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08 Mar 2009 20:41

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U.S.: Obama’s budget dude: We’re avoiding the pork in the future

  • This is like your relief pitcher coming into the ninth inning and wanting to redo the whole game. Next year we’re going to be the starting pitcher, and the game’s going to be completely different.
  • Peter Orszag • Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, on the $410 billion omnibus spending bill that was laden with pork-barrel spending. Orszag says that the bill was well on its way when Obama went into office and the administration had no choice but to support it so the government could remain functioning. • source

06 Mar 2009 13:52

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U.S.: Yo Republicans: Obama ain’t backing down from his policies

  • This country has never responded to a crisis by sitting on the sidelines and hoping for the best. We have a responsibility to act, and that’s what I intend to do.
  • President Barack Obama • At an Ohio graduation ceremony for police recruits, whose jobs were saved by his stimulus plan. Obama’s been facing tough criticism from Republicans lately over the stimulus package. • source

05 Mar 2009 10:22

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U.S.: Speaking of Rush Limbaugh, he wants to debate Obama

  • If you can wipe me out in a debate … do you realize you will own the United States of America? You will have no opposition.
  • Rush Limbaugh • Who apparently wants fewer than 11% of people under 40 to have a positive opinion of him. The White House, understandably, had no comment. • source

04 Mar 2009 10:12

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Biz, U.S.: Obama’s foreclosure rescue program: Open for business

  • 5 million homeowners could be assisted by the $75 billion program source

03 Mar 2009 21:22

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U.S.: Obama flips the Bush endangered species policy like THAT!

  • He just let the experts back into the room. Barack Obama, while celebrating the 160th anniversary of the Interior Department, announced that he was changing a Bush environmental policy finalized in December. The policy allowed federal agencies to decide if projects would endanger species – a major tenet of the Environmental Protection Act – without consulting the experts. Obama, in an announcement, gracefully reversed that policy. This is why Michelle is taken, Jack Cafferty! source

01 Mar 2009 11:18

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U.S.: COBRA insurance got more affordable, thanks to the stimulus

  • 65% of the cost will be covered by the government. If you get laid off between September 1, 2008 and December of this year, you’re eligible for a new program designed to make COBRA health insurance payments actually affordable. The program, designed to let people continue to have health insurance even while unemployed, has famously cost way too much. But for many with pre-existing conditions, it’s the only option. Big ups for the Obama administration. source

01 Mar 2009 09:45

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Tech, U.S.: Obama’s helicoper blueprints: On P2P, now in Iran’s hands?

*Forehead slap* *Forehead slap* *Forehead slap* *Forehead slap* *Forehead slap* source
 

27 Feb 2009 14:58

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U.S.: Bush’s abortion “conscience” rules? Obama’s throwing ’em out.

  • We’ve been concerned that the way the Bush rule is written it could make it harder for women to get the care they need.
  • A Health and Human Services official • on reversing the policy, which was implemented in December. The administration wants to take the concerns of doctors with moral disagreements into consideration, but in the form of tightly-written regulations. They thought Bush’s rules were too vague. • source

27 Feb 2009 09:57

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U.S., World: Who likes the Iraq plan? Who doesn’t?

  • Democrats = Boo. Many Democrats think leaving 50,000 troops in Iraq until 2011 is too many for too long. It also breaks a campaign promise by Obama, who said it would be over sooner. “50,000 is a little higher number than I anticipated,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. source
  • Democrats = Boo. Many Democrats think leaving 50,000 troops in Iraq until 2011 is too many for too long. It also breaks a campaign promise by Obama, who said it would be over sooner. “50,000 is a little higher number than I anticipated,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
  • Republicans = Yay! Republicans seem largely on board with the president who chose the deadline based on military suggestions. The final end date is January 1, 2012. Rep. John McHugh of New York said the plan “is one that we should pray for, plan for and work toward.” source

26 Feb 2009 10:43

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Offbeat, U.S.: This Stevie Wonder thing is just superstition, Obama

  • I think it’s fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me. We might not have married. The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship.
  • Barack Obama • Who (with Michelle in tow) held a concert and award ceremony for Stevie Wonder last night. For some reason, we can’t imagine George W. Bush saying this. • source