the beginning of a week-long vacation. He'll spend most of the weekend at Camp David before flying to Martha's Vineyard, where he'll enjoy some R-and-R next week with the first family. With Congress still on recess and the White House promising that Obama's week will include more golf games than conference calls, you're looking at the quietest seven days of the year, perhaps. Or so we think -- something always seems to change that in a hurry. We can also expect the president to pay a courtesy call not far from the Vineyard to see Sen. Ted Kennedy at Hyannis.

Vice President Biden will be on duty next week, however. Today he has meetings at the White House before joining his wife for a doctor's appointment, and returning home to Wilmington. Milestone alert: It was one year ago this Sunday that Obama tapped the then-Delaware senator as his running mate.

In the world of politics, Creigh Deeds is ramping up his campaign for Virginia governor, making a major speech on policy and launching his first TV ad.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Government Shutdown" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama today will again try selling his health care plan by tailoring his message to specific constituency groups, rather than with general town hall meetings or White House events. Yesterday he spoke to religious groups. Today he'll be on conservative talk radio, during a live broadcast of the Michael Smerconish show from the Diplomatic Reception Room. He'll follow that by speaking to his base, in an online "National Health Care Forum," live from DNC headquarters on Capitol Hill. According to the Organizing for America website, "The President will update supporters on what's happening in D.C. and around the country, and he'll lay out our strategy and message going forward."

Vice President Biden will step up his profile in the health care debate today in Chicago. He's hosting a a roundtable discussion with health care professionals, joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and others. Later, he'll be raising money for another freshman Congressman, Debbie Halvorson in Chicago.

A big story to watch outside of the U.S. today, as Afghans are voting in national elections. The White House has called this a critical moment for the nation, and it's the process and not so much the result that is of concern. A smooth election may influence the president's policy toward the nation as some are calling for an increased level of forces there.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Lion Succession" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. Today, President Obama again has a rather low-key day when it comes to selling his health care plan. The highlight of the schedule is an event to honor 2008 Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson. He and other NASCAR racers will be on the South Lawn, as will Jimmie Johnson's #48 Chevy. He will hold a conference call tonight with "faith leaders" to talk health reform, however.

Vice President Biden, meanwhile, heads to Florida for a Recovery Act-related event on education. He's also raising money at separate events for Reps. Suzanne Kosmas and Alan Grayson in Orlando.

An NBC News poll released last night found Obama's job approval at 51%. This lowers Obama's RCP Average approval to 52.0% -- his lowest mark since taking office.

Less than three months away from the elections, Republicans aren't just leading the two governor races this year -- so far they're dominating. Bob McDonnell leads in Virginia by 12.0 points in the RCP Average, and Chris Christie is up in New Jersey by 11.3 points. What impact would a GOP sweep in 2009 have on the outcome of the 2010 midterms?

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Who's In The Driver's Seat?" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Some interesting meetings at the White House today. First, President Obama holds meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, including a working lunch. This afternoon he'll sit down with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden. And the big headline for some, he'll sit down with his predecessor, former President Bill Clinton, at 4 pm.

A number of liberal Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, opened up yesterday in opposition to the administration's apparent waffling on the public option portion of the party's health care reform plan. The White House denies there has been any change.

Either way, the Dems still have three weeks before Congress returns to Washington -- plenty of time to win unity, or more division, on the issue.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Memory Lapse" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. President Obama today wraps up his Western swing with an appearance at the VFW National Convention in Phoenix today. The first family, which enjoyed a bit of sightseeing at Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon while the president sold health care, then return to Washington this evening.

In his final week of work before an extended vacation, Obama will meet with Egyptian President Mubarak on Tuesday, and Wednesday honor the 2008 Sprint Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson. The work on health care will continue as well, with the White House shifting publicly yesterday and indicating that it may be ready to drop public option.

Some notable political news outside of Washington: two-term Gov. Jim Doyle of Wisconsin will announce today that he's not seeking a third term. There's some speculation he may leave his post early as well to give Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, a fellow Democrat, the advantage of incumbency as she seeks the post. But as we're seeing this year, being an incumbent governor isn't the advantage it used to be.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Opting Out?" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today President Obama travels to a red state for a town hall meeting on health care. It actually takes place in an airplane hangar outside Bozeman, Montana, which also happens to be the home state of the key Democrat in the Senate handling legislation right now, Finance Committee chair Max Baucus. After this afternoon's forum, the first family spends the night in Big Sky. They'll visit Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon as well on this western swing. Obama also has another town hall scheduled for this Saturday in Grand Junction, Colo.

The life and work of Eunice Kennedy Shriver will be remembered today at her funeral in Hyannis, Mass. Vice President Joe Biden will be just one of the dignitaries to attend.

Bill Clinton provided the opening keynote speech last night at the fourth annual Netroots Nation convention for progressive political activists, being held in Pittsburgh. This morning, Howard Dean, a former governor and chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will give a town hall-style address on health care.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: It's A Netroots Nation" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

It's a light schedule for President Obama today. The White House schedule lists only private meetings with his staff today. Tomorrow, though, he'll be back on the road, with town hall meetings coming in Colorado and Montana.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton continues what has been a somewhat rocky tour of Africa in Liberia today. She's being criticized for talking yesterday about the disputed 2000 Florida recount as she talked about democracy in Nigeria.

The fourth annual Netroots Nation convention kicks off today from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. The four-day meeting of liberal political activists opens with a day of panels and salons, with the keynote speech delivered tonight by former President Bill Clinton.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Time Out" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama celebrates one of the big victories of his administration, the quick confirmation of his Supreme Court choice, Sonia Sotomayor. Later he'll award the Medal of Freedom. One of the honorees is Sen. Ted Kennedy, whose sister, herself a recipient of the medal, passed away yesterday.

Obama survived one rather mild town hall meeting; there's now two more scheduled. The first this Friday will be in Bozeman, Montana.

There are dozens more scheduled today hosted by members of Congress, who remain on recess until the second week of September -- when both chambers will continue the health care debate back on Capitol Hill.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Town Halls Galore" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama is back on the road today selling health care. After morning meetings at the White House, Air Force One will take him to Portsmouth, N.H., where he holds a town hall meeting at 1 pm today. He returns to the White House after for a meeting with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

The Senate and House remains out of session, as most members of Congress stay in their districts and states holding their own town hall meetings.

And we now have a set field in the race to replace Rep. John McHugh in New York's 23rd Congressional District. After their top recruit passed, Democrats chose Bill Owens to face Dede Scozzafava in the special election. No date has yet been set.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Seacoast Showdown?" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

After a pretty mild summer, we're in for the real dog days of Washington in August. It comes as the health care fight has moved -- for the most part -- outside of the Beltway and into Congressional districts across the country. We can expect a steady stream of reports from the town hall meetings and other forums that Congressmen and senators are hosting -- especially the rowdy ones.

President Obama starts off his week in Mexico, however, focusing on regional concerns in a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Harper and Mexican President Calderon. They hold a trilateral meeting this morning and then a joint press conference. Obama returns to Washington from Guadalajara tonight.

Looking ahead, he'll host a town hall meeting in New Hampshire on Tuesday. On Wednesday he'll honor new Justice Sonia Sotomayor at the White House, and host the Medal of Freedom ceremony. Friday he and the first family start a long weekend vacation in Montana, with stops also coming in Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: The Heat Is On" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy Friday, Washington. Here's the breaking unemployment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Nonfarm payroll employment continued to decline in July (-247,000), and the unemployment rate was little changed at 9.4 percent."

Today is the 200th day of the Obama administration. After his morning briefings, he'll speak about the economy at Fort Myer. He also meets with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) back at the White House. Looking ahead to the weekend, Obama leaves on Sunday for the North American Leaders Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico.

After confirming Sonia Sotomayor and passing the cash-for-clunkers extension, the Senate gets ready to join the House in their recess. They'll convene briefly this morning. Speaking of Sotomayor, she'll be sworn in as the nation's 111th Supreme Court justice in a private ceremony tomorrow at the court. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer two oaths, actually, and for the first time ever one of them will be done in front of television cameras. The White House likely will hold an event for her down the road, as well.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Unemployment Stays Under 10%" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today President Obama continues working on health care legislation and will meet with members of the Senate Finance Committee. Later, he'll sit down with Treasury Secretary Geithner and his homeland security czar, John Brennan. Brennan today will speak about the administration's strategy on terrorism. Tonight, Obama will hold a rally in Virginia with gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds.

Let the vacation lull begin. Vice President Biden has started a week-long vacation to Kiawah Island in South Carolina. House Members left town last Friday and won't be back for another four weeks.

At 3 p.m., the Senate is scheduled to vote on the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed as expected, Sotomayor will become the first Latina to sit on the high court. The upper chamber will follow the House out of town for the next month after final votes tonight.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Out of Towners" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. President Obama leaves shortly for a trip to Indiana, where he'll speak near Elkhart, the site of his first trip outside of Washington as president. He'll speak about the economy an RV company, and is expected to unveil new funds for job creation through the Recovery Act. He returns to Washington this afternoon.

Vice President Biden is also on the road, heading to another economically troubled city in Detroit. He'll also announce federal funding for the production of advanced battery technology in Motor City.

Debate about the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court began on the Senate floor yesterday and will continue through today, with a vote likely to come tomorrow. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) are leading a rally in support of Sotomayor at noon in the Upper Senate park.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Back To Elkhart" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

On the president's 48th birthday, he has no public appearances scheduled. In the morning, he'll have his daily briefings and meet with the National Commander of the American Legion. Obama and Vice President Biden will then have lunch with the Senate Democratic Caucus, where they are expected to discuss the economy, health care, and perhaps have some cake. Later, Obama and Biden will meet one-on-one, followed by a meeting with Defense Secretary Gates.

Bill Clinton is in North Korea today to negotiate the release of two American journalists who were sentenced in June to 12 years of hard labor. The White House refused to comment in order to not "jeopardize the success of former President Clinton's mission."

On the Senate floor today, the Agriculture Appropriations bill will be considered in the morning. Following the caucus lunches, senators will debate the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.

Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) will officially get a primary challenger today, as Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.)formally announces his intentions at an event in Philadelphia. This is actually Specter's second primary challenger of the campaign -- his first, Republican Pat Toomey, forced him to switch parties.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Happy Birthday, Mr. President" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Welcome to the dog days of August.

The president's day starts with his economic and security briefings, after which he will be joined by Vice President Biden and others in Fairfax, Va., for an event to mark the implementation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Then it's back to the White House for a meeting and lunch with the emir of Kuwait. This afternoon, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Ia.) comes to meet with Obama at the White House.

The Energy and Commerce Committee approved the Democrats' health care bill Friday night, just before House members departed for a five-week recess. Members must now face their constituents back home, before returning to Washington Sept. 8.

The Senate remains in session this week, as Democrats work toward consensus on their own health care plan. On the floor today, the Senate will resume consideration of the Agriculture Appropriations bill.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Read My Lips" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

The day after an over-hyped beer summit, President Obama has a low-profile day at the White House. After morning briefings, he hosts business leaders for lunch. He later meets with Vice President Biden and Secretary of State Clinton. Tonight, he'll convene top advisers and members of his Cabinet for a mid-year retreat at Blair House.

While House Democrats were not able to get a health care bill to the floor prior to the August recess, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and fellow leadership members are holding a news conference this afternoon to tout what they did accomplish over the last seven months. House Members take off tonight for five weeks, while the Senate remains in session for another week.

On the chamber floors, the House will take up the Corporate and Financial Institution Compensation Fairness Act, and the Senate resumes consideration of the Agriculture Appropriations bill. Debate on Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation will likely begin Tuesday, with a vote by the end of the week.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: See Ya In September" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Two new polls offer more bad news for the Obama administration in the midst of its health care fight. But what's the biggest story out of the White House today? The presidential "beer summit" with Skip Gates and the Cambridge police officer who arrested him. It happens tonight at 6, with Red Stripe, Blue Moon and Bud Light the drink of choice for the participants. Also today, President Obama meets with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines. And he'll have separate sessions with Treasury Secretary Geithner and Vice President Biden.

The House will likely leave for five weeks after the close of business tomorrow without consensus on a health care bill and certainly without a vote on one, though a deal between Democratic leaders and Blue Dogs showed some progress is being made. Today, the House will vote on the Department of Defense Appropriations Act.

The Senate, having its own trouble with health care, will begin considering the Highway Trust Fund and Agriculture Appropriations bills. At 1:00 p.m., members of the House and Senate will hold a committee hearing on cap-and-trade in the Senate Environment and Public Works hearing room.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Audacity Of Hops" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington, where the forecast is for extreme humidity. President Obama takes off from the South Lawn at 10 am for a day of health care reform stumping in red states he turned blue last fall. First, he'll hold a town hall meeting at Broughton High School in Raleigh, N.C. Then he flies to Bristol, Va., where he'll speak at a Kroger Supermarket and take questions from employees.

Democrats in both chambers of Congress continue to struggle for a consensus on a health care plan, in which some Senate moderates appear willing to leave out a public option -- a priority for Democratic leaders.

Sonia Sotomayor's Supreme Court nomination was sent to the full Senate yesterday on a 13-6 Judiciary Committee vote. The Senate will vote on her confirmation by next Friday. Today, the Senate continues consideration of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, and will likely next consider the Agriculture Appropriations bill. The House will begin considering the Department of Defense Appropriations bill.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Swing State Travel Continues" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

It's back to health care for President Obama today. He heads to the AARP headquarters this afternoon for a tele-town hall meeting where he'll take questions from the organization's members. Later, he'll again talk China with the leaders of the summit he spoke to yesterday, which include Secretaries Clinton and Geithner from the U.S. side. In Philadelphia this morning, Vice President Biden makes an announcement awarding stimulus dollars to cities through the COPS program.

House Democrats are still struggling for a compromise on health care legislation in the Energy and Commerce Committee, where Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and seven Blue Dog Democrats continue to negotiate. The Senate Finance Committee could be close to an agreement, though neither chamber of Congress is expected to vote on a health care bill until after the August recess.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote today on whether to send Sonia Sotomayor's Supreme Court nomination to the Senate floor. Just one Republican on the committee, Lindsey Graham (S.C.), has announced he will support her, though every Democrat is expected to vote her way. The full Senate will vote by the end of next week.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Sotomayor Gets A Vote" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama starts the week talking about U.S.-China policy during the first U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. He'll return to the White House for his briefings, and then meets has two sports items on the agenda: a meeting with FIFA President Joseph Blatter, and an event to honor the WNBA champions, the Detroit Shock to the White House. Tonight he hosts a reception for ambassadors, which may look like a reunion of top fundraisers.

Both chambers of Congress are in session today. There is no major business scheduled in the House, though Democrats are holding a five-hour caucus meeting late this afternoon to discuss health care. The Senate takes up the Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

Sarah Palin, elected in 2006 as Alaska's youngest and first woman governor and selected in 2008 as the Republican vice presidential nominee, stepped down Sunday from her post. Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell was sworn in to replace her for the remaining 18 months.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Former Governor Palin" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy Friday, Washington. Health care negotiations continue on both sides of the Capitol. With the House scheduled to go on recess a week from today and the Senate leaving town the following Friday, neither chamber is expected to bring a health care bill to the floor until September -- though House Democrats are still trying.

At the White House, President Obama does his part to keep negotiations moving in a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus. He then has lunch with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This afternoon, he'll give an education speech at the Department of Education. Clinton will then introduce the President back at the White HOuse as he signs the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Tonight, he and Mrs. Obama will attend the Marine Corps Evening Parade.

Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood, Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack, and Interior Sec. Ken Salazar will appear before a House Budget Committee hearing on the economic stimulus package. Also on the Hill are Treasury Sec. Timothy Geithner, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair, who will go before the House Financial Services Committee.

This weekend, Gov. Sarah Palin officially steps down and hands over power to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell at the annual governor's picnic in Fairbanks.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Palin's Swan Song" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama starts his Thursday with briefings at the White House, then boards Marine One to start a journey to Ohio. There he'll tour the Cleveland Clinic and hold a town hall meeting on health care reform. Later, he heads to Chicago where he'll raise money for the DNC at the home of Penny Pritzker, and later at the Hyatt. He returns to DC late tonight.

House Republicans are holding a Health Care Solutions Group Hearing that will include a press conference, and House Democrats are holding another health care press conference as well -- calling for an end to denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

The Senate resumes consideration of the Department of Defense Authorization bill, while the House takes up the Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Primetime Leftovers" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

In one day, President Obama will confront his most pressing international and domestic challenges. After morning briefings and a meeting with Treasury Secretary Geithner, the president welcomes Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki to the Oval Office. After a one-on-one and expanded meeting he'll meet the press in the Rose Garden with the Iraqi leader. Then he'll prepare for tonight's prime time press conference, the fourth of his presidency, which is sure to be dominated by health care questions.

The Department of Defense Authorization bill lives to see another day in the Senate after the McCain-Levin amendment stripping money for new F-22 fighter jets was approved yesterday. Sen. John Thune's concealed weapons amendment is up for a vote today. House Democrats are attempting to reinstitute statutory PAYGO legislation, which requires the net effect of all legislation passed during a session of Congress be deficit neutral. The House will begin considering the "pay-as-you-go" bill today.

Also today in DC: former presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani gives a speech at the American Enterprise Institute, and potential future presidential candidate Newt Gingrich speaks at the National Press Club. Both are on the economy.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: East Room Sales Pitch" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama will again make remarks about health care at 1 p.m. -- part of a media offensive that includes interviews with NBC and PBS yesterday, CBS tonight, and a conference call with liberal bloggers yesterday. Later, he'll meet with Democrats on the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Tonight, the Obamas host an event "celebrating country music," which will feature Charley Pride, Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and Union Station.

The Senate will debate and vote today on the controversial McCain-Levin amendment, which strips $1.75 billion to build seven F-22s from the Department of Defense Authorization bill. Obama supports the amendment and has threatened using his veto power should the money remain in the bill.

Democrats in the House continue their push toward consensus on a health care bill. In the meantime, up to 30 suspension bills -- including honoring the life of former Phillies announcer Harry Kalas -- will be taken up on the House floor. The official photo of the 111th Congress will be taken on the floor at around 2 p.m.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Health Care Offensive" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today the Obama presidency hits the half-year mark, and he'll spend it by focusing on his health care reform effort. After morning briefings, he'll leave the White House for an event at the Children's National Medical Center. After, he'll make a statement to the press. He'll return to the White House to meet with the head of the Mormon church, joined by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Then he'll mark the anniversary of the moon landing by meeting with the Apollo 11 crew, and new NASA Administrator Bolden.

On Capitol Hill, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will continue markup on the Democrats' health care bill. The two other committees with jurisdiction over the bill approved it Friday, though it's still unclear how much support the completed plan will have when it reaches the House floor.

House members will vote this evening on about a dozen suspension bills, while the Senate continues consideration of the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

**Check out all the Sunday talk show highlights you missed at RealClearPolitics Video.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Six Months Down" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

The President has a light Friday schedule, with just his usual morning briefings followed by lunch with Vice President Biden. National Economic Council director Lawrence Summers is speaking at the Peterson Institute "to provide a progress report on economic policy and Obama Administration efforts to rescue and rebuild the U.S. economy."

Sonia Sotomayor completed four days of testimony yesterday, and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy scheduled a committee vote for Tuesday. However, Republicans have indicated they will delay the vote one week.

House committees worked through the night on a health care plan, in a rush to complete and vote on the bill before the August recess. On the House floor today, votes will be held on a wild horses health and management bill, as well as the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The Senate has scheduled no roll call votes today.

The National Governors Association meets in Biloxi, Miss., this weekend, though no more than 30 governors are expected to attend, due largely to state budget constraints.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Health Care, Health Care, Health Care" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama starts his day at the White House lobbying a conservative Democrat - Ben Nelson - and a moderate Republican - Olympia Snowe - on health care. From there, he becomes the partisan in chief, flying to New Jersey to campaign for Gov. Jon Corzine's re-election. The visit includes a fundraiser and a rally at the PNC Bank Arts Center. He then heads to New York to address the NAACP's 100th Anniversary Convention, followed by a fundraiser for the DNC at the Waldorf Astoria.

Vice President Biden also has some campaign activity on his schedule in Virginia. But first, he'll hold a Middle Class Task Force event on health care in Alexandria, and then a stimulus-related event in Richmond. He ends the day with a fundraiser for Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Creigh Deeds.

It's Day 4 of the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will resume at 9:30 a.m. After continued questioning from committee members, the committee is scheduled to hear from outside witnesses called by both the majority and minority.

The Senate will resume consideration of the Department of Defense Authorization Act. The House will vote on the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill and also consider the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. And Judy Chu, fresh off a special election victory Tuesday in California's 32nd District, will be sworn in today, leaving just one more vacancy in the House. Democrats now have a 256-178 seat advantage.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Campaigner In Chief" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama spends the full day at the White House making another big pitch on health care. He reportedly is sitting down for interviews with medical correspondents from the TV networks. He'll also speak publicly on the reform effort from the Rose Garden this afternoon. Later, he meets with Secretaries Clinton and Gates in the Oval Office.

Speaking of Secretary Clinton, she is set to deliver a major policy speech today at the Council of Foreign Relations. A State Department spokesperson said she will "lay out some of our approaches to implement President Obama's foreign policy vision."

Sonia Sotomayor faces questions from eight more senators on the Judiciary Committee today after hearing from 11 yesterday. The hearing begins at 9:30 a.m.

House Democrats unveiled a $1 trillion health care plan yesterday, and this morning House Republicans will hold a press conference to denounce it. The House will consider the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, and the Senate resumes consideration of the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

In election news, Judy Chu (D) won the special election in California's 32nd Congressional District with 62% of the vote. Chu will become the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress, and replaces former Rep. Hilda Solis (D), who resigned her seat to serve as U.S. Labor Secretary.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Clinton Speaks" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

It's Day 2 of the confirmation hearings for Sonia Sotomayor. After hours of opening statements yesterday from the 19 Judiciary Committee members and Sotomayor herself, today the senators will get a chance to directly question the nominee.

The full Senate will resume consideration of the Department of Defense Authorization bill, while the House could take up two dozen suspension bills. The House Oversight subcommittee on D.C. will examine the June 22 Metrorail crash.

The highlight of President Obama's schedule today is throwing out the first pitch at the All-Star Game. But he starts the day in Washington, where he'll meet with the prime minister of the Netherlands. After additional briefings, he flies to Michigan, where he'll speak at Macomb Community College in Warren. Officially, he's there to talk about community colleges, but expect a health care push as well. Then, it's off to St. Louis for the Midsummer Classic. In addition to the first pitch, Obama appears in a video with five of his predecessors to promote his "United We Serve" initiative.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: A Midsummer Classic" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning for the first time. Commencing at 10 a.m., New York Democrats Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand will introduce the nominee to the committee, followed by a statement from Sotomayor.

President Obama has a rather low-key day considering how much needs to be done with regard to health care. After his morning briefings, he meets with labor leaders. He then congratulates the MLS champion Columbus Crew, and finally speaks to the Urban and Metropolitan Policy Roundtable. Also this week: Obama gives a speech in Michigan tomorrow before heading to St. Louis to throw out the first pitch at the All-Star Game. And Thursday he'll hold his first campaign event as president, rallying the faithful for New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine.

The Senate will vote today on the Department of Defense Appropriations bill and consider the nomination of Robert M. Groves to be director of the Census. The House will vote tonight on more than a dozen suspension bills.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Sotomayor, Day 1" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Friday to you. The traveling White House press corps may be enjoying the Eternal City, but they're missing another fantastic day in the nation's capital.

President Obama's stay in Italy continues today. As we speak, he's conducting his first extended press conference -- and can expect as many questions on his flagging domestic agenda as his diplomatic endeavors. Later this afternoon, he'll travel to the Vatican for an audience with Pope Benedict XVI. He'll fly to Ghana tonight for his final stop on the trip. In Washington, Vice President Biden shifts from the stimulus to health care, holding a roundtable discussion on rising costs.

Both chambers of Congress are in session today, though the Senate will hold no roll call votes or committee hearings. In the House, members will vote on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, and Treasury Sec. Timothy Geithner will appear before a joint hearing of the Agriculture and Financial Services committees to discuss the administration's proposal to regulate the over-the-counter derivatives market.

The Senate Judiciary Committee continues to gear up for hearings on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Hearings begin Monday, with New York Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand introducing the nominee.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: A Papal Audience" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, the President's schedule is packed with meetings at the G-8 in L'Aquila, Italy. The leaders today are joined by five additional leaders from Brazil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa and Egypt. Obama will deliver a statement to the press toward the end of the sessions today; later he'll attend a working dinner. Meanwhile, Vice President Biden travels to Ohio and New York to promote the stimulus.

On the chamber floors, the Senate will resume consideration of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act and the House will likely vote on the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Off the floors, a Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee will examine the EPA's clean air regulations one year after the CAIR and CAMR federal court decisions. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a hearing on "The Rise of the Mexican Drug Cartels and U.S. National Security." Also, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner hold their weekly press conferences this morning.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Stimulus, Or Stimuli?" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. The president has now arrived in Italy for the second leg of his trip. He met in Rome with President Napolitano, and now has moved to L'Aquila, site of the G-8 Summit. After today's sessions, Obama and Prime Minister Berlusconi tour the earthquake-ravaged town, before a working dinner of all G-8 leaders.

Vice President Biden picks up the slack on domestic issues, and will make an announcement this morning on health care with representatives of the hospital industry. Tomorrow, he'll travel to Cincinnati and upstate New York State to promote the impact of the stimulus bill, which seems to be facing greater scrutiny each day.

The Senate continues consideration of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The Senate Finance and Foreign Relations committees hold hearings on the economic effects of climate change legislation. The House begins considering the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009 and the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: On To Italy" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

In Russia, President Obama has already had a breakfast meeting with Vladimir Putin, and a session with former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. He also spoke at the New Economic School graduation. Left on the schedule is a second meeting with President Medvedev. Later, he'll meet with Russian opposition leaders at his hotel.

Back in Washington, Vice President Biden will swear in Al Franken (D-Minn.) just after noon as the final senator to be seated in the 111th Congress. He will then return to the White House to deliver remarks about food safety with Secretary Sebelius.

The House returns today from July 4 recess, with votes not expected until 6:30 p.m. The Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee examines the fairness of college football's Bowl Championship Series at a 2:30 p.m. hearing, and the full Senate will begin consideration of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

Not only did all of the networks interview Obama in Russia, but they also sat down with Gov. Sarah Palin in Alaska yesterday. Her interview with Fox will be airing at 9 am. They're also all expected to cover Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center in L.A. at 1 p.m.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Call Me Senator" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Welcome back from a long weekend. The new week finds President Obama in Moscow, where he has already begun meetings with his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev. They hold a joint press conference later today, and will then be joined by their wives for dinner. It's the first full day of a trip that will also include stops in Italy Wednesday through Friday, and then Ghana until Saturday.

The Senate returns to session this afternoon and is expected to vote on the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) will likely be sworn in tomorrow. The House returns from a week-long recess tomorrow afternoon.

And with everyone back at work today, expect that Sarah Palin's shocking announcement at the start of the long weekend will still be a hot topic. She's going to be at the helm as Alaska's governor until July 26, and then -- who knows?

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Back To Reality" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy 2nd of July, Washington. Today, President Obama squeezes in some business before like many Americans, he sneaks out of town ahead of the long weekend. He'll meet this afternoon with the leaders of companies that the White House says are creating jobs even in a tough economy. He'll then deliver remarks about innovation in the Rose Garden, before heading off to Camp David for some R-and-R.

The president is talking jobs as new employment figures come out. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced this morning that the economy lost 467,000 jobs and the unemployment rate changed little -- rising to 9.5 percent.

Still on a week-long recess, the Senate returns Monday to vote on the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. The House returns Tuesday afternoon.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Break Time" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy July, Washington - we're halfway through 2009. Today, President Obama heads to the Commonwealth of Virginia for a town hall meeting on health care. He'll field questions not just from the audience at Northern Virginia Community College, but also online via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The White House wants us to know that single employees in Virginia "pay the highest percentage of premiums (24%) through employer plans in the country." Also today, Obama will sign a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Vice President Biden is in Pennsylvania today, with a speech in Erie focused on broadband investments in the Recovery Act, and later a fundraiser for the DNC in Pittsburgh. Biden has appeared at nearly a dozen fundraisers for party committees or individual candidates already this year.

The House and Senate remain on a week-long Fourth of July recess, as most Members put in face time back home. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) will campaign today in Northern Virginia with gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell (R). When the Senate returns, it could finally have a full 100 senators -- with Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) set to be sworn in early next week. Now, the health of Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Robert Byrd (D-W.V.) is all that stands between Democrats and 60 votes.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: 60 Votes" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama will speak in the East Room to highlight "innovative programs that are making a difference in communities across the country," the White House says. He also meets with Energy Secretary Chu.

And tonight is the second quarter reporting deadline for federal candidates running in 2010. It's a key point in the cycle for some challengers and incumbents to demonstrate that they have what it takes for the long haul.

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court overturned of an appeals court ruling endorsed by Judge Sonia Sotomayor and in favor of 20 white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., who had sued for reverse discrimination. The ruling comes two weeks before Sotomayor steps before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearings.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Countdown to the 4th" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Monday morning, Washington. Today, President Obama welcomes Colombia President Alvaro Uribe to the White House. They'll meet one-on-one in the Oval Office this afternoon, with news from Honduras likely added to their agenda. Later, the president and first lady host a reception in the East Room to mark GLBT Pride Month, part of the administration's recent efforts to sooth tensions with a gay community that thinks it's being overlooked. Obama's day ends with remarks to his national finance committee at the Mandarin Hotel.

Congress is not in session this week, starting its 4th of July recess after a flurry of activity last week capped by the passage of "cap-and-trade" energy bill on Friday night. For the rest of Washington, it's at least a short week - Obama heads for Camp David on Thursday for some down time before heading overseas next week.

And today is the final day in session at the Supreme Court, where justices will likely announce their decision in the New Haven firefighters case. That outcome may add some sizzle to an otherwise sleepy confirmation process for Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Today is Justice David Souter's final day on the High Court.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Washington Slows Down" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today at the White House, President Obama meets once again with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They'll hold a joint press availability in the Rose Garden after their Oval Office meetings, and then have lunch. Obama will later host a picnic on the South Lawn for White House staff.

On Capitol Hill, there's a rush to finish business today before the week-long Fourth of July recess. As promised, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has placed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, better known as the Waxman-Markey climate change bill, on today's docket. Votes could begin as early as 9 a.m. House Republicans are holding a press conference on the bill at 10:30 a.m.

The House is also scheduled to complete consideration of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. The Senate confirmed Harold Koh yesterday as legal adviser to the State Department, and today it considers the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: A Thriller" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

It's Luau Day at the White House. It starts with the president and first lady joining members of Congress with a service project at Fort McNair to benefit the children of servicemen and women. Back at the White House, Obama and Vice President Biden will hold a meeting with a group of lawmakers on immigration reform. He'll then meet with Secretaries Clinton and Geithner. Tonight: It's the Congressional Picnic, which the Hawaiian-born president has turned into a luau.

The Senate will vote on the confirmation of Harold Coh to be legal adviser for the State Department and may begin consideration of the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. The House will vote on the National Defense Authorization Act for FY10 and may also consider the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

With the energy and climate change bill heading to the House floor tomorrow, former Vice President Al Gore will join Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other party leaders at a 2:00 p.m. press conference.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: South of the Border" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. Today marks President Obama's biggest health care push yet at the White House, most of it for the benefit of ABC network cameras. It starts this afternoon when he meets with a bipartisan group of governors to discuss their findings from regional health care forums earlier this year. Tonight, he'll take part in a town hall meeting on health care that will air at 10 pm on ABC.

House Democrats reached a deal last night on an energy and climate change bill, making it a sure thing that the Waxman-Markey bill will hit the House floor Friday. Today the House considers the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, and could begin consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2010.

The Senate convenes at 9:55 a.m. and immediately begins impeachment proceedings of Samuel B. Kent, whom the House impeached last week. The chamber will then resume consideration of the nomination of Harold Koh to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State.

And Mark Sanford is back! Turns out he went to Argentina, not the Appalachian Trail.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: An ABC Special" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama holds his fourth solo press conference, the first in the Rose Garden. Later, he meets with President Michelle Bachelet of Chile. Vice President Biden is in Perrysburg, Ohio, to chair a meeting of the White House Task Force on Middle Class Families. He'll also make an announcement about a new task force to help communities hit hard by the auto industry collapse.

The House returns this morning and will consider a number of bills related to veterans' affairs. The Senate meets this morning before recessing for weekly policy lunches -- Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) is expected to address his colleagues at the GOP lunch. If a deal is reached, the Senate may vote on the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) continues his out-of-state travel in Washington, D.C., where he'll appear with House Republican leaders at an afternoon press conference to discuss health care. After stops in Virginia yesterday for gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, Barbour heads to New Hampshire and Iowa later this week -- leading to speculation that he's gearing up for a 2012 presidential bid.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: The Barbour Tour" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Monday morning, Washington. After his usual briefings, President Obama today will sign into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. He'll also make an announcement about a deal with pharmaceutical companies to cut the cost of prescription drugs for seniors through Medicare. It's part of what will be an ongoing health care push this week at the White House, capped by Wednesday's prime-time town hall meeting on ABC Wednesday. Obama will also host a meeting with lawmakers on immigration later this week.

After passing its first appropriations bill last week, the House this week could take up the following bills: the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act; National Defense Authorization Act; and the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The House, though, is not in session today.

The Senate is in session and will resume consideration of the Travel Promotion bill. The Senate Banking committee will examine over-the-counter derivatives, and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee looks at the Affordable Health Choices Act.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: To Your Health" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

This morning, President Obama will speak at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast. Later he holds a number of events to mark Father's Day, which are "designed to illuminate the importance of fatherhood and mentorship and how dads are strengthening themselves, their families and their communities," The White House reports. It includes a visit to area non-profits, a discussion of fatherhood at the White House, and a mentoring event on the South Lawn.

Tonight the president will be among the DC politicos enjoying the "junior prom," the Radio and TV Correspondents Association Dinner.

After passing its first normal appropriations bill of the year last night, the House will begin consideration of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. Also on the floor is the impeachment of U.S. District Court Judge Samuel B. Kent of Texas, who was sentenced last month to 33 months in prison for obstruction of justice after being accused of assault by two former courthouse employees.

The Senate meets this morning but no votes are scheduled today.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Fathers Day" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good rainy Thursday, Washington. As new polls show voters have soured somewhat on the administration's broad agenda, President Obama and Vice President Biden will be raising money for the Democrats who will have to defend it at the polls next year. Obama starts his day with the regular daily briefings, and later will meet with Mideast envoy George Mitchell and Treasury Secretary Geithner. Tonight, he speaks at the DSCC/DCCC fundraiser at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Biden speaks at the fundraiser this afternoon.

The House is set to complete consideration of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, with 27 amendments to be voted on today and votes potentially beginning at 10 a.m. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, alongside OMB Director Peter Orszag, introduced yesterday the president's statutory PAYGO legislation, which includes "the principle of paying for what we buy."

The Senate will begin consideration of a slavery apology bill, which Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) began working on last year. The House passed a similar measure last July, and the Senate passed an apology for Native Americans in February 2008. The Senate will also take up this week the war supplemental appropriations conference report; the House passed it earlier this week.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Wither The Honeymoon?" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 09:00 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. After addressing the Iran issue yesterday, today President Obama tackles North Korea. He meets with South Korea President Lee Myung-bak this morning, after which the two leaders will hold a joint press conference in the Rose Garden. Later, he'll meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Myung-bak will later head over to Capitol Hill for meetings with Senate leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), as well as Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other House members.

The House could vote on the war supplemental conference report as early as today and will begin consideration of an appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies. The Senate takes up a motion to consider the Travel Promotion bill and will likely vote on the supplemental conference report later this week.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: A United Front" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Monday morning on a beautiful day in Washington. President Obama heads home to Chicago this morning to talk about health care at the American Medical Association. The AMA last week signaled opposition to a public insurance option. After the speech, the president returns to Washington where he'll meet with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi; Obama heads to Italy next month for the G-8 summit.

Both chambers of Congress are in session; no votes are expected in the House until early evening. The Senate convenes at 1:45 p.m. -- the House at 12:30 p.m. The supplemental appropriations conference report will be voted on this week.

Health care was the main topic of debate on the Sunday talk shows. Check out all the highlights at the RealClearPolitics Video page, including interviews with Vice President Biden, Mitt Romney and a slew of senators.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Chi-town Bound" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama meets with two former colleagues in the Senate - Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Dianne Feinstein of California -- as negotiations continue on health care and national security policy. He also welcomes the prime minister of Zimbabwe to the Oval Office in one the first such meetings with an African head of state. It's a light schedule on Capitol Hill, meanwhile.

An election being watched extremely closely in the U.S. happens halfway around the world starting today. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seeks re-election in Iran, but faces a serious test in former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi. A win for the latter will certainly change the dynamic in southwest Asia, and be interepreted by some as the latest validation of Obama's foreign policy after a defeat of Hezbollah in Lebanon last week.

Looking ahead to the Sunday shows: former Gov. Mitt Romney debates HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on "This Week." Vice President Biden is on "Meet The Press." And speaking of "Meet," tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of Tim Russert's tragic passing. Hard to believe, even today.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Absolutely Not Necessarily" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 07:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. Today, President Obama continues to ramp up his health care push with a visit to Green Bay. He holds a town hall at Southwest High School "to discuss the need to reform our health care system," the White House said, though one official said he won't spell out any new details. Meanwhile, Vice President Biden is out on a multi-state tour to promote the stimulus plan. Today's stops are in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Overland Park, Kansas.

In Congress, the House and Senate conferees for the supplemental appropriations bill (for Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and pandemic flu) will meet at 3 p.m. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said he will bring the conference report to a floor vote next week.

The House will vote on the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009 and on naming a federal courthouse in Canton, Ohio, after former GOP Rep. Ralph Regula. The Senate will vote today on the tobacco control bill, which for the first time gives regulation authority to the Food and Drug Administration.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: On The Road" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Wednesday morning. In the race for governor of Virginia, State Sen. Creigh Deeds won the three-way Democratic primary last night with 50% of the vote and now faces Republican Bob McDonnell. The two candidates faced each other four years ago in the attorney general race, with McDonnell winning by less than 400 votes. The race has national implications, as the GOP hopes a McDonnell win in November brings an uptick in momentum and fundraising for the 2010 midterm elections. In a show of party unity, Deeds, Terry McAuliffe and Brian Moran will appear alongside Gov. Tim Kaine in Richmond this morning.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate continues consideration of the tobacco regulation bill, which the House passed in April, and the House takes up the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. House Republicans will unveil an alternative energy plan at a 10:30 a.m. press conference.

Today President Obama has no scheduled public events. After his morning briefings, he has lunch with Vice President Biden. This afternoon me meets with Secretaries Geithner and Clinton.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Good Deeds Rewarded" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good stormy morning, Washington. Today at the White House, President Obama will speak about restoring "paygo" rules to coincide with any new tax or entitlement policies. The announcement comes as lawmakers prepare to announce details of health care legislation, and as polls show Americans disapprove of the administration's spending. Later, Obama will host Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee.

On the Hill: the Senate continues consideration of the tobacco regulation bill, while the House takes up a number of suspension bills. The $100 billion war spending bill continues to await a Senate-House conference. Defense Sec. Robert Gates and Treasury Sec. Timothy Geithner will testify in front of Senate Appropriations subcommittees.

The Virginia Democratic Primary takes place today. State Sen. Creigh Deeds, former State Rep. Brian Moran and former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe are vying to take on Republican Bob McDonnell. Deeds has surged into the lead in recent polls, though with a traditional low turnout (and bad weather so far this morning) it's unclear which of the three Democrats will win.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Virginia Is For Voters" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

On his first full day back in Washington, President Obama turns back to domestic policy. He holds a meeting of his Cabinet this morning, which will be used to announce a "ramping up" of the stimulus program. The president will be at the White House most of the week, leaving Washington Thursday for an event in Wisconsin.

Both chambers of Congress return today, with the Senate picking up where it left off on the tobacco regulation bill and the House voting tonight on a series of suspension bills.

In Virginia, Democratic gubernatorial candidates have just one more day to make their cases. In the last week, the "other guy" -- State Sen. Creigh Deeds -- has led in most polls, including a 14-point lead in the most recent survey.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: This Side of the Pond" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

It's finally Friday. The president's day is almost through. He's going to tour the Buchenwald concentration camp soon, and later meet with U.S. forces at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. This morning, he met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and held a press conference. After today's stops, Obama heads to France to commemorate the 65th anniversary of D-Day. He'll meet up with the first lady and his daughters in Paris to close out his trip.

Stateside, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced this morning that the unemployment rate has increased to 9.4%, up half-a-percent since last month. The BLS monthly report also stated that the number of unemployed persons increased by 787,000 to 14.5 million

Neither the House or Senate are in session today. The Joint Economic Committee will hold a hearing this morning on the BLS's new employment statistics.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: The Longest Day" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Most of President Obama's day is already through. Just an hour ago he finished a major speech to the Muslim world in Cairo, where he called for a "new beginning." He also met with Egyptian President Mubarak. What's left? He'll tour the Pyramids and the Sphinx, before flying to Germany. Back in D.C., Vice President Biden holds more meetings on the stimulus bill, and tonight he'll host committee chairmen and ranking members at the Naval Observatory.

On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is holding a press conference today with three Latino organization leaders to discuss the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor. On the west lawn, Speaker Pelosi will speak at an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square.

Two Cabinet officials will testify in front of Appropriations subcommittees today: Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack on the Senate side and Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood in the House. The House takes up the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of 2009 and the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009, while the Senate continues consideration of a tobacco regulation bill.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Democracy in Cairo" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning from Washington. President Obama has touched down in Riyadh, where he will spend the day meeting with the nation's King Abdullah. It's the first stop of his foreign trip, with tomorrow's speech in Cairo, Egypt, a main focus. Obama attends a welcome reception at Abdullah's farm, and then a bilateral reception. He spends the night there. Vice President Biden heads things up in Washington, where he'll hold a roundtable with governors and transportation officials to discuss the stimulus plan.

Sonia Sotomayor will be back on Capitol Hill today, as the Supreme Court nominee has meetings scheduled with 10 more senators. Judiciary Chairman Pat Leahy and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions will meet privately, perhaps today, to discuss their difference of opinion on when Judiciary hearings on her nomination should begin -- July or September. The Senate will resume today consideration of a bill that would authorize the FDA to regulate tobacco.

And after last night's primary election, it's Chris Christie versus Jon Corzine in the New Jersey governor's race. State and national Republicans breathed a sigh of relief as Christie defeated the more conservative Steve Lonegan, who while polls showed him ahead of Corzine, was considered the less electable of the two. Can Corzine count on New Jersey's blue tint to overcome his weak popularity? Only 150+ days to go.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Christie vs. Corzine" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama leaves tonight for a week-long overseas trip, which starts in Saudi Arabia. But first the White House is kicking off a health care push, with the president meeting with Senate Democrats on the issue this afternoon. He'll also meet at the White House with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

It's a busy day on Capitol Hill as House members return for evening votes after a week-long recess, and Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor makes her first official visit. Sotomayor is scheduled to meet with 10 senators today, including party leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell and Judiciary ranking members Patrick Leahy and Jeff Sessions. She was at the White House Monday prepping for those meetings and finalizing her Judiciary Committee questionnaire.

As we write, the polls are open in the Garden State, where the main focus is on the Republican gubernatorial primary. A new poll out yesterday shows former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie well ahead of former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, a conservative making his second bid for the nomination. Meanwhile, Vice President Biden will join Gov. Jon Corzine as the embattled Democrat kicks off his re-election campaign.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Election Day in New Jersey" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Monday morning, Washington. General Motors has just filed for bankruptcy; President Obama will discuss the government's role in the company's restructuring just before noon at the White House. Later, he'll head to the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda for his first checkup, perhaps.

After a weeklong recess, the Senate opens for business at 2 p.m. and resumes consideration of the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act. Expected for a tour of Senate offices this week is Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. The House returns tomorrow afternoon.

At the U.S. Navy Memorial in downtown Washington, Mitt Romney is giving what the Heritage Foundation calls a "timely policy speech," in which he'll make the case for a stronger military. This will be the latest in a string of public appearances for the former Massachusetts governor and presumed 2012 presidential candidate. In other political news: the Minnesota Supreme Court takes up the Senate recount.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Government Motors" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Friday morning. Today, President Obama will announce a new "cyber czar," the product of an administration review of the security of Internet infrastructure. Obama will later meet with his National Economic Council, and then visit FEMA headquarters for a briefing on the hurricane season. All the while, NBC cameras will be following him around as the network films an "Inside The White House" special to air next week.

North of the border, former Presidents Clinton and Bush 43 come together for a paid speech at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on the global and domestic challenges facing the U.S. and Canada. It's closed to the media, however.

Congress remains out of session until next week, with the Senate returning Monday and the House on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Meet the Cyber Czar" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. After waking up in Los Angeles, President Obama will board Air Force One and return to the District, where he's set to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the Oval Office. A one-on-one meeting will be followed by expanded meetings with staff; the president then meets with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Vice President Biden today focuses on the Recovery Act in the morning, speaking with mayors and governors about its implementation one day after the administration marked the 100th day since the bill was signed into law. Tonight, Biden will become the first non-Italian to be honored by the Sons of Italy Foundation with the 2009 National Education & Leadership Award. Dr. Jill Biden, meanwhile, drops by the Spelling Bee.

Congress remains out of session for the week -- the Senate returns Monday, the House on Tuesday. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a congressional delegation continued discussions on the environment in China yesterday, meeting with President Hu Jintao. The House GOP's third straight day of National Energy Summits continues in San Luis Obispo, Calif., following events in Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Coast To Coast" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Wednesday morning. The President is still on the West Coast, where he starts the day with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, touring a "solar photovoltaic array" in Las Vegas. He'll then mark the "100th Day" since the Recovery Act in a speech at the Thunderbird Hangar at Nellis Air Force Base. Obama then heads to L.A. where he'll raise money for the DNC. Vice President Biden today delivers the commencement address at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

The House and Senate remain out of session for the week, though many Members still had their voices heard yesterday in response to Sonia Sotomayor's selection for the Supreme Court.

In California, where the State Supreme Court yesterday upheld Proposition 8, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has submitted to lawmakers a plan for $5 billion in budget cuts to keep the state from going under, and he's expected to come up with $3 billion more in cuts by the end of the week.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: How's It Playing In..." »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:50 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. Nothing shakes off the Memorial Day weekend cobwebs like the announcement of a Supreme Court nominee. AP reports that President Obama will choose Judge Sonia Sotomayor of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. If confirmed, she would be the first Hispanic woman to serve on the high court. The pick will be announced in the East Room at 10:15.

Obama's public schedule for today had been suspiciously open. He'll leave for Las Vegas this afternoon, where he'll hold a star-studded fundraiser for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Vice President Biden, meanwhile, holds a Middle Class Task Force meeting in Colorado.

Although the House and Senate are out of session until next week, many Members are still working. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation in China, where she's been discussing climate change. House GOP Conference Chairman Mike Pence is leading an American Energy Solutions Group event in Pittsburgh today and Indianapolis tomorrow.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: It's Sotomayor -- Let The Games Begin" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 09:00 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy Memorial Day Friday, Washington and beyond! There are no more votes scheduled in either chamber of Congress until after the week-long break, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi is sticking around for one last press conference at 10:15 this morning. Her last one drew some criticism, so Pelosi's performance today will be closely monitored.

Today, President Obama delivers the commencement address at the US Naval Academy, his third and final commencement speech. Sen. John McCain will be in attendance, as will his son John Sidney McCain IV, who is graduating.

Before the speech, Obama will sign the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act; afterward, he signs the credit card bill into law -- yet another example of him ignoring a campaign pledge to wait five days after passage of a bill to sign it into law. Obama will spend Memorial Day weekend at Camp David.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Memorial Day Break!" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

The battle between President Obama and former Vice President Cheney comes to a head today as the two leaders give dueling speeches on national security this morning in Washington. Obama's address at the National Archives will focus on the administration's "broader vision for strengthening the country's security," and he will "outline how the steps his Administration is taking and plans to take going forward support those goals and principles." Cheney's address at the American Enterprise Institute is entitled "Keeping America Safe." The speeches are scheduled about a half an hour apart.

Also today at the White House, Obama welcomes the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, sans NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison. The team's owner, Dan Rooney, was named U.S. ambassador to Ireland on St. Patrick's Day. The president of Tanzania also pays a visit - now noteworthy because of reports the administration will send a Tanzanian who has been detained at Guantanamo to New York for trial. Vice President Biden is still overseas, visiting Kosovo today.

On the Hill, the Senate will resume consideration of the war spending bill, while the House votes on the conference report for the "Weapons Acquisition System Reform Through Enhancing Technical Knowledge and Oversight Act of 2009." The House Energy and Commerce Committee continues markup on the energy and climate change bill, and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner testifies before a House Appropriations subcommittee.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Obama vs. Cheney" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Wednesday morning. Today, President Obama will sit in on the first meeting of his Economic Recovery Advisory Board, a panel of outside advisers led by Paul Volcker. The meeting will be streamed live on the White House Web site. Later today, Obama signs the "Helping Families Save Their Homes Act" and the "Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act" in the East Room. Tonight he hosts a "bipartisan" group of lawmakers for a reception in the Blue Room.

The House will take up the Senate-amended Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights today, after the Senate passed it with 90 votes in the affirmative yesterday. The Senate will resume consideration of the war supplemental appropriations bill, which Democrats announced yesterday will not include $80 million for the closing of the Guantanamo Bay prison.

After winning the 12-person, multi-party special primary last night in California's 32nd Congressional District, Democrat Judy Chu is now likely to win the July 14 special general election against Republican Betty Chu. The Los Angeles-area district voted 68% for Barack Obama in 2008, and former Rep. Hilda Solis -- who vacated the seat to serve as Secretary of Labor -- ran unopposed last year.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: No Plan For Gitmo" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. Today, President Obama will make an announcement about new fuel standards, scheduled to take effect in model year 2016. He'll be joined in the Rose Garden by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gov. Jennifer Granholm, each of whom have stakes in the announcement but also other political subplots. Arnold is staring at the defeat of ballot initiatives he's sponsored today in California, while Granholm is on just about every Supreme Court short list there is.

The House will vote on a number of suspension bills, including the Senate-amended "Helping Families Save Their Homes Act," while the Energy and Commerce Committee continues markup on the Waxman-Markey energy and climate change plan. The Senate resumes consideration of the Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights, while the Foreign Relations and Commerce committees hold hearings examining administration nominees.

And just outside of Washington today, the RNC holds a meeting that Michael Steele is hoping to use to relaunch his chairmanship. According to multiple reports, he'll announce an "end to the era of apologizing."

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: No More Apologies" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House. It's the first of three scheduled meetings with Mideast leaders as he begins tackling the peace process. The two meet one on one, before holding an expanded meeting with advisers and later a working lunch.

Vice President Biden picks up where Obama left off -- commencement speech duties -- as he delivers the address at Wake Forest University. Afterward, he'll head overseas on a trip that includes stops in Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo.

On Capitol Hill, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will begin a week of markup on the Waxman-Markey energy and climate change bill, which Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) says the committee will pass by the end of this week. The House will vote on a series of suspension bills, while no committee hearings or votes are scheduled in the Senate.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Memorial Day Sprint" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy Friday, Washington. Today President Obama honors the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies at the White House, a visit that was postponed after the death of Harry Kalas. Obama also meets with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and may make an announcement on continuing military tribunals in Guantanamo Bay.

Joe Biden, who cheered the Phillies on during the campaign, will not be at the White House today, and is instead making stops in California to promote the Recovery Act.

On Capitol Hill, there are no votes scheduled in either chamber. The Senate Homeland Security committee will consider the nomination of Robert M. Groves to be Director of the Census, within the Commerce Department. Two House Armed Services subcommittees will hold hearings on FY 2010 budget requests. As Congress leaves town, though, focus will continue on Speaker Nancy Pelosi's epic press conference yesterday.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Speaker In The Spotlight" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

The president starts his day in New Mexico, where he'll hold a town hall meeting to discuss credit card reforms. He returns to the White House later this afternoon.

The House is expected to vote today on a bill that would distribute billions of dollars in grants to states to renovate and modernize schools. Also on the docket is the war supplemental appropriations bill. Appearing before House committees today are Attorney General Eric Holder (Judiciary) and D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty (Appropriations subcommittee).

On the north side of the Capitol, the Senate will resume consideration of the Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights. Yesterday, the Senate rejected an amendment to the bill that would have capped interest rates at 15 percent. This afternoon, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair will testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on "the road to peace" in the Middle East.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: South By Southwest" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good morning, Washington. Today, President Obama and Vice President Biden meet with the House Democratic leadership at the White House. He'll make a short statement afterwards. Later he meets with Senate leaders from both parties to discuss the Supreme Court nomination. Obama then leaves DC for Arizona, where he'll deliver the commencement address at Arizona State University. He ends the day in Albuquerque.

The Senate will vote this morning on the nomination of David J. Hayes for Deputy Secretary of the Interior before turning its attention back to the Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights legislation. The House will likely vote to send the Weapons Acquisition System Reform bill to conference.

A number of administration officials will be on Capitol Hill today, including Secretaries Tom Vilsack, Eric Shinseki and Janet Napolitano, as well as Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Supreme Pow Wow" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Tuesday morning. Today, President Obama continues a push on health care as he meets with business leaders to discuss cutting employer health care costs. Later, Obama and Vice President Biden honor the recipients of the Top Cops awards from the National Association of Police Organizations. He'll then meet with top Iraq advisers in the Situation Room. Tonight he and the first lady host another social event in the East Room -- this one an "evening of poetry, music and the spoken word," including a reading by actor James Earl Jones.

On Capitol Hill, the House will consider a slate of suspension bills, including one recognizing the 30th anniversary of Margaret Thatcher's election as the first female prime minister of Great Britain. Also on the House side, two cabinet members -- Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano -- will testify before House Appropriations subcommittees regarding their departments' budgets. The Senate will continue consideration of its version of the Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights.

In Florida today, Republican Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to formally announce his bid for Senate. The move sets up a primary battle with former State House Speaker Marco Rubio and a tough general election race, possibly against U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek or State Rep. Dan Gelber.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Crist Campaign Begins" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today, President Obama announces what the administration is portraying as a significant step toward health care reform, an agreement among "stakeholders" to reduce costs. He'll meet with these parties this morning before delivering remarks in the EEOB. Later today, the president hosts the NCAA men's basketball champion UNC Tar Heels.

The Senate begins consideration of the Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights -- the Chris Dodd version. The House passed its own version of the bill two weeks ago. The House will take up the war supplemental appropriations bill this week. Today, no committee hearings are scheduled in either chamber.

And the big political news as the week begins comes out of Florida, where multiple reports indicate that Gov. Charlie Crist (R) will be announcing his candidacy for the Senate tomorrow.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Raising The Health Care Stakes" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Friday morning. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced this morning in its monthly jobs report that 539,000 jobs were lost last month, and the unemployment rate increased from 8.5% to 8.9%.

The House Appropriations Committee approved a $96.7 billion war spending bill yesterday, which is expected to hit the House floor next week. Neither chamber is in session today, though the Joint Economic Committee will examine the jobs report.

Today, President Obama will speak from the EEOB about job creation, and later will meet with Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.). Obama won't participate, but the White House is also promoting a Spanish-language town hall meeting to be moderated by Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, which will address concerns about the H1N1 virus.

This weekend is the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington. Obama will be there, as will most of the DC glitterati (even Alberto Gonzales! Sarah Palin, it turns out, will not). Comedienne Wanda Sykes is providing the entertainment - good luck to her.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Unemployment Still on the Rise" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Today President Obama balances weighty domestic and foreign policy matters in one busy day. After his morning briefings, he'll meet with Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla), a conservative he had a good working relationship with in the Senate. Later he and Vice President Biden will have lunch with Sens. Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley, chairman and ranking member of the Finance Committee. Finally he'll meet separately with Afghanistan President Karzai and Pakistan President Zardari, and then later with the two leaders together

The House begins consideration of the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, which would make it illegal to give a mortgage to someone who would be unable to pay it back. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will testify before the Ways and Means Committee.

The Senate resumes consideration of the Helping Familes Save Their Homes Act. The Veterans Affairs Committee considers several administration nominees, while the Commerce Committee continues to look at the future of journalism.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Specter's Seniority Takes a Hit" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Happy Cinco de Mayo. Today, President Obama will meet with Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committees as Congress continues to haggle over details of a comprehensive energy plan, and readies for a health care debate. Later, Obama meets with Israeli President Shimon Peres, the first in a series of meetings he'll hold focused on the Middle East Peace Process.

Meanwhile, Vice President Biden will speak at the AIPAC conference. The former chair of the Foreign Relations Committee will also hold his own meeting with Peres, and later host a dinner for Pakistan experts.

On Capitol Hill, the war spending bill requested by Obama is being scrutinized by both parties this week, and today House Republicans are holding an energy summit on the Democrat-written cap-and-trade legislation. The Senate continues consideration of the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, while the House votes on a dozen suspension bills.

And voters are voting! Detroit today holds a special election for mayor, to pick a full-time replacement for the disgraced Kwame Kilpatrick.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Over There" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:45 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Monday morning. President Obama starts the week by announcing a tax reform proposal with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. It will reportedly address his promise to crack down on offshore tax havens. Tonight, he hosts a Cinco de Mayo event in the East Room.

Vice President Biden, still stinging from his H1N1 advice to avoid "confined spaces," celebrates the kickoff of the renovation of his beloved Wilmington train station today. He'll later speak at his alma mater, the University of Delaware, which has had confirmed cases of the flu.

The Senate will continue consideration of the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, and will also take up this week its own version of the credit card holders' bill of rights -- which the House passed by a large margin last week.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Offshore No More" »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:35 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Just when you thought President Obama had seen everything in his first 101 days.

NPR reported yesterday that Supreme Court Justice David Souter has informed the White House he plans to retire when the current Court term ends in June, though he'll stay on until a successor is chosen and confirmed. The news is going to start a new frenzy in Washington over replacing who has generally been considered a moderate to liberal vote. Whether Obama can press ahead on other priorities amid such a highly charged debate will be a real test. And when you consider the age and health of John Paul Stevens and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Obama may have in a matter of years more appointments than President Bush had in two full terms.

Obama's day includes another Cabinet meeting - the first one since the final vacancy was filled. He'll later host Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke for a ceremonial swearing in. Obama also has his weekly lunch with Vice President Biden, one day after Biden made his biggest gaffe to date by over hyping the threat of N1M1 virus.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate will continue consideration of a mortgage foreclosure prevention bill. The House is not in session, though two Energy and Commerce subcommittees are holding hearings.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: Supreme Development" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Thursday morning. Today, on his 101st day (is it safe to stop that now?) President Obama pays special attention to the military, first in a meeting with top Armed Services committee members in Congress (including John McCain) to talk military procurement. He will later speak at an event called "White House to Light House," benefiting veterans who suffer "life-altering injuries" in battle.

Both chambers of Congress move on today after approving the budget resolution yesterday. The Senate takes up a bill that would help prevent mortgage foreclosures, and the House will complete consideration of the Credit Card Holder's Bill of Rights.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates will testify this morning to the Senate Appropriations Committee regarding the war supplemental.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: First Day of the Rest of Your..." »

Posted by Kyle Trygstad at 08:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink

President Obama marks his 100th day with a recent political victory and a more distant minor defeat. He and Vice President Biden were just joined by Arlen Specter (D-PA), the newest members of the caucus, for a brief statement at the White House. He'll shortly leave for a town hall meeting in Missouri, a state he narrowly lost in November to John McCain, one of many trips he's made to battleground states.

Biden will spend his day at the White House, including a conference call with regional reporters as the administration presses its 100 day talking points. But the big show is Obama's prime time press conference, his third East Room event and 11th substantive Q&A session overall.

The House is expected to vote today on the budget resolution conference report agreed to late Monday night, and the Senate will begin debate on the report. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will testify in front of the Senate Homeland Security committee today regarding the federal government's response to the swine flu.

Continue reading "Strategy Memo: 100" »

Posted by Mike Memoli at 08:40 AM | Email Author | Permalink

Good Tuesday morning. House and Senate budget resolution conferees reached an agreement last night, allowing the possibility that the budget will be approved in both chambers by tomorrow -- President Obama's 100th day in office. A vote in the House could come as early as today.

The Senate will vote today on the confirmation of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Sebelius's confirmation would complete Obama's Cabinet, and comes almost three months after Tom Daschle -- the original choice for HHS -- withdrew his name from consideration due to unpaid taxes.

On the eve of his 100th day, President Obama will make his first trip to the FBI and speak to employees. Later today at the White House, the president meets with his left flank in Congress, the Progressive Caucus, with whom there is much to discuss as they debate his next 100 day