Daily Democratic Wire 1-31-2010

George Wenschhof

Yesterday, former President George H.W. Bush visited President Obama at the White House - his son Jeb was with him and according to reports, the meeting lasted about 35 minutes and was social in manner. Bush when caught on video leaving the White House, moving very slowly with the aid of a cane stated it was a very good meeting. MSNBC.com has more here.

Last night, the President accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden attended the Georgetown - Duke basketball game. he even took time to join the commentators at court side to add a few thoughts on the game.

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President Obama to present 3.8 Trillion Budget to Congress tomorrow - he gave strong hints at much of the budget during his state of the Union address last week with statements regarding a freeze on 447 billion on domestic spending and an increase in Education. The details of the 2011 budget which begins on October 1 will be examined and surely debated in the weeks and months to come. The NY Times has more here.

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DNC and RNC tied in fund raising Entering the 2010 mid term election year - the Democratic National Committee, when their outstanding debt is paid, has 8.5 million cash on hand. the Republican National Committee has 8.4 million cash on hand. Of, course the DNC does not accept contributions from lobbyists or corporations and the RNC does. CNN.com has more here.

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Republican "Dirty Tricks" find new life with James O'Keefe - the man who with questionable actions and film on his part, helped discredit ACORN, now faces prison time for actions taken in the office of Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.). Seems he has a history of questionable behavior dating back to his days at Rutgars. TPM.com has more here.

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White House Press secretary Robert Gibbs still optimistic on passage of health care reform - appearing on CNN John King's "State of the Union" show, Gibbs said the health care bill passage was still "inside the five yard line". That may be true, but gaining the last few yards to reach the end zone can be very tough. Gibbs hinted the House could still pass the Senate version of the bill. That is indeed a possibility but many House Democrats have already signaled they will not vote to pass unless there is agreement to use reconciliation to amend the Senate bill and there is a guarantee of the needed 51 votes in the Senate to do so. TheHill.com has more here.

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