US politics


Obama’s second press conference

President Obama pushed for his budget blueprint in his second prime-time press conference, writes CBS.

Kohler: Geithner’s middle way

The US Treasury Secretary’s clear-up of toxic loans looks like the worst possible plan, except for all the others, writes Alan Kohler.

The Geithner plan: a Crikey wrap

Wall Street appears to have given US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s $1tn toxic assets plan the thumbs-up, with the Dow surging nearly 500 points on Monday. But what do the pundits think?

McCain slams Obama

Former Presidential candidate John McCain has slammed Obama’s $410 billion spending bill, reports Politico.

Obama’s new health team

Obama has named Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Nancy-Ann DeParle as his new health team, reports Reuters.

Obama’s speech to Congress

Watch the full video here.

Pundits go ape over NY Post cartoon

The New York Post’s editorial cartoon published in their 18 February edition has left a few in the media and blogosphere a little miffed. See if you can guess why.

Gregg withdraws from Commerce

Judd Gregg has abruptly withdrawn from his nomination for Commerce Secretary, reports Politico.

Obama’s first press conference

President Obama has given his first prime-time press conference, concentrating on the economy. Watch the video here.

Obama’s op-ed

President Obama has written an op-ed piece in the Washington Post.

Daschle withdraws from HHS nomination

Obama’s choice for health chief has withdrawn his nomination due to unpaid taxes, reports the Guardian.

Obama picks Judd Gregg for Commerce

Republican Senator Judd Gregg is Obama’s pick for Commerce secretary, reports Politico.

Republicans think party should be more like Palin

A new poll has found Republican voters want the party to be more like Sarah Palin, reports the Huffington Post.

Moderates finally score a win in the GOP

The Republican National Committee has just elected as its new chair the most moderate candidate in the field, Michael Steele, who is also an African-American, writes Charles Richardson.

Obama stimulus clears House

The House of Reps has passed Obama’s economic stimulus bill, reports Politico

President Obama’s first interview

Obama has given his first interview since taking office to Dubai-based TV station Al Arabiya. Watch it here.

Closing Gitmo: a Crikey media wrap

Many commentators are warning that Obama can’t simply write off Guantánamo with the stroke of a pen.

White House in the dark ages

Obama staff have arrived at the White House to a mess of out-dated technology, report the Washington Post.

Closing Gitmo: a Crikey media wrap

Many commentators are warning that Obama can’t simply write off Guantánamo with the stroke of a pen.

Obama to close Guantánamo

President Obama has signed an executive order to shut down the Guantánamo Bay military prison, writes the Guardian.

The Crikey inauguration viewers’ guide

For those who have decided to forgo sleep to watch the historic swearing-in of Barack Obama, we’ve compiled a guide to the best ways to watch and interact with the coverage from around the world.

Blago-gate: ‘Candidate 5′ revealed and the pundits weigh in

The US presidential election may be over, but the fighting and scandals continue to hang around for months after, writes Ruth Brown.

Blago-gate: ‘Candidate 5′ revealed and the pundits weigh in

The US presidential election may be over, but the fighting and scandals continue to hang around for months after, writes Ruth Brown.

How (not) to sell a US Senate seat

The spirit of American entrepreneurialism was found alive and well yesterday when Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested for trying to sell off Obama’s vacant Senate seat, writes Ruth Brown.