Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" 1-4-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

This Sunday will mark the first Sunday of political discussion of the new year. It will also mark 16 days until the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

As always, there is plenty of issues to discuss. One issue sure to be discussed is the seating of Roland Burris, appointed by embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich as the replacement for the vacant Barack Obama Senate seat in Illinois. Congress will be convening next week and what will the Democrats do when Mr. Burris shows up? Adding to the drama is he would be the only African-American U.S. Senator and there does not appear to be questions as to his character after a lifetime of public service.

Then there is Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota - will the vote count there be finalized? Highly doubtful and although Franken is currently leading by close to 50 votes do not expect him to be seated - but will he show up Tuesday and try? - and how about his opponent, incumbent Republican Norm Coleman? Don't expect him to be seated either.

Speaking of Senate seats; will Caroline Kennedy receive the appointment to fill the soon to be vacant Hillary Clinton New York seat? Although pressure is mounting on NY Governor Paterson to announce his choice, Hillary Clinton is not resigning until she is confirmed as Secretary of State.

The continuing Israel aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip will also capture the attention of the pundits today. Will the French achieve success in brokering a cease-fire or will Israel have begun a ground campaign inside Gaza? This conflict highlights the many international issues the incoming Obama administration will be facing when they assume office.

Also sure to be discussed is the fragile economy and the proposed stimulus plan by President-elect Obama.

The following is the guest list of the Sunday morning talk shows. Check your local guides for channel and time.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). The roundtable will include Jeffrey Goldberg, Katty Kay, David Sanger, Hisham Melhem, Andrea Mitchell.

ABC "This Week" - Illinois Senate appointee Roland Burris, Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) The roundtable will include Cokie Roberts, George Will, Jonathan Karl, Katrina vandem Heuvel.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Vice-President Dick Cheney

Fox News Sunday - House Majority Leader Representative Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and former President George H. W. Bush.

CNN "Late Edition" - Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-Mass.), and Governors Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Mark Sanford (R-SC).

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