Democratic Chatter 11-10-2008

George Wenschhof

Today, President-elect Barack Obama and the future First Lady, Michelle Obama meet with President George W. Bush and the present First Lady, Laura Bush - a tour of the White House is planned and a private discussion between the incoming and outgoing Presidents is expected. CNN.com has more here.

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Obama to examine Bush executive orders and may reverse some of them - limits on stem cell research and prohibiting funds to international family planning organizations are just two of the many executive orders signed by President Bush which the Obama advisers are examining. The NY Times has more here.

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Obama advisers also crafting plans to bring to Trial in the U.S., prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay - this was a promise made during the campaign, which should eventually lead to the closing of Guantanamo Bay prison. Time.com has more here.

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Obama to hold off on naming economic team - advisers suggest waiting until closer to inauguration day as they do not want to be caught up in current Bush administration policies. The international economic summit scheduled by President Bush will occur this weekend but plans have already been made to have another meeting within 100 days - after Obama is sworn in. The two top rumored candidates for the Treasury are Lawrence Summers and Timothy Geithner. Bloomberg.com has more here.

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Rep. Chris van Hollen (D-Md.) to stay on as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calf.) will make the announcement today. She will also indicate that Van Hollen will serve as the person coordinating policy between the Obama administration and the House. The Democrats picked up at least 20 House seats in the recent elections. The Washington Post has more here.

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More economic bad news - Circuit City filed for bankruptcy and DHL closes U.S. service centers causing loss of 9500 jobs. CNN.com has more here.

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