Politics
Treasury May Intervene In Housing Market
In another potentially big move to boost the economy, the Treasury Department is said to considering a plan to lower mortgage rates for home buyers to as low as 4.5 percent. That would be for 30 year fixed rate loans. Treasury officials aren't talking about the plan publicly.
Intelligence Positions May Be Difficult To Fill
When President-elect Barack Obama introduced his national security team this week, he left two key positions unfilled: CIA Director and the Director of National Intelligence. That may be because it's hard to find people to fill the jobs who are NOT associated with the controversial intelligence policies of the Bush administration.
So Far, Obama Has Approval Ratings On His Side
President-elect Barack Obama has filled about half the openings in his Cabinet. A new Gallup Poll shows nearly 4 out of 5 Americans approve of his transition moves so far. But, could there be a price to be paid for this early popularity?
Will The Rich Pardon Trip Up Obama's Pick For AG?
When Eric Holder served as deputy attorney general under President Clinton, he pardoned Marc Rich, who'd been charged with fraud and tax evasion, and whose ex-wife contributed thousands of dollars to the Clintons. At the time, many considered the move scandalous.
Report: Terrorists Could Use WMD By 2013
It is "more likely than not" that a weapon of mass destruction will be used in a terrorist attack by the end of 2013, according to a report issued by a congressional commission. The report said the use of a biological weapon that could include something like the deadly anthrax bacteria is most likely.
Obama Names Gen. Jones As Security Adviser
President-elect Barack Obama has named General James Jones as national security adviser. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO) discusses his longtime friend's personality and national security outlook.
Obama Names Richardson To Commerce Post
President-elect Obama named New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a former rival for the Democratic nomination, as his choice for Commerce secretary. Richardson was an Energy secretary and U.N. ambassador in the Clinton administration.
Obama Pledges To Help Governors With Recession
President-elect Barack Obama promised the nation's governors swift action on an economic plan to deal with the recession. Obama spoke to members of the National Governors Association on Tuesday in Philadelphia. The states want federal money for infrastructure projects like roads and bridges.
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Bail-out plan 'lacks oversight'
Rice Stops In India To Defuse Mumbai Tensions
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in New Delhi, where she's trying to calm tensions between India and Pakistan over the Mumbai attacks. The Indian government says the militants who carried out the attacks were linked with Pakistan. Ordinary Indians are upset over the failure of the country's intelligence services.
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States' Budgetary Needs May Interfere With Obama's Economic Plan
The Fate Of Obama's Net Roots Network
Technically speaking, the Obama campaign had two crown jewels: a database with the e-mail addresses of 10 million supporters and an online network that mobilized voters. What will become of this machine as the president-elect moves to the White House?
Rell Meets With President-Elect Obama
California 'faces budget crisis'
Governors Want Federal Funds For Infrastructure
President-elect Barack Obama meets Tuesday in Philadelphia with the National Governors Association. The governors plan to ask Obama for $136 billion in infrastructure funds to stimulate the economy. Pennsylvania has the highest number of structurally deficient bridges in the country.
National Security Team Tasked With Obama's Vision
President-elect Barack Obama made his national security team selections official Monday. Obama said he will be responsible for the vision that this team carries out, and he expects them to implement that vision once decisions are made. One-time rival Hillary Clinton was picked for secretary of state. Current Defense Secretary Robert Gates has agreed to stay on in that job.
New President Faces Powerful Federal Contractors
President-elect Obama has said he wants public employees to take back some of the work that the Bush administration has given to private contractors — and he wants to crack down on contractors' abuses. But Obama could find it difficult to shake things up.
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Homeland Security: Rethinking What Works
Obama will be the first new president to take office with a Department of Homeland Security, the agency created after the Sept. 11 attacks. Current DHS observers say he should look at the agency's successes and flaws before reorganizing it.
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